MOTOR RACING IN THE UNITED STATES

MOTOR RACING IN THE UNITED STATES

By STEVE O’CONNER

The motor racing fraternity throughout the country is preparing for a very busy season Many new planes, -automobiles, and boats are now being planned and built, besides the activity in the field of motor-cycle racing and hill-climbing. Nearly all the members of the Professional Racing Pilots Chapter of the National Aeronautic Association are building new high speed planes. They are still keeping in mind the sensational race flown by Michel de Troyat of France in winning the famed Thompson Trophy at Los Angeles during the National Air Races.

The National Air Races will return to the Cleveland Municipal Airport and will offer more than :.78,000 in prize money according to an announcement 13), Cliff and Phil Henderson, managing directors Of the races. It is more than likely that four or more foreign countries will be represented at this year’s races. The midget racing automobiles are still drawing tremendous crowds at Boston, New York, Mihvaukee, Detroit, and Chicago. also on the Vest Coast. Bill Schindler of New York City, the one legged speed king, scored three impressive wins for the championship trophy at the midget auto races on the board track at Boston recently. He drove one of the most sensational races of his career when he nearly lapped the field during a tight contest—that one is being talked about all over -the country. Another recent ride has drawn wide admiration from the fans and that is the great burst of speed Frankie Bailey made in winning a 1,000.00 bet. Ile risked his life on the soft sands at Nantasket Beach at some 112 m.p.h. in his so-called ” mystery midget car.” This little speed creation is equipped with a J.A.P. English motor

and is the pride of its owner. Bailey thinks with better racing conditions he can do 130 m.p.h. and he has a great many of his followers pulling for him.

There is a great many of the big car drivers interested in the coming British Empire International Race at Donington Park. This year’s 500-mile race will be known as the Silvd Anniversary of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Corporation. The race will have more than usual interest for fans as well as car owners, drivers and mechanics due to the fact that this year’s race will be run with strict ruling pertaining to commercial fuel. Many drivers predict that Duray’s 124 m.p.h. record will be broken this year. When one takes into consideration the fact that Duray made that record in a little supercharged Miller -Special the breaking of that record with the heavy two-man cars will be a feat beyond the average fan’s conception. It is possible that approximately one million dollars will be spent this year in the building and perfecting of new speed creations to be used during the coming season which gets off to a great start with the opening at Indianapolis. Foreign competitors will find new and surprising changes in the American racing equipment when they

next compete in this country. Much International surprise was shown by the figures recently released to the effect that more than 3,800,000 people witnessed motor-cycle events during the 193.6 season—there were 25,000 competitors who participated in 825 sanctioned events. Motor-Cycle racers are looking forward to this year as their greatest racing year.

The motor-boat race meets in the southwest corner of the Salton Sea, Imperial Valley, California, drew a record number of entries and a tremendous crowd to their opening events staged last month. One of the greatest motor-boat speed kings in the world is Fred Jacoby, Jnr., during the past two seasons, Jacobs’ has scored fifth place or better in fortyone sanctioned races or marathons.

For two years he has been the National high scoring champion in the professional classes A, B. and C, and last year with a class C outfit, he was the chief Ecorer in class 4 professional division.

Rumours have it that Miss Amelia Earhart will fly in the Lindburgh New York to Paris race.