I was just reading Allan King's post regarding the request to write a history of Australian Karting. I believe it's a great idea. However, it would be a difficult task for one person to undertake. I have already written a history of WA Karting and it is about 80 % complete. I have spoken to many veterans of the sport over here in WA including Mike Sully, Les Dean, Rex Townsend, Gavin Kennedy, Ron Northey, Richard Nuich, Ken Ditchfield Jnr and many may others. I will continue to do so over the next year or so. I believe the best and easiest way to go about it would be to have indiviuals in each state who are interested and willing to do this. In the end, we can compile each work and have a complete history of the sport in Australia. If any one is interested in doing this, please message me and I will send you my contact details (email and phone numbers).
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Contact Russell Grimson here in NSW he has a vast knowledge going back to the fifties.
Thanks Neville....I will see if I can get in touch with him.....
Frank,
When we started the VHKA, I set up a web site, http://vhka.mysite.com (You can get to it via the Vintage section) and over the years there have been lots and lots of contributions to the site, Mike Best actually took it over after it became a bit too much for me, and then it has been dormant for a number of years due to more modern means of communication.
However there is so much material on that site I have often wondered if we could get someone to scutinise the material on the site and have it published in a Book, I have no doubt it would be of interest to many, on the other hand it would be a disaster if we should lose all that is on there..
If you were to get serious on this project I would be very willing to assist in any way I could.
Max Laybutt.
These pictures are of possibly Australia first go kart meeting held at La Perouse, near Bare Island in the early 1950's.
Nev,
Top picture,
Mk11 Murray Kart, they were fitted with the 125cc Rotary Valved? POPE engine, ...... that was my very first Kart., they were sold in general stores such as "Maceys?" = now to perhaps "K Mart?"
We raced at Condoblin, West Wylong, Forbes, Lake Cargellico, All oil soaked Dirt tracks.
Luv the Helmets?
Max.
Max Laybutt said:
Frank,
When we started the VHKA, I set up a web site, http://vhka.mysite.com (You can get to it via the Vintage section) and over the years there have been lots and lots of contributions to the site, Mike Best actually took it over after it became a bit too much for me, and then it has been dormant for a number of years due to more modern means of communication.
However there is so much material on that site I have often wondered if we could get someone to scutinise the material on the site and have it published in a Book, I have no doubt it would be of interest to many, on the other hand it would be a disaster if we should lose all that is on there..
If you were to get serious on this project I would be very willing to assist in any way I could.
Max Laybutt.
Hi Max, That would be terrific if we could get people from each state to contribute. As I mentioned, I have already written a history of WA Karting, but it continues to evolve and grow. You can call me if you wish or email me which ever you choose. We are friends on Facebook, so I will message you my email address and phone numbers. Look on your personal messages Frank Joseph Viola said:
Max Laybutt said:
Frank,
When we started the VHKA, I set up a web site, http://vhka.mysite.com (You can get to it via the Vintage section) and over the years there have been lots and lots of contributions to the site, Mike Best actually took it over after it became a bit too much for me, and then it has been dormant for a number of years due to more modern means of communication.
However there is so much material on that site I have often wondered if we could get someone to scutinise the material on the site and have it published in a Book, I have no doubt it would be of interest to many, on the other hand it would be a disaster if we should lose all that is on there..
If you were to get serious on this project I would be very willing to assist in any way I could.
Max Laybutt.
Frank,
Could you email your details, phone / email etc to maxlaybutt@gmail.com please?
Nev,
First registered race meeting I attended, and with the local service club, helped organize, was in Condobolin, the date will never be forgotten because the week before it was scheduled to take place, and we were all ready to go, the Local Sargent came to see me and said, "Are You aware of the new speedway act" .... "No!" I replied, ..... "well it came in this week" he went on," but I am going away for the week-end and we will discuss when I get back......OK!" ........ AHHHHH Ok, what else could you say????
Macpherson with a trailer load of KK Specials all equipped with the then magnificent Mac 10, Ray Morris, (No not THE RM, but a garage owner from Kelso) with his 250cc PUCH? (who said we never ran 250cc karts?) and if I recall some 30 entry's with everything from a belt driven, 98cc Victa? up to Ray's 250 beast ................ All Good Fun.
The great Roger Fed.. often says, "we should never forget our history, and those that made it happen"
Max.
Max I have being trying to locate the article from where these photo's came from. My recollection is before 1957 when the Speedway Act came into being.
I also know a bloke who raced back in the sixties and had a shed full of old programmes from the day.
I will see if I can get any info from him as well. Max Laybutt said:
Frank,
Could you email your details, phone / email etc to maxlaybutt@gmail.com please?
Nev,
First registered race meeting I attended, and with the local service club, helped organize, was in Condobolin, the date will never be forgotten because the week before it was scheduled to take place, and we were all ready to go, the Local Sargent came to see me and said, "Are You aware of the new speedway act" .... "No!" I replied, ..... "well it came in this week" he went on," but I am going away for the week-end and we will discuss when I get back......OK!" ........ AHHHHH Ok, what else could you say????
Macpherson with a trailer load of KK Specials all equipped with the then magnificent Mac 10, Ray Morris, (No not THE RM, but a garage owner from Kelso) with his 250cc PUCH? (who said we never ran 250cc karts?) and if I recall some 30 entry's with everything from a belt driven, 98cc Victa? up to Ray's 250 beast ................ All Good Fun.
The great Roger Fed.. often says, "we should never forget our history, and those that made it happen"
Max.