NO N.Z. TEAM FOR T.T.

Press, Volume CVII, Issue 31539, 29 November 1967, Page 19

NO N.Z. TEAM FOR T.T.

Because insufficient nominations have been received, the New Zealand Auto Cycle Union will not enter an official team in the 1968 Isle of Man Tourist Trophy races.

This surprise announcement was made yesterday by the president of the A.C.U., Mr A. M. Laurenson, of Timaru. New Zealand has failed to send an official team to the island only once before in the last 18 years. That was in 1964 when similar circumstances existed. The Isle of Man Government traditionally makes a grant to the New Zealand A.C.U. to help with travelling expenses, but this is not available for riders already in Europe. However, several New Zealand riders will be competing in the T.T. in a private capacity. The national 500 c.c. road racing champion, R. Haldane (Tauranga), intends to return to the island next year and K. Turner (Auckland) is at present in Europe preparing himself for the T,T. Progress Points After the first round of the New Zealand road racing championship series, R.

(Sonny) Clarke, of Christchurch, holds a narrow lead over T. Discombe (Hamilton) in the 350 c.c. class. Discombe won the title last season. The Hamilton dealer, B. Scobie, a former Isle of Man team captain, leads the 500 c.c. class, and Haldane heads the 250 c.c. class. K. McCleary (Christchurch), winner of the light-weight title last season, did not contest the opening round but is expected to compete in most of the remaining championship events. Progress points announced by the A.C.U. are:— 250 c.c.—R. Haldane (Bultaco) 8, K. Fletcher (Yamaha) 6, V. Johnston (Bultaco) 4. G. Stott (Yamaha) 2, C. L. May (Honda) 350 c.c—R. Clarke (A.J.S.) 8. T. Discombe (A.J.S.) 6. B Scobie (Norton) 4. I. Veitch (A.J.S.) 2, R. Smith (Norton) I’. 500 c.c.—B. Scobie (Triumph) 8, D. Mortimer (Matchless) 6, A. Martin (Matchless) 4, R. Cotterill (Triumph) 2, B. Langford (Norton) 1.

League Retirement. The former Kiwi Rugby League hooker, W. T. Schultz, has announced his retirement from all international and representative football.