MOTOR-CYCLING.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVIII, Issue 20890, 4 June 1931, Page 14

MOTOR-CYCLING.

ISLE OF MAN RACES. MANY ENTRIES RECEIVED. The entries for the J sic of Man tourist trophy races this year have exceeded all expectations, and are surprising in view of the persistent rumours that various sections of the trade were losing interest, in tho events. Since tho last T.T. many eminent authorities have questioned the value of this typo of race in its effect on the trade, arguing that while it undoubtedly produced exceedingly fast motors, it had no tendency to promote interest in the "everyman" type of machine. I.T. supporters replied that the race had produced many of tho finer points in design incorporated in most modern types, and rightly added that motor-cyclists were indebted Lo the 1.0.M. races for the fingerlight steering, excellent brakes and ge - eral sturdiness of design characteristic of the machines of to-day. In any case, 149 entries have been received for tills year's race, there being 56 for the senioi, 48 for tho junior and 41 for the lightweight, as well as four unclassified. Ihis is the largest entry that has been obtained since 1923, and the total is 27 above that of last year. Overseas Competitors.' There is a sprinkling of foreign entries, as well as many famous riders from tho Dominions. The foreign challenge is greatest in tho senior race, where Belgian, German and Swedish machines will contest honours. It is known that the foreign machines entered are worthy competitors, while some of the riders are as brilliant as any in the world. A noted British rider who will use a foreign mount is W. Handley. He has chosen air. F.N., and his model is said to be amazingly fast. Handley, a l.i. veteran, appeared on a similar machine in several Continental races last year, and although ho encountered slight trouble, the design has been modified so that the faults should not recur, and he has had the advantage of a season's prac tice. The German N.S.U. machines closely resemble the Nortons, and handle exceptionally well. They will be ridden by T. Bullus, J. A. Baker and R. Runtsch, all experienced men, who can bo relied upon to get tho most from their mounts. G. Seymour-Corkran will ride a Motosacoche M.A.G., while there will also be two Swedish Husqvarna ma chines, with Ericson and Kalen as the riders. Two Italian Guzzis will be ridden by Pietro Ghersi and "Paddy" Johnston in the light-weight. An Interesting Entry.

Probably the most interesting entry is the new "Square Four" Ariel, to be ridden by Somerville Sikes. Hie machine, which is not an official works entry, has been fitted with a Zoller supercharger, and, in consequence, the standard design has been somewhat modified. The supercharger is mounted on the off side, just above the gear box. It will ( run at roughly 55 per cent, of the engine speed, the induction pressure being approximately 151b. per square inch. This position of the supercharger involves rather a peculiar mounting of the carburetter, which has to be set close to the rear wheel. On the Ariel the induction port is at the front of the engine, so a long induction pipe, curving round the cylinder block, is necessary; this will cause a certain amount of pre-cooling of the mixture, and possibly the pipe will be ribbed with a view to increasing the pre-cooling Owing to the position of the supercharger, some trouble is anticipated through lack of room for the magneto, and it may be necessary to rely upon coil ignition, in which case the question crops up as to whether the battery will with* stand the hammering of a long-distance road race such as the T.T. "lhe performance of the supercharged Ariel will be watched with the keenest interest, and evcryono will be glad to learn that in the event of the machine not proving itself in the T.T., it is asking a lot to expect it to do so, it is proposed to enter it for some of the later races. Somerville Sikes will earn many congratulations on entering himself upon the machine, which is as novel a mount as has ever figured in the lists. SOUTH AFRICAN T.T. J. G. Lind, who secured replicas in all three Isle of Man T.T. races last year, has won the South African T.T. at record speed. He was riding an A.J.S., and averaged 78 m.p.h. for the 200 miles. A Velocette was second and an A.J.S. third. In the junior race, L. Cohen (A.J.S.) was placed first, with S. Chegor (A.J.S.) second, and Mullet* (Velocette) third. The junior race was won at 72.4 m.p.h. SPORTS CLUB MEETING. The annual general meeting of the Sports Motor-Cycle Club will be held in ■ the Chamber of Commerce on Tuesday, June .16. Officers for the coming year will be elected, and it is proposed to present the prizes won at the Wniheke Tourist Trophy races. NOTES. Over .CISOO in cash prizes is to be distributed at this week's Isle of Man T.T. tacfs. Entry 'feci lor this year's T.T. races in ihe Isle of Man have been reduced by more than 50 per cent. A single entry now costs £l6, as against £33. The monthly meeting of the North Shore. Sports Motor-Cycle Club will be held oil Tuesday, June 9, when a programme of events for the winter months will be diawn up.