Depressing situation in Pacific racing

Press, 3 February 1984, Page 14

Depressing situation in Pacific racing

After the recent Just Juice International Formula Pacific series, most enthusiasts would be justified in wondering just what has happened to the country’s premier motor racing class.

The concern lies in the pathetic number of both overseas and, even more importantly, New Zealand entries which lined up for the annual four-week battle at Baypark, Pukekohe, Manfeild and Wigram. When the present category was introduced in the late 19705, grids of 20 or more cars were commonplace, but entries have steadily dropped to the extent that only 14 started in this year’s opening round. By the time the series concluded at Wigram, a meagre 10 cars appeared

What then has caused this sad situation? In spite of the efforts of the race promoters, large financial

assistance from the New Zealand Apple and Pear Board and television coverage, only seven overseas drivers showed up, two of whom are expatriate New Zealanders. That left seven resident New Zealand drivers to take on the mediocre overseas contingent. To make matters worse, there are over double that number of these cars in the country at present, but for reasons best known to their owners, they simply do not want to race them.

As a result, the national Gold Star series has virtually become history. Without this New Zealand championship, what does the up and coming driver set his sights on? After all, who is going to pay upwards of $40,000 for a car he cannot race.

Perhaps the sport’s hierarchy can take solace from

the fact that other countries which hold championships for these 1600 cc racing cars are also experiencing dwindling interest. This being the case, perhaps the governing bodies of each country, that includes Australia, Asian nations, Britain, New Zealand and the United States should get together and adopt an alternative formula. One class that is cur-

rently enjoying a boom period is Formula Three. Both the British and European championships are very prestigious events and several drivers including the current world champion, Nelson Piquet, have stepped from these small cars straight into Formula One. The American teenager, Davy Jones, who drove exceptionally well during the Pacific series, is just one of many talented drivers who has driven with distinction in this class.

If this, or a similar formula, is adopted and already one Asian country has seen fit to replace its Pacific cars with Formula Three, then there is no reason why a world championship could not take place in conjunction with Britain and Europe. Furthermore, it would probably be better for all concerned if it was promoted by a professional entrepreneur who could put together a package deal acceptable to competitors, sponsors, race organisers and the public. The sooner the sport’s authorities get together and make suitable changes, the sooner grids could become so full that drivers will actually have to qualify to compete. GEORGE TANNER