LIONEL DOES A MELBA
by Peter Shute
| Lionel
Van Praag's speedway exploits are well known. One doesn't get to
become World Speedway Champion without considerable ability and
it seems that Lionel retained this ability well into his retirement
from speedway. It is said that while based in Darwin, Lionel was
invited by the local speedway riders to offer some advice. After
talking for a while, Lionel, who must have been approaching 60 at
the time, borrowed a set of leathers and a bike (which presumably
he had never ridden before) and proceeded to come within one second
of the lap record for the track! Peter Shute September 2003 |