The 1976 Australasian Individual Speedway Championship was the inaugural Australasian Final, introduced for Motorcycle speedway riders from Australia and New Zealand as part of the qualification for the 1976 Speedway World Championship.Speedway World Championship History - 1976
The Final took place at the long Western Springs Stadium in Auckland. South Australian Champion John Boulger took out the Final from fellow Australians Billy Sanders and Phil Crump. The then four time World Champion Ivan Mauger finished fourth to grab the final spot in the 1976 Intercontinental Final at London's famous Wembley Stadium.
Mitch Shirra, who before the end of the 1970s would be riding for his native New Zealand (he was born in Auckland), actually rode as an Australian in this meeting complete with the Australian flag on his breast plate. Sixteen-year-old Shirra (who in late 1973 began riding at the age of 14 after lying about his age) was living in Sydney and considered the Liverpool International Speedway to be his home track.
Australasian Final 21 February Auckland, New Zealand - Western Springs Stadium Referee: Qualification: First 4 to the Intercontinental Final in London, England
Pos. Rider Total1 John Boulger 142 Billy Sanders 133 Phil Crump 124 Ivan Mauger 11+35 Phil Herne 11+26 Mitch Shirra 11+17 Barry Briggs 88 John Titman 89 Ricky Day 610 Colin Tucker 511 John Langfield 412 Larry Ross 413 Colin Farquharson 414 Graeme Stapleton 315 Roy Trigg 216 Paul Fewings 217 D. Sincock (Res) 118 Robin Adlington (Res) 1
References
See also Sport in New Zealand Motorcycle Speedway