1927 French Grand Prix

THE FRENCH GRAND PRIX.

THE, French Grand Prix which was run off recently at the base of the Pyrenees mountains resulted once more in conclusive British victories. The three large classes were won by British riders on British machines, whilst in the ” Baby” class a Frenchman using a British Villiers engine scored a runaway victory.

Rowley (A.J.S.), made a record lap of over 70 miles per hour, but he retired early and Craig (Norton) won the 500 c.c. class by nearly five minutes from Walker (Sunbeam).

The outstanding performance of the day was that of the overhead camshaft Velocette drivel; by Frank Longman. Simpson (A.J.S.) led the 350 class for one lap, with Longman close behind, and then retired. Apparently, however, Longman had ample speed in hand for he later beat Simpson’s first lap time, thereby making the 350 record lap. He won the race easily by over 20 minutes, but what is more surprising is that almost all the way through he was running second in the 500 c.c. class ! There could be no more striking proof of the efficiency of the Velocette than this performance.

In the Lightweight event Crabtree and Coulon the French rider of the Terrot had a great battle for first place, Crabtree eventually winning by thirteen seconds whilst Davison (Levis) finished third. In the’ 175 c.c. class the little Villiers engined Monet-Goyon left the rest of the field standing and scored a runaway wiv at nearly 52 miles per hour, thus adding yet another success to the many which have been won by this remarkable little engine.

An Honour for a Little ‘Un.

The powers that be in the motorcycle sporting world are generally rather sceptical about the ultra-lightweight machine and in selecting teams for international competitions are inclined to favour heavier models. J. W. Moxon, therefore, the well-known rider of FrancisBarnett machines, may well feel proud at having been selected as a member of the British ” B” team in the recent International Six Days’ Trial.