Kent and Sussex Courier, 12 May 1972
GLENN BITTEN BY SPEED BUG
GLENN BAKER, the 21-year-old Tunbridge Wells mechanic who built
his own midget racer last winter, has shot to the fore on the
local racing scene with two first places since the season began
in February. Glenn decided to compete In motor racing last year
after being a mechanic for other drivers for two years. He started
building the chassis for the car in November and after Christmas
he bought an engine, transmission and suspension from Triumph
Herald cars, making the bodywork from sheet aluminium. "I had
to make it strong enough to stand the strain," said Glenn on
Monday, "but light enough to give speed." Glenn's six-year apprenticeship
as a mechanic at Rawson's, Tunbridge Wells, finished on Wednesday,
his 21st birthday. "When I first started as a mechanic I was
not interested in racing, but now I've got the bug. What I would
really like now is to get some sponsorship to help with the
cost of running the car. So far I've spent about £350."
Glenn, who lives with his parents at 34 Delves Avenue, gave
his completed 1200 c.c. car trials at Cross-in-Hand. then competed
in his first race at Wimbledon. Since then he has been forced
to drop out of only one race, when he had a puncture. Both his
wins have been at Ringwood. in Hampshire. the first on April
3, then again on April 23. His next race is at Wisbech tomorrow
(Saturday). Glenn has always been interested in speed. Before
he started motor racing. he was keen on motor-cycles. and made
several trips to the Isle of Man TT races. Asked about the future,
he said: "At the moment I am very pleased with my successes.
and I shall be happy if the car keeps going as well as it has.
I think later this year there may be an increase in engine size.
and I might fit a larger one."
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Ipswich 1973
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