try at nigh speed with Danny Sull ivan By JAMES MACKENZIE A burst of throttle and a squeal of tyres sends the Lotus surging out on to the track. 'Don't worry, he says, 'we'll With a hairpin turn 1ooming quickly, Formula Pacific driver Danny Sullivan leans over to me grinning "Don't worry, we'll take this one slow." Moments before the car seems certain to plunger off the end of the straight the the Lotus tyres scream braken into a pul up and controlled slide through the corner. Obviously enjoying his outing on the Ruapuna circuit, near Christchurch, Sullivan chats happily in his Kentucky drawl about his thoughts on speed and cornering techniques. Powering the car through a fast right bend followed by a left, Sullivan says, "I see it as a sort of poetry - Che idea is to go so quick, but so smooth." Although to the uninitiated the sensation of speed is exhilarating, to an experienced race driver "it's not that great." However Sullivan admits to being overwhelmed the firat time he drove a singleseater at the age of 21. "The first time i drove that car I thought fantastic." A few laps to settle down and it becomes easier to see the attraction of the sport. Initial unease gives way to enjoyment. Alter all, it is every boy's wish to drive with a racing driver. Sullivan's coolness and relaxation are reassuring. Perhaps that comes from driving a taxi in New York. He recalls that at times it was even more perilous than motor racing. The thought of having an accident seldom enters his mind. "I've had a few - been upside down but never hurt,. touch wood." He: readily admits that many of his competitors the Peter Stuyvesant series are more experienced, and that not coming motor racing background has been a disadvantage. "Keke Rosberg has been racing since he was eight years old - I still haven't done 100 races." In spite of this his resolve to succeed is firm. *They ouly remember the "I've winner," he says seriously. succeed, wouldn't do it for love." Sullivan made up his mind to go motor racing while working in New York, "I went to England, joined a motor racing school and learned the basics in a Formula Ford." He caught the bug and decided "this is for me." Now driving for the British March racing team, the 27-year-old American competes in events all over the world. Recently he has had several offers to return to his home country to race. take this hairpin slow The Lolus entering. the hairpin at Ruapuna. 26 - 9 Dauny Sullivan explains the steering characteristics of the Lotus.