GERMAN GRAND PRIX.

Star (Christchurch), Volume LXVI, Issue 20360, 18 July 1934, Page 11

GERMAN GRAND PRIX.

Frenchman Wins and an Italian Second.

Driving like madmen through blindjng rain Guy Moll (France) and Aehiße Varzi (Italy) in Alfa-Romeo cars won first and second places In Germany’s greatest motor-race on the Avus track, Berlin, on May 27. Momberger, in a Borsch car, was third, and Earl Howe (Maserati) was fourth. The winner’s average speed over the 182 miles was 128.75 m.p.h. Earl Howe averaged 116 m.p.h. Fifth came Nuvolari, the crack Italian, who raced with a broken leg set in plaster of Paris. According to the “ Daily Mail ” account the result dumbfounded the sporting public in Germany, for they felt that the national reputation was at stake and had been talking confidently for days of a German victory. When the winner crossed the line, the reporter* says, he did not hear a teingle shout of applause. The debacle of Germany in the race was all the move extraordinary because the Government had given all possible support to the Porsch firm. There was an enormous crowd, and about 10,000 Storm Troopers were present to maintain order. Shortly 1 before the start n torrent. of vain fell, and the concrete track, bespattered as it was with grease and oil, became desperately dangerous. In spite of the appalling conditions. Hans Stuck, in a Porsch car, covered the first lap (standing start)., at 133.5 m.p.h. The thousands of spectators were jubilant, and their excitement increased when Stuck maintained his advantage until half the distance was covered. But his lap speeds were ting slower and slower, and when arter the tenth round he pulled into the pits to make adjustments the drivers of tne Italian cars. with, years of racing experience, were quick to seize their advantage and shot into the lead.