Readers Opinion

Juix, 1935 .1•FW17412 • ::,1(.7:4.:* ••••••?•••••••?•?• MOTOR SPORT

American “Speed-Cops.”

Sir,—May I disagree strongly with part of your editorial in the April issue. We have a high opinion of our ” intelligent, skilful riders of high speed machines,” A great many of them are such. We also believe that they, by preference, hide in bushes, garages and side roads

along the straightest, widest, moderately travelled roads to serve summons on motorists who exceed whatever speed limit applies at that point, entirely ignoring dangerous driving at dangerous points. We also have a high opinion of their readiness to accept bribes when they think it safe. We even have had them dismissed for getting caught. A typically American, although we over here believe un-English, solution in the State of New York has been

to limit the local retention of fines to $4 per inhabitant of the town per annum. Greater sums revert to the State. This has been successful in reducing law enforcement for revenue except where it is

neatly avoided by permitting motorists to “jump ” bail, which not being fines, is not returned to the State.

Laws, if subject to interpretation, should not be left for interpretation to those whose record of achievement is the number of convictions obtained. Permit me, for obvious reasons, to sign myself

AN AMERICAN MOTORIST.

New York City, U.S.A.

Brooklands Racing.

Sir,—Criticisms of Brooklands track are ever with us; but, when all is said and done, the pioneer motor course still provides very good fare for the real enthusiast. I would define a ” real enthusiast ” as one to whom the results and lessons of a race are as interesting as the contest itself, as distinct from the ” average visitor,” whose interest ends with the chequered flag.

To the former a whole host of interesting happenings are evident in the set of events comprising the International Trophy, Empire Trophy, Relay race and soo mile Race; and the Mountain Handicaps constitute a sound test of all-round performance. It is the outer circuit, long and short handicaps, which appear to have lost a good deal of their former interest for the regular habitué, although as a spectacle they provide an unequalled impression of sheer speed. The entries for these races now largely comprise cars of “roadracing” and ” mountain ” type. Special track jobs are few and far between, and the ” Heavy Metal,” in particular, has sadly diminished. Apparently the majority of present-day competitors are placing the driving and sporting aspects of motor

racing foremost, and in consequence they naturally make use of cars most suited for their purpose. However, let us remember that motor racing also has a scientific aspect. Did not Parry Thomas live first and foremost for this aspect of high speed motoring, regarding races merely as a proving-ground for his theories and craftsmanship? And do not many people still speak with reverence of the ” Parry Thomas days,” and wish for their return ?

At the B.A.R.C. Opening Meeting Mr. A. G. Bainton gave a highly commendable lead to the ” Heavy Metal brigade ” by winning both his races with the 4.3-litre Bainton-Special. It was pleasing to see a 6k-litre engine in Marker’s Bentley, and interesting additions under the bonnet of Dr. Beaver’s lone ” 30/98.”

May the good work continue, and the specially-built racing job, especially in the higher capacity classes, become increasingly popular for outer-circuit racing. In this connection it is interesting that out of 42 cars entered for the outer circuit races at the Closing Meeting last year, 20 were of over 11-litres capacity, wheream corresponding figures for the August meeting were 43 and 16 respectively. For this year’s Opening Meeting the figures were 26 and 12 respectively. It is, perhaps, significant that the average winning speed of the short outer-circuit races has only risen 5.8 m.p.h. between 1925 and 1934. (Average for 1925 races 94.41 m.p.h.; for 1934, 100.24 m.p.h.).

The small car is deservedly successful on the ” artificial road ” and mountain circuits, and Brooklands moves with the times in the matter of entries. Nevertheless, it is the ” Heavy Metal ” that ” makes ” the outer-circuit races; and personally, I should be extremely sorry to see the short and long handicaps replaced entirely by mountain races. Introduced long before the war, and for many year the only races in the Bank Holiday programmes, they somehow convey the very atmosphere and tradition of Brooklands as many enthusiasts like to picture it. I am, yours, etc.,

W. Bonny.

Long Live the Sport!

Sir,—I have taken your most interesting periodical for several years, and have only the praise of a motor racing enthusiast for it. There are many thousands of people who are not even fortunate enough to drive a ” real motor” but who only exist until the days on which the various motor weeklies, etc., come out, and only cast them aside when they have read and re-read the racing news. We feel fortunate in having the knowledge to follow the greatest of all sports. In fact, I

believe we are even keener through not being able to participate.

For myself, every week-end throughout the season I feel almost responsible for the outcome of each event, and am impatient for the result and to hear that none of the intrepid drivers are hurt, many of whom I know personally.

Your own journal is a God-send, in these days of motoring ministers whose main ambition in life seems to be to revert to horse traffic. I should like to take this opportunity of congratulating all concerned with MOTOR SPORT on a real enthusiast’s joy.

I should also like to plead most fervently for a greater account of the Tripoli race. For months our interest is held by speculation of this terrific event, a circuit with few straights yet lapped by Louis Chiron at 124 m.p.h. odd, and the whole race won at xx5 m.p.h. Surely here is the greatest road-race on the Calendar! I know that many of my friends who take MOTOR SPORT feel the same. I should like to assure you of my personal gratitude if this could be done.

Perhaps with the new Formula, Britain will get her chance. I know we have the men ; all we need is the chance. Good luck to Donington and the Brighton Circuit! May we one day see a ” British Grand Prix ! ” I am, yours, etc.,

R. T. WARNER. Thornton Heath, Surrey.

A Special Offer to our Readers

Every motor-racing enthusiast is a collector of pictures, and Roy Nockolds, the motoring artist, needs no introduction to our readers. His four prints, “Shelsley,” ” Grand Prix,” ” Old Number Seven,” and ” The Practice Lap ” are generally considered to be some of his finest work, and it is in connection with these prints that we make the following remarkable offer to our readers.

By filling in the coupon on the inside back cover of this issue; you can obtain the set of four prints, which otherwise cost 95., for the specially reduced rate of 5s. (plus 3d. for postage and packing). Thus the ability to secure these prints on these beneficial terms is exclusively confined to Moron SPORT readers.

It will be remembered that these prints are of exceptionally large size, measuring 17in. by 12in. on mounts zoin. by t5in. They are beautifully printed in blackand-white photogravure, and are perfect reproductions of the original charcoal drawings.

If you already have these prints yourself, pass on the information to your friends. They will thank you for it.