MOTOR RACING

Hawera Star, Volume XLIX, 19 August 1929, Page 5

MOTOR RACING

THRILLS FOR SPECTATORS.

SIXTY-FIVE COMPETITORS.

R.A.C. TOURIST TROPHY. iUnited Press Association—by Eiectni; l’elegrapD j Copyright.) (Australian -frees Association.) LONDON, Aug. 17. The Royal Automobile Club’s international Tourist Trophy race at Bellast- resulted in a win for Carriciola, driving a Mercedes Deny., with Campari in an Alia Romeo second, and Nash in an Austin third. At least 50i),0Ul> people witnessed the race, in which there were 65 competitors representing six nations. It is the greatest road race in history, the distance being 410 miles. A downpour of rain yesterday threatened to spoil the prospects, but the roads were in such a perfect state that but a few hours drying restored the surface. Many spectators camped all night at vantage points on the circuit of 13£ miles. Competitors had to make thirty laps. The course is one of the most difficult in the world, as there are hairpin corners in abundance, but also long straights on which large cars could “stretch their legs.” The race is described 1 as a motor epic. A giant was Carriciola, a laughing daredevil in a monstrous Mercedes racer who staggered the motoring world. A great joke was the Baby Austins, which were given such handsome starts that the racing experts ot six nations had to risk their necks and reputations to catch them. The course was treacherous. Heavy rain had turned the deadly curves and hairpin bends into death traps. Carriciola dashed ahead from the start like a thunderbolt, driving like a madman. Taking risks that made the crowd sick with fear, he got ahead by laps in a few minutes.

Crouching amid the dirt and oil of tlie pits Frau •Carriciola cheered her husband and timed him as accurately as the experts. Near the end of the race one car ran into a breakdown gang of men, one of whom died in hospital and five were seriously injured. There were" many driving accidents, but it is amazing nobody was seriously hurt. Kids ton. in a Bently, crashed, but lie and his mechanic were unhurt. Higgin (Britain) dashed into the town hall at Newtonards at a pace of 70 miles an hour and escaped injury. A groan went up when Kaye Don had to retire owing to engine trouble. Rubin, another English competitor, overturned, and the car had to be raised to extricate him, when he shouteel. “I am not hurt,” and helped to clear the debris. Another car caught lire.

Before long twenty starters had -retired, put out by disastrous skids, but the German dashed on as though he boro a charmed life. Campani pays tribute to Carriciola ’ s amazing skill and the manner in which the winning car stood up to the gruelling of the 400-mile course.

The leading average speeds are: Carriciola. 72.8 miles per hour; Campari, 67.5 miles per hour; Nash, 59.6 miles per hour. Holbrook, who was fourth, also driving an Austin Seven, made 59.5 miles per hour. Alfa Romeos filled fifth and sixth places.