1980 Weslake Speedway Bike

The Weslake-powered speedway bike comes from one of the most distinctive eras in the sport. By the 1970s, speedway motorcycles had become highly specialised racing machines built for one purpose only: sliding at speed on dirt ovals. With no brakes, no gearbox, and a stripped-back design focused on acceleration and control, they were among the purest competition motorcycles of their time.

The Weslake engine became important for its compact design, high-revving nature, and strong acceleration. Built for methanol fuel and total-loss lubrication, it suited the demands of late-1970s and early-1980s speedway and became one of the most respected engines in the sport.

The Jawa Mk1 chassis also played an important role in speedway history. Jawa had become one of the leading names in the sport by the 1960s and 1970s, and its frames were widely used as a strong and proven base for competition bikes. A Weslake engine in a Jawa chassis was a well-established and period-correct combination.

This particular machine was ridden by New Zealand National Speedway team member Mitch Shirra, who competed successfully at both domestic and international level, being a 1979 World Team Champion, and three-time New Zealand Champion.