In the Paddock- Sporting Chat By 'The Lounger'

I suppose it was never anticipated that the seats in the Fork Grand Stand would be occupied throughout a complete programme. At any rate, I have ridden on many an unsprung pillion that has been_more comfortable. But perhaps one can hardly expect silk cushions for an extra ” bob ” !

Why do not more car racing enthusiasts attend the Track on motor cycle racing days ? Many of them would find the programmes quite interesting, and one or two car designers and drivers might take a good tip or two from what has lately been accomplished with the faster two-wheelers.

The recording of results at B.M.C.R.C. meetings has much improved of late. I cannot admire the artistic efforts of some of the official painters, but I am quite sure that “the gate” much appreciates the dual results boards which are now in operation behind the timing-box and in the fork enclosure respectively.

How old is George Reynolds’ Humber ? From the very fact that it is always so spick and span, it attracts attention to its wealth in years. But its owner is quite proud of it, as he has every reason to be. It is a wonderful old car, and Mrs. Reynolds and the family always look so comfortable in it.

When asked “What’ll win ? ” a certain Brooklands enthusiast always replies “I’ll tell you after the race.” But I notice that the bookies hand over quite a lot to him. It is no use writing to me for this gentleman’s name and address He has not a monopoly of information, he is simply consummately lucky in betting, as in most other things he touches.

I have noticed lately a number of weary-looking people arrive at the Track on push ,bicycles. Quite a lot can be read into this about the missionary vocation of Brooklands. If people will pedal from afar to see motors racing, surely by hook or by crook they will some day own motors themselves ? At any rate, I congratulate these cyclists upon their motoring enthusiasm.

What a remarkable lorry it is that Count Zborowski carts his racing cars about on I have heard whispers of astonishing speeds it has put up on Continental roads, and certainly its equipment is typical of the thoroughness with which the Count does everything. I suggest a hundred miles race between the Zborowski lorry and George Reynolds’ Humber, both carrying their usual freight, and the owners, for this occasion, swapping wheels.

I like that six-cylinder A.C. on which Colonel Lloyd disports himself, even although its official yellow paint is a bit lurid. It has rather put the other official Brooklands car into the shade, but the old Sizaire is still giving a good account of itself in the hands of the peaked cap gentleman.

The great variety of;cars, including several of antique vintage, on which spectators arrive at the Track, speaks well for both their versatility of motoring taste and their sporting enthusiasm. Several remarkably cleverly camouflaged Fords have lately made their appearance.

But I have yet to find the first in the Paddock or enclosures which does not give itself away by reason of its steering wheel. This, of course, if to proclaim oneself a Metallic Elizabeth, is in car etiquette to give oneself away!

The ” Leyland-Thomas ” in her 1924 form is, without doubt, one of the finest specimens of streamlining that has yet appeared. A saving of 40 per cent, head resistance is claimed for the new design. This is very considerable when the shape of the streamlining adopted last year is recalled.