[” THE BROOKLANDS GAZETTE” will deal with all matters pertaining to motoring sport in all its forms in an impartial manner. Consequently, the Editor does not necessarily associate himself with the opinions expressed by his contributors.]

described have been, and will be, tested by members of our staff, and in cases where the need for criticism arises, our comments will be to that effect. We have no use for “sugary trifles,” as our correspondent describes them, and we shall endeavour to steer clear of anything approaching ‘pages of boring battalions of words.”

If the dictates of circumstance have caused us to forsake the spanner and micrometer gauge for the Editorial paste and scissors, we still hold an affectionate regard for the practical side of motoring, with, we hope, the spirit of enthusiasm shown by our readers. But we are open to follow the wishes of the motoring sportsman whom we desire to serve in every way.

Activities of the ” Closed ” Season.

At this time of the year one hears little of the doings of automobile racing men, and of the hundreds of amateurs, whose inclinations lie in the direction of improving standard models in various ways. At first sight, one might be excused for thinking that the sporting motorist in general, like the butterfly, only appears when the spring arrives and when the call of the road and track brings him forth to fresh efforts.

It is only necessary to peep behind the scenes, however, to learn of the energetic preparations now being made by professionals and amateurs alike. Pew sporting cars are to be seen on the road just now, because their owners are busy in carrying out overhauls and adjustments calculated to fit their machines for the real business of the season. Now is the time to study the engineering side to motor racing, for the real sportsman is something far greater than an able exponent in the art of driving. Even if he does not possess the time or inclination to carry out his pre-seasonal repairs on his own account, this need be no hindrance to the mechanical efficiency of his car. During the past season much valuable information will have been gathered concerning performances, occasional breakdowns, or failures will have shown the need for detailed improvements and success in. future events will depend largely upon the amount

of care and attention bestowed upon the chassis during the next few weeks. Many owners look upon, the first licensing quarter as a suitable opportunity for withdrawing their cars from service for the purpose of the annual overhaul and take advantage of the excellent facilities now provided in up-to-date garages for tuning up or for partial re-building if need be.

Sporting cars of all types are admittedly subject to greater stresses than those imposed upon ordinary touring models, and speed naturally exacts a penalty in some form or another. The kind of wear taking place in a carefully driven sports car can be corrected by skilful mechanical treatment, and readers who have ambitions to capture some of the trophies offered for 1925 will do well to emulate the example of those who at the present moment are hard at work in preparing for the 1925 season.

Round the Clubs.

We sympathise with Club Secretaries at this period of the year, for while many are ready to assist by sending particulars of Club doings in the thick of the season, it is difficult to keep up the interest in our “Round the Clubs” pages during the ” closed ” period.

Hitherto, the matter submitted to us for inclusion has largely comprised lists of events, which, though useful, only appeal to a limited section of our readers. We are anxious to get a little more brightness and local colour into this section of The BROOKLANDS GAZETTE, and will appreciate the help of Club Secretaries and members in this direction.

This section, gentlemen, is open for you ! Let us have some personal notes. Tell us about that machine you ” crocked ” last season and about the new one for 1925. Your President has presented a new cup—excellent ! Let us have a photo of the trophy, and so on ad lib.

“Round the Clubs” is not intended as a ” fill-up ” for the page left vacant by other contributors, it has a definite object which can only be fulfilled by the aid of enthusiastic co-operation on the part of clubmen all over the country.