the a.c.u tourist trophy

The A.C.U. Tourist Trophy

TMERE is no more thrilling event available to the inhabitants of these islands than the A.C.U. Tourist Trophy Races. The struggles which have taken place over this famous course make these races something which every sporting motorist, whether normally addicted to two wheels or four, is eager to see if possible. Whatever difficulties may beset other sides of motorracing, the T.T. in spite of rumours and arguments year after year, goes on with never diminished enthusiasm, and this year’s event promises to be as close a struggle as ever,

A very encouraging feature of this year’s event is the remarkable revival of interest in the Lightweight race. For the last few years this has always been somewhat of a lull in the week of the races, owing to the comparatively small entry, and many entrants were deterred by the fact that, although the cost of participating in this race was as high as the others, the resulting publicity and other benefits of a good performance were not so great. Against this was the fact that it was an easier event to win, but it looks as if this is not going to be the case this year. The entry of 43 is a guarantee that we shall have a really hotly contested race, while the very remarkable increase in the speed of 250 c.c. engines recently has entirely abolished any feeling that there may once have been that these little machines were too slow to be really exciting. The new 250 c.c. Rudges have already proved themselves tremendously fast, and they have sufficient experience of the job to avoid the temptation of making them too fast. Foreign competition, in

the form of the Italian Guzzi, has in previous years given us furiously to think in the matter of speed, and although the Italian engines have not contrived to finish ahead of us it has been a very near thing. This year the Ru.dges should be able to hold their own on sheer speed on the level, which in conjunction with the experience of their riders should give them a very enviable chance. In. the Senior Race the foreign element is even more marked, one of the most formidable entries being that of the F.N. ridden by Wal Handley. His wonderful ride to victory at 74 m.p.h. in last year’s race, combined with other victories and

even more impressive failures, has stamped him in the eyes of many as the greatest motor-cycle racer of the day. This entry will be watched with interest, but there are many British entries to be beaten before the Belgian firm can hope to walk away with the Trophy. The Raleighs are said to be extremely fast this year, and the terrifically powerful Rudge entry, with Graham Walker, Tyrrell-Smith, Ernie Nott, Jack Williams and many others, makes it very likely that their grand slam of last year may be repeated.

The Junior Race, the first of the actual races again includes the Rudge team, while the Velocettes, for so many years the outstanding performers in the Junior, are said to have found considerably increased speed. A.J.S. are another firm with a great T.T. reputation, and are usually in the running.

In a short review of the events it is impossible to give an account of the various machines, but the general trend of design shows that there are signs of the supercharger coming into more general use. Somerville Sikes has entered one of the new Ariel fours, and is having a supercharger fitted. This machine will certainly arouse much interest, but it is not fair to expect great things of it on its first appearance. Ariels are co-operating with Sikes in its preparation, but only as a works to a private owner. It is, therefore, entirely experimental, and a very sporting effort, and whatever happens to it on this occasion, the lessons learnt may prove later of the greatest value. The course itself is in better condition than ever, and several corners have been widened, so that speeds will be higher than ever before.