17-1-86 18-1-86 PRACTICE DAY IS TOMORROW FOR SUNDAY'S LADY WIGRAM TROPHY RACE AdD ALON UNDAY JANUARY 19 GRAM MEETING ADMISSION CHARGES FOR PRACTICE DAY ADULTS $3 CMILDREN UNDER 14 YRS ACCOMPANIED BY ADULT FREE PRACTICE FOR ALL RACES BE THERE MacPherson will miss Cheever By JOHN HAWKINS When khe American racing driver. Jeff MacPherson, arrived in Christchurch in 1984 to contest the Lady Wigram Tropby Race he was virtually unknown in this country. It was the year of the teenaged sensations, Davy Jones and Ross Cheever, and while the media clamoured to catch the latest utterings from the mouths of these young superstars, MacPberson could often be seen standing to one side with a bemused expression. That 1984 series was a soul destroying experience for MacPherson. His young compatriots, with the latest equipment, ran away from his older Rall on most occa. sion, and although Mac- Pherson tried his utmost, tbe harder be drove the worse be. seemed to fare. On his return the United States, MacPherson went into deep thought about where be went wrong on the New Zealand circuits. Although his results had been by no means bad - he finished fourth in the series standings - be resolved to return and do better. MacPherson had to wait a long time to test his new theories. Thete was ПО series in 1985, and after thoughts of running his own team, MacPherson signed for Graham Watson's top Ralf Australla team, as team-mate to Cheever. The opening round at Bay Park mas indecisive, as MacPherson stored an easy victory, and Cheever retired with engine trouble. At Pukekohe, MacPherson pitted for wet tyres after mistakeniy thinking that Ken Smith and Paul Radisich, who had passed him on wet lyres, were leading the race. So the second round went to Cheeter. After setting fastest time in practice for the Manfeild meeting, MacPherson: felt that Cheever was rattled. But, once again, rain: upset bis plans in the opening race, and on inferiot met settings he had to match as the biack car of Cheever disappeared steadily: into the distance. For race two, botever. the weather cleared; and MacPherson grasped his last opportunity with both bands. Although Cheever once again tried to force his way past on the opening lap. MacPherson shut the gale trily and victory at last was his. The long awaited win was made doubly satisfying by the fact that MacPherson's fatber, his biggest: supporter. was watching his last race in New Zealand before flying back to the United States. • # . MacPherson is disappointed that Cheever will not be at Wigram