Christchurch's Speedway Kings

29 August 2007

Three world speedway champions hailing from Christchurch are to be bestowed with the Freedom of the City.

Ivan Mauger, Barry Briggs and Ronnie Moore have had distinguished speedway racing careers and have clocked up an amazing 12 World Champion titles between them .
Ivan Mauger and  Barry Briggs are Christchurch both born and bred while Tasmanian Ronnie Moore made Christchurch home after moving here with his family in his early teens.
The Freedom of the City award dates back to medieval times, when communities distinguished between free men and vassals of a feudal Lord. A person who was awarded  this honour enjoyed privileges such as the right to earn money and own land.
These days Freedom of the City is given to individuals who have given exceptional service to their community.  This normally involves the ceremonial presentation of a plaque to the recipient but carries no formal privileges or distinctions.
Mayor Garry Moore said the council wanted to acknowledge the contribution Mauger, Briggs and Moore had given to up-and-coming speedway riders in Christchurch and around the world.
A self professed petrol-head Garry Moore says “he is delighted these men are finally getting the recognition they deserve for their contribution in promoting their sport and as role models to our young speedway riders.”
To coincide with the presentation at Council, an exhibition is being held at the Canterbury Museum.Speedway King: the Ivan Mauger story showcaseing a selection of memorabilia from Mauger’s career, including his World Speedway Trophy and three motorcycles, one of which is the famed “Triple Crown Special” gold-plated Jawa 500 speedway bike.
Mayor Garry Moore will present our speedway champions with a ceremonial plaque, at 4.30pm in the Council Chambers on Thursday September 6, 2007

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