WORLD'S FASTEST RACE

Evening Post, Volume CXII, Issue 124, 21 November 1931, Page 17

WORLD'S FASTEST RACE

THE FIVE HUNDRED MILES

BRITISH SUPREMACY

British-made cars swept the boards in the recent international classic 500 miles race, which is held annually on Brooklands track, England. Forty-two of the fastest cars in England and on the Continent competed, victory going to the well-known English driver, J. L. Dunfcc, aboard a Bentlcy. His average speed was 115.39 miles an hour—the fastest time yet established in a long distance track race in any part of the world. A Talbot car ran second, averaging 112 m.p.h., while a "Baby" M.G. Midget finished third at 02 in.p.h. The performances of the little tiddler indicates to what a state of perfection and efficiency the baby car has been developed.

The 1930 event saw a 7 h.p. Austin, driven by tho Earl of March and S. G. Davis, win at an average speed of S3 m.p.h. A Bentley was second, at 112 m.p.h., and a Sunbeam third with an average of 104:t m.p.h.

J. L. Dunfee, the winner of this year's event, holds many international motor records, most of them being established on a six-cylinder Sunbeam car at the Montlhery track, Paris. The previous world's record for 500 miles stood to the credit of Messrs. Marchand and Morel, at 117.7 m.p.h. on an eight-cylinder Voisin and Dunlop.

In covering the 500 miles at 92.17 m.p.h. the "M.G." Midget added just over 8 m.p.h. to the previous record for this distance — a truly remarkable performance. It is interesting to note that tho fastest. 500 miles ever put up in U.S.A. is P. de Paloa's record of 101 m.p.h., established in tho Indianapolis "500" race of 1925.

HOW THEY FINISHED,

1. Jack Dunfeo and Cyril Paul, G537 c.c. Bentley, shr 32mln 13sec; 118.39 m.p.h. 'i. B. B. Len'ls and A. O. Sauuders-Davles, 2070 c.c. Talbot, shr oSmiu 2Ssec; 112.93 in.p.h. ' 3. E. It. Hall, 710 c.c. M.G. Midget, S; shr 50min lOsec; 02.17 m.p.h. 4. A. G. Miller and K. Esgar, 10S9 c.c. Uiley, shr 53mln 53sec; 92.53 m.p.h. 5. S. A. Crabtreo and S. B. Hailwood, 7Jli c.c. M.G. Midget, S, shr SSmiu 39scc; 59.82 m.p.h. 6. J. K. Cobb, 2970 c.c. Talbot, shr 59inln 2;;scc; 104.70 in.p.h. 7. T. E. Rose-Itichards, 2370 c.c. Talbot, Ohr Omin 42sec; 104.23 m.p.h.

CLASS WINNERS. B.— J Dunfee and C. Pan] (Bentlej). C.—No finishers. D.—l). E. Lewis and A. 0. Saunders-Davies (Tultiot). B.—Jio finishers. F.—Nn finishers.

Cx.—A. G. Miller ami Iv. Egzar (Kiley) H.—B. K. Hall (M.G, Midget).

TEAM PRIZE. E. K. Hall's M.G. Midget team, the drivers beiiiK: No. 15 (E. R. Hall); No. 1G (S. A. Crabtree and S. B. Hailwood) ; No. 17 (J. Kindell and P. M. Walters).

In its report of the race—a. most readable report—"Tho Motor" remarks that taking the race as a whole there waa a formidable number of breakdowns. Out of 40 starters only seven completed the.-500 miles, and out of the 33 unfortunates no fewer than 30 were forced to retire. Yot the sporting interost was maintained throughout, centred on the thrilling, desperate struggle between Dunfee's big Bentley and Brian Lewis's Talbot —two of the finest cars that Great Britain has, ever produced. A hot sun shone on tho track, and there was practically no wind. It was an ideal day for record performances.