FIELD OF TWENTY

Taranaki Daily News, 16 October 1934, Page 7

FIELD OF TWENTY

CENTENARY AIR RACE COMPETITORS GATHERING TIME EXTENSIONS GIVEN 7 ' ‘ By Telegraph—Press Assn.—Copyright. London, Oct. 14. By 4.30 p.m., the time specifiedfor the arrival of competitors at Mildenhall aerodrome, whence the centenary air race field will start next Saturday, 12 had landed. Extensions of time have been granted ip 10 other probable starters, in addition to several who are regarded as unlikely to compete. Barring accidents, the ultimate field seems likely to be 20, not including two Italian entrants of whom there is no news. Seventeen of the probable starters are now in England. In view of the great expense of the race’the heavy from the original field of 64 are not surprising, and recalling the early apathy, specially from Britain, 20 starters would be satisfactory. The undercarriage of Mr. J. Woods' Lockheed Vega was damaged when landing at Heston this afternoon. The damage was not serious and the pilots were uninjured. The machine was rushed to the workshops, and it is expected that repairs will be effected to enable the pilot to reach Mildenhall on Monday, so the aero club has granted an extension until tomorrow.

There will be no mistaking the Rapide Dragon flown by the New Zealanders Squadron-Leader J. D. Hewett and Fly-ing-Officer C. Kay. It is painted a virulent orange, inartistic but the easiest colour to see from the air in the event of a forced landing.

■ The Miles Hawk flown by the New Zealanders Squadron-Leader M. C. McGregor and Mr. H. C. Walker, will be the smallest in the race.