LAND SPEED RECORD.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVII, Issue 20642, 14 August 1930, Page 11

LAND SPEED RECORD.

NINETY MILE BEACH.

FILM SHOWN IN LONDON.' / 1 INVITATION- TO MOTORISTS. By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright. LONDON, Ausuat 12. • A film depicting racing at Ninety-mile Beach, New Zealand, was exhibited at a dinner of the British Racing Drivers' Club, at which Earl Howe presided.' Those present included Captain Malcolm Campbell, Messrs. D. Marendaz, A. FraserNash aftd S. C. ■ H.. Davis. Mr. H. Butcher, who represented the Auckland Automobile Association, invited the famous motorists to attack the late Sir Honry Segravc's record in New Zealand. Mr. H. Butcher, a member of the council of the Auckland Automobile Association, left for England recently, taking with him a film of Ninety-mile Beach and other data, showing the suitability of the beach for attempts on the world's land speed record, and other high-speed events. Mr. Butcher intimated befo ( re he left that he would endeavour to show the film before a gathering of' prominent racing drivers, some of whom he hoped to interest in the possibilities of the beach. Mr. Butcher hoped to have an opportunity of placing his information before Mr. Kayc Don, the driver of the "Silver Bullet," which was taken to Daytona Beach but failed to approach the speed made by the late Sir Henry Segrave.in his "Golden Arrow." It was thought that Mr. Don might possibly consider bringing his giant car to New Zealand, to attempt to lower the record on Ninety-mile Beach. It has already been announced that Mr. N.orman "Wizard" Smith, the Australian racing motorist, will return to New Zealand with a new car early next year, to attempt to lower the same record. A letter from Mr. Smith giving details of his. car was received at a meeting of the council of the Auckland Automobile Association last evening. Mr. Smith said that the designer of the car, Mr. D. Harkness, expected to have it ready early in January, and that he would probably come to Auckland later in that month and attempt to break the record at the Ninety-Mile Beach, early in February. . The letter stated that the frame of the new car probably would be completed at the end of July. The engine to be *}ised was the latest supercharged Napier motor built for the last Schneider Cup race. A seaplane fitted with an eugi?io of the same type since that race had averaged 336 miles an hour, which was fight miles an hour faster than the engine averaged in the race. The engine being loaned to Mr. Smith by the Air Ministry had been on exhibition in a seaplane, and its arrival in Australia was being awaited with the keenest interest.

Cfertain highly accurate electrical liming apparatus is essential for timing attempts on world's records in order that they may be officially recognised. While in England Mr. Butcher intends to make inquiries concerning various types of timing apparatus, and the possibility of importing one, as the Auckland Automobile Association will be responsible for the timing of any attempts that, may be made.