Cars Will Still Race at Muriwai

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 460, 15 September 1928, Page 15

Cars Will Still Race at Muriwai

COMPANY PLANNED PROMINENT MOTORISTS ON DIRECTORATE That beach racing can never be replaced by contests on a track, where the maximum speed is 70 miles an hour, is the opinion of a number of Auckland’s leading motorists, who will shortly register a company to develop this exciting sport. At least one big meeting on Muriwai Beach is promised for the opening season, and later it is hoped to promote two or three each summer. This decision was arrived at at a meeting last evening. The company will be known as the Muriwai Motor Racing Company, and Mr. T. W. Mabin. secretary of the Auckland Rugby Union, will probably be the secretary. Muriwai Beach, in addition to being an ideal racing track, has most picturesque surroundings, and there are grounds for camping parties. The Waitemata County Council is now working on the road to the beach, and an allweather route should be ready shortly. In order to popularise beach racing the company will reorganise the meetings entirely. One feature will be that races will probably follow one another closely Further, the course will be shortened to one and a-half miles each way so that the cars will always be in full view. Provision is being made of special races for Baby Austins, for Fords, and for other light cars. The big events for special racing cars will, of course, be the main feature. Several prominent Australian rac.

ing drivers have already promised to appear. Probably twice as many Australians as last year will compete. Several hope to bring over super-charged Bugattis. The following, who have already been successful at Muriwai racing meetings, will be directors of the new company: Messrs. C. W. F. Hamilton, of Fairlie, H. K. Cutten, H. Curlett, A. J. Roycroft and D. F. Beauchop, New Zealand manager for Leyland Motors, Ltd Other members will include Messrs. G. Howard, L. Hardley, R. D. Wraight, A. Constantine, E. N. Valentine, of Hamilton, G. L. Campbell, Percy Free. A. Davies, Andrew Todd, Auckland director of Todd Motor Company, and J. Hamlet. Mr. J. Kaye, handicapper of the Auckland Motor Racing Company, will act in a similar capacity with the new organisation.