LAND SPEED RECORDS

Evening Star, Issue 21009, 25 January 1932, Page 8

LAND SPEED RECORDS

WIZARD SMITH PREPARING AGAIN STILL WASHOUTS ON BEACH [Per United Press Association.] NINETY MILE BEACH, January 23. Preparation is again being made to set the stage for “Wizard” Smith’s attempts on the ten, five, and one-mile records. Smith hopes to run tho first two in a week, and to make an attempt at the flying mile on February 4. It is possible, however, that if the beach is right he will go for tho mile before then. He is anxious to make the run before Sir Malcolm Campbell gets to Daytona. Those of Smith’s party who left at the end of last week returned last night, and Mr Butcher and tho timing officials arrived to-day. The conditions are not good, and Smith stated that it would probably be Monday before ho took the car out of the garage. Ho missed an opportunity last Monday, when the beach was as smooth as a billiard table. Unfortunately, the timing officials were away, and the chance was lost. Although it was a very high tide last night, the wind was in the wrong direction, and there are many washouts on the beach this morning. The mechanics are still working on the Enterprise. A new revolution counter is being fitted, and tho streamlined tanks benind the front wheels, which caused trouble wjien the radiator was affixed, were taken off and modified, and will now be put back into position. Apart from that tho Enterprise is ready to be taken out at a moment’s notice.

3DD M.P.H. NOT CLAIMED

DESIGNER'S DENIAL

Press Association—By Telegraph—Copyright.

SYDNEY, January 24. Don Harkness, replying to Mr T. Mostyn’s New _ Zealand statement, which was published in the Sydney ‘Morning Herald’ on Saturday, reiterates his denial that he ever claimed that “ Wizard ” Smith’s car was capable of doing 300 miles an Imur. He said that the car was designed to break the existing record of 245 miles an hour, and, if it was successful, he was prepared to alter the gear ratio in an attempt to register greater speeds. Never in his wildest dreams did he imagine that it would be possible to better the record by fifty-five miles an hour. If the Enterprise breaks the record by five or ten miles an hour, as it is capable of doing, it will be an excellent performance. “ Wizard ” Smith himself, in articles in the ‘ Sunday Times ’ and the ‘ Sunday Guardian, claimed that the car was capable of doing 300 miles an hour, but he now said that this was long before the drawings were made or the Schneider engine was assured. Harkness added: “ Mr T. Mostyn regrets having to insist that I claimed a speed of 300 miles for the Enterprise. Why should Mr Mostyn have any regrets? If he is sure of what he is talking about there is no occasion for apologies.” PROSPECTS GOOD [Per United Press Association.] NINETY-MII<E BEACH, Jan. 25. The prospects of “ Wizard ” Smith making his record-breaking attempt today are good, but he will not be able to make a definite _ decision until the afternoon, as the tide is high in the morning and he cannot inspect the beach until after lunch. Mostyn also stated that ho hoped to get the attack on tho flying mile over by_ Wednesday, and it is possible Smith will not worry about the ten and five-mile records if the beach is right for the big event this week. There has been a big improvement in the 'rface lately, and last night a heavy wind brought the spring tide well up the beach, which should be good when Smith inspects it. Yesterday Smith announced his intention of making a trial run, and the flagmen from Kaitaia arrived, but he was prevented by poor visibility and a dead lovY tide. It was impossible to see clearly more than 100yds owing to a heavy mist hanging close to the ground. Smith, however, Had the Enterprise wheeled out of the garage and the engine was finally 'tested. He is more than satisfied with the performance, and stated all was ready to take the car out whenever the beach was right. No more work is to be done to the racer, and after yesterday’s test the driver is more confident than ever he will accomplish what he set out to do.