From the Rolls-Royce experimental archive: a quarter of a million communications from Rolls-Royce, 1906 to 1960's. Documents from the Sir Henry Royce Memorial Foundation (SHRMF).
Magazine article describing the Tourist Trophy motor race with accompanying photographs and circuit diagrams.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 90a\1\ Scan042 | |
| Date | 7th September 1934 | |
| 430 The Autocar September 7th, 1934. Tourist Trophy Won by 17 Seconds own lap scoring and timing we knew that the Bentley began to overhaul the field on the very first lap. It was after Hall’s second pit stop to change all four wheels and take in five gallons of petrol, just to safeguard against shortage of fuel, that the nervous tension increased. It was then that the epic duel with Brian Lewis’ big Lagonda commenced, and, exciting as this was as first one car and then the other snatched the lead, it did not conduce to good lap times, because the big cars were apt to find themselves in each others’ way on corners. Accordingly, after three slow laps Hall was given the “faster” signal, and at once responded, for, although we knew that the Lagonda would almost certainly have to change tyres for the second time before the end of the race, it was Dodson, on the swift little M.G., who was the real danger. The gap between Dodson and Hall was, however, steadily being reduced by anything up to 44 seconds per lap, although this was only just sufficient to bring Hall into the lead on the last lap. With fingers clutching stop-watches so tightly that it was an effort not to press the button at the wrong time, we listened anxiously for the clear note of the Bentley’s exhaust, for the curve in the road made it impossible for us to see more than a few yards. We could tell, however, by the tense attitude of the spectators opposite exactly when he came into sight, and for a moment we could breathe freely if the lap were a good one. Finally came the last three laps, and if these were covered at Hall’s normal speed all would be well. He flashed past. The stop-watches clicked and ushered in ten minutes of tense waiting. 10 minutes! 10 minutes 5 seconds! 10 minutes 10 seconds! The crowd opposite shows plainly by its attitude that he is not yet in sight. The watches tick on and on. 20 seconds! 25 seconds! What can have happened? We steal uneasy glances at one another, trying to appear unconcerned. 30 seconds! Ah! at last the crowd opposite jumps to its feet. Is it the green Bentley? It is, but it has taken 10 min. 33 sec. Another unending ten minutes ensue, and again at the 10 sec. there is no sign of the Bentley. Dodson has flashed by, driving magnificently. It is 28 sec. past the 10 min. before the Bentley hurtles past on the last lap, with 52 sec. to make up. Surely it is impossible! Loud speakers announce the progress of this thrilling fight to the finish. The crowd springs to its feet, all agog with excitement, the M.G.’s exhaust is heard, and Dodson flashes past, while 17 sec. later Hall and the green Bentley make a magnificent second. But why those two slow laps? we keep asking each other. Someone says it has been raining on the other side of the course. If so, probably that is the reason. As soon as we can we ask Hall, “Why those two slow laps?” and he answers briefly, “Rain,” and points to the cockpit, which is soaking in water. Naturally, the big car, driven superbly to the limit point of its splendid road holding, had to be slowed just slightly on bends and corners on the wet road. Hard luck, but what a finish! A.{Mr Adams} G.{Mr Griffiths - Chief Accountant / Mr Gnapp} D.{John DeLooze - Company Secretary} C. Image Captions: (Right) George Eyston and Dodson with their Magnettes at Newtownards. (Left) Earl Howe with his quiet and impressive Talbot leads Hindmarsh’s Lagonda. (Left) A group of five cars, N. A.{Mr Adams} Berry’s Frazer Nash leading, shoot Dundonald bridge. (Right) L. Fontes’ Invicta dives into the narrow street at Comber. Footer: G 22 | ||