|
MARC Secretary’s Report
from Car Advertiser and Auto News 31st May 1972
In which Sports Editor, Tony Stubbs, who also
just happens to be Secretary of the Midget Auto Racing Club,
reports on progress to date.
With the first two months of the Grand Prix
Midget season drawing to a close, last week saw the first
regradings. Cliff Davis, number one driver in our own Team
Advertiser, dropped into the blue tops. It seems a bit of
a crafty move on his part since, now he’s starting from the
middle of the grid, he’s begun to win races. And at a pound
a point that’s a lot of money we’re talking about!
David Niven is in his first Midget season
and he’s already moved up to star grading after a couple of
fine wins – well done, David. In the Championship stakes,
Paul Emery is in the lead – even after a few clashes with
the fence – but at this stage it’s still wide open. Modesty
almost forbids me to mention that I’m currently second behind
Paul.
The Flying Fuzz, policeman Johnny Holtham
is going well and pleasing his sponsors, Auto Enthusiast magazine,
as is team-mate Griff Griffiths, although rumour has it that
Griff isn’t too happy with his lot on the circuits at present.
Film producer Roy Watts is making his mark
– he’s also making another film at Shepperton but I dunno
what it’s called yet! With a better car Roy would be a lot
more competitive and a hard man to pass – look at his performances
in the Team Advertiser cars a couple of weeks ago. Hedley
Layton, after a few setbacks with the Radio Luxembourg 208
car, is improving and with his new engine should be going
even better soon.
Derek Harris and Martin Robertson both came
out in new cars a couple of weekends back and should be winning
races soon. Newcomers John Graham, Michael Seccombe and Arthur
Knowlton (another policeman) are learning fast. too. It’s
tough at the top!
Of the other drivers, Brian Spicer shines,
even after a number of violent encounters with and fence,
and the Smith brothers are very consistent.
The main problem we’ve had with meetings up
to now has been the small number of cars that has turned out.
Still even that is improving although there is plenty of room
for more types of car. Ready-assembled cars are in short supply,
however if the number of enquiries we receive at our offices
is anything to go on we’d be seeing whole grids of new drivers.
We’re always pleased to hear from new or would be drivers.
If you’re interested in £8.50 starting money per meeting,
even as a novice, contact me at the editorial offices.
|
