100 miles an hour lap likely in Wigram event
In the first training sessions for the 150-mile Lady Wigram Trophy, Bruce McLaren and Jack Brabham were unofficially timed at 1min 17sec, about 98.93 mph, bringing the elusive 100 mph lap of the 2.116-mile circuit closer. Surtees and Maggs were slower, Innes Ireland stopped with a broken wishbone on the Ferguson, and a head wind on the back straight troubled gear ratios.
Lap times
- Bruce McLaren (Cooper-Climax 2.7 litre): 1:17 practice
- Jack Brabham (Brabham-Climax 2.7 litre): 1:17 practice
- John Surtees (Bowmaker Lola-Climax 2.7 litre): 1:18.8 practice
- Tony Maggs (Bowmaker Lola-Climax 2.7 litre): 1:21.6 practice
Facts
- The Wigram circuit measured 2.116 miles in 1963.
- For three or four years before 1963, international and top New Zealand drivers had been trying to lap Wigram at 100 miles an hour.
- At 1963 Lady Wigram Trophy practice a strong head wind on the back straight meant cars with a high top gear were not reaching maximum speeds.
- Innes Ireland's four-wheel-drive Ferguson-Climax stopped at the 1963 Lady Wigram practice with a broken wishbone.
Photos
- Three wives, all named Pat, at Wigram during practice: Pat Maggs, Pat Surtees and Pat McLaren. Inset: Bruce McLaren's car has a sun umbrella over the driver's seat; Jack Brabham's car in the background.
