Major Race For Stock Cars

Press, Volume XCIX, Issue 29269, 29 July 1960, Page 11

Major Race For Stock Cars

The biggest and richest motor race in Australia’s history is to be conducted at Phillip Island, in Victoria, on November 20, this year. Called the Armstrong 500, the race is expected to carry more than £5OOO in prize money, and is open only to stock standard saloon cars either manufactured or assembled in Australia. The 500-mile race will be organised by the Light Car Club of Australia and is being sponsored by an Australian company. Fifty cars will make up the field for the event, which will start at 6 a.m. Running time for tee race is expected to be about 10 hours. The cars will be divided into five classes—up to 750 c.c., 751-1300 c.c., 1301-2000 c.c., 20013500 c.c., and over 3500 c.c. Drivers will use tee Le Mans type start; a short sprint to the car from across tee track when the flag drops, and off down the straight The classes will start one at a time with 10-second intervals.

Only saloon cars in absolutely standard condition will be allowed to take part in the race. The use of twin carburettors, high compressions, etc., will be barred. The cars will compete in the same condition as those used by the average motorist. Cars competing in the Armstrong 500 will be driven in turn by two drivers who will drive for a maximum of two hours and a half at any one spell at the wheel. All cars must complete at least 120 miles before their first stop for fuel.