AIR RACE ACROSS THE ATLANTIC

Dominion, Volume 30, Issue 172, 17 April 1937, Page 6 (Supplement)

AIR RACE ACROSS THE ATLANTIC

Where Stands Britain '!

Practically every aircraft factory in Europe ami America, and nearly every famous pilot in the world, is preparing for tlie most astonishing air race of all time, says the “Sunday Express” air correspondent. Next August at least 12 high-speed aeroplanes will race from New York to Paris for a prize of £15,000. Tlie race has been inspired by the French Government to mark the tenth anniversary of Lindbergh’s first solo ocean flight. Two strange facts stand out from the rumours surrounding preparations for the contest.

The first is that iu nearly every case special machines being built for the race jyill cost as much as the first prize. The second is that every country with an air force is determined to win for the prestige value —except Britain. British pilots will fly, but there is no all-British machine entered.

The race will cost the backers of the various machines at least £500,000. The winner may expect to net anything up to £50,000 for himself. The old days of big money flying will come back for one short month. Both Jim and Amy Mollison will complete, Amy in a French machine, Jim

in an American Bellanca. This, so far, is nearly the fastest machine in the race. It has a top speed of 270 miles an hour and a total range of 4000 miles.

The French Government has ordered three special machines. Mussolini’s son Vittorio is down to pilot the Italian entry. Germany Is sending her fastest new civil machines. America’s crack racing pilots like Roscoe Turner, Howard Hughes and Amelia Earhart will complete.

British pilots still seeking aircraft to fly are Beryl Markham and David Llewellyn. They will have to buy American machines. Only one British-built machine is entered—this is the Clyde Clipper, built from American Burnelti patents. Some of the pilots are to receive a retaining fee of £lO,OOO before they start. Others will have to find a backer and be prepared to reepive nothing if they lose.

Originally the machines were all to fly tlie Atlantic together. But the rules have been changed and the fliers may take off from New York on any date in August. The one reaching Paris in the fastest time will be the winner.