29-9-77 Airf The howl of highly-tuned racing engines at Wigram on Sunday will be the last to reverberate across this once-a-year molor racing circuit. And a nostalgic era of almost 30 years will come to an end. For the last operational airfield - motor racing circuit in the world does not comply with international safety standards. The only other airfield motor racing circuits are used for this purpose full time. so they can be inspected for their safety standards. MEMORY But Wigram is one of motor racing's quick-change artists: an airfield one day; ield track gO OU a motor racing circuit the nex But in spite of the demise of a Christchurch institution, the organisers intend to make this year a superb memory. The $60,000 series has attracted a large field of entries from local and overseas drivers, including two Finnish drivers. Many of the overseas drivers are relatively unknown here. but they are among : the top drivers in their respective classes oversea: Regular racegoers will surely notice the demise of the big. "hairy" Formula 5000s. But they should be very happs with the replacement Formula Pacific cars, which are expected to pro vide much closer racing. Instead of the 5000cc V8 motors. the new formula cars will be fitted with 1600cc engines, albeit highly modified. It is expected that the engines will be mainly Ford BDAs, although other engines could come within the category. Although the new formula cars will be down on power, they should have better handling, giving them an advantage on tight circuits. This formula is known as Formula Atlantic overseas. The Wigram race is the last in a series of five, which started at Bay Park. and then moved to Pukekohe, Manfeld and Teretonga. There have been no alterations to the airfield circuit itself. although there will be an absence of the waterfilled drums used as crash barriers last year. Instead, large tyres. set further back from the track, will permit drivers more room to correct after sliding off the tarmac. Lady Wigram specia ith a flourish COCT Warsteine