editorial notes, September 1927

EDITORIAL , NOTES.

More Manx Mutterings.

T T is difficult to restrain oneself on the subject of the I Isle of Man, or more particularly on the subject of

the Tourist Trophy Course, and the races that are, or might be run thereon. We have just returned from another visit to this excellent spot, and in spite of having poured out an effusion on road racing only last month, we cannot resist the temptation to inflict yet another string of suggestions on our patient readers. In the first place we definitely verified our statement, made last month) that there are, in the Isle of Man, certain individuals who have sufficient confidence and enthusiasm to have tried for years to promote an Amateur Car Race. That their efforts have not yet born fruit is due chiefly to a regrettable attitude on the part of one of the bodies whose sanction of the event is desirable, if not actually necessary.

The objections to the running of a sporting event are presumably due either to influence of the trade or lack of confidence in the ability of the local powers to organise the race with success and safety. So far as an Amateur event is concerned the trade might be respectfully asked to mind their own business, while the 1927 Amateur Motorcycle Race, when seventy riders competed on wet roads, without a. single serious accident, shows that the Manx authorities have nothing to learn in the matter of organising ability. The Motorcycle Race was run off without a single error or flaw in organisation, so that any objections to a similar car event, on this score are fully answered. As regards entries, we have already received promise of support from many readers, all of whom welcome the idea, while we have in mind many famous amateur drivers who would be certain to compete if such a race were rim.

Let us hope, therefore, that the efforts of the Manx enthusiasts will meet with the reward they deserve, so that the first step, back towards the old style of road race, may be taken. Our other plea is for the reinstatement of the Sidecar

Tourist Trophy among the A.C.U. races in. Julie, 1928. Much ink has been spilt on this question from time to time but we have it on very good authority that the prime reason for the demise of this race, was lack of support. For 1928, this reason is no more, since a definite party has been formed among the racing fraternity, of riders who will actually drive, if the event is staged. This number is already equal to, if not greater than the entries received for any previous Sidecar Race.

Our chief reason for urging the running of a sidecar race is the firm belief that, apart from steering, every feature of a motorcycle that is tried or stressed in a solo race is subjected to at least 50% greater strain in the sidecar race, so that as a means of improving the breed its value is enormous.

The supposed derogatory effect of the spectacular cornering, on the general public’s opinion of sidecar safety, is not serious, but could be met by the abolition of human passengers, although personally we should prefer not to see this step taken.

We hope that the ” Great Ones” will seriously consider these two pleas and give us a really comprehensive racing programme next year.