THE 1939 INDIVIDUAL WORLD SPEEDWAY CHAMPIONSHIP FI

[Deleted]

THE 1939 INDIVIDUAL WORLD SPEEDWAY CHAMPIONSHIP FINAL

A door to another time opened, a door to a world that found itself suddenly at war.
War against Nazi Germany was declared on Sunday September 3rd 1939
The Individual World Speedway Championship Final was due to take place on Thursday September 7th 1939.

The Government gave express permission for this Final to take place as a last defiant expression of normality in public life before the conflict with Germany began in earnest.

Over 100,000 speedway supporters packed into the Wembley Stadium realising that it might be a very long time before they had the chance to gather together again in such large crowds. Realising that if things went badly in this new war it might be that the British people might never gather together again to witness a sporting event of any kind.

This was the reason the Government agreed to let this meeting take place because they knew that to do so represented the views and thoughts of the people of Great Britain. The thought that Great Britain would survive to win this war just as they expected that the riders riding in this final would win in the spirit of justice and what was right.

‘Good evening,’ said a solemn Keith Huewen, ‘from the Sky-sports studios in London. Once again we find ourselves transported back in time to Wembley Stadium at the outbreak of World War Two.
How does it feel, Chris Louis and Steve Johnson to be in attendance at a World Final that in reality should never have taken place?’

‘Once again it’s a privilege to be in attendance at a meeting that seems to me to have been waiting for over sixty five years to be run,’ said Chris Louis.

‘It’s one of those meetings that was left hanging in the air when war was declared,’ said Steve Johnson. ‘One of those meetings you would have thought ought to have been run after the war ended. The kind of meeting that each of these riders in attendance here tonight could reasonably have expected to have ridden in once hostilities ceased.’

‘They will finally get their opportunity to find out who fate would have decreed is the true Individual World Speedway Champion of 1939,’ confirmed Keith. ‘As a reminder to all speedway fans here is the list of riders who qualified for the 1939 final, their countries of origin and the bonus points they scored on the way to the final followed by the racing order of tonight’s meeting and the programmed heats.’

Rider Country Bonus Points
1. Cordy Milne (USA) 8
2. Bill Kitchen (England) 7
3. Wilbur Lamoreaux (USA) 7
4. Eric Langton (England) 7
5. Jack Milne (USA) 6
6. Arthur Atkinson (England) 6
7. Vic Duggan (Australia) 6
8. Lionel Van Praag (Australia) 6
9. Alec Statham (England) 5
10. Jack Parker (England) 5
11. Benny Kaufman (USA) 5
12. Ron Johnson (Australia) 5
13. Eric Chitty (Canada) 5
14. Frank Varey (England) 4
15. Eric Collins (Australia) 4
16 Aub Lawson (Australia) 4
Res Malcolm Craven (England)
Res Frank Goulden (England)

Racing Order

1. Arthur Atkinson (England) 6
2. Alec Statham (England) 5
3. Frank Varey (England) 4
4. Eric Collins (Australia) 4
5. Jack Parker (England) 5
6. Wilbur Lamoreaux (USA) 7
7. Ron Johnson (Australia) 5
8. Jack Milne (USA) 6
9. Bill Kitchen (England) 7
10 . Eric Chitty (Canada) 5
11. Eric Langton (England) 7
12. Lionel Van Praag (Australia) 6
13. Benny Kaufman (USA) 5
14. Cordy Milne (USA) 8
15. Vic Duggan (Australia) 6
16. Aub Lawson (Australia) 4
Res Malcolm Craven (England)
Res Frank Goulden (England)

Heat One
1 Red Arthur Atkinson
2 Blue Alec Statham
3 White Frank Varey
4 Yellow Eric Collins

Heat Two
5 Red Jack Parker
7 Blue Ron Johnson
6 White Wilbur Lamoreaux
8 Yellow Jack Milne

Heat Three
10 Red Eric Chitty
11 Blue Eric Langton
9 White Bill Kitchen
12 Yellow Lionel Van Praag

Heat Four
15 Red Vic Duggan
14 Blue Cordy Milne
16 White Aub Lawson
13 Yellow Benny Kaufman

Heat Five
13 Red Benny Kaufman
1 Blue Arthur Atkinson
5 White Jack Parker
9 Yellow Bill Kitchen

Heat Six
14 Red Cordy Milne
10 Blue Eric Chitty
2 White Alec Statham
6 Yellow Wilbur Lamoreaux

Heat Seven
11 Red Eric Langton
15 Blue Vic Duggan
7 White Ron Johnson
3 Yellow Frank Varey

Heat Eight
4 Red Eric Collins
8 Blue Jack Milne
12 White Lionel Van Praag
16 Yellow Aub Lawson

Heat Nine
6 Red Wilbur Lamoreaux
16 Blue Aub Lawson
1 White Arthur Atkinson
11 Yellow Eric Langton

Heat Ten
12 Red Lionel Van Praag
5 Blue Jack Parker
15 White Vic Duggan
2 Yellow Alec Statham

Heat Eleven
8 Red Jack Milne
9 Blue Bill Kitchen
3 White Frank Varey
14 Yellow Cordy Milne

Heat Twelve
13 Red Benny Kaufman
4 Blue Eric Collins
10 White Eric Chitty
7 Yellow Ron Johnson

Heat Thirteen
7 Red Ron Johnson
12 Blue Lionel Van Praag
14 White Cordy Milne
1 Yellow Arthur Atkinson

Heat Fourteen
2 Red Alec Statham
13 Blue Benny Kaufman
8 White Jack Milne
11 Yellow Eric Langton

Heat Fifteen
16 Red Aub Lawson
3 Blue Frank Varey
10 White Eric Chitty
5 Yellow Jack Parker

Heat Sixteen
9 Red Bill Kitchen
6 Blue Wilbur Lamoreaux
4 White Eric Collins
15 Yellow Vic Duggan

Heat Seventeen
1 Red Arthur Atkinson
8 Blue Jack Milne
15 White Vic Duggan
10 Yellow Eric Chitty

Heat Eighteen
9 Red Bill Kitchen
2 Blue Alec Statham
7 White Ron Johnson
16 Yellow Aub Lawson

Heat Nineteen
3 Red Frank Varey
12 Blue Lionel Van Praag
13 White Benny Kaufman
6 Yellow Wilbur Lamoreaux

Heat 20
5 Red Jack Parker
14 Blue Cordy Milne
11 White Eric Langton
4 Yellow Eric Collins

‘There you have the detail of it all gentlemen,’ said Keith. ‘Who do we fancy for the 1939 World Champion?’
‘England have six representatives,’ said Chris Louis. ‘Arthur Atkinson is tipped to do well. I think Bill Kitchen, Eric Langton and Jack Parker will have a lot to say about the destiny of the world crown.’

‘Australia will be looking to speedway’s first world champion Lionel Van Praag to pull something out of the bag, ‘ said Steve Johnson. ‘Ron Johnson will be expected to do well too. The newcomers to the world final Vic Duggan and Aub Lawson have a lot of people’s hopes resting on their shoulders.’

‘We can’t discount Cordy Milne,’ said Keith, ‘he leads the field already on bonus points. If he rides to his capabilities tonight then the other riders have to make sure they don’t drop points and hope that Cordy Milne drops at least three.’

‘Jack Milne and Lionel Van Praag, the only two riders other than Blue Wilkinson who can call themselves former world champions, are well in the mix too with six bonus points,’ said Steve Johnson. ‘Personally I would love to see a third

Australian world champion to add to the two champions we have now. Vic Duggan could do it and so could Aub Lawson.’
‘Let’s find out what Kelvin Tatum and Nigel Pearson’s thoughts are on the outcome of this very special world final.’

‘You’re absolutely right Keith when you say the 1939 world final is a special world final,’ said Nigel Pearson. ‘This might well be the last World Speedway Final that we will see for many a long year to come.

I know, that as Great Britain is at war with Germany now, there are six very patriotic Englishmen who are determined that one of them will wear the world speedway crown throughout the war. Hoping no doubt to be able to defend that world title when the next world final is held, who knows when!!!’

‘Problem with that Nigel,’ said Kelvin, ‘is that there is a very determined American called Cordy Milne who desperately wants to win that world title too. Not only because no one knows when the next world final will be held, but also to put himself on the same level as his brother Jack Milne, who as we know was speedway’s second world champion in 1937.’

‘Not to mention that other dynamic American Wilbur Lamoreaux,’ said Nigel, ‘I have no doubt the Americans would love to pull off another clean sweep of the rostrum places as they did in 1937.’

‘Cordy Milne wishing to swap places with brother Jack in this one,’ chuckled Kelvin, ‘and Lamoreaux wanting to go one place better than he did in 1937, after taking one step backwards to third place in last year’s 1938 final, when he came in third behind Blue Wilkinson and Jack Milne.’

‘The American trio have been very consistent in the last two world finals,’ said Nigel and you can see by the bonus points they have gathered that they mean to do as well in this world final too.’

‘I think it’s going to be a very tough meeting for everyone riding here tonight,’ said Kelvin. ‘There are a lot of things at stake for a lot of people. There is a great deal of tension in this stadium, not only the usual pre-meeting tension we all expect, but the genuine fear that there might be an air raid at any time.’

‘Yes the British Government have taken a great risk allowing this meeting to take place,’ said Nigel, ‘and we can only hope the meeting will be completed without any unfortunate incidents taking place.’

‘I noticed the stadium was surrounded by anti aircraft guns when we arrived here earlier,’ said Kelvin, ‘the searchlights are scanning the sky as we speak. I hope the viewers at home respect the dedication of the soldiers out there working vigilantly to protect the spectators, riders and everyone connected to the stadium. Working hard to make sure this event takes place tonight under very difficult circumstances.’

‘I am sure that the concern about German air attacks is shared by the viewers at home who, no doubt, are feeling the tension in the areas where they live,’ said Nigel, ‘just as we are here in the City of London. Jonathan Green is in the pits with the riders hoping to get some insights into the thoughts of these riders on this very special night.’

‘I have Eric Langton here with me,’ said Jonathan. ‘What are your thoughts on the circumstances surrounding this meeting Eric?’

‘There’s not a great deal to say about the situation Great Britain has suddenly found itself in,’ said Eric Langton. ‘All I can say is that myself and the rest of the English riders are determined to concentrate solely on speedway tonight and winning the world title for Great Britain.

We know the Americans and the Australians are going to have similar feelings to ourselves. They will want to win the trophy and hold onto it till such a time we can all be gathered here together again to ride once more for the world title.’

‘Let’s hope that it very soon,’ said Jonathan.
‘Let’s hope so,’ said Eric Langton.
‘Back to Kelvin and Nigel in the commentary box,’ said Jonathan, ‘as it seems there is some interesting facts about the racing order in tonight’s meeting’

‘That’s right Jonathan,’ announced Nigel Pearson, ‘before racing gets under way I will point out an interesting historical fact. In the Individual World Finals from 1936 to 1951 inclusive the racing order format was different from the one adopted for the 1952 World Final and subsequent World Finals.

In the first six world finals a strange situation occurred where some riders had two rides on the trot and some riders had ridden four races when other riders had only ridden two races.’

Therefore in the interests of fairness and in the hope of giving all the riders ample time to prepare for each race this 1939 World Final will be run in the same format as the World Finals that took place after 1952.’

‘Seems to me to be a fair decision that the FIM has made,’ said Kelvin. ‘It must have been hard going for some of those riders in those early World Finals. There was no break for them when they had two rides on the trot. They had to get out there and race as and when they were called on to do so.’

‘So in effect what we are getting here is a mixture of the old and the new,’ said Nigel, ‘where the riders of yesterday are using a format of the future in a World Final that never took place!!!’
Mystical or what,’ chuckled Kelvin. Keith Huewen rolled his eyes upwards in the Sky sports studios and thought of his old mate Barry Briggs!!!

‘It’s time for the action to begin,’ announced Nigel Pearson, ‘the moment we have all been waiting for has finally arrived. We have three English riders and an Australian out in the first race.’
‘And right from the off,’ said Kelvin Tatum, ‘if any of these riders have aspirations of becoming world champion here tonight, they simply can’t afford to drop any points.’
‘I know Arthur Atkinson is expected to do well,’ said Nigel, ‘so let’s see what happens in heat one.’

[Deleted]

Heat One
1 Red Arthur Atkinson
2 Blue Alec Statham
3 White Frank Varey
4 Yellow Eric Collins

On the track:
There is a great deal of tension and anticipation in the crowd of spectators who have one eye on the track and the other eye searching the sky for enemy warplanes. This tension is transmitted to the riders each of them knowing they need to do well here tonight to fulfill the expectations of those in attendance at Wembley Stadium

Arthur Atkinson made the gate powering towards the first bend with Alec Statham right behind him – Eric Collins took to the boards preventing Frank Varey’s attempt to go mid track and round Statham

Atkinson rode out of bend two onto the back straight – Statham right behind him – Collins taking Varey coming out of the bend – Collins driving forward in pursuit of the two English riders ahead of him

Atkinson kept tight to the line – through bends 3 + 4 onto the home straight into lap 2 – while Statham sat behind him on the line waiting for his chance to pass the West Ham rider

Collins was fighting off an attack by the hard riding Frank Varey - who was driving under Collins entering bend one (lap2) – as Atkinson was exiting bend two (lap2) –with Statham still right on his tail

Atkinson extended his lead through bends 3+4 (lap2) – while Statham had his hands full with both Frank Varey and Eric Collins probing for the way through – Varey driving under Statham entering the home straight into lap 3

Eric Collins rode mid track drawing level with Statham as they both made their turn into bend one (lap 3) – Varey once more drove under Statham – Collins going wide to the boards looking for the drive to take him past Statham exiting bend two (lap3)

Atkinson was half a lap ahead of the field as he kept tight to the line - entering bend three (lap3) – Statham managed to hold off the pressing Varey and Collins – as they made their turns through bends three and four (lap3)

Atkinson was onto the home straight driving forward into bend one (lap4) – glancing over his shoulder to asses the progress of his rivals – Statham still ahead of Collins and Varey as they all drove out of bend two (lap4) - hard down the back straight

Atkinson made his way through bend three (lap 4) – turning tight into bend four – picking up grip and shooting towards the line – Statham emerging from bend four with Collins and Varey racing him hard towards the line

Atkinson took the checkered flag comfortably – Frank Varey nosing ahead of Alec Statham who manages to baulk the last desperate lunge of Eric Collins as they cross the line within touching distance of each other.

Arthur Atkinson 3 – Frank Varey 2 – Alec Statham 1 – Eric Collins 0

‘Already it’s a game of chess,’ said Kelvin Tatum emphatically. ‘This win puts Arthur Atkinson ahead of Cordy Milne by one point. But Alec Statham will be unhappy dropping one point to Frank Varey in the last few yards of the race.’

‘It’s been a nervous start to the meeting,’ observed Nigel. ‘These riders are so aware of what is at stake here tonight. But you have to hand it to Arthur Atkinson for not letting his nerves get to him. He’s certainly thrown the gauntlet down to Cordy Milne who has now to respond in kind in heat 4.’

‘Meanwhile big brother Jack is out in the next race,’ said Kelvin, ‘up against one of Great Britain’s most fancied riders Jack Parker. Jack Parker will certainly want to win this meeting there is no doubt about that.’

But to do so Kelvin,’ said Nigel, ‘not only as he to overcome the 1937 World Champion but also world number two that year and world number three last year Wilbur Lamoreaux who also has seven bonus points to his name. Two more than Jack Parker and one more than Jack Milne.’

‘We are only up to race two,’ chuckled Kelvin, ‘and already the permutations of this meeting are enough to tie anyone in knots brave enough to predict the outcome of this next race let alone the meeting itself!!!’
‘Seems like it’s going to be a nail biting occasion for all concerned tonight,’ said Nigel. ‘None more so than for those four riders out on the track right now.’

Heat Two
5 Red Jack Parker
7 Blue Ron Johnson
6 White Wilbur Lamoreaux
8 Yellow Jack Milne

On the track:
Jack Milne and Wilbur Lamoreaux wanted to take the world title home to America for safekeeping. Jack Parker wanted the world title to remain in Great Britain as a symbol of freedom. Something the British people could point to as an indication that their grim determination would get them through the great trial of war on their doorstep.

With this thought in mind Jack Parker shot out of the gate towards the first bend – Wilbur Lamoreaux leaned hard on Ron Johnson – bouncing off the Australian – Jack Milne on the outside of his fellow American – all four made their turn into bend one

The riders were bunched together turning into bend two – bouncing off of each other entering onto the back straight – Parker slightly ahead of the two Americans – who were clawing back the English rider trying to make headway on them

Along the back straight Parker hung on to his lead – Lamoreaux driving hard under Parker entering bend three – Milne taking the high line – with Johnson riding mid track on the Americans tail

Parker clamped down on Lamoreaux – keeping his hold on the line exiting bend four – with Jack Milne coming over the English riders right shoulder – as they powered towards the line into lap 2

Jack Milne continued round the boards into bend one (lap2) – with Lamoreaux still snapping at Parker’s heels – trying to hustle the English rider off his line – Milne driving forward off the apex of the bend into bend two (lap2)

Parker was still ahead entering the back straight – the Americans side by side – to prevent Johnson splitting them both – the Australian taking to the boards – hoping to sweep around the Americans preoccupied with Parker

The English rider made his turn into bend three (lap2) – with Lamoreaux persistent in trying to drive Parker off his line – Jack Milne just as consistent riding round the outside of Parker – looking for drive out of bend four (lap2)

Parker was ahead by half a bike length on the Americans as they all entered lap 3
Milne driving hard into bend one (lap3) – making a hard turn – which straightened him up coming into to bend two (lap3) – shooting him forward – splitting Parker and Lamoreaux entering the back straight

Parker had a fight on his hands holding off Jack Milne – with Lamoreaux taking advantage of Parker’s decision to lean on Milne – baulking the 1937 champion – allowing Lamoreaux to gain a lead – as the three riders made their way into bend three (lap3)

Parker with Jack Milne coming under him entering the bend cut back in sharp – picking up drive – thrusting forward out of bend four (lap3) – inside of Jack Milne
Lamoreaux just ahead on the line – Parker riding between him and Milne

Lamoreaux had the lead over the line into lap 4 – with Parker half a bike length behind him – side by side with Jack Milne – Ron Johnson sat behind them
Lamoreaux made his turn into bend one (lap4) – Parker turning in sharp again – pushing under the American – as Lamoreaux had Parker earlier in the race

Milne once more making his way round mid track – making his turn on the apex of the corner – picking up grip too – shooting out of bend two (lap4) - onto the back straight – level with Parker – who was still half a bike length behind Lamoreaux

Lamoreaux kept tight to the line entering bend three (lap4) – Jack Parker tight over his shoulder – Milne outside of Parker – making the turn into bend four (lap4) – all three riders emerging onto the home straight tied together – Ron Johnson right there with them

The riders made a frenetic dash to the line – bumping elbows as they tried to steal a march on each other – Jack Parker picking up the grip he needed to push him across the line ahead of Lamoreaux – who came in second – despite the spirited dash of Jack Milne – to steal the win from both his opponents.

Jack Parker 3 – Wilbur Lamoreaux 2 – Jack Milne 1 – Ron Johnson 0

‘That was a very hard fought race,’ said Kelvin, ‘I really thought Jack Parker had lost it when Lamoreaux got ahead of him. It struck me that he’d lost interest for a moment when Jack Milne looked as if he was going to pass him too.’

‘It might be the occasion that lifted Parker,’ said Nigel, ‘because I agree with you Kelvin. Jack Parker did look as if he was going to be bettered by the two Americans.

In the end he made it over the line giving him three vital points. Those two points Lamoreaux gathered in has put him level with Arthur Atkinson on nine points.’
‘Eric Langton and Bill Kitchen are both level on seven bonus points going into this next race,’ said Kelvin, ‘ which means that if either of them can win this race one of them will be in the lead on ten points.’

‘Which means the pressure will be on Cordy Milne to win heat four,’ confirmed Nigel. ‘Though I am sure both Eric Chitty and the original world champion Lionel Van Praag will have something to say about the outcome of this race too.’

Heat Three
10 Red Eric Chitty
11 Blue Eric Langton
9 White Bill Kitchen
12 Yellow Lionel Van Praag

On the track:
Eric Langton made no mistake – gating sharply ahead of Bill Kitchen – riding straight forward to stymie the progress of Van Praag round the boards – Langton turning into bend one ahead of the field

Kitchen coming under Langton entering bend two – shoving his fellow British rider hard – Langton adhering to the line – determined to get the better of Kitchen and Van Praag – his nemesis of 1936

Out onto the back straight – Langton has a definitive lead – Kitchen taking Van Praag to the boards – as the Australian attempts to go round the outside of the second placed Englishman – with the Canadian Eric Chitty on the line – not fast enough to get under Kitchen

Langton makes a smooth turn into bend three – Kitchen mid track baulking Van Praag – who is trying to drive round the boards – Chitty taking the inside line – Kitchen cutting back in – exiting bend four – Langton crossing the line into lap 2

Kitchen makes his turn into bend one (lap2) – turning hard on the corner – driving forwards once more under Langton – with Van Praag sitting mid track – holding out Chitty – who seems to be struggling with the Wembley circuit

Langton clamps down hard on Kitchen – as they exit bend two (lap2) – Van Praag looking to capitalize – by driving down the outside of Langton – while his concentration is on Kitchen

Langton aware of Van Praag’s intentions – opens up the throttle of his machine – powering forward along the back straight into bend three (lap2) – keeping tight to the line – a bike length ahead of Kitchen – who is pushing Van Praag out towards the fence

Langton turns through bend four (lap2) – Kitchen once more pushing under him – Van Praag making the sweep round the boards – Chitty coming under Van Praag – trying to make a race of it against the Australian

Langton makes his way over the line into lap 3 – Kitchen pressing his fellow Englishman – Van Praag keeping in touch – refusing to give way to the British riders – the Canadian equally determined not to disgrace himself here.

It is Langton first into bend one (lap3) – with Kitchen probing underneath him once again – Van Praag sitting on Kitchen’s shoulder – trapping him to the line – exiting bend two (lap3) – the Australian pulling slightly ahead of Kitchen on the back straight

Langton powers forward down the straight into bend three (lap3) – Kitchen once again pushing at Van Praag – shoving the Australian mid track – baulking Chitty riding round the boards – attempting to get by Van Praag

Into bend four (lap3) Langton maintains his lead – Kitchen in second place slightly leading Van Praag – exiting the bend down the home straight into (lap4) – Van Praag pressing the issue – entering into bend one (lap4)

Langton tight to the line exits bend two (lap4) – with Kitchen on a par with Van Praag along the back straight – each of them seeking to gain ground on Langton – baulking each other in the process – Chitty out of contention suffering engine problems

Langton turning into bend three (lap4) – Kitchen and Van Praag right there with him – turning on the power – increasing the pressure on the leading rider – turning hard into bend four – shooting forward – Langton thrusting forward towards the line
Holding off the persistent Kitchen who baulks Van Praag’s surge towards the line.

Eric Langton 3 – Bill Kitchen 2 – Lionel Van Praag 1 – Eric Chitty 0

‘That was a fine ride by the dour Eric Langton,’ said Kelvin Tatum as the English rider took the applause of the crowd.
‘Fine enough to put him out front on ten points overall,’ said Nigel Pearson. ‘Langton is one of the favorites and he’s confirmed that with this emphatic win.’

'Cordy Milne has it all to do in the next race, ‘said Kelvin, ‘and he has to contend with those two bright young Australian riders Aub Lawson and Vic Duggan.’
‘The question is,’ said Nigel, ‘will Benny Kaufman be help or hindrance to Cordy Milne. I think we’re about to find out.’

Heat Four
15 Red Vic Duggan
14 Blue Cordy Milne
16 White Aub Lawson
13 Yellow Benny Kaufman

On the track:
Cordy Milne made his way onto the track – betraying no emotion as he rode round to the tapes – the two young Australians – making a fuss at the gate – looking to unsettle Milne – who made his preparations – indifferent to both Lawson and Duggan’s tactics

The tapes rose - Cordy Milne glided smoothly out of the gate – Benny Kaufman taking to the boards – as Lawson and Duggan came together entering bend one – Cordy Milne pulling away from the Australian pair – exiting bend two onto the back straight

Kaufman rode round the boards – hoping to pass the two Australians – who were locked together down the straight – turning into bend three – in line with each other – in the wake of Milne who exited bend four – powering over the line into lap 2

Cordy Milne – always the bridesmaid – never the bride – had no intention of letting go of his leading position – in this race – or in the meeting overall – thrust his way through bends 1+2 (lap2)

With the Australians tussling with each other – down the back straight – Kaufman sat behind them – looking to split the pair – at the first opportunity – Duggan getting ahead of Lawson – intent on making up ground on Cordy Milne

Milne drove into bend three (lap2) – Duggan driving into the bend – on the line – turning hard into bend four (lap2) – looking for the shortest way round the track – looking for the grip to propel him forward into lap 3

Cordy Milne was still comfortably ahead – into bend one (lap3) – Duggan having drawn ahead of the inexperienced Lawson – who was now in a dogfight with Kaufman for third place – exiting bend two (lap3)

Milne made his way down the back straight – Duggan pressing him all the way – Milne turning tight into bend three (lap3) – Duggan making up ground – the American making his way through bend four (lap3)

Duggan was right behind Milne entering lap4 – the American holding tight to the line entering bend one (lap4) – Duggan driving round mid track – turning in hard – shooting straight forward out of bend two (lap4)

Milne turns on the power down the back straight – aware that Duggan is breathing down his neck – the American turning tight into bend three (lap4) – the young Australian – driving full tilt into the bend – cutting back in – tight – driving forward out of bend four (lap4)

Milne head down – drives hard to the line – holding of Duggan’s determined efforts – with Kaufman getting the better of Lawson – who over slid making his turn out of bend four – leaving the door open for Kaufman to drive through for third place

Cordy Milne 3 – Vic Duggan 2 – Benny Kaufman 1 – Aub Lawson 0

Cordy Milne provided a result against a group of riders you would expect him to beat,’ said Kelvin, ‘but I suspect the British riders were hoping the young new blood from Australia would cause him problems.’

‘They didn’t Kelvin,’ added Nigel, ‘and because of the controversial bonus points system Cordy Milne leads the field by one point from a whole group of riders waiting for him to make a simple mistake.’

‘All the chess pieces have been moved forward one place,’ said Kelvin. ‘Nothing is resolved but as that race showed us, Cordy Milne is determined to add his name to the roll call of world champions. As you say Nigel, it’s up to those behind him to make sure they are in position to take advantage of any slip up he might make.’
‘Back to the studio,’ said Nigel, ‘for the views of the guys in the studio.’

‘What do we make of it so far gentlemen,’ asked Keith of his studio pundits?
‘Cordy Milne certainly made it clear he is going to be there at the death,’ said Chris Louis. Eric Langton is one point behind him and Arthur Atkinson and Jack Parker are on nine points.’

‘But so is Wilbur Lamoreaux, ‘said Steve Johnson, ‘and I am pleased to say, so is Vic Duggan, a rider who is earmarked for a great future in speedway. Aub Lawson is not doing so well coming last in his race. Duggan, however, qualified with six bonus points and his second place leaves him three points behind Cordy Milne but one point ahead of the 1937 World Champion who has seven points to his name, as does Lionel Van Praag the 1936 World Champion. So all in all, for a speedway rider making his debut in a world final Vic Duggan is flying the flag high for Australia.’

‘We have a real battle on our hands in the next race,’ said Keith. ‘There are three top British riders up against an American spoiler. As we have said before, this meeting is about those who can’t afford to drop points in a race. But in this race someone is going to miss out especially with that added danger of Benny Kaufman to overcome. Back to Kelvin and Nigel in the commentary box.’

‘You are right as always Keith,’ said Nigel. ‘All of the British riders need the three points in this race. None more so than Jack Parker who is one point adrift of both Atkinson and Kitchen!!!’

[Deleted]

Heat Five
13 Red Benny Kaufman
1 Blue Arthur Atkinson
5 White Jack Parker
9 Yellow Bill Kitchen

On the track:
There is no doubting the sense of purpose in the demeanor of the riders as they approach the tapes. Kaufman shows his determination to do well in this race by positioning himself at the gate where he decides he wants to be. Atkinson seems to be uncomfortable sandwiched between Kaufman and Parker

The tapes rise – Atkinson makes a smart gate – realizing he can’t afford to get boxed in by Kaufman and Parker – with Atkinson leaning hard on the American – Bill Kitchen gating sharp too – closing down Parker’s aggressive drive over Atkinson

Atkinson leads into the first bend – Kitchen over his shoulder – Parker and Kaufman tussling on the apex of the bend – Atkinson making a smooth turn into bend two – with Kitchen half a bike length behind – emerging onto the back straight

Atkinson gets his head down - opens the throttle – powers down the straight – Kitchen pacing him all the way – Parker trying to shake off the American – who sticks to the Englishman – refusing to give way

Atkinson turns into bend three – Kitchen turning with him – Parker on the inside – cutting into to the line – trying to get under Kitchen – who shuts the door on Parker – Kaufman making his way round Parker – exiting bend four

Bill Kitchen attempts to over take Atkinson – as both riders cross the line into lap 2 – Atkinson moving out slightly to block Kitchen’s run along the outside – Parker diving for the line – driving forward to the bend one (lap2)

Atkinson closes the door on Parker – Kitchen rides mid track turning sharp into bend two (lap2) – driving forward almost level with Atkinson emerging onto the back straight – Kaufman once again harassing Parker going into bend three (lap2)

Bill Kitchen is level with Atkinson – making the turn out of bend four (lap2) – with both riders locked together over the line into lap 3 – Parker and Kaufman right behind them locked in their own belligerent battle

Atkinson gets to the line – making a tight turn into bend one (lap3) – Kitchen pushing under him – trying to drive him off the line – Atkinson refusing to budge – Parker pushing Kaufman out of the way – then making a drive round Kitchen – exiting bend two (lap3) – out onto the back straight

All four riders wring every ounce of power out of their engines – racing towards bend three (lap3) – Atkinson still ahead into the bend – Kitchen holding off Parker’s attempt to go under him again – Kaufman riding round the boards

The American picks up grip – shooting him forwards – out of bend four (lap3) – bringing his level with Kitchen and Parker – as they all cross the line into lap four –on the heels of leading rider Arthur Atkinson – now making his turn into bend one (lap4)

Atkinson seems to crawl out of bend two (lap4) – as the other riders try desperately to haul him in – driving down the back straight – towards bend three (lap4) – knowing that their last chance to break Atkinson’s grip on the lead was imminent

Atkinson keeps tight to the line – Kitchen deciding to go round the West Ham rider –Parker turning sharp – hoping to split the pair exiting bend four (lap4) – Kaufman high on the boards – intending to pass all three British riders – before the line

Atkinson is slightly ahead of Kitchen and Parker emerging onto the home straight – with all three riders making their dash for the line – Bill Kitchen pulling out all the stops passing Atkinson – crossing the line – Atkinson holding off Parker – who crosses the line inches ahead of the American Benny Kaufman

Bill Kitchen 3 – Arthur Atkinson 2 – Jack Parker 1 – Benny Kaufman 0

‘That was hard luck on Arthur Atkinson Kelvin,’ said Nigel Pearson, ‘but Bill Kitchen had no intention of giving up till they were over the line.’
‘The British riders need to be taking points off of Cordy Milne,’ deduced Kelvin, ‘rather than off of each other. But that’s not going to happen till the later stages of the meeting. They have to hope that some of the other riders in the meeting can do that job for them.’
‘Jonathan Green is in the pits with Jack Parker,’ announced Nigel, ‘let’s see what the great man has to say about that last race!!!’

‘What do you think was it that went wrong for you in this one Jack,’ said Jonathan?
‘I was boxed in by Atkinson and Kitchen at the start,’ said Jack Parker, ‘everyone in the stadium saw what happened. It’s happened to me a number of times before. All these riders know I can beat them in a fair race. They stoop to low tactics to prevent me winning it’s as simple as that!!!’

With that Jack Parker walked off leaving Jonathan shrugging his shoulders.
‘Back to Kelvin and Nigel,’ muttered a bemused Jonathan.

‘There is one British rider up against Cordy Milne in the next race,’ said Nigel, ‘he might be able to help out his fellow Brits including Jack Parker. Eric Chitty might also cause an upset if he can make the gate on Milne.’
Let’s not forget Wilbur Lamoreaux,’ Kelvin added, ‘he is well up there amongst the points and I am certain he has a genuine desire to be a world champion just as Cordy Milne does.’

Heat Six
14 Red Cordy Milne
10 Blue Eric Chitty
2 White Alec Statham
6 Yellow Wilbur Lamoreaux

On the track:
Cordy Milne had every desire of being world champion – proving it with his electric start from the gate – leaving both Chitty and Statham struggling to keep on terms – but Wilbur Lamoreaux was right there with his American compatriot – both of them driving hard into the first bend

Exiting bend two – the two Americans were level with each other – powering down the back straight – it being evident to the watching spectators that Lamoreaux was not prepared to give second best to Milne

Cordy Milne kept his lead through bends 3+4 – Lamoreaux half a bike length behind Milne emerging onto the home straight into lap 2 – Lamoreaux driving down the outside of Milne – making his turn into bend one (lap2)

Lamoreaux turned sharp on the apex of the corner – cutting in heading for the line – pushing under Milne – exiting bend two (lap2) – driving Milne off his line entering onto the back straight

Milne drove hard down the straight – Lamoreaux locked in with him – Chitty and Statham a bike length behind – in a battle of their own – Milne making his turn into bend three (lap2) – Lamoreaux forcing him wide – then cutting into the line

Lamoreaux enters the home straight ahead of Milne – over the line into lap 3 – Milne pacing his fellow American all the way – intending to regain his lead – making a sharp turn into bend one (lap3) – cutting in hard on Lamoreaux

Milne drives under Lamoreaux – attempting to get him off the line – Lamoreaux refusing to budge – stays ahead emerging from bend two (lap3) – powering down the back straight – extending his lead

Milne is right behind Lamoreaux – entering bend three (lap3) – Lamoreaux maintaining his grip on the line – Milne forcing his way under Lamoreaux – turning into bend four (lap3) – Lamoreaux still in front over the line into lap 4

Milne attempts to drive round the outside of Lamoreaux – turning into bend one (lap4) – but this is a feint – to dupe Lamoreaux into coming off his line – Lamoreaux doesn’t take the bait – emerging from bend two (lap4) – Milne over his right shoulder

Both Americans drive hard down the back straight – Lamoreaux making his turn into bend three (lap4) – Milne driving under him again – Lamoreaux holding his line – turning into bend four (lap4) – driving forward

Milne picking up grip – shooting forward – drawing abreast of Lamoreaux – who picks up that extra drive – carrying him over the line ahead of Cordy Milne – with Eric Chitty holding out Alec Statham to finish in third place

Wilbur Lamoreaux 3 – Cordy Milne 2 – Eric Chitty 1 – Alec Statham 0

‘He’s certainly something of a determined character is Wilbur Lamoreaux,’ said Kelvin, ‘there was no quarter asked or given there.’
‘Cordy Milne has dropped his first point of the night Kelvin,’ calculated Nigel, ‘but he still leads the field. It’s down to Eric Langton in this race to continue his winning ways, if the Americans aren’t going to begin to run away with this meeting!!!’

Heat Seven
11 Red Eric Langton
15 Blue Vic Duggan
7 White Ron Johnson
3 Yellow Frank Varey

On the track:
Eric Langton shot from the gate – Duggan in his attempt to rival Langton’s sharp gating - drifted right off his line – baulking Ron Johnson – Varey rode round the boards – avoiding Johnson struggling to stay on his bike

Langton rode through bends 1+2 – shrugging off Duggan’s attempts to drive under the British rider – through both bends – Langton emerging onto the back straight ahead – while Duggan had his hands full warding of a determined attack by Varey

Down the straight Langton extended his lead – with Duggan in battle with Varey – who drove under the Australian entering bend three – Langton already exiting bend four – emerging with a comfortable lead onto the home straight into lap 2

Duggan and Varey were locked together on the home straight – there were those afterwards who said - Varey deliberately barged into Duggan – as both riders entered bend one (lap2)

This tactic causing Duggan to drift off his line – broadside – hang onto his bike – but allowing Ron Johnson to draw level with the young Australian – exiting bend two (lap2) – while Varey drove down the back straight in pursuit of Langton

Langton made his turns through bends 3+4 (lap3) – two bike lengths ahead of Varey – who had the irate Duggan chasing him through the bends – out onto the home straight into lap 4 – the Australian driving hard under Varey entering bend one (lap4)

Varey kept a tight hold on the line – warding off further barging by Duggan – as the riders exited bend two (lap4) – Ron Johnson making a drive round the outside of Duggan – with the young Australian outpacing his fellow countryman

This argument between Duggan and Varey – worked to Langton’s advantage – the leading British rider half a lap ahead of the chasing pack – entering into bend three (lap4) – with Varey entering the bend – as Langton was entering the home straight

Langton cruised to the line picking up his three points – Varey had Duggan breathing down his neck emerging from the fourth bend – both riders dashing for the line – Varey holding off the dramatic last flourish of Vic Duggan

Eric Langton 3 – Frank Varey 2 – Vic Duggan 1 Ron Johnson 0

‘Frank Varey did Eric Langton a great big favour there,’ acknowledged Kelvin, ‘keeping Vic Duggan occupied in the manner he did.’

‘Employing tough racing tactics into the bargain,’ added Nigel, ‘if you agree with those tactics or you don’t that win has put Eric Langton level on points with Cordy Milne. So we have a British rider in real contention for the world title, but Langton has to make sure he doesn’t drop any points or hope that Cordy Milne drops some more points before the evenings over.’

‘I am sure Cordy Milne will have a lot more to say about the destiny of this world championship before we’re finished here tonight,’ said Kelvin. ‘I also think brother Jack will want to make his mark in the proceedings too.’

'But he has three Australians to contend with in this next race,’ confirmed Nigel, ‘Lionel Van Praag a former world champion, still well in contention himself, Eric Collins and Aub Lawson also making their world final debuts. All these riders could aid Eric Langton’s cause by taking points of Jack Milne.’

Heat Eight
4 Red Eric Collins
8 Blue Jack Milne
12 White Lionel Van Praag
16 Yellow Aub Lawson

On the track:
It was Lionel Van Praag who made the gate – Eric Collins making a pedestrian start – Milne and Lawson level with each other – Milne barging Lawson out of the way – entering bend one – making contact with Van Praag exiting bend two

Milne was level with Van Praag – on the outside of the Australian – driving hard down the back straight – the American charging to the line – leaning on the Australian causing Van Praag to shut off slightly – Milne turning sharp out of bend four

Onto the home straight – Jack Milne leads Van Praag - into lap 2
Through laps 2 + 3 Jack Milne extends his lead on Van Praag who is constantly under pressure from the exuberant Aub Lawson – unaware perhaps that Van Praag has a chance of taking the world crown if he can get ahead of Jack Milne

Van Praag finally shakes off Lawson entering the home straight into lap four – the ex world champion in hot pursuit of his fellow ex world champion – making his way through bends one and two (lap4) – chasing hard down the straight after Milne

Jack Milne turns comfortably into bend three (lap 4) – aware that Van Praag is making up ground – the American keeps his nerve – holds his line exiting bend four (lap4) – driving confidently to the line a bike length ahead of Van Praag

Van Praag still pestered by Lawson – entering the home straight - baulks the younger Australian - who holds out Eric Collins who trails in last – having never been able to get into a points scoring position throughout the race.

Jack Milne 3 – Lionel Van Praag 2 – Aub Lawson 1 – Eric Collins 0

‘That was a very comfortable ride for Jack Milne, Kelvin,’ said Nigel,’ don’t you think?’
‘I wasn’t sure there for a moment if Lionel Van Praag was being upset by Aub Lawson,’ Kelvin replied, ‘or it was that simply he didn’t have the power in his bike to keep up with Jack Milne.’
‘Whichever way you look at it,’ responded Nigel, ‘that’s another win for the Milne brothers. But now the chess pieces have made two moves apiece I wonder what the guys in the studio make off the state of play so far?’

‘We have Cordy Milne and Eric Langton as joint leaders,’ replied Keith, ‘Wilbur Lamoreaux and Bill Kitchen on twelve points apiece. Are we looking at an British rider or an American rider to be the 1939 world champion, Chris Louis?’

‘I really do think that there can be quite a few upsets taking place,’ answered Chris, ‘there are riders now who because of their lack of bonus points know they can’t win this meeting. But they can certainly cause problems for those who are in a position to win it.’

‘I agree with Chris,’ cut in Steve Johnson. ‘Vic Duggan realistically has no chance of winning the title here tonight. But as we have already seen he’s not afraid to mix it with the more experienced riders here. I don’t think his three points from two rides has done him any harm has he is on nine points overhaul.’

‘He’s on the same points as Jack Parker and Lionel Van Praag,’ observed Keith, ‘which is illustrious company for any young rider to be in as any speedway fan will tell you. But what matters is the fact that one British rider is joint leader with two more in the form of Bill Kitchen and Arthur Atkinson poised to take advantage of any slip ups by the leading pair Eric Langton and Cordy Milne. But I am informed it’s time to hand back to Nigel and Kelvin.’

‘You were right on the button Keith, when you said that Atkinson and Kitchen could take advantage of slip ups by Eric Langton and Cordy Milne,’ said Nigel.
‘Arthur Atkinson is up against Eric Langton in this one,’ added Kelvin, ‘and Bill Kitchen is up against Cordy Milne in heat eleven.’
‘Arthur Atkinson still has an abiding interest in the outcome of this final,’ continued Nigel, ‘as does Wilbur Lamoreaux. I think we are in for a dramatic race as Atkinson will be out to put one over on both Eric Langton and Wilbur Lamoreaux.’

[Deleted]

Heat Nine
6 Red Wilbur Lamoreaux
16 Blue Aub Lawson
1 White Arthur Atkinson
11 Yellow Eric Langton

On the track:
All four riders left the gate in tandem with each other – Aub Lawson leaned on Lamoreaux – all the way to the first bend – Eric Langton managed to get over the top of Arthur Atkinson – making his turn into the first bend

Lamoreaux elbowed Lawson of his shoulder – making the turn into the bend – exiting bend two level with Langton – out onto the back straight – Arthur Atkinson tangling with Lawson leaving the second bend

Langton and Lamoreaux turned through bends 3 + 4 out onto the home straight into lap 2 – neither rider giving way to the other – while Atkinson tried to make up ground on the leaders – but was continually harassed by the persistent Lawson

Langton and Lamoreaux remained tied together through bends 1 + 2 (lap2) – while Atkinson managed to put Lawson behind him – driving fast down the back straight – to get into close contact with the two leading riders

Langton was first into bend three (lap2) – with Lamoreaux over his shoulder – on a par with the leading British rider – exiting bend four (lap2) – still level with each other over the line into lap 3

Atkinson was in close contact with the leaders – Lawson having gathered his wits – was also close on the heels of the riders ahead of him – Langton driving into bend one (lap3) – Lamoreaux right there with him – Atkinson making a drive between the American and Langton exiting bend two (lap3)

Langton was half a wheel length ahead of Lamoreaux – along the back straight – Atkinson pushing hard at the American – Lawson having taken to the highline – in the hope of sweeping round all three leading riders – entering bend three (lap3)

Langton emerged from bend four (lap3) – still ahead of the American – now under pressure from Atkinson – who attempted to go round Lamoreaux – with Lawson riding the fence – all four riders crossing the line into lap 4

Langton turned into bend one (lap4) – Lamoreaux and Atkinson in line with each other exiting bend two (lap4) – giving their all driving faster and faster down the back straight – Lawson an ever present danger to all three riders

Langton turned into bend three (lap4) – Atkinson and Lamoreaux following through bend four (lap 4) – all four riders on the home straight – powering towards the line
Langton crossing the line ahead of Lamoreaux – holding of the desperate lunging Arthur Atkinson – who takes the precious last point – from Aub Lawson

Eric Langton 3 – Wilbur Lamoreaux 2 – Arthur Atkinson 1 – Aub Lawson 0

‘Cordy Milne’s got to win his next race now,’ observed Kelvin.
‘Langton did well to hold off those other three riders,’ said Nigel, ‘Arthur Atkinson was unfortunate in that Wilbur Lamoreaux managed to keep ahead of him coming out of the fourth bend. Despite that Lamoreaux has been pegged back on 14 points which means Langton is two points up on this American.’

‘Atkinson is still in there on twelve points,’ added Kelvin. ‘I think as the evening goes on that more and more riders will begin to make mistakes as the tension builds up even more than it has done up to now.’

‘Eric Langton is living up to his billing has one of the pre-meeting favorites,’ announced Nigel, ‘let’s hope he can maintain his form in his last two races.’

‘Jack Parker will be hoping to make amends for his uncharacteristic slip ups in his last race,’ said Kelvin. ‘But it’s not going to be easy with Van Praag off of gate one and Vic Duggan off gate three. Parker will be the meat in an Australian sandwich!!!’
‘No doubt accusing them off boxing him in if he doesn’t make the gate in this race too,’ chuckled Nigel Pearson.

Heat Ten
12 Red Lionel Van Praag
5 Blue Jack Parker
15 White Vic Duggan
2 Yellow Alec Statham

On the track:
If Parker was boxed in or not by Kitchen and Atkinson in his previous race – the British rider made no mistake from the gate this time – but Vic Duggan was right there with Parker – heading into the first bend

Duggan was going round Parker – exiting bend two – onto the back straight – Van Praag in the wars with Alec Statham – who suddenly realized he was in a world final – and making his way past Van Praag down the straight

Duggan was ahead of Parker entering bend three – turning hard into bend four – over cooking his slide – Parker shooting up the inside of the young Australian – entering the home straight – over the line into lap 2 – ahead of Duggan

Duggan relishing the battle – snapped at Parker’s heels through bends 1+2 (lap2) – emerging onto the back straight – level with Parker on the outside – Statham now a threat to both leading riders – with Van Praag suffering engine problems

Parker made is way into bend three (lap2) – Duggan probing underneath him – Statham poised mid track – with Van Praag lagging behind – looking as if his bike has given up the ghost

Parker exits bend four (lap2) – Duggan on the outside half a bike length behind Parker – with Statham probing under Parker – onto the home straight – into lap 3

Parker hangs onto the line – with grim determination entering bend one (lap3) – Duggan equally as determined follows the British rider through bend two (lap3) – pulling alongside Parker entering the back straight

This pressure galvanizes Parker – who finds the drive to thrust himself forward – entering the bend three (lap3) – with confidence – coming slightly off his line – exiting bend four (lap3) – giving Duggan a peevish push entering onto the home straight – Parker ahead over the line into lap 4

Statham takes advantage of Duggan’s momentary lack of control – pushing up the inside of the young Australian – who has also Van Praag to worry about – is bike having regained it’s potency – allowing the ex world champion to make up ground

Parker turns into bend one (lap4) – a bike length ahead of Statham – with Duggan wrestling his bike into the bend – picking up grip – shooting forward – in a straight line out of bend two (lap4) – making up ground on Parker

Parker – on his part – is aware there is someone buzzing closely by him – deducing it to be Duggan – Parker makes a hard solid turn into bend three (lap4) –holding tight to the line – turning adeptly into bend four (lap4)

Parker picks up the drive he anticipated – thrusting him forward out of the reach of Duggan – who is alongside Statham – with Van Praag right there with young Australian and the British rider

Parker crosses the line first - with Alec Statham getting the better of Duggan – who is distracted and unsettled - by the sudden realization that Van Praag isn’t the spent force many suspected the first world champion now to be

Duggan manages to hold off the senior Australian’s challenge - but is visibly distraught – after realizing he has just handed a precious point unnecessarily to Alec Statham

Jack Parker 3 – Alec Statham 2 – Vic Duggan 1 – Lionel Van Praag 0

‘Jack Parker was always in charge of that race,’ confirmed Nigel Pearson, ‘despite Vic Duggan’s obvious displeasure.’
‘I think it was inexperience of the big occasion that let Vic Duggan down there,’ said Kelvin, ‘he simply forgot about Van Praag.’

‘Do you think this is the first speedway example,’ pondered Nigel, ‘of what became the famous maxim ‘you write off ex world champions at your peril???’
‘I think this race might have had a different conclusion altogether,’ said Kelvin, ‘if Van Praag hadn’t have suffered mechanical gremlins in the first two laps of this race.’

‘It’s not the first time Van Praag has suffered mechanical problems in a world final,’ announced Nigel Pearson, ‘1937 being a really tough year for the Australian.’

‘Talking of the 1937 World Final,’ added Kelvin, ‘the next race pitches Bill Kitchen against the World Champion of that year Jack Milne and his brother Cordy Milne who really needs to win this one to stay on top of the leader board alongside Eric Langton.’

‘Will brother Jack help brother Cordy on his way to the 1939 world title,’ questioned Nigel, ‘and will Frank Varey offer his assistance to Bill Kitchen who really needs to win this one to remain in close contact with the leading pair overall?’

‘You never know in speedway,’ offered Kelvin, ‘sometimes sibling rivalry can rear its ugly head at quite the wrong moment. Perhaps Jack Milne has pretensions of being the first double world champion. It’s still a possibility no matter how remote!!!’

Heat Eleven
8 Red Jack Milne
9 Blue Bill Kitchen
3 White Frank Varey
14 Yellow Cordy Milne

On the track:
Frank Varey’s intention – thought out before the race – without collusion with Bill Kitchen – was to simply trap Cordy Milne between himself and the fence – problem was Cordy Milne was long gone – making a superb start out flanking - out thinking - out smarting Frank Varey

Bill Kitchen stole a march on Jack Milne – his brother making his way first into bend one – with Kitchen hot on his heels – making the turn out of bend two – Jack Milne abreast of Frank Varey out onto the back straight

Varey immediately decided – if he couldn’t mix it with one American brother – the other one would do – Kitchen perhaps better served taking two points – if he couldn’t manage to take all three

Kitchen had no intention of letting Cordy Milne gather in the harvest of points – followed the would be world champion – through bends 3 + 4 – out onto the home straight – sticking close to the American over the line into lap 2

Cordy Milne kept it tight turning through bends 1+2 (lap2) – Kitchen launching an assault on the outside of the American – down the back straight – Frank Varey managing to keep Jack Milne occupied for the moment two bike lengths behind the leaders

Cordy Milne hugged the line through bends 3+4 (lap2) – Kitchen remaining in close contact – loathe to make a move that might mean opening the door for Jack Milne – who was beginning to get the better of Frank Varey

Over the line into lap 3 – Cordy Milne remained in control of the race – Kitchen sitting over his shoulder – glancing behind him now and again – keeping his eye on the Milne behind him – as much as he had his eye on the one in front of him

Through bends 1+2 (lap3) the status quo remained the same – Kitchen feinting to go round Cordy Milne into bend three (lap3) – intending to cut back in – should Cordy Milne come off his line – the American failed to take the bait

Kitchen tucked in behind Cordy Milne exiting bend four (lap3) – it seeming more likely now the British rider was settling for second place – but the sudden realization Jack Milne was right behind him now – galvanizing Kitchen – as he crossed the line into lap 4

Cordy Milne drove confidently into bend one (lap4) – having glanced back – assessed the situation – realized his brother was making trouble for Kitchen – exited bend two (lap4) – still ahead – amazed to find Bill Kitchen drawing alongside him half way along the back straight

Cordy Milne made a nervous turn into bend three (lap4) – wobbling slightly making the turn into bend four (lap4) – the crowd was their feet – hoping for a last ditch winning effort from Kitchen

Kitchen powered out of the last bend – like a demon out of hell – some said because he was intent on catching Cordy Milne – in the opinion of others to get away from Jack Milne – now poised to overtake the British rider

Either way it was – Cordy Milne held off Bill Kitchen’s dramatic effort to snatch the three points – Kitchen managing to keep Jack Milne at bay – who only just crossed the line ahead of the revitalized Frank Varey.

Cordy Milne 3 – Bill Kitchen 2 – Jack Milne 1 – Frank Varey 0

‘That was hard luck on Bill Kitchen don’t you think Kelvin,’ asked Nigel Pearson?
‘That was a very interesting move in the game of speedway world championship chess,’ contemplated Kelvin. ‘It struck me the way Cordy Milne came out of the gate he was making an emphatic statement.’

‘That being,’ asked Nigel?
‘I want this World Championship,’ said Kelvin, ‘and here is proof positive I intend to make it mine if there ever was a doubt in anyone’s minds.’
‘This next race involves a number of riders who must have known they had little chance of being world champion tonight,’ said Nigel Pearson, ‘even before this meeting started!!!’

‘That’s the curse of the bonus system,’ emphasized Kelvin Tatum. ‘Some of the riders here tonight are giving Cordy Milne a four point start.’
‘A handicap I am sure they are going to find nigh impossible to over come,’ added Nigel.

‘Bluey Wilkinson should have been the first ever world champion in many peoples eyes,’ said Kelvin. ‘He would have been if scores on the night had been the only ones that counted. Wilkinson scored a fifteen point maximum in the inaugural 1936 World Final but because of the bonus points system only finished third on the night.’

‘But in the 1938 World Final the bonus points system worked in his favour,’ added Nigel Pearson, ‘because though he finished on fourteen points, on the night, the same number Jack Milne finished on, Wilkinson was World Champion because he had scored eight bonus points to Jack Milne’s seven points.’

‘Strangely enough,’ said Kelvin, ‘that’s the same position Eric Langton and Cordy Milne find themselves in tonight after their first three races. Though Eric Langton has scored nine points from his first three races and Cordy Milne has scored eight points from his first three races because of the bonus points both riders are level on sixteen points. Without the bonus points system Eric Langton would be ahead by one point going into the interval.’

‘Sometimes I think you have to be a mathematical genius to follow speedway,’ chuckled Nigel. ‘But I don’t think we need worry about the four riders in this race because whichever way you calculate the points none of these riders will be world champion tonight!!!’

Heat Twelve
13 Red Benny Kaufman
4 Blue Eric Collins
10 White Eric Chitty
7 Yellow Ron Johnson

On the track:
These four riders left the starting gate aiming to win the race – to make their total scores respectable – and to show those who organized the points scoring system – just exactly what sort of handicap they had to overcome – and how much this handicap detracted from the overall spectacle the World Speedway Final should be – if everyone started off the meeting on the same level.

Ron Johnson made the gate – powering to the first bend – over his three opponents followed closely by Eric Chitty – Collins leaned on Kaufman – all four riders turning into the first bend – Johnson ahead out of the second bend

Johnson was first into bend three – followed by Collins who had forced his way past Eric Chitty down the back straight – Kaufman tackling the Canadian – through bend four – out onto the home straight into lap 2

Johnson lead all the way through lap 2 – with Collins keeping in close contact with his compatriot – Kaufman passing Chitty who repassed the American exiting bend two (lap2)

Through lap 3 Johnson held off a number of attacks by Collins – Kaufman abreast of the Australian rider – crossing the line into lap 4 – Collins holding off Kaufman through bends 1+2 (lap4)

Johnson widened the gap between himself and his three rivals - down the back straight – Kaufman driving hard under Collins entering bend three (lap4) – Eric Chitty going wide round the boards – picking up the grip exiting bend four (lap4)

Johnson surged to the finishing line – comfortably ahead of Collins – who held off the American Kaufman – while Eric Chitty – a bike length behind Kaufman crossed the line in last place

Ron Johnson 3 – Eric Collins 2 – Benny Kaufman 1 – Eric Chitty 0

‘That was something of a lack lustre race Kelvin,’ said Nigel Pearson
‘That’s what you get,’ Kelvin replied, ‘when you have nothing to ride for in a race except your pride.’

‘It makes you wonder,’ pondered Pearson, ‘how these riders would have fared if they all had started without any bonus points to add on to their scores on the night.’
‘We shall never know,’ said Kelvin.
‘It’s interval time now,’ said Nigel, ‘so it’s back to the studio for reflections on the meeting so far from Keith, Chris and Steve Johnson.’

It was at this point that a loud wailing noise erupted around that stadium. Air raid sirens alerted the crowd to the possibility of an imminent German air attack. Immediately all lights in the stadium were turned off the nervous crowd fell silent.

Searchlights scanned the sky. The stadium announcer asked those in attendance to remain calm and indicated the possibility of an orderly evacuation of the stadium.

Everyone in the stadium remained in a state of suspended animation for at least twenty minutes. All eyes were trained on the sky above but there was no sign of enemy planes

There was a second wailing noise that rang round the stadium for a few minutes then eventually the stadium lights began to slowly come back on.

‘I am pleased to everyone here tonight that there won’t be an attack by enemy planes,’ said the stadium announcer. ‘The ‘All Clear’ siren has just been sounded after the stadium authorities have been informed that this was a false alarm.

Apparently new technology in use by the War Ministry and the Royal Air Force has confirmed there are no enemy warplanes in British skies tonight, thank God for that. More importantly as it is agreed there is no imminent danger of attack that this speedway meeting can carry on, thank God for that too.

As I am sure that everyone of us here, sometime in the distant future, would hate to think that the 1939 World Final had never taken place because of this war the German government has cursed us all with!!!’

‘I almost thought I was going to have to change my underwear there for a moment gentlemen,’ said an ashen Keith Huewen. ‘But fortunately all danger seems to have passed and the meeting will continue as there is no danger to public safety.

I think a lot of people would have hated to see this meeting abandoned at this point in the proceedings. But according to the information I have received the British Government have deemed it most important that this meeting proceed as further indication to the German military that nothing will prevent the British people from going about their everyday business no matter what the Nazis inflict on us.’

Keith paused to reflect on the gravity of the situation
‘So who’s going to win it gentlemen,’ said Keith finally, ‘Langton or Milne, Cordy that is?’

‘The world champion has to be one of four riders to my way of thinking,’ said Chris Louis, ‘Langton, Cordy Milne, Bill Kitchen and Wilbur Lamoreaux.
‘With Jack Parker, Arthur Atkinson and Jack Milne in there with an outside chance of taking the title,’ added Steve Johnson. ‘Though I am disappointed there are no Australian riders with enough points to cause a real upset.’

‘It’s a pity Bluey Wilkinson retired from riding to become a promoter,’ said Keith in sympathy, ‘I am sure he would be the one rider who would have relished riding in these high pressure conditions we all find ourselves in tonight.’

‘They might not be an Australian rider in a position to win the meeting,’ said Chris Louis, ‘but they are certainly in a position to dictate who will wear the world crown.’
‘That’s right Chris,’ said Keith, ‘both Ron Johnson and Lionel Van Praag are out in the next race. Cordy Milne will also have his hands full with one of the pre meeting favourites Arthur Atkinson, back to Kelvin and Nigel for heat thirteen.’

‘This one is destined to be a real cracker Keith,’ said Nigel Pearson. ‘We have
the two Australians Johnson and Van Praag up against Cordy Milne but it’s really important for Arthur Atkinson to but one over on the American. Can he do it Kelvin?’
‘We shall see Nigel,’ said Kelvin!!!

[Deleted]

Heat Thirteen
7 Red Ron Johnson
12 Blue Lionel Van Praag
14 White Cordy Milne
1 Yellow Arthur Atkinson

On the track:
The arrival of the four riders on the track – settled the nerves of the people in the packed stadium – grateful they could once more focus on a speedway meeting – and take their minds off their thoughts on the impending war.

Van Praag – Cordy Milne – Arthur Atkinson – left the starting gate in tandem with each other – Ron Johnson falling in behind the three leading riders – now making their turn into bend one

Cordy Milne emerged from bend two ahead – Arthur Atkinson hot on his trail – Van Praag closing the door on Johnson – coming up the inside entering the back straight

Cordy Milne – head down – tight to the line flew along the straight – turning smartly into bend three – Atkinson right behind him – making the turn through bend four – onto the home straight into lap 2

Cordy Milne made his way into bend one (lap2) – Atkinson probing under the American entering bend two (lap2) – Atkinson barges under Milne exiting the bend – taking the lead on the back straight – Milne breathes hard down the British riders neck

Atkinson makes his turn into bend three (lap2) – Milne over his shoulder – broadsides turns into bend four (lap2) – Milne shoots forward – gains the lead on Atkinson – as they cross the line into lap 3

Milne drives hard into bend one (lap3) – Atkinson drives under the American – forcing him off his line – Atkinson cuts back – on the apex of the corner – powers forward through bend two (lap3) – Milne closes the door on Atkinson

Milne is half a bike length ahead of Atkinson – down the back straight – pressing on into bend three (lap3) - Atkinson goes mid track – to shut out Van Praag – riding round the boards

Atkinson turns into bend four (lap3) – picks up dirt – thrusting forward onto the home straight – over the line into lap 4 – Milne maintains his lead – Atkinson holds off another attack by Van Praag entering the first bend (lap4)

Atkinson keeps tight to the line – entering bend two (lap4) – Milne drifting off his line – entering the back straight – holding off the determined Atkinson – the American presses on into bend three (lap4) – with Atkinson right behind him

Atkinson pushes hard under Milne – entering bend four (lap4) – pushing the American off his line – entering the home straight – Atkinson is ahead of Cordy Milne – as they drive to the line

Cordy Milne pushes his way past Atkinson – taking the checkered flag from the unfortunate British rider – who is half a wheel length behind the American race – Van Praag picking up third place – ahead of Ron Johnson

Cordy Milne 3 – Arthur Atkinson 2 – Lionel Van Praag 1 Ron Johnson 0

‘That must be the race of the night so far,’ said an excited Nigel Pearson.
‘You can’t fault either Arthur Atkinson or Cordy Milne for effort there,’ agreed Kelvin Tatum.

‘Cordy Milne has nineteen points to his name now Kelvin,’ said Nigel, ‘seems to me he is well on his way to becoming 1939 World Champion.
‘Eric Langton has to match Cordy Milne’s performance in that race,’ added Kelvin, ‘and if he does we have a last heat decider to determine the destiny of the world championship.’

‘Langton will have his work cut out in the next race,’ announced Nigel. ‘He is up against two American riders in this one. One of whom just happens to be Cordy Milne’s brother Jack!!!’

Heat Fourteen
2 Red Alec Statham
13 Blue Benny Kaufman
8 White Jack Milne
11 Yellow Eric Langton

On the track:
On leaving the tapes – Jack Milne held Eric Langton tight against the fence – Milne cutting down to the line – turning through bend one – sweeping over the top of Benny Kaufman – who had leaned on Alec Statham – all the way to the first bend

Eric Langton turned hard on the apex of the corner – picked up the grip he needed – shooting forward out of bend two – passing Jack Milne – as all four riders entered the back straight – Langton opening up the throttle – racing off down the straight

Langton turned into bend three – Milne locked in behind him – pushing under the English rider – buffeting Langton all the way through bend four – Langton hung on to his lead onto the home straight into lap 2

Milne pushed his way past Langton – heading into bend one (lap2) on the line – Langton riding mid track – turning into bend two (lap2) – powering onto the back straight – picking up grip – Milne holding his lead down the straight

Langton drove hard under Milne – entering bend three (lap2) – the American refusing to be moved off his line – Langton persisting through bend four (lap2) – pushing the American onto the home straight over the line into lap 3

Langton pressed the issue down the home straight – getting under Milne entering bend one (lap3) – emerging in front of the American – exiting bend two (lap3) – the American in pursuit – down the back straight

Langton makes it to bend three (lap3) – Milne right there with the British rider – now turning through the bend – glued to the line – entering bend four (lap3) – Milne driving under Langton – Langton clamping down on Milne

Over the line into lap 4 – Langton holds off the persistent pressure of Jack Milne – the British rider making a controlled turn into bend one (lap4) – Milne turning mid track – powering forward – under Langton entering bend two (lap4)

Milne picking up the grip – pushing forward – half a bike length ahead of Langton – along the back straight – Langton pushing at the American entering bend three (lap4) – driving under Milne – the American resisting the British rider’s attack

Langton pushes harder turning into bend four (lap4) – committed now to forcing Jack Milne to give way – but the American refuses to budge – then drifts mid track – thrusting forward to the line

Langton makes one last determined drive towards the line – crossing the line half a wheel length behind the 1937 world champion – Benny Kaufman a close third

Jack Milne 3 – Eric Langton 2 – Benny Kaufman 1 – Alec Statham 0

‘Jack Milne did Cordy Milne a great big favour in that race,’ deduced Nigel Pearson.
‘Eric Langton’s not out of it yet though,’ observed Kelvin Tatum, ‘it’s all on the last race now that’s for sure. Eric Langton has to beat Cordy Milne to force a run off at the very least.’
‘Then he has to beat him a second time in that run off,’ calculated Nigel.

‘And if he does that,’ sighed Kelvin, ‘then there is no doubt Eric Langton would be a worthy world champion having beaten Cordy Milne twice and starting a bonus point behind the American.’
‘But there is a lot more points scoring to take place before then,’ said Nigel. ‘It’s in the interests of the main contenders behind Milne and Langton to keep on scoring points in case both Langton and Cordy Milne slip up in heat twenty!!!’

Heat Fifteen
16 Red Aub Lawson
3 Blue Frank Varey
10 White Eric Chitty
5 Yellow Jack Parker

On the track:
Jack Parker never overcame the handicap of being a full three bonus points behind Cordy Milne – and two bonus points in arrears of Eric Langton – which perhaps played on his mind – the reason he followed Frank Varey into bend one

Aub Lawson tried to baulk the wily old campaigner – Parker leaned on the young Australian entering bend two – causing Lawson to shut off momentarily – leaving Parker to chase off after Frank Varey down the back straight

Parker stalked Varey through bends 3+4 – picking up grip entering the home straight – Varey driving over the line into lap2 – without a care in the world – Parker pushing him all the way through bends 1+2 (lap2) – Varey entering the back straight – still ahead of Jack Parker

Aub Lawson drove under Jack Parker – on the turn into bend three (lap2) – Parker emphatically closing the door on the young Australian – Varey has the time to turn through bend four (lap2) – onto the home straight – into lap 3

Varey drives smoothly into bend one (lap3) – Parker turning on the apex of the corner – picking up grip – driving forward out of bend two (lap3) – onto the back straight – Parker finally getting ahead of Varey – on the approach to bend three (lap3)

Turning into the bend – Parker cuts into the line – turning through bend four(lap3) – out onto the home straight – crossing the line into lap four – Varey picking up grip – passing Parker – then turning into bend one (lap4) – Parker driving under Varey

Both riders locked together – exiting bend two (lap4) – Varey maintaining his lead over Parker – down the back straight – Parker opening the throttle wide – pressures Varey – entering bend three (lap4)

Frank Varey keeps tight to the line – turning into bend four (lap4) – Parker still pushing hard – intending to dislodge Varey’s hold on the line – both riders tied together entering the home straight

Varey holds the lead position – as both riders press forward full throttle – determined to get there before the other rider – with a frustrated Jack Parker unable to peg back Varey – and only just holding off a last determined effort from Aub Lawson

Frank Varey 3 – Jack Parker 2 – Aub Lawson 1 – Eric Chitty 0

‘I think that developed into something of a grudge match,’ chortled Kelvin Tatum.
‘Strange it is,’ observed Nigel Pearson, ‘how sometimes it is the most hard fought races in a world final are battled out between riders who are no longer in real contention for the world championship title.’

‘Strange indeed,’ confirmed Kelvin Tatum, ‘but there is no doubting that both Bill Kitchen and Wilbur Lamoreaux are in contention for at least a place on the podium if not the championship itself!!!’

Heat Sixteen
9 Red Bill Kitchen
6 Blue Wilbur Lamoreaux
4 White Eric Collins
15 Yellow Vic Duggan

On the track:
There was no denying Wilbur Lamoreaux’s determination to be on the podium – making the gate from Bill Kitchen and Eric Collins – with Vic Duggan riding smartly round the boards – to cut inside turning through bend one

Duggan rode inside of Kitchen and Collins – exiting bend two – falling in behind Lamoreaux – entering onto the back straight – with the two British riders – giving chase to Lamoreaus and Duggan – the American turning into bend three – with Duggan tucked in neatly behind him

Kitchen desperate to make up ground picked up drive – exiting bend four – thrusting forward onto the home straight – Duggan holding of Kitchen’s determined effort to pass – as the riders cross the line into lap 2

Lamoreaux progresses into bend one (lap2) – Duggan keeping tight behind the American – Kitchen pressing the young Australian – exiting bend two (lap2) – entering the home straight – Kitchen turns on the heat

Duggan blocks Kitchen’s attempt to go round him – through bends 3+4 (lap2) – the Australian ahead onto the home straight – Kitchen picks up more grip – crossing the line into lap 3 – the momentum carrying him past Duggan

Kitchen dives to the line – entering bend one (lap3) – a bike length behind Lamoreaux – cutting in hard – picking up the drive – bringing the British rider into contact with the American – exiting bend two (lap3)

Kitchen and Lamoreaux are neck and neck - entering the back straight – with the ever-present threat of Vic Duggan – there for both riders to reckon with – as they make their way into bend three (lap3)

Kitchen adheres to the line – through bend three – Lamoreaux making his turn – picks up drive – shooting forward – through the apex of the turn – the American half a bike length ahead of Kitchen – across the line into lap 4

Vic Duggan is preoccupied with Eric Collins – who is aware of Bill Kitchen’s position in the meeting – managing now to cause the young Australian problems – while Lamoreaux heads Bill Kitchen into bend one (lap4)

The British rider – charges under Lamoreaux – turning through bend two (lap4) – thrusting forward onto the back straight – Kitchen drawing ahead of the American –Lamoreaux blocking a move by Duggan – trying to come under the American
Kitchen turns into bend three (lap4) – Lamoreaux tight on the line behind him – Duggan mid track – looking for drive – turning on the apex of the corner

Kitchen emerges from bend four (lap4) – Lamoreaux right alongside him – nosing ahead of the British rider – thrusting to the line – Duggan pushing his way forward – Kitchen head down lunges forward

Lamoreaux crosses the line – followed closely by Bill Kitchen – a wheel length ahead of Vic Duggan – Eric Collins a yard behind the Australian

Wilbur Lamoreaux 3 – Bill Kitchen 2 – Vic Duggan 1 – Eric Collins 0

‘The Americans have no intention of giving an inch to anyone here tonight Kelvin,’ deduced Nigel Pearson.
‘That’s for sure,’ responded Nigel. ‘The 1939 World Speedway Final is that much clearer now though I think Kelvin,’ decided Nigel. ‘Wilbur Lamoreaux could end up on twenty points and so could Eric Langton and Cordy Milne if the winds of speedway fate should blow in that direction. What do you guys in the studio make of all this???’

‘Heats nineteen and twenty are the races we are all waiting for here in the studio,’ confirmed Keith Huewen. ‘If Wilbur Lamoreaux wins heat 19 then he has to hope that Eric Langton comes in second in heat 20 and Cordy Milne comes in third, then he is in with a chance of a run off for the world championship.’

‘There’s a lot of ifs and buts in there though,’ said Chris Louis. ‘From where I am sitting it looks to me as it’s going to be a straight fight between Eric Langton and Cordy Milne in heat 20. I don’t think either of those riders will be thinking of finishing in anything but first place in that race.’

‘I agree with that,’ said Steve Johnson. ‘As we know you can drop a point or two early on in the meeting and things can still go your way. But when it comes to the last race of the night in the end it’s all or nothing. Like Chris says neither Langton nor Cordy Milne will be thinking of giving Wilbur Lamoreaux an extra bite at the cherry.’

‘In other words what you’re saying,’ confirmed Keith Huewen, ‘is that Langton and Cordy Milne have no intention of handing the world title to Wilbur Lamoreaux?’
‘Something like that,’ chuckled Steve Johnson and Chris Louis in harmony.
‘Your man Vic Duggan hasn’t done too badly at all here tonight,’ said Keith.

‘He’s certainly one for the future,’ said Steve Johnson, ‘who knows how far he can go in the sport.’ Johnson paused, ‘but of course this war that’s just broken out is going to affect the future of everyone of us before it’s done. My belief is though, in the natural order of things that both Vic Duggan and Aub Lawson have what it takes to become world champions.’

‘There is a further test of Vic Duggan’s racing abilities coming up in the next race,’ said Keith, ‘as he is up against Jack Milne the 1937 world champion and the consummate skills of the prolific 1939 points scorer Arthur Atkinson. Back to Kelvin and Nigel.’

‘I don’t think either Arthur Atkinson or Jack Milne will be anymore inclined to give points away to Vic Duggan,’ said Nigel Pearson, ‘than Jack’s brother Cordy Milne or Eric Langton are inclined to give points away to Wilbur Lamoreaux.’
‘That’s right Nigel,’ said Kelvin, ‘as both Jack Milne and Arthur Atkinson have an outside chance of a rostrum place themselves!!!’

[Deleted]

Heat Seventeen
1 Red Arthur Atkinson
8 Blue Jack Milne
15 White Vic Duggan
10 Yellow Eric Chitty

On the track:
Jack Milne confirmed his desire to finish as high as possible on the score chart – flying from the gate in a controlled start – leaning hard on Atkinson – as the American powered towards the first bend – elbowing off a concentrated attack by Vic Duggan

Milne turned through the second bend – out onto the back straight – Vic Duggan drawing ahead of Arthur Atkinson – in pursuit of the 1937 world champion – Atkinson refusing to be cowed – drove relentlessly down the straight

Milne made his the turn into bend three – Duggan diving under the American – Atkinson mid track – turning into bend four – thrusting forward out onto the straight – in hot pursuit of Duggan and Jack Milne – crossing the line into lap 2

Duggan manages to hold off Atkinson’s attack – down the home straight – Jack Milne turning through bends 1+2(lap2) – entering the back straight – Atkinson finding grip – driving forward – Duggan blocking the British rider’s charge under him – entering bend three (lap2)

Atkinson applies more pressure – turning into bend four (lap2) – turning in sharply – driving forward mid track – onto the home straight into lap 3 - Duggan once again holding off Atkinson’s attempt to get by him

Milne making his way into bend one (lap3) – a bike length ahead of Duggan – who still holds back Atkinson – now making the turn into bend two (lap3) – entering onto the back straight – Atkinson finds the grip – shoots past Duggan

Milne turns into bend three (lap3) – Atkinson right behind him on the line – pressing the American – entering bend four (lap 3) – Atkinson pushing under Milne – exiting the last bend – pushing forward onto the home straight into lap 4

Milne holds off Atkinson’s determined attack – the British rider forced to fend off another drive by him by Vic Duggan – Atkinson foiling the young Australian’s attempt to over take

Jack Milne is driving smoothly into bend one (lap4) – Atkinson able to mix it with the American – turning into bend two (lap4 – locked together with the American – entering the back straight

Milne holds onto his lead down the straight – heading into bend three (lap4) – Atkinson pushing under the American – Milne keeping tight to the line – Atkinson forcing the pace – Milne just as determined – holds on through bend four (lap 4)

Entering the home straight – Milne drives towards the line – Atkinson with Vic Duggan almost on level terms – presses on towards the finish – picking up extra traction – passes Milne on the line – the American holding off the impetuous Duggan to take second place

Arthur Atkinson 3 – Jack Milne 2 – Vic Duggan 1 – Eric Chitty 0

‘Arthur Atkinson’s persistence certainly paid off in that one Kelvin,’ said Nigel.
‘It was a hard fought race,’ agreed Kelvin, ‘Vic Duggan gave both Arthur Atkinson and Jack Milne a run for their money.’

‘That other up and coming Australian Aub Lawson will want to show that he’s got every bit as much potential as Vic Duggan’s in this next race,’ said Nigel.
‘Lawson has Bill Kitchen to contend with in this one,’ said Kelvin, ‘not to mention Alec Statham and Ron Johnson!!!’

Heat Eighteen
9 Red Bill Kitchen
2 Blue Alec Statham
7 White Ron Johnson
16 Yellow Aub Lawson

On the track:
Bill Kitchen knew how vital the three points on offer were going to be to him in this race – making the gate – alongside Alec Statham who ‘conveniently drifted right – slightly baulking the drive forward of Ron Johnson – who pressed Aub Lawson up against the fence – the young Australian shutting off – cutting back in

Kitchen turned through bends 1+2 – Lawson driving down to the line – splitting the Statham – Johnson pairing – entering the back straight – Kitchen blasting off down the track – turning smoothly through bends 3+4

Kitchen extended his lead – on the home straight – Lawson crossing the line into lap 2 – ahead of Johnson and Statham – locked together – entering bend one (lap2)

Bill Kitchen exited bend two (lap2) – comfortably pressing forward down the back straight – Lawson following in his train – unable to make up ground on the British rider

Statham got the better of Ron Johnson – exiting bend three (lap2) – Lawson exiting bend four (lap2) – two bike lengths behind Kitchen – powering forward over the line into lap 3
Bill Kitchen made his way through bends 1+2 (lap3) – emerging onto the back straight – Aub Lawson getting the bit between his teeth – picked up grip – driving forward – making up ground – pushing under Kitchen entering bend three (lap3)

Kitchen clamped himself to the line – through bend four (lap3) – refusing to give way to the Australian – picking up drive down the home straight – pulling away from Lawson – over the line into lap 4

Lawson found Alec Statham coming under him – entering bend one (lap4) – Kitchen exiting bend two (lap4) – clear of the Australian – fighting hard to hang onto his second place – Ron Johnson coming round the outside of Lawson – entering the back straight

Bill Kitchen – head down – making a controlled turn into bend three (lap4) – making no mistakes – turning through bend four (lap4) – pressing forward to the line – taking the checkered flag from Lawson – a good 10 yards behind

Bill Kitchen 3 – Aub Lawson 2 – Alec Statham 1 – Ron Johnson 0

‘A fine win for Bill Kitchen Kelvin,’ observed Nigel Pearson.
‘Very much so,’ said Kelvin Tatum. ‘Kitchen was in control of that race from start to finish.’
‘And as the meeting stands at this moment in time,’ added Nigel Pearson, ‘that result puts Kitchen level on points overall with Cordy Milne.’

‘Pity it’s not going to stay that way world championship winning wise,’ chuckled Kelvin, ‘or it would be Bill Kitchen in a run off for the world title. I don’t doubt either that Wilbur Lamoreaux will want to win this next race ensuring he finishes ahead of Kitchen.’
‘But Lamoreaux has the fiery Frank Varey to contend with,’ said Nigel, ‘and with Lionel Van Praag in there too it won’t be an easy race for either of the two Americans in heat nineteen.’

Heat Nineteen
3 Red Frank Varey
12 Blue Lionel Van Praag
13 White Benny Kaufman
6 Yellow Wilbur Lamoreaux

On the track:
Wilbur Lamoreaux left the tapes – Benny Kaufman didn’t get in his compatriot’s way – he did lean on Lionel Van Praag – who was having none of it – Frank Varey met Lamoreaux – as both riders made their way into bend one

Varey held tight to the line – entering bend one – Lamoreaux tight over his shoulder – entering bend two – Lamoreaux slid ahead of Varey – on the back straight – Varey holding off an attack by Lionel Van Praag – along the straight

Lamoreaux kept to the line – turning into bend three – Varey pushing under the American – Lamoreaux not giving way – turning into bend four – Varey still pushing his way through – onto the home straight – into lap 2

Frank Varey picked up grip down the straight – passing Lamoreaux on the outside – cutting sharp back to the line – entering bend one (lap2) – making a tight turn into bend two (lap2) – with Lamoreaux over his right shoulder onto the back straight

Varey held off the American – all the way to bend three (lap2) – Lamoreaux this time driving under Varey – both making the turn into bend four (lap 4) – emerging onto the home straight – Varey blocking the American’s surge forward

Over the line into lap 3 – Lamoreaux finds Van Praag driving under him – the American baulking the Australian’s advance – Varey making his turn into bend one (lap3) – driving through bend two (lap3) – Lamoreaux picking up drive – shooting out of the second bend – Varey outpacing the American – down the back straight

Lamoreaux pushed Varey through bend three (lap3) – the British rider staying on the white line – Lamoreaux pushed again turning into bend four (lap3) – driving hard under Varey – as both riders picked up drive on the home straight

Varey held off the determined Lamoreaux – when crossing the line into lap 4 – the American once more pushing under Varey – entering bend one (lap4) – Varey holding on – Lamoreaux pushing again – through bend two (lap4) – into the back straight – the American picks up grip – thrusting him forward past Varey

Lamoreaux is cutting to the line – entering bend three (lap4) – Varey broadsiding through the turn – Van Praag cutting in on the line – Varey sliding through bend four (lap4) – driving out onto the home straight – pushing level with Lamoreaux

The British and American – were neck and neck – driving hard to the line – Van Praag half a bike length behind the leaders – Lamoreaux taking the checkered flag – from Frank Varey – who just manages to hold off Lionel Van Praag

Wilbur Lamoreaux 3 – Frank Varey 2 - Lionel Van Praag 1 – Benny Kaufman 0

Frank Varey just couldn’t do it for Bill Kitchen,’ said Nigel Pearson. ‘He couldn’t do it for Eric Langton and he couldn’t do it for Great Britain. It’s simply down to Eric Langton to do it for all of us.’

‘It’s all on the last race,’ said Kelvin, ‘as we all expected it might be. I know I wouldn’t want it any other way. But the tension in the pits must be at boiling point by now.’

‘Is Eric Langton the man to win the world title for Great Britain, do you think Kelvin,’ asked Nigel Pearson? ‘Is he the type of rider that can out think the consistent American competitor?’

‘Remember one thing Nigel,’ cautioned Kelvin, ‘it doesn’t matter how consistent Cordy Milne has been in the previous three world finals. He has never been in this position before where he is four laps away from being world champion.’

‘In fact Kelvin,’ continued Nigel, ‘if you look at the finishing position of Cordy Milne in the last three world finals, he was going backwards rather than forwards.’

‘But it’s forwards again tonight Nigel,’ Kelvin responded. ‘So the question is can Cordy Milne take that quantum leap and take the world title or will Great Britain have it’s first world champion? Is Eric Langton the man who can carry the speedway torch through the dark days we all know are destined to come to the British people???’

‘Or will Wilbur Lamoreaux get that second bite of the cherry,’ asked Nigel?
‘I think Lamoreaux will have to rely on Jack Parker and Eric Collins doing Cordy Milne and Eric Langton a great disfavour for that to happen,’ chuckled Kelvin.

Heat 20
5 Red Jack Parker
14 Blue Cordy Milne
11 White Eric Langton
4 Yellow Eric Collins

On the track:
All roads led to this moment – Jack Milne was in deep conversation – in the pits – talking to his brother – Eric Langton was impassive – sat on his bike – talking to no one – contemplative – lost in thought - aware of the magnitude of the moment

Eventually all four riders made their way onto the track – slowly riding round to the starting gate – taking their time to prepare for the race – there was an eerie
silence around Wembley Stadium

Some people suggested it was the ever present threat of a German air raid – others thought it was because people knew – this would be the last sporting occasion of this importance to take place till the result of that other contest – World War Two – would be decided

Then the tapes went up – and it was Jack Parker first from the tapes – elbowing Cordy Milne out of his way – Milne baulking Eric Langton – Eric Collins passing Langton – on the way to the first bend

Through bend two – Jack Parker was ahead of Cordy Milne – Langton driving under Collins – as the riders entered the back straight – Parker was in no mood to give way to Cordy Milne – outpacing the American down the back straight

Parker turned into bend three – Milne right behind him on the line – Langton poised mid track – waiting patiently for the way through – to open up before him – Milne not inclined to leave the door open for Langton

Parker drove through bend four – onto the home straight – into lap 2 – Milne tucked in tight behind him – Langton over Milne’s right shoulder – as they passed through bends 1+2 (lap2) – onto the back straight

Jack Parker made no mistakes riding through bends 3+4 (lap2) – Cordy Milne remained on Parker’s back wheel – down the home straight into lap 3 – the spectators in the crowd getting more and more vocal – at every turn of the riders wheels

Parker rode on is way – into bend one (lap3) – turning smoothly through the apex of the corner – exiting bend two (lap3) – still ahead of the American and his fellow British rider – Parker’s greatest rival

Out on to the back straight – Parker proceeded on his way – Cordy Milne obviously content to follow Parker – full in the knowledge – second place in this last heat – was sufficient to give him the world championship – just has it had done Blue Wilkinson the year before.

The year before – when if Cordy Milne had hung on to second place – in the fateful heat nineteen – his brother Jack would have been the first world champion to win consecutive world championships – but he couldn’t hold on and he didn’t hold on

Blue Wilkinson had somehow found his way past Cordy Milne – to wrestle the world championship from brother Jack Milne and take it for himself – giving Australia her second world champion – but tonight – Cordy Milne intended being – America’s second world champion

Last in that race – heat nineteen of the 1938 Individual World Speedway Championship – was a certain gentleman called – Jack Parker – and it was Parker who led the quartet of riders into bend three (lap3)

Parker turned neatly into bend four (lap3) – catapulting down the home straight – over the line into lap 4 – Cordy Milne still glued to Parker’s rear wheel – fully aware Eric Langton was still a potent threat

Eric Langton followed Parker and Cordy Milne – through bend 1+2 (lap4) – Eric Langton – the first Englishman to win the Star National Speedway Championship Final in 1932 – a consistent performer – runner up in 1934 – fourth in 1935

Parker raced down the back straight - Star National Speedway Championship Final winner in 1934 – Eric Langton’s nemesis that night

Jack Parker - Eric Langton’s greatest rival – made a smooth turn into bend three (lap4) – followed closely by Cordy Milne – the brother who cost the brother – a second world championship

Jack Parker – of who some said - was the greatest speedway rider - Great Britain had ever produced – turned gracefully into bend four (lap4) – followed by Cordy Milne Cordy Milne - the American rider – fourth in the first World Final 1936 – third in the second World Final 1937 – fifth equal with Bill Kitchen – in the 1938 World Final

Cordy Milne straightened up – exiting bend four (lap4) – Eric Langton – drove under the American – entering the home straight
Eric Langton – who had found himself – in a run off – to be the first ever World Speedway Champion – with Lionel Van Praag – back in 1936

Eric Langton – who broke the tapes – who was allowed to take part in the run off – non the less – beaten by Van Praag – a disconsolate dejected runner up
Eric Langton waited for his moment – picked up traction – from a rich seam of dirt – that propelled him forward – on the inside of Cordy Milne - each rider giving their all – driving forward to the line – Jack Parker saluting the crowd – taking the flag

‘Langton’s got himself a run off for the 1939 World Championship,’ Kelvin Tatum yelled down the microphone.
Wilbur Lamoreaux was seen – biting hard on his knuckles in the pits – a wry smile on his face – as Eric Langton shook hands with Cordy Milne – as both riders made their way off the track

Jack Parker 3 – Eric Langton 2 – Cordy Milne 1 – Eric Collins 0

‘So has Wilbur Lamoreaux,’ enthused Nigel Pearson!!!

‘Does that mean we have already written Cordy Milne off gentlemen,’ asked Keith Huewen of all those who surrounded him? ‘After all, discounting the bonus points he scored Cordy Milne has actually finished in third place tonight behind Eric Langton and Wilbur Lamoreaux!!!’

‘I don’t think we can write any one of these three riders off,’ advised Chris Louis.
‘I don’t think there is anything to choose between them,’ confirmed Steve Johnson.
‘Eric Langton bottled it once before,’ announced Keith Huewen. ‘Has he got it in him to out think, out pace and outwit these two Americans both of whom are pretty consistent high scoring world championship performers???’

In inordinate length of time passed – before some wag in the restless crowd – shouted out – ‘hurry up don’t you know there’s a bleedin’ war on???’ – a sudden declaration – that – at least – galvanised three determined warriors – to finally make their way onto Wembley Stadium speedway circuit

Eric Langton won the toss of the coin – against Wilbur Lamoreaux – and chose to ride off of gate one – full in the knowledge – by scoring thirteen points on the night – he had almost won the 1936 World Speedway Championship

Once again Eric Langton had thirteen points to his name – and a second chance to run off for the right to be called World Champion
Just as Blue Wilkinson had in effect won the World Championship in 1936 – and made it count in 1938

But Eric Langton didn’t have two years to wait – his chance might never come again
Nor would Wilbur Lamoreaux’s – for ten long years – who chose to take gate two
Neither would Cordy Milne chance come again – he chose gate three
All three riders were composed at the gate – each one of them knew full well what was at stake

THE 1939 INDIVIDUAL WORLD SPEEDWAY CHAMPIONSHIP

The tapes rose dramatically – the rider in white – exiting the tapes ahead of his two rivals – Cordy Milne – powered towards the first bend – Eric Langton and Wilbur Lamoreaux locked together – into bend one – turning through into bend two

Eric Langton surging forward onto the – back straight – driving past Cordy Milne – who closes the door - on the determined charge through – of Wilbur Lamoreaux

Langton turns into bend three – Cordy Milne driving under the British rider – who remains clamped to the line – turning into bend four – Milne pressing his case – pushing under the British rider – Lamoreaux riding round the boards

Langton enters the home straight – with Cordy Milne powering forward – Lamoreaux picking up drive – Langton outpacing Milne down the straight – Lamoreaux driving past Cordy Milne

Langton turns into bend one (lap2) – glances over his shoulder – realises his immediate adversary is no longer Cordy Milne – holds to the line – turning into bend two (lap2) – Lamoreaux pushing under the British rider – entering the back straight

Langton give chase to the American – but Cordy Milne is coming under Langton – entering bend three (lap2) – pushing the British rider off his line – entering bend four (lap2) – Langton turning in – shooting forward – onto the home straight

Cordy Milne hold off Langton’s determined drive past him – on the line into lap3 –
Langton pressuring Milne into bend one (lap3) – Lamoreaux turning into bend two (lap 3) – Langton going wide – picking up drive – entering the back straight – thrusting forward

The momentum gathered carries Langton past Cordy Milne – the British rider turning in – diving under Lamoreaux entering bend three (lap3) – pushing the American off the line – Langton turning into bend four (lap3) – in front – onto the home straight

Langton – as if pursued by a squadron of German fighter planes – turns into bend one (lap4) – followed closely by Cordy Milne – who passed by the unsettled Lamoreaux – on the home straight – Langton glances back

Cordy Milne looks instinctively – momentarily - into the eyes of the British rider – Langton keeping tight to his line – Milne driving under him – Lamoreaux on the high line – looking for grip – as Langton did the previous lap – entering bend two (lap4)

Langton emerges onto the back straight – Cordy Milne right behind him on the line – boxed in by Wilbur Lamoreaux – the British rider makes the turn into bend three (lap4) – Cordy Milne still pushing him – Lamoreaux mid track – turning in

Exiting bend four (lap4) – Langton is ahead – Lamoreaux and Cordy Milne press forward – drawing level with Langton – it is this last dash for the line – that will determine all

The three riders now – give everything they have – the crowd gasp – Eric Langton’s front wheel crosses the line – inches ahead of Wilbur Lamoreaux – Cordy Milne just losing out in the last yard – before the chequered flag

First – Eric Langton – Second - Wilbur Lamoreaux – Third - Cordy Milne

There was a stunned silence – Eric Langton drifted slowly round the track – Cordy Milne and Wilbur Lamoreaux – offered congratulations to England’s first world champion – not a sound was heard in the stadium

It was like a silent movie – a dream unfolding into reality – screams of elation filled the air – to some it was an omen – a sign of things to come – no one had expected Eric Langton to win this world championship – not now not ever

There were those who insisted Arthur Atkinson – was the most favoured English rider to win this meeting
Some said it really ought to have been Bill Kitchen – most would have preferred it to have been the golden boy of British Speedway Jack Parker – indeed it was Parker who told one and all in the pits – and the journalists who interviewed him.

‘Well you know it was me who won it for Langton,’ smiled Jack ruefully, ‘If I hadn’t have won heat twenty Cordy Milne might be the one talking to you right now not me. But good luck to Eric you will never hear me say other than Langton’s a great rider and fully deserving of the title of World Champion.’

But it wasn’t Jack Parker – who won the 1939 World Speedway Final – it was Eric Langton – who had finally put behind him – the disappointment of runner up – in 1936 to emerge from a second run off for the world championship as victor.

There were those who said it was the defiant triumphant look – on Eric Langton’s face – as he received the World Championship trophy – off His Majesty King George the Sixth – that inspired the British people – through the dark days of World War Two

[Deleted]

Racing Order plus scores

1. Arthur Atkinson (England) 6 + 3 = 9 + 2 = 11 + 1 = 12 + 2 = 14 + 3 = 17
2. Alec Statham (England) 5 + 1 = 6 + 0 = 6 + 2 = 8 + 0 = 8 + 1 = 9
3. Frank Varey (England) 4 + 2 = 6 + 2 = 8 + 0 = 8 + 3 = 11 + 2 = 13
4. Eric Collins (Australia) 4 + 0 = 4 + 0 = 4 + 2 = 6 + 0 = 6 + 0 = 6
5. Jack Parker (England) 5 + 3 = 8 + 1 = 9 + 3 = 12 + 2 = 14 + 3 = 17
6. Wilbur Lamoreaux (USA) 7 + 2 = 9 + 3 = 12 + 2 = 14 + 3 = 17 + 3 = 20
7. Ron Johnson (Australia) 5 + 0 = 5 + 0 = 5 + 3 = 8 + 0 = 8 + 0 = 8
8. Jack Milne (USA) 6 + 1 = 7 + 3 = 10 + 1 = 11 + 3 = 14 + 2 = 16
9. Bill Kitchen (England) 7 + 2 = 9 + 3 = 12 + 2 = 14 + 2 = 16 + 3 = 19
10. Eric Chitty (Canada) 5 + 0 = 5 + 1 = 6 + 0 = 6 + 0 = 6 + 0 = 6
11. Eric Langton (England) 7 + 3 = 10 + 3 = 13 + 3 = 16 + 2 = 18 + 2 = 20
12. Lionel Van Praag (Australia) 6 + 1 = 7 + 2 = 9 + 0 = 9 + 1 = 10 + 1 = 11
13. Benny Kaufman (USA) 5 + 1 = 6 + 0 = 6 + 1 = 7 + 1 = 8 + 0 = 8
14. Cordy Milne (USA) 8 + 3 = 11 + 2 = 13 + 3 = 16 + 3 = 19 + 1 = 20
15. Vic Duggan (Australia) 6 + 2 = 8 + 1 = 9 + 1 = 10 + 1 = 11 + 1 = 12
16. Aub Lawson (Australia) 4 + 0 = 4 + 1 = 5 + 0 = 5 + 1 = 6 + 2 = 8
Res Malcolm Craven (England)
Res Frank Goulden (England)

1. Arthur Atkinson 3/2/1/2/3 = 11 + 6 = 17 = 5th
2. Alec Statham 1/0/2/0/1 = 4 + 5 = 9 11th
3. Frank Varey 2/2/0/3/2 = 9 + 4 = 13 = 8th
4. Eric Collins 0/0/2/0/0 = 2 + 4 = 6 = 15th
5. Jack Parker 3/1/3/2/3 = 12 + 5 = 17 = 5th
6. Wilbur Lamoreaux 2/3/2/3/3 = 13 + 7 = 20 = 2nd
7. Ron Johnson 0/0/3/0/0 = 3 + 5 = 8 = 12th
8. Jack Milne 1/3/1/3/2 = 10 + 6 = 16 = 7th
9. Bill Kitchen 2/3/2/2/3 = 12 + 7 = 19 = 4th
10. Eric Chitty 0/1/0/0/0 = 1 + 5 = 6 = 15th
11. Eric Langton 3/3/3/2/2 = 13 + 7 = 20 = 1st
12. Lionel Van Praag 1/2/0/1/1 = 6 + 5 = 11 = 10th
13. Cordy Milne 3/2/3/3/1 = 12 + 8 = 20 = 3rd
14. Benny Kaufman 1/0/1/1/0 = 3 + 5 = 8 = 12th
15. Vic Duggan 2/1/1/1/1 = 6 + 6 = 12 = 9th
16. Aub Lawson 0/1/0/1/2 = 4 + 4 = 8 = 12th


1. Eric Langton 3/3/3/2/2 = 13 + 7 = 20
2. Wilbur Lamoreaux 2/3/2/3/3 = 13 + 7 = 20
3. Cordy Milne 3/2/3/3/1 = 12 + 8 = 20
4. Bill Kitchen 2/3/2/2/3 = 12 + 7 = 19
5. Jack Parker 3/1/3/2/3 = 12 + 5 = 17
Arthur Atkinson 3/2/1/2/3 = 11 + 6 = 17
7. Jack Milne 1/3/1/3/2 = 10 + 6 = 16
8. Frank Varey 2/2/0/3/2 = 9 + 4 = 13
9. Vic Duggan 2/1/1/1/1 = 6 + 6 = 12
10. Lionel Van Praag 1/2/0/1/1 = 6 + 5 = 11
11. Alec Statham 1/0/2/0/1 = 4 + 5 = 9
12. Ron Johnson 0/0/3/0/0 = 3 + 5 = 8
Benny Kaufman 1/0/1/1/0 = 3 + 5 = 8
Aub Lawson 0/1/0/1/2 = 4 + 4 = 8
15. Eric Chitty 0/1/0/0/0 = 1 + 5 = 6
Eric Collins 0/0/2/0/0 = 2 + 4 = 6