23-1-80 ТАП Mos ELEC t cars RONICS LADY WIGRAM in the series A Motor much bet Racing ter view from UK Once again most of the cars in this year's series are from Britain. During the past few years the racing car industry has boomed over there, with little workshops springing up all over the country. Unlike New Zealand, Britain has a substantial motor racing calendar, and circuits easily reached by a good network of motorways. And there are motor racing schools where budding racers can find out relatively cheaply if they are cut out for stardom, or racing oblivion. So motor racing is much more obvious over there, with far more television coveragé, and easier sponsorship. Hence the healthy market for racing cars. Here are some of the cars we will see: March (UK). Made in Bicester, designed by Robin Herd. In 1970 Chris Amon, Jackie Stewart and the late Jo Siffert drove these cars in Formula One. Reputed to be the largest manufacturer of Formula cars in the world. March cars have been driven by Danny Sullivan, Brett Riley, Richard Mel- Vile, lan Grob, Ken Smith, Andrew Miedecke, Dave Saunders and Reg Cook in New Zealand. Chevron (UK). Made in Bolton, and designed by Derek Bennett.. Keke Rosberg won the 1978 series in one of these cars. These cars were driven by Steve Millen, Bobby Rahal, Norm Lankshear, David Oxton and Eric Morgan, Rait (UK). Designed by Ron Tauranac, and built in Weybridge. Popular in Formula 2, 3 and Pacific racing. In 1975 Larry Perkins won the European Formula 3 series in one of these cars. Dave McMillen was NZ champion in 1977 in a Rait. Ehrlich (UK). Designed by Dr Ehrlich (doctor of engineering), and made in Bletchley. The company has been interested in Formula 3 for more than 10 years. His cars are suitable for F3 or Formula Pacific with only minor alteration. The Austrian car builder was involved in racing motor-cycles in the 1960s, rid. den by Mike Hailwood and Derek Minter. Dr Ehrlich (engineering) has been involved in car construction for many years. His cars are suitable for F3 and Formula Pacific. The start and finish line at this year's Wigram racing will be opposite the pits. The viewing area will be enhanced by an infield spectator enclosure, SO enthusiasts will be able to get a much better view of the races. General layout of the circut wil be much the same as last year, with emphasis on safety for both specta. tors and drivers. Speeds are expected to. be exceptionally high- around 220kmh along the back straight, which is almost three times the speed reached in the first racè 31 years ago. The first Wigram race was won by Maurice Proctor in a Brooklands Riley. Continuance of Wigra m ra up to pub The Styvesant Series is dead, and that's official. And apparently nobody in motor racing circles is much bothered about the cigarette company withdrawal. "The firm used to dictate to us far too much what we should do with their sponsorship money," says an organiser of the series. So this year's racing will be known as the Aurora AFX Series. And in case you didn't know, Aurora makes model cars. What could be more appropriate for motor racing sponsorship? The Lady Wigram Trophy race will be sponsored by another new sponsor, Tait Electronics, of Christchurch. Although Wigram is still alive financially, it is suffering like all spectator sports through live television coverage, according to Mr George Begg. "It is hard to compete with television, as you can see it in colour, and live. And you can see some of the best action close-up." • But Mr Begg says it is hoped to woo peopie away from their screens with the sheer variety and exci- cing lic tement of the Wigram programme. If the crowas do not tum up, then Wigram could suffer the same demise as Teretonga. Last year only 2000 people watched the racing, and the organisers were unable to run this years event after their attendance flop. A similar problem is facing Ruapuna The organisers are now finding it too expensive to run even national events, and will concentrate more on club. racing in the future So continuance of Wigram is up to you. Formula Pacific: what it signifies Formula Pacific repiaced the "big banger" Formula 5000 in 1977, but many people stil don't know what it signifies.. It is our answer to Formula Atlantic in North America and South Africa, and makes mandatory use of a much smaller engine than the previous formula. A variety of motors may be used, but with its proven record of reliability and performance, the Ford' BDA 1600cc motor 'is the one most commoniy used here. This motor develops around 215. bhp, and there is no mistaking its highpitched scream. ** Regulations for this formula set a minimum of 450kg, and maximum width of 200cm. To keep the formula very competitive, the rules are precise. They even include cockpit sizes, height of bodywork, and position of Trings! Wheel sizes are also strictly controlled, and all drivers must use the same type of tyre. From outward appearánces there is little to dis-. tinguish these potent little speedsters from full-blown Formula One cars They have wide tyres, "wings," advanced bodywork, and ail the other engmeerng weaks expected of real INTERNA racing cars. As can be seen froz: previous series winner. Keke Rosberg, the Formula Pacific cars are ideal stepping stones into the big time. He has moved up the ranks, and is now doing well in Europe. When he was here in 1978, Rosber; said he would be back. Bu: indications are that his New Zealand win has taken her. up a step from our series. ATIONAL Motor racing at Wigram will be truly international this year. New Zealand will be represented by eight drivers, and other drivers will come from Great Britain, Australia, Italy, Holland and South Africa. The full line-up is: Dave McMillan (NZ); Andrea De Cesaris (Italy); Mike Thackwell (GB); Larry Perkins (Aust); lan Flix (GB); John Smith (Aust); Steve Mitlen (NZ); Huub Rothengatter (Holld); Desire Wilson (S. Africa); Brett Riley (NZ); Ken Smith (NZ); Bob Donaldson (NZ); David Oxton (NZ): Grant Campbell (NZ); Rex Hart (NZ).