The sensation of winning is great AT MA KES DA VE RACE By COLIN BRYANT What makes a racing driver risk his life at speeds of up to 260kmh just so he might win a race? I put some questions to Christchurch-born Dave McMillan between practice sessions at Wigram last Saturday, to find out what sort of person would take this chance for a living. How old were you when you first raced a car? I raced a Formula Ford in 1971, when I was 25. Are you naturally an aggressive person? Reasonably so, but it also depends on the situatioa. Do you always drive fast on public roads? No. I drive about 8kmiz over the speed limit in the U.S. and much the same over here, like everyone else does. am Dot interested in going fast on public roads. What cars do you own for off-track use? A Ford Fairlane in New Zealand, and a Fiat 124 in the U.S. I just use a car to get from A to B. Do you have any partice- lar fear when racing? No, not really. Does motor racing domibate your life? Yes. What do you most like about racing in the U.S.A.! The people, the organisation, and the way the meetings. are promoted. 'The tracts are very good, as they are more interesting than the ones bere, with uphills and downhills. It is a big challenge to me. persoe you an impatiest Well, I think I ar, I like to be organised, and people must be efficient. Are you superstitions? No; not really, but most drivers have little things they might do regularly. I might hop into my race car the same side, for instance. Do you drink or smoke? I definitely do not smoke, I am very much against it. I enjoy wine, but I don't drink much beer. I don't go into pubs: I am just a social drinker. Do you have any food fad for keeping fit? I like Kiwi roast. I piay a lot of sport, and I ride a bike a lot. Do you psyche yourself up before a race? No. I am fairly relaxed about the whole thing. What do you most like about motor racing. Is winning, for instance, more important than the thrill of speed? You don't get the sensation of speed when racing. The sensation of winning is great. It is a team effort, and racing is something I enjoy. It is better than an eight to five job, and travel the world doing it. Do you get annoyed if you lose? No. What is your ambition? I would like to have my own business. I take life as LITO McMillan on the track ..... "You don't get the sensation it comes. At what age do you think a racing driver reaches bis peak? The late 20s as you have Do real fear. In the eariy 30s you have a lot more brains. There are a lot of top drivers in the U.S.A. in their 40s and 50s. How much money have you made from the sport? None. What has it cost you? I don't go racing without a sponsor. Are you an extrovert! No. 1 am a thinker. Has the your bealth port affecied If you had not been a racing driver, what would you have chosen to be? I was very good at tennis, and I am sports orientated, so probably a tennis player. I am also a qualified mechanic is wrong motor racing in New Zea- What with ... . • 5•22. :.. 3: RAMiD of speed.' Dave McMillan professional racing driver with a super-cool manner. land that encouraged you te spend so much time in the U.S.? It needs more professionalism, and there should be more money in prizes. What is your view on seat belts in road cars? They are a very good idea. I always wear a belt here, but I sometimes don't in the U.S. as it is not compulsory. Neither are safety helmets for bike riders. I wear a belt on a long trip, though. What de you think could be done to cut our road toll? They are being ridiculous with the drinking and driving laws. They should worry about people going too slowly, and not letting other drivers get by. And you should be able to turn left at traffic lights. How much is your car worth? 838,000. How much will the fuel have cost for the series? We use 113 litres a race, and the car does 26.8 litres per 100km. How many laps do the tyres last? Up to 800km. What speed do you reach on the back straight at Wigram? About 260kmh. What is the 0 to 60kmu time of your ear? It can do 400 metres in 11.2 seconds. Which type of racing do you prefer? Road circuits. I prefer single-seaters, but saloons are a lot of fun. Have you ever been married, or are you a confirmed bachelor? No to both questions. What does your job in the U.S. entail? Promotion work for Pan Am. Did your near fatal accident in the U.S. in 1980 afiect your driving? No. There were just five days I can't remember. 1 have got a film of the accident, and seeing it doesn't bother me. Do you have your sight on Indianapolis? Yes. I am i hoping somebody will take me to the track as I can't find the money. I enjoy the oval circuits, and it is possible I may get a drive in a Dan Gurney Eagle. What other plans de you have in motor racing? To run my own team. is there anything that annoys you? Yes. I get very upset when I am described as being from California when I am racing in the U.S. I am proud to be a New Zea. lander. 30-1-82