FOR MOTOR RACING TRIALS.
On odd afternoons in July, August and September, including last Saturday, the Prince has piloted his Auster aircraft 250 miles from his Bodmin home, touched down at Fairlop two hours later, hurtled along the runway his Masarati racing car in spectacular fashion, afterwards flying back Cornwall.
A reporter who spotted the secret trial was present at Prince Bira's Fairlop trial on Saturday morning. The Prince, clad in a dark blue 'zipped' motoring suit, light 'zipp' leggings and a crash helmet was chatting with his cousin 37 year-old Prince Chula, who himself owns the three racing cars used in international motor racing contest.
At 9am a lorry arrived from Prince Chula's Hammersmith garage and two mechanics guided the blue and yellow 3000 c.c. 24 horse power racing Masarati car down two planks onto the runway of the aerodrome. After an engine test and wheel changes, Prince Bira climbed into the cockpit while his cousin Prince Chula stood with a upraised starting flag half a mile away along the runway. 'Water OK?' Prince Bira demanded. The mechanics nodded.
With a roar the car shot off, gaining momentum until he was hurtling along at over 100 miles an hour. Wheels of different sizes were changed after each lap and the two princes held a 10-minute consultation on the car's performance.
In between trials, Prince Chula exchanged information, the Prince discussing recent international car racing successes and displaying great interest while the reporter gave him a insight into the nearby squatters camp activities.
An hour later, Prince Bira drove the Masarati to a standstill near the lorry and climbed out. Whilst mechanics pushed the racing car back into the lorry, the two princes explained. 'Every race we've won this year has been due to engine-test racing trials at Fairlop. We won the Ulster trophy in Ireland on the 10th August. However, we've won 20 races out of the 68 races completed in pre-war and we've been second or third in 40 or 50 of the others. Our racing cars were laid up during the war but we hope soon to have to brand new cars. Our Masarati here which can speed at 140 miles an hour is competing in the Brighton free trials this afternoon, and we are travelling to Brighton immediately.'
Prince Chula and Prince Bira walked to waiting limousine climbed in and with friendly waves of their hands drove off in the direction of the airfield gate.
A mechanic had the last word. He explained. 'Prince Bira won many Grand Prix in pre-war days. Both princes used to return to Siam each winter before the war, until, used to the English weather they found they could not stand the tropical climate. The fairlop runways are good motor racing trial grounds apart from the nails which tyres pick up along the tarmac.
You can reach me by e-mail at: david@smartin67.freeserve.co.uk