previewShell Formula Ford will provide exciting racing
Formula Ford racing is regarded as the training ground for big-time motor racing, and the Motorcraft Formula Ford championship round at Wigram on 18 January 1976 was expected to be close. Series leader Dave McMillan, a 31-year-old professional driver and racing instructor, is favourite in his Lola T342, the only one in New Zealand.
Facts
- Dave McMillan's Lola T342 Formula Ford had a top speed of about 130 mph and could accelerate from rest to 60 mph in 5.5 seconds (1600cc four-cylinder).
- Formula Ford cars in New Zealand were built to uniform specification with 1600cc four-cylinder Ford engines.
Photos
- Currently leading the Motorcraft Formula Ford national series, Aucklander Dave McMillan will be out to increase his lead in the Formula Ford race on Sunday.
photoRedman one to watch
Photo caption: English superstar Brian Redman in his 2-litre Chevron BMW is a front runner despite small power; he had a fourth and a second in the opening Stuyvesant races and shares second place on the points ladder with Ken Smith and Max Stewart.
Photos
- Although he is matching this tiny 2-litre Chevron BMW against the much more powerful American V8 engines of most of the Lady Wigram Trophy race entrants, English superstar Brian Redman will certainly be a front runner on Sunday. He has already notched a fourth and second place in the opening races in the Peter Stuyvesant series and currently shares second place on the ladder with New Zealand Grand Prix winner Ken Smith and Manfeild winner Max Stewart.
preview · Peter GreensladeLap record at Wigram may go in match race
The 99.124 mph Wigram saloon car record set in 1975 by Australian John McCormack in his Repco V8 Chrysler Charger was expected to fall at the 1976 meeting, with at least four drivers capable of laps over 100 mph. Club president Ron Rutherford was trying to arrange a four-lap match race between Allan Moffat (Chevrolet Monza), Jim Richards and Leo Leonard (Mustangs) and Grant Walker (Cologne Capri) or Jack Nazer (5.9-litre Vauxhall Victor).
Lap times
- John McCormack (Chrysler Charger Repco V8): 99.124 mph lap record
Facts
- Six saloon car races were programmed for the January 1976 Wigram meeting with the best fields ever, according to Ron Rutherford.
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