Brands Hatch Mystery

Sir,

My friend, his wife, my wife and I are frequent visitors to Brands Hatch.

At least once a month during the season we take four seats in the Grandstand.

On June 3rd the Grand Prix of Europe was announced.

At 0940 on the 4th, I telephoned Brands to book four tickets etc.

The answer was “No”, the forms had not yet been received from the printers, however one would be sent to me.

On June 9th the form arrived. Printed across it ALL MAIN GRANDSTAND SEATS SOLD OUT.

I just wondered if other circuits operate a similar system on behalf of their regular supporters.

Corringham, Essex E. F. RIDDLES

POA

Sir,

After several years abroad I am back in England and (stoking for a decent carriage (motorised) for my declining years. Source? Motor Sport, naturally!

But, why, oh why are more and more and more advertisements “POA”. If a car is advertised as available why not quote a price in a civilised manner?

Is the quote going to be dependent on the accent of the enquirer or what?

I, and many others, will not buy from the “POA” merchants!

Godalming, Surrey O. ALI SHAH

Surface matters

Sir,

Reading in my newspaper with sadness that the Belgian Grand Prix was to be cancelled because of a loose surface I harkened back to a race so many years ago. This race was the Vanderbilt Cup on the Roosevelt Raceway Long Island, New York, USA. Moser reported on October 20th 1936. “The much vaunted circuit proved to be a glorified dirt track with corners bounded by armoured walls. As a road race it was a farce”.

Motor also reported. “Nuvolari — that astonishing person, took a careful look at the course and quietly said: ‘It is necessary to make the acrobatics, therefore I will employ them’.” He did, with a lap 10 mph faster than anyone else in practice and won the race by 11 minutes.

The company too, was a pretty select one, Sommer, Wimille, Brivio, Trossi and Etancelin from Europe. The American drivers included Lou Meyer (three times winner at Indianapolis), Mann i Rose, Rex Mays, “Wild” Bill Cummings and Billy Winn of Chicago. From the UK Fairfield, Lord Howe and the Hon Brian Lewis.

Shifnal, Salop N. F. HILL