Pit Stops

Press, Volume CVIII, Issue 31753, 9 August 1968, Page 9

Pit Stops

Lotus has announced a new four-cylinder twin-cam 2-litre racing engine which will be used in Lotus Europa group six cars soon. The engine will also be sold to racing-car manuturers. It features a diecast alloy block, and the camshaft drive is by cogged belt. Power output is expected to be about 220 b.h.p., with an eventual target of 250 b.h.p The design includes dry sump lubrication and Tecalemit fuel injection. * * *

The Ellesmere Motor Club’s Lupp Cup rally will be held on August 17, and the reporting time at Mercer’s Garage, Leeston, is 7 p.m. The event will cover about 120 miles, the map required is SB3, fourth edition, and the timing will be by sealed watch. *« - «

The American driver Mario Andretti is expected to join Team Lotus soon.

A book which pays tribute to Jim Clark, entitled “Jim Clark-Portrait of a Great Driver," has just been published in Britain. All royalties from the sale of the book will go to the Jim Clark Foundation, an independent trust set up by Clark’s parents to finance research into motoring and motor-racing safety. * * »

The revival of the famous Mille Miglia road race is being considered in Italy, and it has been suggested that the event might be held for production cars of up to 2000 c.c.

The New Zealand singleseater champion, Jim Palmer, will drive In the Australian gold star series this year for the R. Jane team, filling the position in the team previously held by J. Harvey, who was recently injured in an accident. Palmer will drive a V 8 Repco-Brabham.

The R.A.T.E.C. Alpine Rally, one of the major open events in the New Zealand calendar, will be held at Labour week-end. The event is this year being sponsored by Rothmans, and there will be substantial prizes to eighth place plus “The Press” Alpine challenge trophy for the winner. Starting points will be at Blenheim, Nelson, Christchurch and Greymouth, and on the common route competitors will travel over an alpine route including the highest road in the country, the organisers say. Further details are available from P.O. Box 57, Christchurch.