Tragedy at Motor Racing

But for the tragic death of Nelson motor racing driver, Brian Mabey, the two-day programme of the Nelson Car Club on the Tahuna circuit, would have been an unqualified success. Mabey lost his life when his B. C. M. Special overturned during the fifth lap of the 12-lap provincial championship on the first day. At the same place, the western bend, a little earlier, L. Middlebrook (Morris 8) rolled his car but escaped without injury. The pictures on this page were taken by Gordon Foote, of Nelson.

Ambulance men and officials were quickly on the scene as Mabey's car overturned

Spectators help to right the car

Middlebrook's car begins to roll

It came to rest on its side

Ron Rutherford (Christchurch), R. A. Zephyr, won 9-mile national beach racing title

Duncan Rutherford (Chch), Lycoming Special, passes Ron Rutherford (inside) to win the Nelson provincial championship.

Ron Rutherford

D. N. Stewart (Chch), Ransley Riley, who was third in the beach racing championship

Bill Harris (Chch) was romping home in his Alfa Jaguar when he broke a rear axle and had to retire

Another unlucky driver, Keith Roper (Nelson), who was well in the lead in the beach title race when a piston collapsed. On the first day Keith had ignition trouble.