Miscellaneous matters

Popularity poll

In the Daily Express “Sportsman of the Year” contest, which is generally regarded as the most authoritative, Stirling Moss  finished in third place closely followed by Mike Hawthorn. The international swimmer Ian Black took the title and another swimmer, Judy Grinham took the Sportswoman of the Year title. Pat Moss finished well up, in her position of European Ladies Touring Champion.

Although racing drivers, Stirling Moss in particular, do well in this contest they have not yet won the title. In spite of the ballyhoo in the daily papers over the World Championship and Hawthorn’s subsequent retirement his name does not seem to have registered with the general public. It is strange to reflect that the popularity of the two swiimmers is almost entirely due to T.V. on which they perform frequently; and swimming could hardly be called a spectator sport.

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The Sebring organisers are seeking to postpone the first American Formula 1 Grand Prix until November or December.

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Lance Reventlow is reported to be-selling his sports/racing Scarabs and concentrating on the new Formula I cars. Should tests be completed satisfactorily he is apparently hoping to undertake a full season of Grand Prix racing in Europe. Should he appear, the Sport will receive a much-needed shot in the arm.

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The United States Automobile Club have confirmed that the Indianapolis Formula will remain at 4.2-litres unsupercharged for another four years. Thus it appears the two schools of racing are not destined to merge in the near future.

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Shelsley Walsh

The Midland Automobile Club’s National Open Hill-Climbs at Shelsley Walsh next year will take place on Sunday June 14th, and Sunday, August 30th.