PETE ’ S PEOPLE
were , of course , entirely innocent ) were spoken to as “ known associates ” of the notorious gang duo and the remarkable Split Waterman . It was a colourful world , Speedway .
TODAY Tom is now 93 years old and has been heavily involved with training youngsters , maintaining the sports status and promoting its wonders , even as the world of television has closed in and removed much of the clamour and joy of live fans at the gate . Tom is still highly engaged as an accredited official , as Steward at Rosebank Speedway in Auckland . He is loyal too , he always rode the same type of bike , a Rotax JAP-engined 500cc single running on methanol , without an ounce of braking . Although he reports that on three separate occasions , he had to borrow a different bike from a team mate , due to crashes . For these occasions he rode a JAWA and , just incidentally , won all three times . Given that , a lesser man might have swapped from JAP to Jawa , but not
Tom . He ’ s loyal . For seventy two years he has been married to Connie , whom he met when he joined Arsenal Aces Cycle Speedway team . In being granted some time with Tom , I was grateful that he was prepared to talk to me , but it ’ s also clear that it ’ s not possible do this man and his incredible riding career justice in a magazine article . There is a book here , and I pray that someone greater than I is up to the task of sharing the great man ’ s story worldwide . In the meantime , if you want a glimpse of greatness , head to the Rosebank Track in the season , Tom will be there , watching , helping , and sharing expertise with anyone brave enough to face competing hard on the sliding track . I asked him , “ Do you ride other motorbikes , Tom ”? “ Never ”, he said . “ You ’ ve never ridden a motorbike !?”, I asked again , incredulous .
“ No . Too dangerous . All those cars on the road . I wouldn ’ t know what to do with brakes .” Thanks Tom , it was an absolute honour to meet you . And that , gentlefolk readers , is a real ‘ legend ’.
94 KIWI RIDER