WORLD RECORD

Hokitika Guardian, 14 January 1931, Page 7

WORLD RECORD

NORMAN SMITH’S ATTEMPT. FEBRUARY OR MARCH. Very little definite information regarding the forthcoming attempt by Norman Smith on the world one miltspeed record at the Ninetv-.viile Beach has reached Auckland, but it is nowknown that Smith will not be able t» bring his car to Auckland before the middle of February at the earliest, while it seems probable that the actual attempt will not le made until the first two weeks in March, .states the “New Zealand Herald.” Work on the construction of the new car, which is to be known as the “Free H. Stewart Special,” in honour of the Sydney business man who is financing its building, has been delayed by the late arrival of the engine from England. The engine, which is a Napier supercharged aeroplane unit, similar to those installed in the Napier-Cfioster racing seaplanes specially built for the last Schneider trophy race at Calshot, arrived recently at Sydney on the steamer Mooltan, and work is now proceeding as rapidly as possible in installing it in the chassis. Mechanics artworking in two and three shifts a day to expediate the car’s completion, as Smith has been anxious to attack the record ns early ns possible in order to forestall Captain Malcolm Campbell, who is reported to be visiting Daytona early in the New Year with a secret oar which is now hearing completion in England, SPECIAL TIMING APPARATUS. In the meantime a number oF preparations are being made in New Zealand for Smith’s visit. The Auckland Automobile Association has already placed an order for the special timing apparatus which is to be used and this mechanism, the most modern of its kind, costing £SOO, is now on its way to New Zealand. The association” will not time the attempt itself, as it has delegated control of the speed trials to the Auckland Automobile Racing Club, Limited, which will have t7ie services of Mr H. Butcher, who has been accredited by the Royal Automobile Club in England and A.LA. in France, the two bodies controlling record attempts, to act as official timekeeper. The association has also purchased a property on the edge of the beach near the site where Smith established his temporary camp on his previous visit, and on this section accoimnotiation for the new car and the “Anssac” which Smith will again bring with him, will he erected. Quarters will also be provided here for the mechanics in charge of the cars, which will he constantly guarded. As the Napier engine remains the property of the Air Ministry and its details are regarded as a State secret, every precaution will be taken to presorvo it from accident or close investigation, BEACH CAMP FOR VISITORS. It is anticipated that a number of people will visit the bench to see the attempt, many Auckland motorists having announced their intention of being present. A scheme is now on foot to establish a large beach camp adjoining the official camp to accommodate 200 persons and arrangements to obtain a suitable section are now being made. A considerable amount or work will he necessary to make this and the other camp, as electric light will have to lie supplied from a distance, white a water supply and other conveniences will have to be provided. It is desired to make the camps into self-contained communities as far as possible. It is likely that a race-meeting wil* he held during the time that Smith is at the beach, as a number of Auckland racing drivers will be present, and if there is sufficient inducement they may take their cars. It is understood also that several Australia racing men wii* be over and they are expected to bring cars with them. Jt will be remembered that in past beach meetings at Muriwai Australian drivers have entered for races with considerable success. MAY VISIT INVERCARGILL, If lie is successful in his attempts Smith will probably visit the South Island and make an appearance on Oreti beach, a fine strip of sand near Invercargill. This beach, which is over live miles long, is packed very hard and is not so exposed to weather conditions as the Ninety-Mile Beach, being in a more uniform condition, and not. varying from day to day. A sufficient stretch of sand is available for Smitn to cover a mile at a very high rate ot speed, and with the most favouraf.v conditions he may he able to dilve his new car at nearly its maximum.