Matich again
Australian Frank Matich completed an NZ Grand Prix and Lady Wigram Trophy double, driving his McLaren M10A across the line with a virtually dry petrol tank, 10.3sec ahead of American Ron Grable. Max Stewart (2-litre Mildren Waggott) was third, 2.5sec behind Grable. Only these three ran out the 44-lap, 101.2-mile race; a crowd of about 21,000 watched. Matich averaged 101.35 mph. McRae shared fastest race lap with Stewart in 1:19.8, and had set a new lap record of 105.34 mph in the morning preliminary.
Lady Wigram Trophy (44 laps, 101.2 miles)
| 1 | Frank Matich (Australia) | McLaren M10A | 59:54.2 |
| 2 | Ron Grable (USA) | McLaren M10A | 10.3sec behind |
| 3 | Max Stewart (Australia) | Mildren Waggott 2-litre | 2.5sec behind Grable |
| 4 | Bill Simpson (USA) | Eagle Chevrolet | 42 laps |
| 5 | Mike Goth (USA) | Surtees TS5 | 42 laps |
| 6 | Michael Campbell (USA) | Forsgrini Ford | 41 laps |
| 7 | Brian Falloon (New Zealand) | 2.5 Rorstan Climax | 41 laps |
| 8 | Pierre Phillips (USA) | Begg Chevrolet | 41 laps |
Lap times
- Max Stewart (Mildren Waggott 2-litre): 1:19.8 fastest race lap
- Graham McRae (McLaren M10A): 1:19.8 fastest race lap
- Graham McRae (McLaren M10A): 1:18.6 lap record
Facts
- Frank Matich won the 1970 Lady Wigram Trophy at an average of 101.35 mph; his McLaren M10A almost ran out of petrol at the finish.
- Matich took the lead from Grable after six laps; Bell held third for 26 laps and moved to second until forced out on lap 33.
- A crowd estimated at 21,000 attended the 1970 Lady Wigram Trophy.
- McRae's McLaren caught fire on a warm-up lap when an over-full fuel tank leaked petrol onto the hot engine; he joined the race late and retired after Matich had completed 17 laps.
Photos
- Fans gather around Australian Frank Matich after he won the Lady Wigram Trophy Race. Below: a victory kiss for Frank from his attractive wife Joan.
