G.P. des Frontieres (Chimay) Formula II (May 13th)

The 21st Whitsuntide G.P. at Chimay was confined to unblown cars up to 2,000 c.c. (Formula II) and the entry comprised a very assorted collection of vehicles, as is customary for this event. They ranged from “works” 1,490-c.c. Siinca-Gordini’s to home-made specials.

As in past years the event was run in two heats, the points gained in each being added to find the general classifications. Of the 20 entries, 18 were on the line for the first heat, with Aldo Gordini and John Claes in the front row on Simcas, together with Segat, a Belgian driver, with a new single seater Veritas-Meteor. At the end of the first lap only three cars appeared and after some minutes seven more came by at intervals. It transpired that a multiple crash had occurred on a fast left bend and unfortunately F. R. G. Spikins (Frazer-Nash) lost his life, while two others were taken to hospital. Bill Aston (1,100 Cooper) was way out in front of Claes and de Mattes (Comard Special) for the whole race, until on the last lap a carburetter broke off and while limping home the engine seized. At the same time, the Comard broke a radius arm and retired, leaving Claes the winner. In the crash five cars were elhninated, two Veritas-Meteors, Gordini’s Simca, Gerbout’s Lombard Special and the ill-fated Fraser-Nash.

A very depleted field of nine cars lined up for the second heat and Claes had little opposition, winning comfortably from Masuy the Belgian sidecar driver’s Veritas two-seater. Third home was Tom Meyer with a 1950 N.W.M. (ex-.Moss) who also finished in the same place in the first heat, after fluffing his start.

On the addition of the points, one for first, two for second, etc., Claes was the winner with Meyer second and Masuy third. In the motor-cycle races that preceded the G.P., Fergus Anderson riding a Guzzi 500 c.c. twin set a new course record at 93.83 m.p.h., winning this class. He also finished second but the 350 c.c. class on a Gambalunghino Guzzi.