TRAIN ROBBER’S CAR WINS FIRST N.Z. RACE

Press, Volume CIV, Issue 30891, 26 October 1965, Page 6

TRAIN ROBBER’S CAR WINS FIRST N.Z. RACE

(New Zealand Press Association/

NEW PLYMOUTH.

A racing car that once belonged to Roy James, one of the men who took part in England’s great train robbery, won the feature car event at the car races at New Plymouth today. The car, a Brabham Ford, was driven by Robert Franicevic, aged 24, of Auckland.

Franicevic said after his win in the 25-lap race: “The car was brought to New Zealand about six weeks ago. This is the first time it has been raced in New Zealand and it is the first time I have driven in a single-seater. “The Tiki team bought the

car in England and had it fitted with a 1500 c.c. motor before it came to New Zealand. “We are not sure if James drove it himself. It is a bit of a mystery,” said Franicevic. Franicevic was lying second to G. Lawrence (Wanganui) for the first half of the race. He took the lead after Law-

rence’s Brabham pulled out with clutch trouble. D. Hollier (Taihape) driving a Lotus, finished in second place with N. Whittaker (Wellington) in a Cooper Climax third. RestiMs:

Farmers’ Co-op. Garages Saloon Car Race. —R. C. Grain iPalmerston North), Cooper S, 6:43.2, 1: R. Douglas (Morrinsvflle). Mini, 2; R. C. Wilson (Auckland), Lotus Cortina. 3. Ivon Watkins-Dow Racing Car Event. —G. Lawrence (Wanganui). Brabham, 7:14, 1: R Housego (Auckland!, Lola, 2; D. Hollier (Taihape). Lotus, 3.

H. H. Moller's All-comers Saloon Car Event.-—D. Simpson (Auckland), Anglia, 6:12, 1; B Innes (Morrinsviile), Cooper S. 2: B. Falon (Levin), Anglia, 3.

L. H. Johnson Motors Saloon for Members of Taranaki Car Club—A. M. Loveridge (Egmont Village), Morris Cooper, 6:50, 1: S. Tait (Kaponga), A.C., 2 : H. Plowright (New’ Plymouth). Humber 80. 3.

Tasman Motors Sports Car Race.—J. Boyd (Auckland). Lycoming 6:9.8, 1; 1. Green (New Plymouth), Cooper Bristol, 2; S. Oaten (Auckland). Daimler S.P. 250, 3.

Taranaki Short Circuit Grand Prix for Junior Class Motor cycles.—O Parnweli (Tauranga), Norton, 8:50.4, 1; J. Wales <Petone), A.J.S. 7R, 2; L. May (Manurewa), A.J.S. 7R, 3.

Lawson Hunter Motors Saloon (cars under 1000 c.c ). —J. Weston (Whangarei), Austin Cooper, 6:48.8, 1: B. Mackintosh (Wanganui), Austin Cooper, 2: W. Nicholls (Auckland). Austin A4O, 3.

Taranaki Breweries’ Short Circuit Grand Prix. —Senior class (motor-cycles, 10 laps): J. Wales (Petone), A.J.S. 7R, 8:51.2. 1; F. Parnweli (Tauranga), Norton, 2; K. Fletcher (Auckland), Norton, 3.

Newton King Sports Car Race (seven laps).—J. Boyd (Auck land), Lycoming, 6:19, 1; I. Green (New Plymouth), Bristol Cooper, 2: S. Oxton (Auckland). Daimler S.P. 250, 3.

Rothman’s King Size Racing Car (25 laps).—R. Franicevic (Auckland), Brabham Ford. 19:52.2, 1; D. Hollier (Taihape), Lotus, 2 : N. Whittaker (Wellington), Cooper Cl'imax, 3.