SMITHY OUT?

Auckland Star, Volume LXV, Issue 234, 3 October 1934, Page 7

SMITHY OUT?

GREAT AIR RACE.

DESPERATE PLIGHT.

Only Six Days Left to Reach

England.

RUMOURED WITHDRAWAL,

(United P.A.—Electric Telegraph—Copyright)

(Received 1 p.m.) SYDNEY, this day. The repairs to Sir Charles Kingsford Smith's '2>lane having required more time than it had been hoped, it is understood the airman has abandoned his intention of participating in the air race. An official statement is expected later to-day.

It would have been necessary for the machine to be ready for testing at Mildenhall aerodrome, England, on October 14, and "Smithy" anticipated that it would have taken at least four days to give it a proper overhaul after the flight home.

Even if he had been able to leave for England early to-morrow, this would have allowed him only six days for the flight.

U.S. COMPETITORS.

Roscoe Turner and Pangborn in

England.

GREAT HOPES OF WINNING. (Received 2 p.m.) LONDON", October 2. Colonel Roscoe Turner and Clyde Pangborn, noted American speed flyers who are entering for the forthcoming Melbourne Centenary air race, have arrived at Plymouth with their monoplane. They will go on to Le Havre, France, where the 'plane will be tuned up and flown to England in readiness for the start. This is the first American entry to reach Europe.

Colonel Roscoe Turner says: "Our 'plane ia capable of a speed of 200 miles an hour and has a range of 3000 miles without refuelling. Normally it carries 12 passengers and three of a crew, but only Pangborn, a wireless operator and myself are flying in the race. The remainder of the space will be occupied by extra petrol tanks.

"Wβ are mighty glad to participate in the greatest sporting event in history. Wβ have the highest hopes of winning, but wish everybody the best of good fortune. We feel that, whoever wins, aviation will be advanced, creating better international understanding."