News in brief, December 1978

Provisional results show that Alan Jones is the new Tarmac British Racing Champion, 10 points ahead of Gordon Spice with John Watson third.

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The Segrave Trophy for 1977 goes to Barry Sheene to mark his winning the World 500 c.c. Motor Cycle Championship for the second time. The award, named after Sir Henry Segrave, which goes to the British subject showing skill, courage and initiative and best demonstrating the possibilities of transport by land, water or in the air, was won last year by World Speedway Champion Peter Collins.

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The Tricentrol Car Group will continue to sponsor the British Saloon Car Championship in 1979. The Championship will be made up of 13 rounds with the opening round at the Race of Champions meeting at Brands Hatch on March 18th. Prize money will be £1,500 per round divided between four classes, with £2,000 for the Grand Prix round at Silverstone on July 14th.

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Vandervell Products Ltd., who left an indelible mark on motor racing with the magnificent Vanwall, are expanding their interest in contemporary motor racing by sponsoring the British Formula Three Championship in 1979. ‘The 20 rounds of the Vandervell British Formula Three Championship will be jointly organised by the BRDC and BARC.

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Donington Bridged by Dunlop —  Donington Park now boasts what is claimed to be the world’s largest bridge at a racing circuit. The new Dunlop-sponsored pedestrian bridge on Starkey’s Straight is tyre-shaped, has a span of 130 ft., an overall length of 182 ft. and a height of’ 47 ft. This compares with measurements of 98 ft., 160 ft. and 40 ft. for the new Dunlop Bridge opened at Le Mans this year.

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A spectacular range of racing saloon cars, kit car manufacturers, karts, engines and gearboxes, works rally cars, oil companies, wheels, tyres, dragsters, formula racers and Grand Prix cars, including Andretti’s Lotus 79, a Ferrari and an Ensign, and Richard Noble’s Project Thrust World Land Speed Record Attempt car are promised at the Performance Car Show, at Alexander Palace from December 9th to 17th.