Motor Racing MOSS WINS IN RAIN

Press, Volume CI, Issue 29715, 8 January 1962, Page 12

Motor Racing MOSS WINS IN RAIN

Lead Taken In • First Lap (From Our Own Reporter) AUCKLAND, January 7. In Europe the British racing driver, S. Moss, is known as the “Rain Master.” Christchurch motor-racing enthusiasts saw him vindicate the title to some extent when he finished in second place in the 1960 Lady Wigram Trophy. But the smaller-than-usual crowd that saw him win the New Zealand Grand Prix at Ardmore on Saturday Jeft the circuit soaked to the skin but absolutely convinced. Driving a 2.5-litre Lotus of the latest design. Moss started from the back of the starting grid, as he had not taken part in the official practice session, but moved into the lead weaving his way through a 21-car field within the first half-mile.

It was a stupendous effort for, as the starter dropped ‘ his flag, the lowering clouds that had menaced the twnmile Ardmore aerodrome circuit all day opened up to drench everyone to the skin within a quarter of a minute. The rain was so heavy that it was almost impossible to read the numbers of the cars as they shot plumes of water high in the air when they hurtled into the first bend, the. treacherous College Corner. With a few exceptions, and one of them was Moes, the field was immediately in trouble. But when everything was sorted out the sleek blue Lotus was in the lead and at the conclusion of the first lap Moss came down the pit straight well clear of a very disconcerted and disorganized field. From that moment the issue was never in doubt. Conditions improved to some extent, but not to the extent that the organisers felt justified in letting the race run its full distance of 150 miles. " Race Shortened _When Moss had covered 40 laps—Bo miles—the various pit crews were advised by th*. Clerk of the Course (Mr R. M. Grierson) that it had been decided to cut the race short in the interests of safety to 50 laps—a distance of 100 miles. At that juncture Moss was more than a lap ahead of the second man, J. Surtees (Cooper-Climax), and two laps ahead of New Zealand's leading racing motorist. Bruce McLaren (CooperClimax). The former world champion racing driver, Jack Brabham (Cooper - Climax), had retired with minor gearbox trouble a little earlier, and there was really no-one else' in the race. Surtees, once he had been atbrtsed by his manager, the veteran driver, Mr R. Parneil. made a valiant effort to btlSge the gap to the flying Moss, much to Mr Parnell’a cbflktemation. Just before the finish Surtees actually jfifed Moss to give himself the satisfaction of finishing the Xace on the same lap as Moss. It was a last-minute thrill for the sadly-depleted CQitgd. _-Raising his left hand high iiC4ie air. Moss greeted the rtwquered flag that signalled HU third New Zealand Grand Prix win; completed hie lap of honour: and brought hit Lotus round to the victor's dais. "A Match?” Completely expressionless, he eased himself out of the slim cockpit, fumbled for a minute and found a cigarette and, turning to the rapidlygrowing crowd of well-wish-ers, politely asked: “Has anyone a match?" A bedraggled, but still attractive blonde girl produced a cigarette lighter and, puffing contentedly. Moss, who had averaged 72.3 miles an hour to win one of the slowest but most dangerous races in the New Zealand Grand Prix series, mounted the steps to receive the victor’s laurels So concluded the finest exhibition of the art of motor racing yet seen in this country. But although Moss was the “Rain Master." the others were not disgraced Surtees with his last-minute effort, won the plaudits of the crowd McLaren, who completed 48 laps, was not disgraced He hau trouble early in the race with his rain viaor and could not see where he was going. Brabham Pasted Moreover, he had had the satisfaction of besting his tutor, Brabham, by pawing him in the twenty-eighth lap —long before mechanical troubles had put the former champion out of the race A lap behind came the Londoner. R. Salvador! (Cooper-Climax), tn fourth place Salvador! does not like driving in the wet and his effort in such appalling conditions was a magnificent one. N»xt in line was the young Italian. L. Bandini (CooperMajerati). He had not been a* <ll impressive during the tjjfflfing session. but on the dSip roved himself to be a tcwdtne driver New Zealand's point ei«ew the veteran Christ(ffftfyh driver, P. M. Hoars (Ferrari), was the idol of the crowd He brought his big r*J tar home ahead of many dtSvers of international repute and was the driver of the first front-engined car to

Next in line were the Australian, L. Davison (CooperClimax), the Auckland driver J. Maneel (Cooper-Maaerati), the Australian B. Stillwell i Aston Martin > and the young C. Amons (250 F Maserati), from Bulls. The threatening clouds and brief heavy morning showers caused some consternation among the drivers and their pit crews. The main matter of concern was whether to fit special rain tyres or to take a chance and use the longerwearing dry-weather tyres in the hope that the rain would hold off. As things turned out, the only driver who appeared to have a real chance of success, and who elected to use dry weather tyres, was Brabham He was at a disadvantage right from the start and his former Cooper team-mate. McLaren, eventually wore him down on that score. High Regard The local drivers, Hoare. Hyslop and Mansel, did not have the advantage of the ram tvres and their efforts won the highest regard of the overseas racing teams. The start of the race was a shambles. McLaren, who had the pole position, made the best of the start, but he was closely followed by Brabham, Hyslop and the Wellington driver. T. Shelly (1900 ex.) Cooper. Hyslop over-shot the first right-hand College Corner and there was a mix-up. Moss came out of it best and immediately asserted his authority. The first casualty came on the back straight. The Australian, D. McKay (CooperClimax) ran into the back of Shelly’s car, breaking a wheel. McKay made a pit stop and changed a wheel, but Shelly was out of the race. The Scotsman, R. Flockhart, was in trouble from the start with water in the fuel system of his Lotus and he took no real part in the race. A. Glass, the Australian, who had not been very impressive in the practice session. had trouble with his B.R.M. right from the start, too. He eventually retired. Well Ahead At the end of five laps Mess was well ahead of Surtees, who had opened up a gap on Brabham. McLaren was next, but a long way back and obviously uncomfortable in the blinding rain Next came Bandini who was closely attended by Salvador!. Hoare was next in line, followed by Mansel. To all intents and purposes the rest were out of the race as far as major positions were concerned. Moss went his merry way and by the tenth lap had lapped Hoare. Soon afterwards Surtees and Brabham did likewise. At that stage Hoare was lying seventh. The rain eased a little and ail that happened was that Moes drove faster. Although the conditions were very bad he was driving down the back straight at 138 miles an hour shielding his face from the rain with one hand. On the twenty-eighth lap McLaren passed Brabham, much to the delimit of the crowd. With 30 laps gone. Mom was beginning to lap the men who were holding major positions behind him and driving without any apparent concern a’oout the conditions. Onee in Trouble Well in the lead. Moss only once got into trouble. Coming through the left-hand curve into the pit straight after about thirty-six laps, the blue Lotus slid badly and Mom almost came to a standstill as he passed bis pit But he accelerated away, happy in the knowledge that the race was his provided the car kept going. For once, the Lotus sounded in perfect condition. The next thrill came when Bandini, who was holding his fifth place, hit a marker drum at the Cloverleaf. He slowed down and then tried to make up ground and struck trouble at the point Moss had earlier. He sent pit crews racing madly away from the front of his battered car as he fought for control successfully. The race waa then as good as over. But once the drivers were informed by pit erewa that the length had been reduced. Surtees, a little more than a Up behind Mota, decided that he . could not be entirely outdone Once he received the signal he began to move in and. although he had no ehance

of victory, he determined to complete the full 50 laps. In the concluding stages he scraped by Moss, much to the consternation of his manager, Mr Parnell, and the rest of the pit crew. The excitement had not time to die down before Moss came round to receive the chequered flag and then the rest of the field was flagged off. Ironically, just as soon as the congratulatory speeches had concluded and the crowd began to leave the circuit there was a watery gleam of sunlight and within half an hour the track had dried out considerably. By the time the last people left Ardmore the early evening was quite warm.

Results:— Ninth New Zealand International

Grand Prix S. Moss (Lotus) 83:14.8 .. 1 J. Surtees (Cooper), 84:53.7 3 B. McLaren (Cooper) 48 laps 3 R, Salvador! (Cooper) 47 laps 4 L. Bandini (Cooper-Maserati) 45 laps 5, P. Hoare (Ferrari) 45 laps 8, A. Hyslop (Cooper) 45 laps 7, L. Davison (Cooper) 44 laps 8, J Mansell (CooperMaserati) 44 laps 9, B. Stillwell (Aston Martin) 44 laps 10. C. Amon (Maserati) 43 laps 11. R Grenville (Lotus FJ.) 42 laps 12. D. McKay (Cooper) 42 laps 13. B. Thomasen (Cooper) 41 laps 14, J. Palmer (Lotus) 41 laps 15. F. Cardon (Lycoming)

The sports ear handicap race was cancelled.

New Zealand junior motorcycle T.T. (up to 350 ce.): H. R. Anderson (AJ.S.) 19:24.8, 1; P. Pawson (Norton Manx) 2. R. T. Robinaon (Norton Manx) 3. W. H. Holmes (Norton Manx) 4. H. Healey (AJ.S..7R) 5. A. T. Martin (B.S.A. G/S) 6. Saloon car scratch race (up to 1800 ec): D. J. Marwood (Humber 80), 8:7.4 1; R. R Redmayne (Wolseley), 8:14.8, 2; P. R. Ornsteln (Humber), 9:18.3. 3; B. McLaren (Morris MiniCooper) 9:28 8,4; R. Flockhart (Austin Mini-Cooper), 9:34. 5: K. Grant (Austin Farina). 9:34.1.

Class awards (up to 850 cc.): D A. Currey (Mini-Minor), 9.54.7. 1; N. D. Johns (Austin 7), 16:18.3 2; G. B. Miles (Austin 7) 3 851 cc. to 1000 cc.: B. McLaren (Morris MiniCooper). 9:20.0, 1; R Flockhart (Austin Mlnl-Cboper), 9:34. 2: K. Grant (Austin Farina). 9:34.1, 3. 1001 to 1200 cc: O. Cullen (Ford Prefect). 10:43.8, 1. 1201 to 1000 cc.: D. J. Marwood (Humber K). 9:74. 1: R. R Redmayne (Wolseley), 9:14.8 '2; P. R. Omstein (Humber), 9:18.3 3

Bardhal Ardmore championship (New Zealand drivers only): A Hyslop (Cooper), 2141. 1: P Hoare (Ferrari). 21:281,2; J Mansel (Cooper - Maserati). 21:31.7, 8: T. Shelly (Cooper). 21:0.8. 4; B Thomasen (Cooper Climax) 22:24.1, 5: C. A. Amon i Maserati 2SOF). 22:29 7 . 0 Ardmode Sports Car trophy: 8. . Taylor (D-type Jaguar). 19.49 7. 1; E. Avery (H.W.MI. 20:23 5 2; I. Young (Cooper Bristol). 21:18 8. 3: A. Marshall (Buckler). 21:20.8 4; H Ganiev (Lotus Uh. 11 * 8 * »= 8 lack (Mistral TM>. 11:29.1, 6 . Class awards (up to 1100 cc.): A Marshall (Buckler) 21:101.1; H Ganley (Lotus ID 21:23 3. 10 '•Ps 1: G. Judd (Buckler) 21:177 3. 1101 to 2000 cc.: S. Black (Mistral TRI). 1149.1. 1; J. Scurrah (Lotus Consul). 11 laps 30:4.8 1. 1001 to 3000 ec.: ~X, ou . n A. .(Cooper Bristol) F McLoughlin (Austin 11 laps. 104.9. 2: K. J Smith (Cooper Holden) 11 laps < 3000 “ : 8 T *y- • J D -type Jaguar). 19 49 7 1: ■ Avery <B W.M.). 20435 5. B.M.C 850 ec scratch race: D Currgy (Morris Mini-Minor) 0:1.1. 1: x Johns (Austin 7) ?■ ■ Parker (Austin 7). 8:8.3. 3: F Buckenham (Morris Mini-Minor). 8:37,9 4; H. Buchanan (Austin 7), 8:47.2. 5; G.

Cowie (Morris Mini-Minor). 0:48 8. New Zealand senior motorcycle T.T. (up to SCO cc.): H. R. Anderson (Norton Manxk 40:5.6, 1: W. G Molloy (AJ.S. 7R). 2; M. Daniels (Norton) 3. M. E. Low (B.S.A. G/S) 4. R. T. Robinson (Norton Manx) 5. R. R. McCulloch (Norton Manx) fl. Ultimate-Ekco race car feature: 1. Green (Cooper), 21:88. 1; B Cottle (Lola Climax). 22:9.2, 2: J. Scurrah (Lotus Consul) 22:37.8. 3: P. McLoughlin (Austin Healey). 22:414 4; A. van Thiel (Austin Healey). 22:44.4. 0; R. Butler (Porsche): 22:44 0. 8.

Saloon car scratch race (over 1000 cc.): B. Innes (Ford Zephyr). 18:10.4, 1: J. Riley (Chevrolet), 15:18.5, 2: A McLeod (Jaguar). 15:30 4. 3: D. Simmons (Ford Zephyr). 15:43.8. J: E. Thompaon (Ford) 15:40.7. li)A7 3 B g* tham (r ° rd itephyr). Class awards: 1801 to 3000 cc.: B Innes (Ford Zephvr). 15:10.4. 1; D Simmons (Zephyr). 15:43 0. 2; A Beetham (Zephyr). 15:47.3 3 Ove- 3001 cc.: J. Riley (Chevrolet). 15:18 3 1; A McLeod (Jaguar). 13:38.5. 2: E. Thompson (Ford). 15:45.7. 3.