Something About the Driver Himself

Manawatu Times, Volume LV, Issue 6748, 5 January 1932, Page 5

Something About the Driver Himself

DID 164 M.P.H. IN THE DOMINION. It was with the idea of trying the beach and letting pcoplo see that Smith was a man who could break records—not that his capabilities wero doubreu in Australia, for he was then the holder of many records—that tho ‘Anzac’ was brought to New Zealand. In the summer of 1930 Smith touched 164 miles an hour on Ninety-Mile Beach and thus broke the ten-milo world record, lie was satisfied; the ear was a great success. Back to Australia Smith and his party went, and tho preliminary work for tho bigger venture started. The Prime Minister, Air. Scullin, was persuaded to approach the British Government and ask for tho loan of a secret Schneider Cup engine, and after a deposit of several thousand pounds had been made by Mr. Fred H. Stewart with the British Air Ministry, the huge engine was shipped from England, arriving in Sydney last December. This time there was no dipping in hats to see who would design the ear. Don Darkness got to work and designed and built what Smith calls “tlio greatest car that has ever attempted tho record.” “Wizard” Smith is 40 years of age, lie was married when lie was 20, and lias a daughter. Iris, aged IS, who is in Sydney. Unlike most racing drivers, Smith does not train. When Sydney learned that he was to make an attempt oil tho mile land speed record, every physical culture expert in the city wanted the job of training him. But he is naturally fit. Ho never smokes. Occasionally ho will drink a shandy—but nothing more. Thi3 quiet racing driver is a keen cricketer. He, has played a good deal in Sydney competitions, as a member ;of the Paddington Club. Snooker and billiards arc among his hobbies, and he handles a cue well. There is a good deal of rivalry between Smith and his manager, Mostyn. Smith generally wins. At night time the party play cards, poker, 500 or bridge. And people ask, “What makes these racing drivers try to break records when thcro is so much risk?” And Smith smiles, and replies: “Oh, just tho urge to beat tho other fellow,”