CONTINENTAL NOTES, February 1933

CONTINENTAL NOTES. ECORD ENTRY AT SINGLE FEES FOR LE MANS ENGLAND REPRESENTED BY ALTA, ALVIS, ASTON-MARTIN, AUSTIN, M.G, RILEY AND TALBOT.

In spite of the gradual revival of “Grand Prix” racing having its inevitable effect of a reduction in the number of “sports car” events, the 24 Hour Race at Le Mans continues to draw a large entry. Indeed, this race together with the Italian 1,000 Miles and the R.A.C. Tourist Trophy races, seem likely to form the permanent “sports car” calendar of the future. For the 1933 event, a record number of entries at lowest fees was received. For this period which closed on December 20th, no fewer than 29 cars were entered, made up of the following :

ELIMINATING RACE FOR THE ilTa BIENNIAL CUP.

1. Alfa Romeo (2,336 c.c.), Lord Howe and Sir H. Birkin.

2. Alfa Romeo (2,336 c.c.), Heide. 3. Alfa Romeo (2,336 c.c.), Louis Chin

etti.

4. Marendaz (1,869 c.c.), D.M.K. Marendaz Ltd.

5. Charley (1,800 c.c.), Societe Francaise des Automobiles Charley.

6. Alfa Romeo (1,750 c.c.), Mme. 0. Siko.

7. Amilcar (1,500 c.c.), Martin and Bodoignet.

8. Aston-Martin (1,500 c.c.), AstonMartin Motors.

9. Aston-Martin (1,500 c.c.), AstonMartin Motors.

10. Aston-Martin (1,500 c.c.), AstonMartin Motors.

11. B.N.C. (1,100 c.c.), Adrien Alin.

12. Riley (1,100 c.c.), Riley (Coventry), Ltd.

13. Riley (1,100 c.c.), Riley (Coventry), Ltd.

14. Alta (1,074 c.c.), J. L. Ford.

15. Tracta (990 c.c.), Automobiles Tracta.

16. Austin (747 c.c.), Metchim.

17. M.G. (746 c.c.), P. S. Barnes.

18. M.G. (746 c.c.), Hon. Mrs. Chetwynd.

19. M.G. (746 c.c.), F. H. B. Samuelson.

20. Mme. Mareuse and J. P. Wimille.

21. Prince Nicolas of Roumania.

22. Renaldi and Gaillard.

23. Roger Labric.

24. Salmson. (1,100 c.c.), Vernet and ValIon.

25. Riley (1,100 c.c.), J. Sebilleau.

26. Talbot (2,970 c c), A. W. Fox.

27. (5,000 c.c.), G. Bouriat.

28. (5,000 c.c.), G. Bouriat.

29. Bugatti (4,900 c.c.), Count Czaikowski.

30. Alvis (2,511 c.c.), J. D. Benjafield and Sir R. Gunter.

Of these entries Nos. 7, 8, 9, 23, 25 and 26 will compete for’ the final of the 10th Biennial Cup.

In all probability the two 5-litre cars entered by Guy Bouriat will be Bugattis, so that with Czaikowski’s 4.9 litre model, a stern French opposition will be provided against the Alfa Romeos.

Of the British cars, the Aston Martins should stand a good chance of carryng off the final of the 10th Biennial Cup, as well as qualifying for the 11th. The team will be Bertelli and Driscoll, Whitcroft and Cuthbert, Morris-Goodall and Mrs. Wisdom, and preparations are going on apace in order that the cars may give the best account of themselves during the race.

The Alta and Marendaz, both being untried • designs, will be watched with interest, although the Alta will have the benefit of its short run last year. The ” works” Rileys will be dangerous, as will the M.G., and the solitary Talbot and Alvis, while a sporting effort is that of 1VIetchim with an Austin.

The Rileys, Aston Martins and the Talbot will all be helped by the new rule which imposes an increase of 40% on the distance to be covered by blown cars, as against 33% in previous years.

Entries at 30% reduction close on January 31st, but already the field is such as to guarantee a first-class race.