INTERNATIONAL ROAD RACE.

Hawera Star, Volume XLVII, 19 May 1928, Page 14

INTERNATIONAL ROAD RACE.

TO BE HUN IN IRELAND

An entirely new development in motoring ni the British Isles will be introduced by the holding of a great international road race for touring cars in the vicinity or Belfast (Ireland) on August 18 "next. Not since 1922 has the”thrilling spectacle of a great motorcar road race been seen in the iJntisn The race wili have a # direct appeal to all car owners, and in. view of the highly important nature of the event, both from the point of view of the motor industry and the motoring public, the “Daily Mail” (London) has offered £1509 in prize money. In addition the Boyal Automobile Club, th® organisers of the race, are avvaiding to the winner the famous Tourist Trophy which was competed for in a <rreat series of races run in the Isle ot Man from 1905 to 1922. The prizes therefore, will be : (1) To the entrant of the winning car the H.A.C. Tourist Trophy and £1000; (2) to the entrant of the car that is second £300; (3) to the entrant of the car that is third £2OO. There will also be special awards in each class. . , This great race is not for cars of tne true racing type. Only models of types that are in production (being sold to the public) may be entered. But makers, provided that the engine bore and stroke are not altered, may within- c er ~ tain limits improve these existing models and incorporate experimental features. It is, in effect, ai race foi touring cars of the future, and as such will interest the average motorist and be of great assistance to the car designer. It is the kind of race that is now atti acting great attention on the Continent, and lias almost superseded the Grand Trix type for purely racing cars. The Tourist. Trophy race of 1922 was the last great motor-ca,r road race to be held ‘in Britain. With the return of road racing to the British Isles it , R fitting that the old Tourist Trophy fought lor in many grim contests oi the early days should also be revived. L<oad racing represents the sport in its truest and most thrilling foirn. It is not only a splendid spectacle, but a real test of human skill and mechanical efficiency. . The road course over which the race is to be run is about 13 2-3 miles long and runs through two small towns, CLmber and Newtownards, and at one point within a quarter of a. mile of the tramway lines of Delfast. A road race on the outskirts of a great city is in itself a novelty. Competitors have to complete the course. Jit times, a tance of approximately 410 miles. Largo grandstands will be erected at the starting and finishing point, and there will be accommodation for hundreds of thousands of spectators around the course. There is no limit to the horse-power rating of cars that enter. Although it is a handicap event, a system is being adopted whereby the nrst car past the winning post is the actual winner oi the race. The handicaps according to the regulations will be as follow : Cars with engines exceeding 50{) c.c. and up to 750 c.c. will be credited with live laps before the start. Cars with engines exceeding 750 c.c. and up to 1109 c.c. three Japs. Cars exceeding 1100 c.c. and up to 2000 c.c. two laps. Cars exceeding 2000 c.c. and up to 3000 c.c. one lap. Cars exceeding 3000 c.c. will not be credited with any lap at the start. The race will not only be a test of cars, |,ut also of equipment, mudguards, hood's, windscreens, electric selfstarters, lamps, etc., which must be carried. During the race engines must he started only by the use of the starting motor. This means that fitments which are standard on a touring car will be subjected to a gruelling test. , The course is ideal for a road. race. It has corners and hills to test brakes and acceleration, while the spectacle ■of cars roaring through the streets of the two towns shoud indeed be a thrilling one. Barricades are to he erected in the towns to protect spectators. Hundreds of soldiers and police will be provided to guard the roads and protect the crowds and drivers.