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| Queensland |
| [Darren Groves][Todd Groves][Christian Henry] [Clinton Leitch][Trent Leverington][Scott Smith][Steve Viner] |
Darren Groves is a born and bred Gold
Coaster (Queensland) who started racing motorbikes at the tender age of 5. Using the local
'Mike Hatcher Park' Dirt track as his training ground and gaining a room full of trophies,
Darren progressed to the Speedway track when he turned 16 in '96. This tall Queenslander
has a terrific trait as a careful and calculated rider, however, when needed, can mix it
with the best without hesitation.
Darren is very keen to further his Speedway career and has riden most Tracks
between Gosford in NSW, to Ayr in far north Qld in pursuit of as many rides as possible.
He is also in the envious position of gaining a British passport due to his English
father, which has allowed him to ride in the UK without the need for work
permits. And that is exactly what the 19 year old has done. Kings Lynn snapped up
Darren and gave him a golden opportunity to show his wares. During the first half of the
European season, 'Gudday' as he has been nicknamed, has raced in the Elite, Premier,
Conference and Youth Development Leagues, all with glowing reports on his capabilities.
And now has slotted into a permanert spot for Workington in the Premier League.
Jason Crump plays a big part in Darren's Speedway racing career, helping with
technique and bike set-up. In fact the GM bike he rides was purchased from Jason mid way
through '98. Also Mike Hatcher Park Club President Bob Cowley has been an immense help
thoughout his racing days.
Since Darren has been on the new 'laydown'machine, a marked improvement has
resulted where he has riden twice in the Queensland State team, and rode to an equal 8th
place in his first Australian U/21 Championships.
This quiet unassuming 'young gun' will continue to improve at a steady and
deliberate rate, especially with the experience gained Overseas.
Sponsors
Phil and Jason Crump
Gold Coast M/C Wreckers.
Date Track Results Comments
08/08/98
Labrador Qld.
2,0,3,3,2=10
5th in Qld U/21 Champs.
19/09/98 Labrador Qld
0,1',2',0=3+2
Part of winning Qld team......V NSW
26/09/98 Rockhampton Qld.
1,0,1.0=2
4th in Cons. Final.
17/10/98 Labrador Qld.
2,2,3,2,3=12
dnf. mech. 'A' final
14/11/98 Labrador Qld.
0,0,2,0,dns=2
shocking night with bike problems.
05/12/98 Labrador Qld.
2,1,ex.t
,0=3
First ride a good 2nd to Jason Crump, race 2 in the lead for 2 laps then overtaken by Troy
Butler, then tape exclusion in 3rd ride.
28/12/98 Labrador
1,0,2,1=4
Track very rough. A good 2nd to Nigel Sadler in 3rd ride.
03/01/99 Labrador
0,1,1,1,2=6
Aust U/21 Champs. Got better as night went on.
05/01/99 Labrador
2,3,1,2,3,2=13 Gold Coast
Pairs Cup. 2 very good heat wins.
30/01/99 Northgate Qld.
2,2,1=5
Beat Dave Watt in run-off for final. 3rd in 'A' final
6/2/99 Labrador
2,3,3,3,2=13
2nd in Final to Jason Crump.
30/03/99 Kings Lynn UK
Was match reserve in Conference
League challenge. Fell while in front in first ride and 4th in second.
27/04/99 Kings Lynn UK
3,1,3,1,2'=10+1
First Conference League match for
KL 'Braves'. 29/04/99 K.L. UK
0,0,0,=0
First Elite League ride for Kings Lynn. Versus Eastbourne
10/05/99 K.L.
6 from 4 rides
Conference League KL 'Braves'
13/05/99 K.L.
0,1,0=1
Elite League KL V Poole
15/05/99 K.L.
0,0,0,0=0
Elite League K.L. V Oxford
16/05/99 Poole
0,0,1=1
Elite League Poole V K.L.
23/05/99 Berwick
3+1 from 4 rides First Premier League ride for
Berwick.
29/05/99 Belle Vue
2,2,3=7
'Youth Development League' for KL 'Jousters'
30/05/99 Workington
2,1',2',0=5+2
Has signed to the 'Comets'. Excellent debut.
31/05/99 Newport
ef,0,3,0=3
Guest for Berwick
05/06/99 Workington
2 points
Versus Newcastle.
09/06/99 Wolverhampton.
3,2,2'=7+2
'Y.D.L' for Kings Lynn 'Jousters'
13/06/99 Workington
0 from 3 rides.
Versus Exeter
04/07/99 Workington
1,3,1',3,0=9+1
Versus Sheffield.
05/07/99 Buxton
1',2,3,3,3,3,3=18+1 Conf. League for Kings Lynn
'Braves'
09/07/99 Sheffield
1',1,0,0,0=2+1
For Workington.
11/07/99 Workington
2 from 3 rides
Versus Newport.
lost records until..........
03/08/99 Workington
1',1,1,1',T,2=6+2
Versus Berwick
08/08/99 Arena-Essex
0,0,1,3=4
For Workington.
29/08/99 Stoke
1',0,1',1=3+2
For Workington.
02/09/99 Workington
0,1,2',2'=5+2
versus Glasgow
05/09/99 Newport
0,1,0,1=2
For Workington.
06/09/99 Workington
R,0,1'=1+1
versus Arena-Essex. Blew engine at start line.
07/09/99 Reading
2',0,0=2+1
For Workington.
12/09/99 Newcastle
7+1 (7 rides) for Workington
Oct/99 Sheffield
2 points (3 rides) For Workington.
Oct/99 Workington
2 (5 rides) Cumberland Open Championship.
Oct/99 Workington
2 (4 rides) For 'Rest of the world
select'
Oct/99 Workington
8+2 (5 rides) Versus Sheffield.
17/12/99 Labrador Qld.
0,1,1,0=2. Tough start back in Oz. New bike needs sorting out.
15/01/00 Redcliffe Qld.
6th,7th
Late call to ride last two races in
Ivan Mauger Intern. Longtrack.
29/01/00 Labrador
3,2,2,3=10 Made the semi-final of
the Qld Champs. Very unlucky with 3rd placing then 3rd in Consol.
19/03/00 Workington UK
3,0,1,0=4
challenge versus Newcastle
20/03/00 Belle Vue UK
0,2,1',3,1=7+1
challenge for Workington
26/03/00 Workington
6points from 4 rides. challenge versus Belle Vue
27/03/00 Newcastle
fell,0,0,1'=1+1 Derwent /Tyne Trophy, for
Workington.
02/04/00 Workington
3,1,0,1,1,1=7 versus
Glasgow
03/04/00 Glasgow
2',1',1',0=4+3
for Workington
07/04/00 Sheffield
injured. Out for possibly the season
Todd Groves
desperately wants to race in Europe. He wants time on the bike and views Europe as his
answer.
Todd Groves appears to have been born to ride Speedway. Starting at the ripe old
age of four, Todd competed in Dirt Track races, mainly at his home track at Mike Hatcher
Park Labrador. With some very creditable placings in State and National Dirt Track titles
in various classes ranging from 50cc to 80cc then 125cc, Todd couldn't be happier
the day he turned 16 and nominated to ride in his first Senior 500cc Solo Speedway race at
'Mike Hatcher Park' Labrador.
Since Todd has entered the Senior ranks, his Father Terry has taken him up and down
the Queensland coast in persuit of any Speedway track running the Bikes, and is gaining
plenty of valuable experience on his new Laydown GM. As well as time on the bike, he is
also taking tips from Troy and Clinton Butler on riding technique.
However, a couple of years on into his Senior ranking, Todd's racing time is now
severely restricted as Tracks in his area are operating infrequently, frustrating his
chances of gaining vital experience. He firmly believes the answers are overseas. If
enthusiasm counts for anything, he must be given that chance.
Date Track Results Comments.
14/11/98
Labrador Qld. 2,0,0,1,2=5
Managed a good second to Troy Butler.
5/12/98 Labrador
1,0,0,0=1
Good rides early in races then bike problems. 28/12/98
Labrador
3,2,1,0=6
3rd in Consol. final of 'New Years Cup'
5/1/99
Labrador Qld. 0,0,2,0,1=3
Gold Coast Best Pairs.
Found track difficult. Showed some good riding. Is benefiting from the experience.
30/01/99 Northgate Qld.
0,0,1,excl.
Tried hard
each race
06/02/99 Labrador
2,3,2,3,3=13
3rd
in Final
20/02/99 Northgate Qld.
22/05/99 Northgate Qld
03/07/99 Labrador Qld.
1,0,2,2,1=6
3rd in Cons. Final.
17/07/99 Northgate Qld
f,0,1,2=3
2nd in Final.
07/08/99 Labrador Qld.
0,0,1,2=3
Very good second placing in
heats. Could springboard from here.
05/09/99 Northgate Qld.
2,f,1,0,1=4
Fell
in Consolation Final
11/09/99 Labrador
1,0,0,1,0,1=3
Teams
match. Rode with more confidence.
16/10/99 Labrador.
2,3,1,2,3=11
30/10/99
Gatton Qld.
3,3,f=6 Rode superbly to reach 'A'
Final. Ran 4th.
13/11/99 Labrador
1,2,2,2=7
2nd in 'A' Final
20/11/99 Maryborough
0,0,0,1=1
Great experience gained in this Ivan Mauger Golden Helmet
meeting.
27/11/99 Gatton
6 points 3rd in 'B' final.
12/12/99 Northgate
Machinery problems
22/01/00 Gatton
29/01/00 Labrador
2,0,1,0=3 First ride in a the Qld Solo
Championship.
19/02/00 Tamworth NSW
0,0,1,dsn,1=2 Aust. U/21 Champs.
11/03/00 Labrador
3,2,2,2=9 4th in 'A'
Final
12/03/00 Northgate Qld.
3,1,2,0,0,2=8
01/04/00 Labrador
0,1,1,2,ef=4
15/04/00 Gatton
2,2,2=6
3rd in 'A' Final
29/04/00 Labrador
2,1,0,1,1=5
3rd in 'A' Final
28/05/00 Northgate
1,1,2,1,=4
03/06/00 Labrador
2,2,1,1=6
4th in 'A' Final
17/06/00 Yandina
2,3,1,2,2=10 3rd in 'A'
Final
16/07/00 Northgate
2,3,3,2=10
3rd in 'A' Final
05/08/00 Labrador
3,3,1,2=9
3rd
in 'A' Final
Christian Henry is fullfilling his dream
of competing overseas where he is a full time member of the Edinburgh 'Monarch's Premier
League team. This 19 year old 'Young Gun' from Queensland's Gold Coast has so much
potential, as the UK speedway supporters are now realising.
Christian started racing motorbikes competitively on an 80cc machine when 12 years
old at the local 'Mike Hatcher Park' dirt track and worked his way through the ranks,
until the Club hosted the Australian Junior Dirt Track titles in 1996. In the 125cc class
by then, Christian rode in his very first National Championship, charging to an
unbelievable third placing. With the nearby Speedway track having recently been
refurbished, the then 16 y/o decided to give the 500cc 'Sliders' a go. He purchased an ex
Jason Crump Laydown Jawa/Antig and immediately began to impress. Just seven races into his
Speedway career, Christian found himself figuring in an 'A' Grade Final at Lismore
Speedway in NSW finishing third. He since, has travelled up and down the Queensland coast
contesting as many meetings as possible and is looking more and more comfortable on the
Machine. An 8th placing in the '98 Qld. U/21 Championships after just one year's
experience is testament to his ability.
With an invitation to ride Ivan Mauger's International Longtrack Series, Christian
found he enjoyed the experience with some good performances in the '98 Series as well as
contesting some rounds on a Harley Davidson Flat tracker in the 'H/D Tri-Nation Challenge'
Class winning the Tamworth and Dubbo Rounds.
However it's on a Speedway Bike that is Christian's obsession, and he's currently
in Europe thoroughly enjoying the experience. The prognosis is simple.......this young gun
has Potential with a capital 'P'.
Thanks to......
Ivan Mauger for advice on
skills and preparation, Jason Crump with riding technique,
Father Steve for support and
maintainence.
Date
Track
Results
Comments
08/08/98
Labrador Qld. 0,2,0,3,3=8
8th place Qld U/21 Championships.
05/12/98
Labrador
0,2,0,3=5 8th Gold Coast
Xmas cup.
06/03/99
Labrador
2,2,2......=6
Meeting shortened..time curfew.
03/07/99
Labrador
2,3,3,fell=8
2nd
in 6 lap 'A' Grade final.
07/08/99
Labrador
3,ex,2,2=7
Won semi final then fell in 'A' Grade Final
05/09/99
Northgate
0,f,2,f=2
Engine problems early.
11/09/99
Labrador
2,3,3,2,1,3=14 Very good. Teamed with Dave Watt to
win Event.
16/10/99
Labrador
3,2,2,1,0=8
Gold Coast Indy Cup. very good heat win.
30/10/99
Gatton Qld
3,3,3=9
Brilliant heat rides, then 2nd in 'A' Final.
13/11/99
Labrador
3,2,1,f=6
engine failure while leading Semi Final.
20/11/99
Maryborough 0,1,0,0=1
Great experience in this Ivan Mauger Golden Helmet
meeting.
27/11/99
Gosford.
1 point round 2 Golden Helmet.
12/12/99
Northgate
Hard fought Second placing in the 'A' Final to Dave Watt.
17/12/99
Labrador
1,0,2,1=4 Best result to date for Golden Helmet (round 6) Two
excellent rides in heats.
08/01/00
Tamworth
8th,4th,5th,6th Ivan Mauger International Longtrack.
15/01/00
Redcliffe Qld. 4th,5th,4th,6th Ivan
Mauger Inter Longtrack. Made final, running 4th-5th then flat tyre.
22/01/00
Gatton
3,3,3,3=12 2nd in 'A' Final.
19/02/00 Tamworth
NSW 2,3,2,3,fell=10 Aust. U/21 Champs.
25/03/00
Edinburgh UK fell in first
race. took no further part
27/03/00
Glasgow UK
3,ef,0,1,fell=4 challenge for Edinburgh.
31/03/00
Sheffield
0 from 5 rides. for Edinburgh. Machinery problems.
01/04/00
Edinburgh
0,1,1,0=2 versus Sheffield
15/04/00
Edinburgh
1',0,2,0=3+1 versus Czech Rep.
16/04/00
Berwick
1 from 3 rides. for Edinburgh. Machin problems.
22/04/00
Edinburgh
fex,0,1,0,1,1'=3+1 versus
Workington
29/04/00
Edinburgh
3,3,1',0,ef=7+1 versus Berwick
01/05/00
Glasgow
3,1,ef,2,ef,1,0=7+1 for Edinburgh
02/05/00
Workington
1,1,0,0=2
for Edinburgh
06/05/00
Edinburgh
ef,ef,0,1,1=2 versus
Glasgow
08/05/00
Newcastle
2,0,0,0,2=4
for
Edinburgh
13/05/00
Edinburgh
3,0,1,2,0=6
versus Newcastle.
15/05/00
Sheffield
3,1',3,3=10+1
Conference League for 'Lightning'.
18/05/00
Hull
2,1',1,0=4+1
for
Edinburgh
19/05/00
Sheffield
1,0,0=1
for Edinburgh
20/05/00
Edinburgh
2,0,1,0,1'=4+1
versus Sheffield
22/05/00
Glasgow
0,3,3=6 Conf. League
for 'Lightning'.
23/05/00
St. Austell
2,3,2=7 Conf. League for
'Lightning'
03/06/00
Edinburgh
1,1,2,0=4
versus Reading
05/06/00
Glasgow
0,0,0=0
for Edinburgh
10/06/00
Arena-Essex 1,1',1',0=3+2
for Edinburgh
11/06/00
Edinburgh
2',1,1',0=4+2 versus
Arena-Essex
16/06/00
Edinburgh
2',ef,1'=3+2
versus Workington
18/06/00
Berwick
3,0,0=3
for Edinburgh
25/06/00
Workington
fell,1,R=1 injured for Edinburgh
26/06/00
Newcastle
1,0,1,0=2
for Edinburgh
30/06/00
Edinburgh
2',1',1'=4+3
versus Newcastle
03/07/00
Newport
0,fex,1=1
for Edinburgh
08/07/00
Edinburgh
2',1',0,1=4+2 versus
Sheffield
14/07/00
Edinburgh
2',1',2',1'=6+4
versus
Workington
16/07/00
Workington
2',1',0=3+2
for
Edinburgh
18/07/00
Glasgow
3,2,3,3,3,3=17
CL
for Ashfield 'Giants'.
29/07/00
Edinburgh
3,1,1,1=6
versus
Glasgow
01/08/00
Exeter
0,0,1=1
for
Edinburgh
02/08/00
Isle
of Wight 1',0,1=2+1
for
Edinburgh
03/08/00
Glasgow
2,3,2,2,3,1,2=15
CL for Ashfield 'Giants'
04/08/00
Swindon
0,0,0=0
for
Edinburgh
05/08/00
Edinburgh
2',0,1,0=3+1
versus
Hull.
Clinton Leitch had a good Speedway year
in 1998. Winning the Queensland U/21Championship in early August was the pinnacle of
Clinton's Speedway career to date. After that result, Ivan Mauger took the twenty year old
under his wing and placed him into his 'Golden Helmet International Series', giving the
'Engine Reconditioner' an experience of a lifetime. With helpful hints on bike
preparations and riding skills while surrounded by some very obliging European riders,
Clinton has now shown a more professional approach towards his Speedway with his own team
uniform as well as a new set of Kevlars. However it's on the track that results are
gained, and it's quite obvious that a more determined rider has emerged from the Mauger
Series.
The born and bred Brisbanite has nearly always been around motorbikes, starting
riding at 5 then progressing to Junior Speedway at 11-12, no doubt following in father
Des' footsteps, who himself was quite a handy Solo rider. He alternated between the Oxley
Junior Club and the Chandler Speedway, both in suburban Brisbane Qld. Along the way,
Clinton won the '92 Qld U/16 Speedway Solo and Pairs Titles and had placed in the top four
of every other Qld U/16 Title riden. In '93, he eventually won an Australian Title as U/16
Pairs Champion and is a 4 time Aust U/16 finalist. Since reaching the Senior ranks, his
Speedway became a case of one meeting after another until the Qld U/21 win.
From there, it's been a strong learning curve, but his GM Laydown Bike is still not
quite reliable enough, and a burning ambition to ride overseas has seen the positive move
in aquiring a new Jawa Laydown.
Make no mistake, Clinton now has the hardware to show everyone what he's capable
of. In this year of 2000, please follow his results!
Sponsors..........
Shell Advance, JW
Products, Swann Insurance, HJC
Helmets, Ipswich Motorcycles,
Power Cycle Suzuki, Jenny
and Des Leitch,
Date Track Results Comments
8/8/98
Labrador Qld.
3,3,3,3,2=14
Qld U/21 Champ.
19/9/98 Labrador Qld.
-,2,dnr
Engine probslems. Qld V NSW challenge.
17/10/98 Mt. Isa Qld.
8 qualif. points. 3rd in Semi then 5th in final.
19/10/98 Tennant Creek NT
1 qualif. point.
2nd in Consol. final
24/10/98 Cairns Qld.
7 qualif. points 4th in Semi then 2nd in Consol.
final.
31/10/98 Townsville Qld.
4
qualif. points
7/11/98 Mackay Qld.
4 qualif. points 3rd in
Semi then 3rd in Final.
14/11/98 Gladstone Qld.
7 qualif.
points 2nd in Semi then
3rd in Final.
21/11/98 Maryborough Qld.
6 qualif. points
3rd in Semi then 2nd in Consol.
final.
28/12/98 Labrador Qld.
-,3,3,3=9
4th in 'Gold Coast Cup'
2/1/99 Labrador Qld.
1,2,3,2,2=10
Aust. U/21 Champs. 6th overall
5/1/99 Labrador Qld.
1,3,3,3,2,3=15
Gold Coast Best Pairs. 2nd overall
13/02/99 Mildura Vic.
0,1,ef,fell,ns=1 Aust. 500cc Solo Champs. Ended
night with injured arm but deserved more points for efforts up to that stage.
22/05/99 Northgate Qld.
3,3,2,3=11
Won the 'A' Final
07/08/99 Labrador Qld.
1,1,ef,1=3
Frustrated with time off the bike as well as engine problems. Will spring back.
22/01/00 Gatton
2,2,2=6 Missed 'A' Final on countback
29/01/00 Labrador
machine probs. stopped any racing
19/02/00 Gatton Qld
2,2,3=7 Made 'A' final and leading English riders
Stead and Allen then machine failure.
11/03/00 Labrador
3,3,3,3=12 2nd in 'A' Final
12/03/00 Northgate
3,3,3,1,0=10 Machine failure in heats and Final.
01/04/00 Labrador
3,3,2,3,3=14 2nd in 'A' Final.
27/04/00 Travelled to UK.
Trent Leverington is a
relative newcomer to Motorcycle riding having first ridden at 14. The two wheeled
pass-time of riding the trails around Queensland's Gold Coast led to a 2 year stint racing
Motorcross. However a chance 'try-out' on a Speedway Bike around the time he turned 18,
produced an instant appreciation of the sport. Trent was hooked! He followed up that
'Solo Sample' with a bike of his own, a Godden 'upright', which he still uses today.
Watching Trent progress from those early 'wobbler' days, it became apparent that
this Motorcycle Mechanic at Gold Coast Yamaha, has great potential, and has transformed
into a very stylish rider. He himself admits to feeling more and more comfortable on the
bike and as each meeting passes, the confidence is overflowing.
While race meetings in South East Queensland have been few and far apart, the
keeness of this young gun takes him to every available meeting, AND any practice
sessions in between. Next on the agenda.......a 'Laydown'
Speedway bike, which will see Trent develop further.
Without a doubt, the signs are there. Trent Leverington has found a sport he
relishes, and it's beginning to show. His results will be fascinating to track.
Sponsors.....
Neil's Garden Care Bob Leverington Excavations Gold Coast Yamaha
Date
Track
Results
Comments
11/03/00
Labrador
2,1,f,2,1=6
A turn-around meeting. Looked very good on the bike.
12/03/00 Northgate
2,0,1,2,1=6
25/03/00 Gatton
01/04/00 Labrador
2,0,1,f,1=4
15/04/00 Gatton
2,3,3=8
Won 'A' Final Very good win over Clinton Butler.
29/04/00 Labrador
dnr,fex,1,fell,2=3
2nd in 'A' Final
28/05/00 Northgate
2,3,1,2=8
02/06/00 Labrador
3,1,3,3=10
3rd in 'A' Final
17/06/00 Yandina
2,fell,-,-=2
retired from meeting after fall.
16/07/00 Northgate
3,3,1,3=10
2nd in 'A' Final
05/08/00 Labrador
1,3,3,2=9
A 20 year old
Queenslander showing huge amounts of promise, who is desperatly keen to try his skills
Overseas, but is having the usual problems of gaining work permits. With some excellent
advice on riding skills and temperament from former Australian Champion and International
John Titman (above right), Scott will only get better, and once Overseas, should be
capable of any goal he sets.
Sponsors
Companion Pet Cover Castrol Oils Antig Frames
NEB Clutches Talon Hubs and Sprockets
Regina Chains GM
Engines Pro Aussie Products
Date Track Results Comments
14/11/98
Labrador, Qld. 11
from 5
'A' Final finished 3rd.
28/11/98 Gladstone, Qld
3,3,2,3,2=13
Third in Qld Title after run-off for 2nd
5/12/98 Labrador Qld.
3,3,2,3=11
2nd 'A' final Best local
performance against Jason Crump.
29/12/98 Newcstle NSW
exc,0,0,2=2
4th in six rider 'C' Final of ISMS round 1.
30/12/98 Brisbane 'Ekka'
1,0,0,3,1=4
4th in four rider 'C' Final of ISMS round 2.
3/1/99 Labrador
Qld. 2,1,1,-,-=3
Aust. U/21
Champs. Showed good signs early then crashed. Advised not to continue by Team, due to mild
concussion.
15/1/99 Warrnambool Vic.
5th,4th,5th,5th
5th in six rider 'C' Final of ISMS round 6.
16/1/99 Mt. Gambier SA
2nd,6th,5th,5th
4th in 'C' Final of ISMS round 7
29/01/99 Mildura Vic.
0,0,0,0=0
Mechanical problems then fell in last heat of ISMS round 10
30/01/99 Wayville SA
5th,dns,dnf.
Terrible bike problems. Did not ride in finals.
03/07/99 Labrador
Qld. 0,3,2,2,3=10
Won Cons. Final
17/07/99 Northgate Qld.
2,3,3,3,3=14
Did not ride in Final.
07/08/99 Labrador Qld.
3,2,3,3=11
Placed 2nd in Semi final and then won Final.
05/09/99 Northgate
0,1,2,3,3=9
Fell while leading the Consolation Final.
16/10/99 Labrador
1,3,1,2,3=10
Gold Coast Indy Cup.Lost run-off for Final berth. Good meeting
13/11/99 Labrador
3,3,3,3=12
Excellent meeting. Won 'A' Final.
20/11/99 Maryborough
2,f,3,2=7
Fell in Semi-final then second in Consolation
final of Ivan Mauger Golden Helmet meeting.
27/11/99 Gatton
9 points
2nd in 'A' Final.
17/12/99 Labrador
1,0,0,1=2 Unusual off night. Golden Helmet round 6
15/01/00 Gosford NSW
2nd
Only one ride. Mechanical probs?
22/01/00 Gatton
Won 'A' Final.
19/02/00 Tamworth NSW
3,3,2,2,1=11 3rd in Aust. U/21 Champs.
01/04/00 Labrador
2,3,3,2,3=13 Won A' Final
27/04/00 Travelled to UK
At just twenty, Steve Viner has experienced the lofty highs and the terrible lows of Motorcycle Speedway.
Rising through the ranks of Junior Speedway's at Oxley and Chandler in his home city of Brisbane, Qld., Steve then progressed to senior status when turning 16 in Sept 1995. Having only riden for three months in the higher grade, Steve obviously had shown enough clout to widen the eyes of officialdom, and was promptly seeded into the Australian Under/ 21Final of '95-'96, to be held at the now defunct North Arm Speedway in Adelaide. An horrific accident at the Title resulted in shocking back injuries that very nearly left him permenantly in a wheelchair. After some 'new age' surgery while in the brilliant Adelaide Hospital, then a 14 month convalescing period, Steve was then able to get back onto a Bike, albeit very gingerly. He then spent '97 competing irregularly, virtually feeling his way into the sport again. Happy with the progress he made, this Motorcycle Shop Mechanic/Foreman has now decided that a full-on approach is warrented and, with two beautifully prepared GM Laydown bikes at his disposal, is already reaping the rewards. Those rewards came early in the '98-'99 season with fourth in the Qld U/21 Championship then an oustanding win in the Queensland Solo Title run at Gladstone.
The future for Steve
in Speedway, will be a steady one. Suffering no ill affects from the back injuries, it
will now be a case of building up time on the bike at as many meetings at home as
possible. Then who knows what will eventuate at the turn of the Century.This 'Young Gun'
is capable of anything. Stay tuned.
Sponsors
Axiom Air Flow Devices
Date Track Results Comments
8/8/98
Labrador Qld 3,3,3,1,3=13
Fourth in Qld U/21 Title after run-off for second.
26/9/98 Rockhampton Qld
0,1,0=1
Went on to win Consolation Final
14/11/98 Gladstone Qld.
0=1
Ivan Mauger troupe. zero points, credited with 1 series pnt
28/11/98 Gladstone Qld
2,3,3,3,3=14
Qld
Champion
5/12/98 Labrador
Qld 1,1,3,2=7
looked sharp when in front.
28/12/98 Labrador
Qld
2,1,2,1=6
Bad track conditions...off the pace.
3/1/99
Labrador
Qld. 2,2,0,1,1=6
Aust. U/21
Champs. Tough nights racing. Glimpses of fast riding.
5/01/99 Labrador
Qld. 2,2,0,2,0,2=8
Teamed with
Clinton Lietch to place second in Gold Coast Pairs Cup
30/01/99 Northgate Qld.
3,3,2,=8
Won 'A' grade Final.
13/02/99 Mildura Vic.
1,0,2,0,1=4
Aust. 500cc Solo Champs. In unfamiliar territory. 20/02/99
Northgate Qld.
3,2,2,3=10
second behind Brent Collyer in Final
06/03/99 Labrador Qld.
3,0,0=3
Meeting cut short due to curfew
13/03/99 Northgate Qld.
Won 'A' Grade Final
22/05/99
Northgate Qld.
17/07/99
Northgate Qld. 3,3,2,3,3,3=17
Did not
ride in Final.
05/09/99
Northgate.
2,3,1,0,0=6
Won the Consolation Final. Found track tough.
27/11/99
Gatton
7 points
4th in 'A' Final
12/03/00
Northgate
3,3,3,3,3=15
3rd in 'A' Final
28/05/00
Northgate
3,2,3,3=11
16/07/00
Northgate
1,3,3,3=10
1st in 'A' Final