UTILITY OF MOTOR-RACING Sir,

Sir,

Upon reading the opinion on the Utility of Motor Racing in the February issue of MOTOR SPORT, I feel it would not do to let it pass without a few views expressed in favour of the sport.

Judging from our friend’s outlook, it would seem that the very fact of an idea being incorporated upon a racing-car, proves it beyond a doubt a complete success, is that the point ? To my way of looking the idea is put there with the view of finding out whether or not it can stand up to the severe strain such as it would be put to in the course of a competitive race.

Motor racing does not necessarily make an idea perfect, but it is there to endeavour to find its faults, and if possible to rectify them.

A new idea proved to be a success upon a racing car does not mean that taking the thing as a whole it will be of much value to the public in general but only to a certain section of it. Probably the necessary alterations may be so drastic that the manufacturers will not harbour the idea for fear of it not being popular, and therefore the loss of a large sum of money. Hence only manufacturers in the experimental stage dare risk the change. The question of lighter alloys was Con

sidered, in the construction of motor car engines for the public, why trouble ? The average touring car does not need its weight lowering to the minimum, but a racing car necessitates that, it being of pure racing value.

With regard to streamlined coachwork, we are informed that they have not deduced from cars such as the AutoUnion, or the Mera2dis-Benz. It must be remembered that the American streamlined coachwork, sometimes likened to tanks, is not the only kind : look for example at the latest Bugatti sports twoseater, has it not got the design of our foremost racing-cars ?

Lastly we are led to believe that motorracing is not improving the everyday car to any great extent, as it was some years ago. No doubt this is true, but nowadays the modern car is so near perfection that it is hard to discover something better than that which we have already got.

It must not be forgotten that motorracing is not there solely to benefit the utility motorist, but to provide also, enjoyment for those who participate in it, or watch it. I am, Yours etc.,

D. LuND, Harrogate.