ACROSS AUSTRALIA.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 19250, 14 August 1924, Page 8

ACROSS AUSTRALIA.

SUGGESTED MOTOR RACE. (From Our Own Correspondent.) SYDNEY, August 6. The organisation of a transcontinental race from Adelaide to Port Darwin has been suggested as a great national sporting event for motor cars in the commonwealth. Australia at present lacks a corresponding event to the Grand Prix in France, or the Indianapolis 500, and it is believed that such a transcontinental race as is now suggested would not only bring us into line with other countries, but would attract world-wido attention. It has been urged that the combined automobile clubs, oil companies, and others in the trade should promote the event next year. It is considered that as the motor is now an important factor in the development of Australia such a contest would not only provide a magnificent event, affording one of the finest tests of a car the world has yet seen, but also one pregnant with great possibilities in the opening un of the great outback. The distance of the race, as suggested by Mr Harry James, whose idea is likely to obtain official sanction and support, is 2066 miles. Should the automobile clubs .and the trade generally show the interest in the event which is anticipated it will be necessary to proceed almost at once with the preliminary organisation, for the transport of stores along the route for competitors will take many months. The fact is recalled that, in transporting supplies for _Mr Murray Aungor’s last expedition on this route, came] teams took four days to cover 25 miles, and they onlv had to carry sufficient for three cars. If the big race eventuates there will probably be a section for motor cyclists, with and without side-cars, as well ns classes for touring cars and stripped racers.