Continental notes, January 2004

Jenks on USA, 1970

Last season the CSI hoped for a ‘Worldwide Formula for Racing’, an all-embracing capacity limit of four litres for Formula One, Sports and Prototype racing, American single-seaters and Can-Am. While Europe was in favour, the Americans decided they were not, so the ‘Worldwide Formula’ has been dropped.

Europe had a great deal to gain, for America offers some interesting activities. Where else can a driver attain really high racing speeds? With stock cars lapping Daytona at 190mph, the American racer is a man apart for sheer speed and power, for USAC racing allows turbocharging and Can-Am permits engines up to eight litres. The money spent on turbines, four-wheel drive and special materials must be enough to keep a European team running for a whole season. Then there are huge sums to be won by the successful driver. It is no surprise that everyone wants to join in the American type of racing.

In return, we in Europe have little to offer the Americans, except tradition and the chance to race on circuits which make their imaginations boggle. They have nothing like Spa, the Nürburgring, Monte Carlo or the Targa Florio but, equally, we have nothing like Indianapolis, Daytona, Michigan or the Bonneville Salt Flats. The idea was rather one-sided, so it is no surprise it has not come about. –Yours, DSJ