CIRCUSES UNLIMITED !

SPORT has been introduced to the motorcycle world in the form of dirt track and cinder track racing. There, however, the matter does

not end, for with the advent of this form of racing numerous commercial enterprises have sprung up with a view to running these events as a moneymaking proposition.

While any movement which is calculated to encourage the sporting side of motoring is to be fostered, we must first assure ourselves that the new impetus will enhance the best spirit of sportsmanship. Dirt track racing, by reason of its extremely srectacular nature, is proving an immense draw with the general public, and it is this last development that is presenting questions which everyone, with the welfare of the sport at heart, is earnestly asking. It is this very popularity—a thing in itself greatly desirable—which may proVe the downfall of the sport, and it is to be feared that whereas motor-cycle competitions have hitherto been free from any suggestion of exploitation, with all that it implies, dirt track racing for public interest may develop into a mere money-making spectacle.

There is a danger of the large money prizes attracting many of the best riders, at the expense of events which are undoubtedly more important to the trade and the Sport. Dirt track racing for one of the big ” shows” will be a whole time and highly specialised occupation, and one which will not serve any real scientific or sporting purpose, apart from the spectacular.

Luckily, riders have apparently realised the danger, and we are pleased to note that a Riders’ Association has been formed with a view to protecting all the parties concerned. Provided 0.3.f: i A.C.U., and others involved, con

tinue to bear in mind the high ideals which have always characterised motor-cycle sport it is possible that dirt track racing may do more good than harm, though its advent has already hit club life indirectly, by causing the Sunday competitions ban.

Whether as a spectacle the new sport will continue to thrill the public for long remains to be seen ; the absence of betting may kill it, while, personally, we think that a certain sameness will become apparent, in the sight of the same half-dozen cracks broadsiding round the same track at the same speed, twice weekly.

Our cover this month shows L. Currie making fastest time for the three-wheeler classes in the Inter-University Hill-climb on his Brough-Superior and sidecar.