[2] He began riding at the Kilbirnie track in Wellington in 1929 before travelling to England and joining the Wembley Lions in 1930.

[2][3] After he spent the English winter in Australia he returned to Wembley[4] and would continue to ride for them until 1938.

At one time he also held the New Zealand land speed record with an average of 107 mph.

[6] Kilmister opened a model and adjoining sports shop in Neeld Parade, near to Wembley Stadium during the 1930s which he was involved in until his death in 1973.

[7] After retiring from speedway, Kilmister also lived in Taupō, New Zealand where he had a motorcycle, lawnmower and chainsaw shop.