GERMAN WINS GREAT INTERNATIONAL 400- MILE TOURIST RACE

Manawatu Times, Volume LIV, Issue 6992, 19 August 1929, Page 7

GERMAN WINS GREAT INTERNATIONAL 400MILE TOURIST RACE

English Car Third 500,000 PEOPLE WITNESS EVENT A DEMON DRIVER. Fnited Press Association—By Electril Telegraph—Copyright. Received Sunday, 7 p.m. LONDON, Aug. 17. Six nations competed in the greatest road race in history of 410 miles for the Royal Automobile Club's international tourist trophy race at Belfast. A downpour of rain yesterday threatened to spoil the prospects, but the roads were in such a perfect state that a few hours of dry weather restored the surface. Many spectators camped all night at vantage points on the circuit of 134 miles, so that the competitors had to make 30 laps, forming one of the most difficult courses in the world. There were hairpin corners in abundance, but also long straights, on which the largo cars could stretch their legs. Carriciola, driving a Mercedes Benz, was first, Zaupari, in an Alfa Romeo, was second, and Nash, in an Austin, Was third. At least half a million people witnessed the race, in which there were 65 competitors.

Laughing Dare-Devil Took Terrible Risks MANY DRIVING ACCIDENTS. Australian Press Association. Received Sunday, 11 p.m. LONDON, Aug. IS. The race is described as a motor epic. JTlie giant was Carriciola, a laughing dare-devil in a monstrous Mercedes xaeer, who staggered the motoring world. The great joke was the baby Austins, who were given such handsome starts that the racing experts of six nations had to risk their necks and reputations to catch them. The course was treacherous and 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 and taking such risks that he made the crowd sick with fear. He got ahead by laps in a few minutes. Crouching amid the dirt and oil of the pits, Mrs Carriciola cheered her husband and timed his laps as accurately as the experts. Near the end of the race, one cOr 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 that nobody was periousdy hurt. Kidston, in a Bentley, crashed, but he and the machine were unhurt. Higgin (a Britisher) dashed into the town hail at Newtown Hards at-a pace of 70 miles an hour and escaped injury. A groan went up when Kayo Don had to Tetire owing to engine trouble. Rubin, another English competitor, pverturned and his car had to be raised to extricate him, when ho shouted “I not hurt! ” and helped to clear the Idebris. Another car got on fire. Before long, 20 of the starters had retired, put out by disastrous skids but the German dashed on as though he bore a charmed life. Campari pays tribute to Carriciola’s amazing skill and the manner in which the winning car stood up to the gruelDitig of the 400 miles course. The leading average speeds are:— Carriciola 72.8, Campari 67.5, Nash 59.6, Holbrook, who was fourth, also driving an. Austin seven, 59.5. Alfa Romeos filled fifth and sixth places.