20-1-81 2 MOTOR RACING AT WIGRAM SATURDAY, JAN.24 SUNDAY, JAN. 25 Formula Bumper Escort sport racing is invariably cars aust got be altered radically from the street version. Last year John Arm- SIrong. of Dunedin, WOn the title. helped by a first place at Wigram. after contesting 17 of the 34 events. This should make him a o bumper strong favourite this year. Other possible driversto watch ate. Steve Mchugh (second over-all last year), •Gerald Fava (third), Kirk Stoneman (fourth) and Jack Drummond (fifth). Drummond Won at Pukekohe by only a mudguard from Warwick Mortimer. Taste of Bathurst New Zealanu Grand Prix and Formula Pacific Champion Dave McMillas, ready to defend his National and International titles with a new ground effects Ralt RT4, will also take to the track in a saloon car at Wigram. The Australian Citizen Watch Commodore, which finished a creditable second in its first outing at Bathurst last season, has been brought across the Tasman for the New Zealand season and will race at Wigram in an all-corners event. In its distinctive dark blue/red and white livery, the Commodore will be a fitting stable-mate for Dave's Formula Pacific car which, as always, is immaculately finished. "As ever, my main concern is the Formula Pacific title," he said. Ford competitive Formula Ford was devised as an inexpensive way of developing driving talent. It's longer cheap, but it does develop talent because the cars are basically the same and driving skills make all the difference. David McMillan. Jim Murdoch, and Rob Wilson are a few of the drivers who have found Formula Ford a useful spring-board to more expensive classes. Drivers to watch for include Jeff Pascoe of Blenheim, whose Swift has done very well this season, and Wally Galloway, in a Lola. Last year at Wigram Mike Finch, in a Cuda. Ron, and scored double points in the series. Mike King (Titan), however, won the series. which involved 26 races. from lan Capewell (Crossle), Wally Galloway (Lola), Mark Scott (Elden), Pascoe, and Finch. The series runs from September to April. FOUNTAIN a = FOUND BRICE PLATT'S Escort will be hard to heat. Shell Shellsport saloons imited to two litres. büt the! still manage to devellot of power and noise. The class is only three years old and has been dominated by imo AuCkland drivers. Reg Cook and Bryce Platt. Cook and Platt, driving a Daisun , and Escort теspectively, spent the 1975 season contesting series. Plait won, by tiro Trevor Crove, of C church. was third Datsun. even thoug nad not taken mari-! sport is fast d furious early season rices. Or: Sunca: Crotte be racing Torora Starie: the O.S.C.A In 1979. Cook. using three cars during ihe season, won the title from Piait, and relained it last Cook's present car. Datsur Sunny. is certain, he believes, of retaining the title. but Piatt's Escort Isa very 135t machine iD0. 2r.0 70t be an easy car to pass. Paris Escor is about 1979 New Zealanc championship. Grant Aitaen. of Dune- Cil. in a Datsun. is another driver capable ci beating Coon. 102 old. 11° san