31-1-81 By COLIN BRYANT It was an elated David Oxton who stepped anto the winner's rostrum at Wigram lost Sunday after his double heat win. A New Zealander had once again won the coveted Lady Wigram Trophy. New Zealanders also came second and third. But in spite of the national pride, there was an air of uncertainty among many oi the drivers and officials about the future of the Aurora AFX series. "We are not making any pians unti we know where we are going," said a tired. looking Oxton. his car had pertormed well it bad looked good,, and the team was very professional. Steve Millen was naturally disappointed about not winning, and was outspoken about organisation. Unless this is changed, it seems we may not see this talented driver again in the series. PLAN "I want to race Formula Pacific in the U.S., 37 he explained Dave McMillan had similar views about the organisation, but said he would like to take part again in the series if the set-up was changed. He is forming his own race team in the U.s. and would like to bring his drivers here to race in the series. "I took part in 28 race meetings last year, and I am pretty tired," he said in the pits. so ne will be taking a rest until March, when he will race in California. His biggest disappointment was not being able to use his new Japaneseengined car. A replacement exhaust system did not arrive in time for the races. So Memillan had to be content with his 1977 car. Ken Smith, 39, who has been racing for 22 years, spent a lot oi tus time close dicing near the mid-field, and delighied the crowds with his nerve. He had probiems with poor hanaling, and did some wing modifications. "I only race for fun," he explained. CHANGES Smith would like to see a return to the Tasman series, with races in Australia and New Zealand. He also heliover here shraid he a DRIN ERS 0F STEVE MILLEN lot of changes in the organisation. Eric Morgan, a 33-yearold airline officer. was not happy about the high entry fee of $122, and said anyone finishing lower than sixth the fee Blacke should get "I will not run again in the series if I have to exorbitant entry fees, Pay said. Morgan obtained $1000 in sponsership. and was not happy about the lack of television coverage. "We should pay television to cover the series," he said. Grant Campbell, a 27year-old accountant from Auckland. was also unhappy about the series organisa- ORGA tion. "I would like to see a smaller number of better meetings," he said. He spent $12,000 motor racing last year, and re couped about a third of this amount with sponsorship. Newcomer Tom Dono ven, a 33-year-old billiard saloon proprietor from Wellington, said he would race again next year. COSTS "It has cost me around $30,000 to buy the car and take place in the series, and I am a bit disappointed with my times," he said. Between heats be was found covered in oil underneath his March, working on the wrecked clutch. Robin Irving, a 34-yearold butcher, had not raced for six years, and then he had driven saloon cars. "I will come back, " he said. Australian driver John Smith, who was making a return trip, had his problems. He was not happy with the huge scraper tyres, one of which damaged his suspension on practice. And a tyre was punctured by a brick during the race. "I will come back next year if it is better organised and know about it earlier, " he said. The other Australian, Charlie O'Brien, was also critical of the organisation. He said he would not return unless it was changed. He had clambered into his single-seater for the first time oniy a week before the series had CRITI CAL NISAT TON started, having previously development driver," he raced saloon cars. explained. On practice day he had But the car let him down, said he really liked For- with misfiring. mula Pacific racing, and "There should be more particularly wigram as promotion and more 'you can have a go without money," he said bending the car". But, Reynard said CRASH Wigram was one of the safest circuits he had raced On race day he collided on. with Rob Wilson, and dam- Rob Wilson, a New Zeaaged the front of his Ralt. lander living in England, The only English driver, had driven a very good first Adrian Reynard, used some neat to take fourth place. of his own ideas in the New But his March was badly Zealand-built Cuda. damaged after only a few "They wanted a good laps of the second beat. Quick change artists If you think you sre & smart mechanic, then you might ponder on the times Formula Pacific mechanics take to change items oz their cars. Engine — 90 minutes. Gearbox - 60 minutes. Clutch - 28 minutes. Wheel - 60 seconds. ABOVE The line-up for the OSCA race. from: left: Jenkins, Stuthridge and Crowe. BELOW: David Oxton... no plans for next year.