LAND SPEED RECORD.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVII, Issue 20760, 31 December 1930, Page 12

LAND SPEED RECORD.

NINETY-MILE BEACII.

NORMAN SMITH'S ATTEMPT

TESTS EARLY NEXT MARCH

COMPLETION OP CAR DELAYED

Very little definite information regarding tho forthcoming attempt, by Norman ( 'Wizard' ) Smith on the world's onemile speed record at tho Ninety-Mile Beach has reached Auckland, but it is now known that Smith will not be able (o bring his car to Auckland before tho middle of February at the earliest, whilo it seems probable that the actual attempt will not he made until tho first two weeks in March.

Work on the construction of the new car, which is to be known as (ho "Fred If. Stewart Special," in honour of tho Sydney business man who is financing its building, has been delayed by the late arrival of (he engine from England. Tho engine, which is a Napier supercharged aeroplane unit, similar to those installed in (ho Napier-Glosler racing seaplanes specially built for the last Schneider trophy race at Calshot, arrived' reccntFy at Sydney on (ho steamer Mooltan, and work is now proceeding as rapidly as possible in installing it in the chassis. Mechanics are working in two and three shifts a day to expedite (he car's completion, as Smith has been anxious (o attack the record as early as possible in order to forestall Captain Malcolm Campbell, who is reported to bo visiting Daytona early in (lie new year with a secret car which is now nearing completion in England.

Spocial Timing Apparatus,

In the meantime a number of preparations aro being made in New Zealand for Smith's visit. Tho Auckland Automobilo Association has already placed an order for tho special timing apparatus which is to be used, and this mechanism, the most modern of its kind, costing £SOO, is now on its way to New Zealand. The association will not time the attempt itself, as it has delegated control of tho speed trials to tho Auckland Automobile Racing Club, Limited, which will have the services, of Mr. If. Butcher, who has been accredited by the Royal Automobile Clnb in England and A.1..A. in France, tho two bodies controlling record attempts, to act as official timekeeeper. Tho association has also purchased a property on the edge of the beach, near the site where Smith established his temporary camp on his previous visit, and on this section accommodation for the new car and the, "Anzuc," which Smith will again bring with him, will bo erected. Quarters will also bo provided here for tho mechanics in charge of the cars, which will be constantly guarded. As tho Napier engine remains the property of the Air Ministry and its details aro regarded as a State secret, every precaution will be taken to preserve it from accident or close investigation. Beach Oamp for Visitors.

It is anticipated that a number of peoplo will visit the beach to witness the attempts, many Auckland motorists having announced Choir intention of being present.. A scheme is now on foot to establish a large beach camp adjoining tho official camp to uccommodato 200 persons, and arrangements to obtain a suitable section arc now being made. A considerable amount of work will be necessary to make this and the other camp, as electric light will havo to bo supplied from a distance, whilo a water supply and other conveniences will have to be provided. It is desired to make the ramps into self-contained communities as far ns possible. It is likely that a race-meeting will be held during the time that Smith is at the beach, as a number of Auckland racing drivers will be present and if there is sufficient inducement they may take their cars. It is understood also that several Australian racing men will be over and they are expected to bring cars with them. It will be remembered that in past beach meetings at Muriwai Australian drivers havo entered for races with considerable success.

If ho is successful in his attempts Smith will probably visit the fe'outh Island and make an appearance on Oreti Beach, a fine strip of sand near lnvercargill. This beach, which is over fivo miles long, is packed very hard, and is not so exposed to weather conditions as the NinetyMilo Beach, being in a more uniform condition and not varying from day to day. A sufficient stretch of sand is available for Smith to cover a mile at a very high rate of speed, and with tho most favourable conditions ho may be able to drivo his new car at nearly its maximum.