SPEED BOAT CONTESTS

Hawera Star, Volume LII, 5 September 1932, Page 6

SPEED BOAT CONTESTS

FIRST BEAT TO AMERICA MISHAPS ON MISS ENGLAND 111. HAEMSWORTH TROPHY RACE. (United Press Association—By Electrlo Telegraph Copyright.) DETROIT, Sept. 3. Gar Wood (United States) to-day won the first motorboat race against Kaye Don (Britain) in the match for the Harms-worth Trophy. The start was delayed half an hour by rain. Don led from the start and held the advantage for over half the distance. Then Wood pulled up and. took the victory. The poor weather prevented fast time. Don led for the first 28 miles. Then Wood, who had been trailing a mile and a-half behind, opened up. He finished almost two miles ahead of the Englishman, who seemed in difficulty The 100,000 spectators seemed stunned as Wood swept over the finishing line. Despite Wood’s victory Don did the fastest lap, Miss England 111 circling the course the first time at a speed of 83.685 statute miles an Wood’s best lap wsa done at 87.387 miles au hour. Wood’s average speed over the full course was 79.4S9miles per hour and Don’s 71.265. The course was the most unsatisfactory in recent years, heavy rain and high winds creating nasty seas. The second race will be held on Monday. Wood’s time for the course was announced as 30min. 48.7 sec. and Don’s as 33min. 55.925ec. The trophy has been'held by America since Wood won it 12 months ago at Southampton W ater.

After the race Don said: “It was the greatest race in which I have ever driven and I enjoyed it immensely. Conditions were such that they made it somewhat difficult for the competitors. Unfortunately during the third lap we developed two troubles—first the throttle control at the carburettor and the starboard engine became detached, so oniy the port engine was working after the third lap; secondly, the overflow pip® for the water circulation of the engine pulled out and shipped the water into the boat instead of overboard. I do want to offer my sincerest congratulations to AVood on his magnificent victory. I am looking forward with enthusiasm to the race on Monday. AA r ood stated.: “We ran the race just as planned and did not have the boat wide open at any time.”