THE E.R.A. CLUB

THE E.R.A. CLUB

Sir, ‘This is an open letter to all those interested in Britain’s prestige in motor racing. Owing to the wonderful generosity of Humphrey Cook, the E.R.A. concern came into being and put England On the map in the 1 I-litre class. The very existence of these cars would not have been possible except for his tremendous sportsmanship. In order to assist him the E.R.A. club was formed by a band of enthusiasts who wished to show their appreciation and enthusiasm by contributing a little towards the enormous cost of building and experiment, and it was thought that in this way it would provide an avenue by which the sporting public could make some contribution to enhance England’s reputation in International motor racing. Under the presidency of Earl Howe and with Mrs. K. Petre•and the late Pat Fairfield as Vice-Presidents, this club received enthusiastic support from the technical Press and soon had a mem

bership of about 150 enthusiasts. It has also received great help and encouragement from a number of other motor racing officials and competitors, including S. C. H. Davis, who has recently become one of its Vice-Presidents.

Now that the E.R.A. concern is going to enter the Grand Prix field the appeal of this club should be very considerably widened, and though during the last few months the membership has increased by 50 per cent., there must surely be many more people in this country who are sufficiently keen on England producing a Grand Prix car for them to wish to do something, however small, to assist in its production. Since the club is run to benefit E.R.A. Ltd., its Directors, Humphrey Cook, Raymond Mays and Peter Berthon, cannot therefore be directly connected with it, but it has their full approval, and receives from them every help and encouragement. The majority of members are Impecunious enthusiasts who have difficulty enough in finding their Ll per year for the subscription, and since motor racing, by its very nature, has a not unwealthy following, it should be possible to increase the number of members considerably. The minimum entrance fee of 5/is so worded to provide those who Wish and are able to give more the opportunity of doing so. The club expenses are cut to a minimum, there are no paid officers, nor are there any recognised club rooms, and the few social events which are organised are run at a profit, but it does provide a monthly bulletin, giving details of E.R.A. activity and news from the works, etc. A somewhat similar venture to this has been organised and run in France to subsidise the building of Grand Prix cars in that country, and has received considerable support from the public. Surely those people over here who are interested in the sport are, though admittedly fewer in number than in France, at least as patriotic and sportsmanlike. The E.R.A. club supply their members with car badges at 10-6 each and this is surely a badge which any owner should be proud to display, since by doing so he is definitely making a real contribution towards the English effort and acting as an incentive to others to do the same. Further details may be obtained from the Hon. Secretary : S. H. Green, 591, London Road, Thornton Heath Surrey. If you are keen to do something to help English racing, will you please join this club ? Those at the head of the sport in this country have given this venture their fullest support; it now only remains for you to follow their example. I am, Yours etc., A P. RIVERS

Chairman, E.R.A. Club.