A little way out of Christchurch at West Melton is the Ronnie Moore Speedway Park, a track for motorcycles only. The club is run by volunteers, which makes for a tremendous camaraderie and spirit. There are no lights, so the meetings are held in the afternoons or early evenings. No massive fences and railings, just a low wooden rail. All of this is great news for a photographer, so I’ve got some wonderful action shots here over the past four years. But first some pictures about the club itself.
The park is named after speedway great Ronnie Moore, world champion in 1954 and again in 1959 and a Canterbury man still.
The track is surrounded by a low earth embankment, so spectators can watch the races from the comfort of their car. Or, if you want to go to a bit more trouble, a sofa you’ve just happened to bring along.
The club has a control tower with a pair of excited race commentators:
St John’s provide emergency support:
and there is a great bunch of track marshalls, officials and other helpers:
So all in all, far and away the best speedway track in New Zealand!