Top Canadian racer for N.Z.

Press, Volume CXIV, Issue 33587, 16 July 1974, Page 32

Top Canadian racer for N.Z.

The 28-year-old Canadian motor-cycle champion, J. Allen, is almost certain to visit New Zealand next summer and compete in the second international Marlboro road race series.

A professional racer for the last four years and the holder of the coveted No 1 plate, Allen has struck up a friendship with D. Wylie, of Christchurch, the New Zealand 500 c.c champion, who recently competed in a national meeting at, Sanair in Canada. Allen has written to the organiser of the New Zealand Grand Prix Society (Mr M. McGregor, of Wellington) saying he will come to New Zealand if he can get assistance with travel expenses. He races 125 c.c., 250 c.c., 350 c.c. and 700 c.c. machines for Yamaha Canada, and is keen to ride in all classes in New Zealand. Wylie, who won the Marlboro series last season on a 500 Suzuki, plans to return to New Zealand in time to defend his title. He is ex-

pected to race the same TZ7SO Yamaha which has been serving him well in America. The Marlboro series will begin next season at Gracefield on December 22. The four other rounds will be at Wanganui (December 26), Bay Park (December 31), Timaru (January 5), and Ruapuna Park (January 12). Prize money has been increased, and there will be $2500 offering at each meeting. First-place money at each event will be $BOO, but payments will be made down to twelfth placing. Each meeting will hold two legs of the series, with a points system deciding the over-all winner. It is also hoped to hold a side-car series in conjunction with the solo events.