26-1-80 Lad y Wigram Trophy Race GR 2302 Drag racing Formu means Formuia Pacific replaced "the "big banger" Formula 5000 in 1977, but many people still don't know what it signifies. It is our answer to Formula: Atlantic in North : America and South Afnca, 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 commonly 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 wings.' Wheel sizes are also la Pac strictly controlled, and all drivers must use the same type of tyre. . From outward appearances there is little to distinguish these potent little speedsters from full-blown Formula 1 have wide te ca les advanced bodywork, and all the other engineering tweaks expected of 'real racing cars. As can be seen from 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 ific: W well in Europe, When he was here in 1978, Rosberg said he would be back. But hat indications are that his New Zealand win has taken him up a step from our series. Poi It will be a very close race for points at Wigram this weekend. Only four points separate the first and third placed drivers, so racing shouk be very exciting. A Dutchman, Aus tralian, . and a New Zealander are scrabbling for honours in the Formula Pacific series. Huub Rothengatter (Holland) is in the lead, with 49 nis points, followed by John Smith (Australia), with 47 points, and third is New Zealander Steve Milen, with 45 points. Points for other drivers are:- Brett Riley, 31; Dave Mc Millan, 25; Ken Smith and Andrea De Cesaris, 22; David Oxton, 19; Larry Perkins, 16; lan Flux, 13, Grant Campbell, 12. Big changes in motor racing over 30 y Thirty years ago, motor racing was dangerous. It still is, but there have been many enormous changes in the sport. - - In 1949, drivers wore only rudimentary "pudding basin" crash hats, and goggles. They did not have seat belts, nor did they have the special fireproof suits available today.. The cars were -shod on very thin profile tyres, and the handling was decidedly unpredictabie. Drivers were very ex- ears posed to outside influences, with little or no cockpit surrounding their arms and shoulders. Today, the drivers wear full-face heltets and visors. They have full safety harness, and roll-over bars. And they even wear antiflame™ SOCKS and face masks. Car tyres are very wide, the compounds "sticky" and the treads nil. Handling is rail-like. Drivers are cocooned in their cockpits, with legs outstretched.