Motor Racing ARDMORE GRAND PRIX

Press, Volume XCVII, Issue 28700, 25 September 1958, Page 20

Motor Racing ARDMORE GRAND PRIX

Five World-Class Drivers

Five of the world’s top drivers and possibly six, have been signed up to compete in the New Zealand International Grand Prix at Ardmore early in January by Mr Frank Perkins, secretary of the New Zealand International Grand Prix Organisation, who has just returned to New Zealand from a trip to Europe. The five drivers engaged by Mr Perkins are Stirling Moss (England), Jack Brabham (Australia), Joachim Bonnier (Sweden), Jean Behra (France), and Carroll Shelby (United States >. There is also a possibility that the present world chaippion, Juan Manuel Fangio (Argentina), may also drive. His retirement from racing has been announced, but later reports suggested that his racing days are not definitely over.

Mr Perkins said that Fangio was contemplating manufacturing motor-scooters under licence in Argentina, and if the deal went through he would be obliged to give up racing. ‘‘Deadline for the decision is December 12, and if the thing does not come off we have first call on his services,” said Mr Perkins. Fangio’s car, the latest Maserati 5.7 litre VB, with an estimated top speed of 240 m.p.h., will be shipped to New Zealand to be driven by a New Zealander it Fangio is unable to make the trip. It is not yet known, however, how many of the five —or six—will appear in Christchurch for the Lady Wigram race, or at Invercargill for the Teretonga Park international race. Members of the Christchurch Motor Racing Club and the Southland Sports Car Club will meet the International Grand Prix Organisation in. Auckland next month to discuss contracts for these drivers at Wigram and Teretonga Park. Moss will not appear anywhere but in Auckland: