ATTACK ON RECORD

Northern Advocate, 8 April 1931, Page 5

ATTACK ON RECORD

“WIZARD” SMITH’S PLANS CAR NEARLY READY. EFFORT ON NINETY MILE BEACH (Special to “Northern Advocate/’? AUCKLAND, This Day. According to advice received by Messrs C. C. Wakefield and Co., Ltd., an attack on the world’s land speed record will be made by Mr Norman (“Wizard”) Smith on the Ninety Mile Beach towards the end of May. If the weather is then unsuitable the attempt will probably be made in the spring. Dplay has been occasioned through the non-arrival of certain parts of the car in Australia, hut the machine is now almost completed and will be shipped to New Zealand in the near future.

iA number of preparations for the attempt have been made by the Auckland Automobile Racing Club, Ltd., which is to control the event, having been empowered to do so by the Auckland Automobile Association, the authorised representative of the English and international controlling bodies.

A property on the beach has been secured by the club for the erection of garage accommodation for the car and Mr Smith’s supplies, while a timing apparatus of the most modern type, working on the light-beam system, has been specially imported from England. In its main outlines the car resembles the “Golden Arrow,” but has a more powerful engine, the power unit being exactly similar to that of Sir Malcolm Campbell’s car, with which the present record was established. Mr Smith’s vehicle is very low, the maximum height from the ground being 3ft 2in, while the widest part of the body is only 19 inches across. The total length of the car is 26ft, with a wheel base of 13ft 4in and a track of sft. The whole of the mechanism is protected by an underlay of armour-plate, which gives a clearance of 74 inches. The 'car weighs about 7000 lbs. Specially built tyres, capable of 310 miles per hour are being provided.

Three factors make Mr Smith confident that he has an excellent chance of beating the record. His engine is one of the most efficient units in the world, developing far greater power than that of the “Golden Arrow.” The tyre manufacturers have assured him that the tyres they have designed are capable of over 300 miles per hour, while the Ninety Mile Beach is considered more suitable for high speed than Daytona Beach.