OVERSEAS RACING

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIX, Issue 21258, 11 August 1932, Page 14

OVERSEAS RACING

THE FRENCH GRAND PRIX VICTORY FOR ITALIANS Extremely high average speeds and a great, duel between tho leading racing drivers of the Continent wore outstanding features of the French Grand Prix, run early last month over the Rheims circuit. Although the event resulted in a sweeping victory for Alfa-Romeo cars, which took first, second and third places, the Italians did not have matters all their own way, being hotly pursued by a team of fast Bugattis, driven by some of the most redoubtable racing men of the present day. There were 16 competitors, all of whom got away well from tho traditional massed start. The president of the Automobile Club de France was the starter, and as soon as his flag dropped, Caracciola, the German driver of an Italian Alfa-Romeo car, shot ahead, closely followed by the noted Italian driver Varzi, who was handling a French Bugatti racer. After a few laps, however, Varzi dropped back, and was passed by Nuvolari and Borzacchini, both members of tho official Alfa team. There was only one Englishman in the race, Earl Howe, who was at tho wheel of a Bugatti. His 4900 c.c. model developed carburetter trouble, and ho lost so much time in making adjustments that he had no chance of overtaking the leaders, who wero lapping at about 95 miles an hour. The Italian Team Down tho long straight, tho three leading Alfas were roaring at about 120 miles an hour, and it was obvious that, barring accidents, they would defeat the Bugattis. After 30 laps Nuvolari passed Caracciola and took the lead, but lost ground when he had to come in for fuel Clever team work resulted in an Alfa always remaining ahead, for as the leader pulled in to replenish, a toam-mato would automatically take his place, thus depriving tho slightly-slower Bugattis of any great chance of success. The Italian cars were, however, forced to make their best speed to keep ahead of their French rivals, with the result that the race was one of the most exciting seen on the Continent this year. Nuvolari eventually regained tho load, and retained his position until the finish, with Borzacchini and Caracciola only a few seconds behind him. Chiron, Dreyfus and Williams, each with a Bugatti, took the next three places, while two more Alfas were seventh and eighth, and Earl Howe, who pluckily finished although ho had no chance of success, was ninth with his Bugatti The winner's average speed was 92.26 miles an hour, tho second man averaging 92.21 and the third 92.1. FREE-WHEELING DISCUSSED Sir Malcolm Campbell, writing in the Field, says:—"l have heard many arguments for and against the free-wheeling device, and as far as I can summarise it the position is this:—When a" free-wheel is used this device must obviously enable a slightly higher mileage per gallon of petrol to be obtained as well as more silent running, since the over-run of the gear-box is completely eliminated. But against these advantages it can be stated with equal accuracy that tho brakes will be called upon to withstand extra work, and in consequence will not last so long as they otherwise would do. Further, a car is certainly nioi-o prono to skid on a wet road when tho free-wheel is in use than when it is not." THE SINGER " NINE " A recent addition to the Singer range of models is the " Nine," a light car which has a particularly roomy body and a definitely good road performance with four up. Basically, the design follows that of the well-known Singer " Junior," but the engine is 4mm. larger in the bore, 60mm. instead of 56mm.,_ and a selfstarter Solex carburetter is fitted. Tho " Nine " also has longer rear springs than the " Junior " and the bodywork is of a higher grade. The cars are well equipped and tastefully finished, tho general appearance being good. On tho road, the now " Nine " is particularly nice to handle. The engine is a willing worker and pulls more like a small six than a four. Acceleration is good, specially in the silent third gear, while there is no flat-spot to spoil the flexibility of the car. The clutch is one of the lightest ever fitted, while the steering is practically effortless. The brakes are reliable, although a fairly heavy pressure is necessary to obtain tho best results, while an outstanding feature of the car is the road-holding ability. Corners can be taken quite fast with no sign of sway or roll, an attribute that greatly assists tho maintenance of a high average. The front seats are instantly adjustable for reach, while wells in tho floor add considerably to the comfort of tho backseat passengers. Taken as a whole the Singer " Nino " is a model that should attract owners who requiro a smart and comfortable light car. NOTES A miniature car, powered with a twostroko engino taken from an old lawnmower, has been built by a 13-year-old Surrey boy. Widespread smuggling of cars into France is alleged to bo taking place, chiefly by bribery and by illegal use of tho triptyque. Tho polico are holding an inquiry. An ovei-whclming and immediate response was made to tho announcement of tho Standard programme for 1933. 'I he first announcement of the new programme was made on July 1. By mid-day on July 2 contracts for 32,000 cars of a value of over £6,000,000 were received. Tho factory is working 24 hours a day.