CYCLING AND MOTORING.

Northern Advocate, 28 May 1921, Page 1

CYCLING AND MOTORING.

NOTABLE EXPONENT DEAD. Motor cyclists throughout Australasia will regret to hear of the death of Mr Harold Parsons, the finest exponent. of motor cycle lacing in the Commonwealth and one of the greatest in the world. Parson?, met with fatal injuries through colliding with a horse whilst out riding near Epping, a few miles from Melbourne. He sustained a fracture of the skull and was speedily rempved to the Melbourne hospital, but died a few minutes after admission, Mr Parsons, who was only i2B years of age, in .lie last few years put up many remarkable performances, being equally at home at track racing or speed work on the road. Amongst records that have stood to lii-v credit are the Sydney-Melbourne, Adelaide-Mel-bourne; whilst his greatest achievement of all was his 24 hours' world road record on the Sale circuit, covering 1.1141 miles on a h.p. machine in the full day. At track racing Australia lias naver seen his equal, his masterly "cornering" on -unbanke'l turns being a feature of his great mastery over his machine. It was only last Easter that, he conceded big starts in tho Sale "200" road race, finishing up third in the wonderful time of 3hrs 20mins 30h£cs. Mr Parson's death will rob motor cycling of its spectacular head, and his demise will be greatly regretted by tens of thousands of motorists ill Australasia. v PACING FEATURES. Some interesting details are now available ef special features being incorporated in the racing cars being prepared for the world's greatest car race, the Grand Prix, set down for decision on the Lo Mans circuit in France, on July 27>. The outstanding feature is that most of the .19 contesting cars will be fitted with eight-cylinder engines. Not so many years bade a car intended for sus!aii:ed high speed on the road had huge cylinders, large valves and an engine of massive proportions. Tho engines being prepared for the forthcoming classic event will be remarkable for their sniallness. In dimensions the piston and valves are those of the modern light ear. Looking at them it seems difficult to realise where the power is to come from to aifctain and sustain high pace in a road contest over 400 miles. The '' straight eight'' engine develops high-engine speed and reduces weight, particularly in the reciprocating parts, giving wonderfully smooth running and an even torque, that enables considerable weight to be saved in tlu; flywheel.