2nd Stage Of Rally Begins

Press, Volume CV, Issue 30961, 18 January 1966, Page 13

2nd Stage Of Rally Begins

(N.Z.P.A. Reuter—Copyright) MONTE CARLO. A procession of 165 cars moved off yesterday on the second stage of the 1966 Monte Carlo Rally—a 24-hour drive across the snow-covered French Alps.

The rally organisers announced early yesterday that 170 crews of the 192 who set off from nine European starting points on Friday, had officially finished stage one—the 1800-mile drive to Monte Carlo. Four cars were then disqualified for having seven instead of the regulation six lights, and a fifth for the faulty stamping of a route card. Of yesterday's starter, 131 had not incurred any penalty marks . They included the favourites, T. Makinen, of Finland, last year’s winner; Hopkirk, winner in 1964; and the European champion, Aaltonen, another Finn.

The rally was marred by the accident on Sunday in which two Spaniards, J. Pampyn, aged 40, and R. Taravilla, aged 38, were killed when their car hit a tree near Ales, Southern France. After the 24-hour drive the 60 best-placed cars will take part of a final night drive in the mountains tomorrow. Results will be announced on Thursday.

Honorary Member.—The Australian High Commissioner in New Zealand (Mr D. W. McNicol) has been made an honorary members of the Christchurch Club.