singapore grand prix @ sembawang circuit

until 1973, we could still be entertained by the thrills and spills of motor racing held at the old upper thomson and upper thomson circuit. the motor racing event was started in 1961. it was usually held in april, during the easter holidays, and was spread over a few days. building up to the main events - the grand prix for motorcycles and cars, there were many minor races for the different categories.

for motorcycles, there were events for the different capacities, from the 50cc class to the unlimited class. there was even a race for road bikes with minimal modifications.

for cars, there were races for saloons of at least two classes and i think, there was a special race just for the minis. the box-shaped mini minor was very popular in those days. of course, the fastest among the minis was the mini cooper.

i just cannot remember how much was charged for admission to watch the grand prix because we never had to pay as we sneaked into the spectator area by way of the secondary forest at casuarina road. other freeloaders watched from the hill slopes facing the race track, outside the fenced area.

i do remember some of the names for the more exciting parts of the circuit - the devil's bend, the rothman's corner and the nee soon hairpin.