164 MILES PER HOUR.

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXXVI, Issue 19093, 27 January 1932, Page 6

164 MILES PER HOUR.

TEN MILE RECORD BROKEN “WIZARD” SMITH’S FAST RUN. By Telegraph—Pr«»« Association NINETY MILE BEACH, Jan. 26. “ Wizard” Smith this afternoon broke the ten-mile record held by Merchand at 137.21 miles per hour, with an average speed of 164.084 miles an hour. He covered the southern dash in 3min 39.4Q25ec., or 164.084 miles per hour. It was unofficially announced earlier that Smith had broken the record, but the official result was unknown until about four hours after the event. After Smith sets the timing apparatus working, it cannot be stopped until he has finished the second dash. It is necessary to ascertain that he does not overstep the hour limit laid down by the international body. Unfortunately, no intimation of the position was given until about an hour and a half after the event, and a number of people who waited on hoping to hear the time were disappointed. Smith this morning seemed determined to do something, and preparations were early in hand, getting the course flagged. As the beach was bad at the northern end, postal officials laid an extra mile of cable at the southern end. so that the ten-mile course could be moved further down. The first run was made from the north, Smith taking about four miles to get up speed. Just after a quarter past five the powerful Napier-Lion engine was started, and wriggling into the seat Smith set out to break the record. The beach was wet for most of the course, and visibility was not too good. He approached the course at between 80 and 90 miles an hour, speeding up entering the timed stretch. Tearing through the wet sand, the wheels sent up showers of spray which coated the windscreen and at times caused him to slow down near the centre of the course. However the engine was running beautifully, and reached 200 miles an hour, this speed for some distance. The last stretch of the course was very wet, and Smith accelerated, causing the engine to splutter and miss. He slowed down to 100 miles passing the final track switch, and then gradually eased up and ran slowly to a dump four miles further on. The racing tyres were inspected by an expert, a:.cl no wear was found on the front pair The back two showed signs of cuts by toheroa shells, and the wheels were changed The radiator did not heat above normal on the run, and it was not found necessary to use more water on the whole journey. Getting the car ready for the return dash did not take more than forty minutes, and Smith set out once again. The engine was spluttering badly, and flames were bursting from the exhausts. Passing the first track switch at about 100 miles per hour, she sent up a cloud of spray and smoke, obscuring the track for some distance, and soon disappeared into the haze. The roar of the engine drowned the growl of the waves, and the splutter became pronounced as the sound died away. “ I am very satisfied with the car’s performance,” said Smith, on his returning. “I am confident of the land speed record, although I will not try anything with the beach in such condition.” The driver was covered with sand from head to foot, and was wet through, while the Enterprise was coated with sli>i. The efficiency of the gearless transmission and Raysona ignition pleased the driver immensely, and he stated that they in a small measure accounted for the success. PREPARATIONS FOR TEN-MILE TEST. By Telegraph—Press Association NINETY MILE BEACH, Jan. 26. At low water between 4 and 5 o'clock this afternoon “Wizard" Smith intends to attack the ten mile record and if as successful as is anticipated the other records will be attempted within the next two days. Smith had announced his intention of attempting the record yesterday afternoon and all preparations such as fitting racing tyres, loading the truck with spares, and having the flagmen on the spot were made. Just before low water, however, Smith inspected the whole length of the course and announced there were several washouts higher up the beach and that the run was off. However. Smith seems determined to get something done if the washouts do not spoil the track. He stated he wished to start near the surf and run a diagonal course along the beach until he enters the ten mile stretch. He will then straighten up for the dash. He will be content with approaching the timing switch at a speed of between 90 and 100 miles an hour and when about a mile from the start of the timed stretch will speed up to about 150 miles per hour, which will enable him to beat Marchand’s record time, 137.21 miles per hour. The weather this morning was good and visibility excellent.