MANY ACCIDENTS IN THE G.P. OF CZECHOSLOVAKIA.

MANY ACCIDENTS IN THE G.P. OF CZECHOSLOVAKIA.

RACE WON BY LOUIS CHIRON (ALFA ROMEO). H. C. HAMILTON CRASHES AND IS SERIOUSLY INJURED

THE drivers had a difficult task in the G.P. of Czechoslovakia, held on September 17th at Brno. To begin with the circuit of Masaryk, as it is called, is one of the most difficult in existence, having no fewer than 110 corners in the length of its 18 odd miles lap, and repeatedly climbing and descending steepish gradients. On top of this, torrential rain was falling when the start was given, turning the road into a slippery rink over which the cars tended to slide with complete abandon. In view of these circumstances it was hardly surprising that there should be a good many accidents. The cars in both 1,500 c.c. and unlimited categories were sent away together, and altogether 32 vehicles of all sorts and sizes came to the line. They were as follows : Unlimited, Chiron,

Fagioli, Balestrero, Pietsch, Wimille, Moll and Brivio on Alfa Romeos, 1..reyfus, Lehoux, Steinweg, Marko, Hartmann, Kubicek on Bugattis, Von Brauchitsch on a Mercedes-Benz, and Aimiui on a Bugatti. In the 1,500 c.c. class, Veyron, Burggaller, Sojka, Mme. Fritsch, Ripper, Winfurter and Decaroli on Bugattis, Landi and Vagniez on Maseratis, Marret and Boucly on Millers, Hostalek and Trumpas on un-specified machines Ruesch on an Alfa Romeo, Hamilton on an M.G. Midget, and Knapp on a Walter. Chiron took the lead after the first lap, followed by Lehoux on his veteran Bugatti. Fagioli, on a second monoposto

Alfa was delayed with plug trouble, and Lehoux soon followed him to the pits with gearbox trouble, which forced him to retire. Hamilton absolutely astonished everyone by leading the 1,500 c.c. class with his 750 c.c. car, and still more so by taking third position in the general classification behind Chiron and Moll. Unhappily this meteoric progress came to an end when Hamilton turned over at a hairpin, sustaining three broken ribs with the resultant internal injuries. Moll

was another victim of the treacherous road surface, although his case was not so bad and he was allowed to leave hospital after treatment. Fagioli was now working his way up again, and took second place behind Chiron, the order which remained until the end.

After Hamilton’s crash Burggaller took the lead in the 1,500 c.c. class, but was immediately challenged by Veyron, on another Bugatti. Then Veyron came to grief, so Burggaller repeated his victory of last year.

Altogether seven drivers were injured, but Hamilton was the most severe sufferer. The others were Moll, Mme. Fritsch, L ecaroli, Landi, Ripper and Veyron. At the time of going to press we learn that Hamilton is making good progress. Everyone will wish him the best of luck and a quick recovery.

Unlimited. RESULTS.

1. Chiron (Alfa Romeo 2,650 c.c.), 4h. 50m. 22s., 63.937 m.p.h.

2. Fagioli (Alfa Romeo 2,650 c.c.), 4h. 54m. 2s. 3. Wimille (Alfa Romeo 2,350 c.c.), 5h. Om. 4s

4. Dreyfus (Bugatti 2,300 c.c.), 5h. 2m. 125.

5. Steinweg (Bugatti).

6. Hartmann (Bugatti).

7. Kubicik (Bugatti).

8. Balestrero (Alfa Romeo). 1,500 c.c.

1. Burggaller (Bugatti), 4h. 32m. 50s., 60.081 121.p.h.

2. Sojka (Bugatti).

3. Ruesch (Alfa Romeo).

4. Ripper (Bugatti).

5. Trumpas (—).