16-1-68 Motor Strict Vlot racing in M before each rac ensure not only that th actual event, but also Contrary to the idea: often fostered in schoolboy fiction, racing drivers are not harum-scarum daredevils who drive flatout from start to finish carving up slower competitors in the process. Apart from requiring 100 per cent concentration, the racing driver must be alert to what is going on about him. For example, in the 44-lap; Lady Wigram Trophy race which is more than 100 miles, the faster drivers pass their pits about every 90sec. As they do so, they must read the signals given them by their managers or mechanics. The information given them by means of signalling boards Racing is Now y Controlled roughout the world is strietly are thoroughly checked by offici hey comply with the regulations that they are race worthy. controlled. Cars ial scrutineers to pertaining to the will include their position in the field, who is ahead, and who is behind them and the time intervals, as well as their own lap times and directions either to speed up, slow down, or maintain pace. This is information they must absorb in fractions of a second as they flash by. On top of that they must be ever watchful for the signals of flag marshalis scattered around the course. The marshalis are the men who can make or mar a race. They provide the drivers with information about the state of the course ahead, whether they are about to be overtaken, and so on. The signals they give with their flags are internationally recognised, so language is no barrier. Wigram patrons will be able; to follow the racing more intel-i 'ligently if they are acquainted with the various signals which are as follows: New Zealand national flag- Signal for start of race. RED fat the exclusive dispo-i sal of the clerk of the course! —Complete and immediate stop for all cars. YELLOW FLAG-Dangerno overtaking. YELLOW FLAG waved danger in immediate vicinity, no overtaking. YELLOW FLAG with vertical red stripes-Oil spilt on the course. BLUE FLAG motionless-A car follows you ciosely. BLUE FLAG motionlessA is trying to overtake you. WHITE FLAG-A service vehicle is on the course. BLACK FLAG (accompanied by white number-The car! bearing the displayed number must stop at its pit next time: it reaches it. GREEN FLAG-Disappearance of danger previously notieli. BLACK AND WHITE CHEQUERED-End of race. Warning flags held motion-! less indicate danger, and when vaved indicate danger in thei immediate vicinity. Extra Safety Standards in U.S. for Cars Twelve additional car safety! standards eight of which will come into force at the end of! this vear and the remaining four at the end of 1969, have; been announced by the United' States Government Transpor-i tation Department. The standards will apply to United States manufactured and imported cars. Among the proposals covered are protective head-rests, door- • locks, bonnet latches, ornamental exterior protrusions, windscreen washing and wiping equipment, defrosting and de misting devices, concealed: headlights and theft protection systems. While theft protection is not generally considered a safety aspect by the general public, the department has included this standard because in the United States the accident rate for stolen cars is reputedly two hundred times the normal rate. These new regulations will supplement the twenty previously announced which camel into force on January 1 this rear. Former saloon car champion, Paul Fahey, with his Ford Mustang, looks like being the man to beat in the newly instituted Group 5 national championship series. Here he is seen narrowly leading the 1967 national saloon champion, Robbie Franicevie (Ford Fairlane), at the Grand Prix meeting at Pukekohe earlier this month. Pat Hoare, NZ Gold Star Champion 1961-62, comments on Wigram Wigram Airport is the venue of the Thirteenth International Lady Wigram Trophy Race. The track is fast and smooth except for one spectacular exception-the bumpy approach to the loop. This provides some spectacular low flying at times, with cars taking to the air, albeit but briefly. The "touching down" can be a severe test of suspensions. Interest should be keen tomorrow to turn in fast times, especially since the Motor Racing Club is offering an $800 prize for the first lap over 100 m.p.h. (The present lap record is 98.8 m.p.h.) Back Straight Bomb Bay Bend Main Straight Control Tower Bend Hangar Bend Vickerys PITS Club Curve Hairpin