14-1-93 Dutch FILA JOS VERSTAPPEN driver hailed Hansons turn, which veers left at the end of the back straight at Timaru International Raceway, is a daunting place. Passing there, after the flat out in top gear stretch, is theoretically possible, but usually only achieved when one car enjoys a clear braking advantage. To pass here in a wide-tyred Formula Atlantic car is to be either extraordinarily skilful or foolhardy. Jos Verstappen, of the Netherlands, clearly belongs in the former category. On the eighth lap of the opening round of the Peter Jackson Series, Verstappen pulled his Swift alongside Craig Baird's Reynard, the two intent on braking as late as possible. The New Zealander held firm, but on the next lap there was no mistake - Verstappen pulled out of Baird's By JOHN HAWKINS slipstream and in an instant be was past. It was quick and clean and the jaded and seasoned onlookers in the press box were ecstatic. The man he had passed was no lumbering back marker ne was last years winner and series champion. Verstappen, aged 20, promises to be a major contender for top honours in the Lady Wigram Trophy meeting on the very fast airfield circuit this weekend. He came to New Zealand with a burgeoning reputation. After 12 years in karting, where he claimed the European, Dutch, and Belgian championships, he moved to cars last season with sensationai results, winning the. ANTERBURY Car Club offic- Cais were unimpresset by car ments Sandy Myhre's column that suggested their Ruapuna circuit was not suitable for Formula Atlantic racing and an unworthy replacement home the Lady Wigram Trophy meeting. They have also refuted comments in the article by Motor Race New Zealand boss lan Gamble that the motor-race complex should be redeveloped in conjunction with some other facility. The club's vice president, Graeme Fraser, says that the club has its own well-planned agenda for the development of Ruapuna. "Our spectator attendances are on the increase and the comments mark a downward step that we will have to work hard to build up again. The City Council would prefer it (Ruapuna) to be a total motorsport facility and the park doesn't lend itself to other uses." said Mr Fraser. as future Formula On Dutch : and Benelux Opel Lotus championships with 100 per cent scores, and taking two wins from the seven European series races he contested. Already Verstappen is being touted as a future Formula One star. "If you think 'Senna' then you should also think 'Villeneuve'. Jos has fantastic car control, especially in the wet," ran the story in the respected British magazine "Motoring News" Verstappen, whe finished second in the opening heat at Timaru, stamped his authority on the second race, the feature event, and after an emphatic move at the start, ran away from the classy, field at a canter. Later, seated under an awning on the steps of the Graeme Lawrence Autosport transporter, he signed autographs for children and accepted the congratulations of well wishers with the same nonchalant ease with which he handles a racing car. It was as if he expected it of himself, but there was not a hint of smugness. Instead, he seemed content with the way he had managed to get his car away from the starting line. There had been little time for practice before the start of the series, and yet he had judged his start to perfection. "It is not easy to make a good start with these cars, because they have a lot of horsepower," he said as he reflected . on the events of the day. The young Dutchman has a good understanding of English and his manager, mentor and compatriot, Huub Rothengatter, is never far from his side. 15-1-93 Not one, but two Britten 1000S are thought likely to be in action at Wigram this weekend in the airfield motor cycle championships. Organiser Warren Guy is expecting Jason McEwan, on the four-valve machine, to be joined by New Zealand international racer Andrew Stroud, on a five-valve example. Rothengatter, who dabbled as a driver in Formula One with some lesser teams, was a visitor to New Zealand during the heyday of Formula Pacific racing and was instrumental in bringing his young charge to New Zealand for the International series. "He has taught me a lot about racing, as he has had experience in virtually every class" says verstappen. "I like the Atlantic chassis and the tyres, and the cars have better brakes and a lot more horsepower than in Opel Lotus. It is good experience for me to be in New Zealand during our winter time." During the next European season, Verstappen will contest the German Formula Three series with the WTS Team, using either a Reynard or a Dallara chassis equipped with a factory e star Opel engine. Much is expected of him, but he refuses to bow to the pressure. "At every race I do my best, I try very hard and i can't do more than that and I don't take too much on my shoulders." Quiet and serious, Verstappen's learning curve during the Peter Jackson Series has been necessarily steep. Already, though, his name is being mentioned in the same tones as was Keke Rosberg when he visited here during the late 1970s. Rosberg become world champion. Like Rosberg, Verstappen is an exciting driver. Watching , him race is like watching an acrobat work the trapeze without a net. He seems totally in control and yet you know anything can happen. Our own international drivers will have done well if they beat this young man.