26-9-80 Continuation of Wig IS U The Styvesant Series is dead, and that's official. And apparentiy nobody in motor racing circles is much bothered about the cigarette company withdrawal. "The firm úsed 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 people away ram racing p to p ublic ady W rophy gram Race from their screens with the sheer variety and excitement of the Wigram programme. If the crowds do not turn 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 year's 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 rac-. ing in the future. So continuance of Wigram is up to you. International 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); Ian Flux (GB); John Smith (Aust); Steve Millen (NZ); Huub Rothengatter (Hold); Desire Wilson (S. Africa); Brett Riley (NZ); Ken Smith (NZ); Bob Donaldson (NZ); David Oxton (NZ); Grant Campbell (NZ); Rex Hart (NZ). .... Mike Thackwell Andrea de Cesaris NZ driver In March team The works March team from England has two former kart racers in its Formula Pacific team this year. One is a New Zealander, Mike Thackwell, and the other is Italian, Andrea de . Cesaris. Both drivers have been front runners in the British Formula 3 during last year, winning six races each. now been tipped there as a fu- domiciled in Thackwell Britain, has ture world champion, and probably the youngest. Emerson Fittipaldi made it at 24, but Thackwell is only 18, and already poised for a Formuia 2 drive after the New Zealand series. Thackwel! was, born in Auckland. but like so many keen drivers before him, had to move to England to get into motor racing proper. In fact, he has done all his serious racing overseas. With our shortage of races. lack of sponsorship, poor attendances, and shaky finances, there is little opportunity for budding drivers here. An enthusiastic amateur in Britain can start off at a driving school, taking lessons as he can afford them. When he improves, he can gradually move up into a reserve team, a full team, and uitimately get sponsorship. And until he has the money, he can rent a car. De Cesaris is also young at 21, and with Thackwell will make a very competitive team. Last year the March cars won the championship, when the tiny italian Tea Fabi took six straight wins and qualified on the front row for every race. Announcing the line-up for this year, managing director Robin Herd said the New Zealand series had become more significant in recent years. "The prestige has grown steadily and we now see it as a chance to develop our young, up-and-coming anvers. "Andrea and Mike should be a tough combination. Everyone in Europe will be following the New Zealand racing closely:" he said. The March team wit again be managed by former "Star" reporter Murray Taylor. Works mechanics Paul Crosby and Will Oppliger will prepare the cars. And Aucklander Tom Hooker wil maintain the team's Brian Hart Ford BDA engines.