Pit Stops

Press, Volume CXI, Issue 32678, 6 August 1971, Page 7

Pit Stops

Jackie Stewart’s win in the German Grand Prix marked the thirty-ninth world championship win for cars powered by the Ford-Cosworth 3-litre Formula IVB engine. The first win was by Jim Clark in 1967 at the Dutch Grand Prix; since then the engine has been used in at least 10 different makes of Grand Prix car. A book on the history and development of the engine, called “Such sweet thunder,” was published in London last week, and at the announcement Ford’s director of public affairs (Mr W. Hayes) said 90 G.P. engines had now been built, and production of at least 30 more was foreseen. Although he denied that the demise of the V 8 engine was imminent, Mr Hayes was reported to be “less explicit” when questioned about rumours of a new Ford-sponsored Vl2 engine. The book on the V 8 engine says the racing engine cost Ford about s2oo,ooo—or about onetenth of the cost of putting syncromesh on bottom gear in the Cortina range gearboxes.

The Birmingham City Council has proposed a Grand Prix race along the lines of the Monaco G.P. in the city. Britain’s R.A.C. has agreed that a suggested circuit in the new city centre would be safe for Formula II cars with a little extra work, and it is thought the 1.48 miles lap would provide excellent spectator facilities, with grandstands all round the circuit and parking for 20,000 cars. ¥ ¥ ¥

A Christchurch branch of the Armstrong Siddeley Car Club was formed on July 25, and the club’s first outing will be a run to Diamond Harbour on August 15. Subject to permission being obtained, the run will leave Cathedral Square at 2 p.m. that day, and all Armstrong Siddeley owners are invited. Further details are available from the branch secretary, Mr A. R. Jones, 16 Beveridge Street, Christchurch, telephone 74-238. ¥ ¥ ¥

The Forces Motoring Cup inter-club gymkhana, organised this year by the University Motor Club, will be held on Sunday from 10.30 a.m. in the carpark of the Sandridge Hotel, Colombo Street