FLYING "PIT."

Auckland Star, Volume LXIII, Issue 133, 7 June 1932, Page 15

FLYING "PIT."

BRITISH DRIVER'S SCHEME. AEROPLANE USED IN 1000-MILE RACE. For flie first time in the history of motor racing, an aeroplane was used to carry mechanics and spares for one of Wie competing cars in the great Italian 1000-mile road race which took place on April 9 and 10. It acted as a eort of flying "pit," hovering above the car and diving down to its assistance when the driver flashed the "help -wanted" eignal. This plan was adopted by Mr. Brian Lewis, the young British racing motorist who did battle with the greatest Continental drivers in this most gruelling and adventurous race.

Lewis arranged to drive throughout the full 1000 miles, because ho was afraid of being driven by anyone else. His car was a single-seater. The race was so long that it was impossible to make adequate ''pit" arrangements.

Hence the aeroplane idea. Every possible landing ground over the route was surveyed eo that if emergency landings were necessary the aeroplane tender would be within a convenient distance of the car.

It is an amazing race. The roads are not closed to the public, but Italian police in very fast cars go in relays in front of the drivers. They carry fire alarm bells, and as eoon as ordinary drivers hear the bell they make hurriedly for the side of the road. Soon afterwards the racing care come hurtling by. Throughout the whole distance the roads are lined with teeming crowds. It is a national event.