Where Are All The '70s And '80s Photos?

[Milan Fistonic]

I see the spectators flocked in to see these fine examples from the Rootes Group being put through their paces.

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[Milan Fistonic]

Great memories there Milan

I owned the Fiat 130TC up until 25 months ago. It now lives in Melbourne


I remember you having the car but I didn't realize it had competition history.

[Milan Fistonic]

The car

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The drivers

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and their names

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[Michael Clark]

I had two - one that I bought in 1987 and was my road car, and then the ex Group A car that I bought in 2004 with the intention of going classic racing with it because I never imagined I'd find a Formula Ford big enough. But when I did, the Abarths became surplus to requirements.

That were great little cars though.

[Jac Mac]

I see the spectators flocked in to see these fine examples from the Rootes Group being put through their paces.

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Pukekohe prices must have been steep back then as well, they appear to have been fleeced.

[Milan Fistonic]

Uncle Tom's Rovers were in the wars in this race.

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[fullnoise68]

Yeah Jac Mac, the sheep were looking for a drover, not a rover ......

[Rod Grimwood]

Uncle Tom's Rovers were in the wars in this race.

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You or any one else got any photos of black Commodore number 15 in background.

[Rod Grimwood]

I see the spectators flocked in to see these fine examples from the Rootes Group being put through their paces.

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These people have driven the fire/rescue cars for along time at meetings and are still doing it. they do a great job and spend all their spare time at the tracks doing this so others can play and enjoy, as I said, they do a great job.
PS These guys also had great fun against each other back then, they had there own little 'war' going on, think there was a red and white Avenger as well.

[Milan Fistonic]

The only other shot I got and it was in the background again.

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[fullnoise68]

Didn't Ross Tebbs have something to do with that #15 Commodore Rod? I think Hornsby Earthmovers may have sponsored it?

[rogered]

Rod was the pilot unless im mistaken

[stubuchanan]

Didn't Ross Tebbs have something to do with that #15 Commodore Rod? I think Hornsby Earthmovers may have sponsored it?

It says "E T Hornsby Earthmovers" on the rear of #15. Could look for a programme maybe. Never know what I might find.

Stu

[Andrew Metford]

The Hillman Hunter is Tom Scott, He owns / runs TAS Automotive on the North Shore. Great guy.

[Andrew Metford]

The Hillman Hunter in post #252 is Tom Scott, he owns / runs TAS Automotive on the North Shore. Great guy and a real character.

Tom drives the safety / FIV car as mentioned, and his wife Anna and daughter Debbie run things "behind the scenes". The Scott family has done so much for motorsport in Auckland over a long period of years, and I've never seen them without a smile on their faces.

[Milan Fistonic]

It says "E T Hornsby Earthmovers" on the rear of #15. Could look for a programme maybe. Never know what I might find.

Stu


The 85-86 Yearbook has the drivers of number 15 as Wayne Parry and Rod Grimwood. They finished 26th on 141 laps.

[Rod Grimwood]

Thanks Milan, yes that's right. Tucker Hornsby and Garth Thompson helped sponsor me in drive. We were not running too bad until about 2 hours from end when I arrived at the end of the back straight and there was a horrible sensation of the brake peddle going to the floor in a hurry and a cloud of smoke out the left side. I was looking straight at the right hand door of the coin and bullion car with Mr Hulme driving, I spun the car to try and avoid him and luck (management) had me going behind him onto the grass. Recovered and into pits where crew (Robert Connell) some how removed the caliper which had split and was red hot, then replaced with another, quick bleed and back out. We lost about 8-10 laps I think and the caliper melted into the pit seal. I actually won a couple (3) trays of cans in a bet with another person who reckoned I would not lap him, 1st time one finger, then 2nd time two fingers which was the norm from the friendly chap.

Thanks Milan for photo.

[Grant Ellwood]

The Hillman Hunter in post #252 is Tom Scott, he owns / runs TAS Automotive on the North Shore. Great guy and a real character.

Tom drives the safety / FIV car as mentioned, and his wife Anna and daughter Debbie run things "behind the scenes". The Scott family has done so much for motorsport in Auckland over a long period of years, and I've never seen them without a smile on their faces.

Could the Avenger driver be one of the Langleys, Neville or his son?

[ERC]

Correct JAFA. The senior Scotts have now moved from the Shore to Pukekohe. The block of land on which TAS used to sit (Rawene Rd, Birkenhead) along with the buildings on several neighbouring plots are being demolished for a block of apartments. Debbie's family are also heavily involved in the running of the meeting (including husband Martin) and do a fantastic job in all weathers. We'd be lost without them all. Martin and Debbie are also ITM people so it isn't too difficult to see where much of the ITM support for motorsport comes from.

[Rod Grimwood]

Ross Tebbs has a bit to do with ITM and has motorsport in his veins, ITM is a fairly big family.

[spinner32]

The only other shot I got and it was in the background again.

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The #15 Commodore looks very similar to the car Steve Ross, from Dunedin, raced in Sports Saloons in the 90's. Same colour, same wheels. The big deal at that time was that it was a genuine GpA car. I believe that he still owns the car

[Rod Grimwood]

I believe it went to The Bristows over in Hawkes Bay, but don't know what happened to it after. I think they may still have it.

[Milan Fistonic]

Bill Morris ERA

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Dave Silcock Cooper-Vincent

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B Neill TR2

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[Rod Grimwood]

That Cooper-Vincent of Dave's is a beautiful car. Wonder if he still has it.

[mark powell]

Could this be the one Allan Mason campained in the Nissan Mobil [I think 1992 ] We lent him an axel at Wellington
The #15 Commodore looks very similar to the car Steve Ross, from Dunedin, raced in Sports Saloons in the 90's. Same colour, same wheels. The big deal at that time was that it was a genuine GpA car. I believe that he still owns the car

[Bailey]

Could this be the one Allan Mason campained in the Nissan Mobil [I think 1992 ] We lent him an axel at Wellington

Mark, no I'm pretty sure the Mason car was the Bowkett Sleepyhead bed VK, converted to a VL.

[rogered]

The #15 Commodore looks very similar to the car Steve Ross, from Dunedin, raced in Sports Saloons in the 90's. Same colour, same wheels. The big deal at that time was that it was a genuine GpA car. I believe that he still owns the car

Not the same.
The car rod drove was a VHSS updated to VK, and last seen in the hawkes bay. Some one may know its ware abouts but its MIA.

Steve ross car started life as The Bowkett, Sleephead car. and was built by roadways, went on to be the pink purple billington car and did another bathurst in 1987 (16 laps) with graeme crosby, and billington. Went onto dave barrow, and a few others then steve ross. It was in our shed for a few while, and is now in Sydney, and i understand its close to finished, being rebuilt in VK bathurst 1987 livery.

[John McKechnie]

Roger- can you please refresh my memory here - early 90s Graeme Crawford also had a white genuine Roadways Commodore, remember him running it at Puke and Whenuapei, (think he said it was a Grice car?) he took it to bits, what happened to that.?

[rogered]

Roger- can you please refresh my memory here - early 90s Graeme Crawford also had a white genuine Roadways Commodore, remember him running it at Puke and Whenuapei, (think he said it was a Grice car?) he took it to bits, what happened to that.?

Crameme cameron, Yip also a roadways car. We spent quite a bit of effort trying to track this. It was the car Grice beat HDT at the 85 adalaide gp, and won (I think) at mount fuji. It was stripped of mechanicals. I have tracked the bits. The body is MIA, but i think its in Aust, Im not saying any more "online" :) as im still working on this

[Bailey]

Crameme cameron, Yip also a roadways car. We spent quite a bit of effort trying to track this. It was the car Grice beat HDT at the 85 adalaide gp, and won (I think) at mount fuji. It was stripped of mechanicals. I have tracked the bits. The body is MIA, but i think its in Aust, Im not saying any more "online" :) as im still working on this

Yes it was stripped, and for no good reason. Although the mechanicals have gone to a good home.

[John McKechnie]

Bailey, I was close to the car at that time- and, you are right, it was for NO good reason.

[Rod Grimwood]

#15 was raced by Trevor McLean and Rod Downs and then sold to Mr Parry of motorbike fame in Hamilton, Rod Downs had hand in me having drive. Was a good experience, but would really have liked to have tested/tuned before the race. Down to Hamilton on Thursday night and back for quick check over before weekend. Had a fuel problem over the hill and would start coughing about halfway over and clear as the car straightened, was a bastard as it would cough then want to stick arse out, you had to caress it before it did. Young Wayne Parry was pretty good peddler but only did a few meetings.
Had meeting with Mr Hulme on dummy grid that was interesting and showed me his other side that I had only read about. I was very polite to him which I think irritated him more.

[Grant Sprague]

Rod do you think the old fuel pick up in tank trick the commoboys ....did was not done on that one ...stretching it to the left hand rear side bottom of fuel tank ........as for Denny .....yea I think his roughness [helped] forged him to the front to be world champ [gruffness some times put fellow competitors on back foot].......but cant knock the man as he was a great man to achieve what he did, reminds me of some other kiwis older than u and I :rolleyes:

[Rod Grimwood]

You right Grant about Denny, he was and still is very respected by myself and was a 'competitor'.
You also right about the fuel pick up, and that's the kind of thing we would have picked up with a test session.

It was about our grill. As we all know, the old Holden did not agree with heat, and after a few laps in practice at around 6 to 6 and 1/2 I up the anti a little and pulled another 500 rev and noticed the temp come up over couple of laps. Discussed this with boys and we decided to reposition the top pins for grill with new holes which layed grill back a bit and increased air flow. It worked a treat. Eagle eye Denny noticed this when walking around the pits and mentioned it would be good to have grill back in correct position (in his way of speaking). This was done and he was happy. On first pit stop grill was slipped back to new holes and all was good again.

[Grant Sprague]

Haha love it , well done Rod [the extra 500 revs wud have been a God send]

[Rod Grimwood]

From Manfield with Rod Downs driving, the Capri of McFarland/ Murdoch was a nice and quick car.This meeting before Pukekohe.

Rod Downs was a tidy and quick peddler and at this time had North Shore Engine Reconditioners in Wairau Rd with Wayne Thompson. Rod wandered from motorsport when his son became a top tennis player. Wayne was known for his foray into midgets at the springs with an engine he built himself, it was 3 cylinder Valiant bottom with a Ford 351 head (quence head) attached. Made up injection etc. It had some torque.

Wayne always thought he was lighter than me, but never made the grade when it came to weigh in time, this happened normally in the house bar of the Poenamo Hotel.

[Jac Mac]

Looks like the left rear could do with some more air...leaving a lopsided black trail in its wake in top pic?

[Grant Sprague]

Good spotting Jac....if that was from the commodore I don't understand why no over steer ? [well ever so slight ]

[Rod Grimwood]

Not too sure on what went on down there but yea looks like a pressure problem, maybe puncture on the way or maybe just driving on a Sports Sedans tyre marks. Good spotting Jac.

[Rod Grimwood]

Another of 'Poppa' at club circuit with Escort of Gary Lathrope following.

[Autopia]

I remember you having the car but I didn't realize it had competition history.

I can fill you in on the history….
Car was owned by Bob Barry, who worked in stores at Giltrap's Fiat import - actually think it was owned by his girlfriend/partner. It was only partly Group-A, nowhere near as developed as the full Gp A 130TC run by Gary Pedersen and Dave McMillan, and not that fast. Graeme McGregor was due to drive the car with Bob but when he got the VW Golf drive he suggested me as a replacement. I knew Colin Giltrap pretty well so I called him up and suggested he help out with $15K of sponsorship. Colin's reply: "that black thing - I'll give you 15 grand not to drive the bloody thing!"
First race was Nissan Sport 500 at Wellington. I knew the circuit pretty well so I started the race. Managed to get it up to about 10th place (various accidents and fewer fuel stops) when the gearbox exploded at the end of the main straight.
Next week was Pukekohe, so Bob started and handed over to me at the half-way mark. On my first flying lap I thought the brake pedal felt a bit funny so thought I'd come in next lap and have it checked. We were using the old, long circuit with the loop and heading up towards Railway I hit the brakes and nothing happened. It was pretty obvious that the car wasn't going to make the corner and it wasn't going to be a small bang. The Fiat mounted the bank, went straight through the old corrugated fencing that used to be at the back of the circuit scattering a few free-loaders who were watching from there, and ended up on the railway line. It was pretty badly buckled, so nice to know it survives!
Rob Whitehouse

[Steve Holmes]

Uncle Tom's Rovers were in the wars in this race.

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Beaut photos Milan! Thanks for posting. Interestingly, the blue Commodore pictured here is a genuine SS Group A road car, one of the 500 produced (and all painted blue) to homologate the special bits for the race cars. Most Group A Commodore race cars started life as a basic shell, and race prepared from there, whereas this car started life as a low-volume Group A SS road car.

[worsel]

Here's a little gem from the 70's I just found, I wonder if Bob remembers it?

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[Rod Grimwood]

Good ole uncle Bob, not the first or last time you been 'up the creek without a paddle' ah mate.

back in the 70s and he is still playing.

[bob homewood]

Yes remember it well ,big pool of water left there from the rain in the days before ,what the story doesn't say is was I was helped in there by the stupidity of someone who should have known better and yes it did end a good race for me ,the GTE had been punching well above its weight before that

[Grant Ellwood]

There's a tee shirt up here made popular by the movie Deliverance - "Paddle faster, I hear banjo music".

Hope to catch up with you at HD Sunday 25th, right now I'm at a bar at LAX getting prepped for the flight to Auckland.

[Rod Grimwood]

So they knocked cheeky little buggers off the track back then Bob, thought this was a new thing.

[Kevin Hirst]

So they knocked cheeky little buggers off the track back then Bob, thought this was a new thing.

You wern't racing that day by any chance were you Rod,

[bob homewood]

So they knocked cheeky little buggers off the track back then Bob, thought this was a new thing.

No mate its not a new thing it was there way back in the early 60's when I started ,usually round the back of the circuit where the officials didn't see ,I guess how ever I could give back as good as I got ,but never when driving some one else's car as I was this day ,over the years I got to drive a lot of "other peoples " cars and I don't think I ever put a mark on them ,my own ones were a different matter

[Grant Sprague]

No mate its not a new thing it was there way back in the early 60's when I started ,usually round the back of the circuit where the officials didn't see ,I guess how ever I could give back as good as I got ,but never when driving some one else's car as I was this day ,over the years I got to drive a lot of "other peoples " cars and I don't think I ever put a mark on them ,my own ones were a different matter.................................Uncle Bob, I could not imagine you giving a serve you seem to be a mister nice guy, hey we should start a link " SERVING" I could tell a story or 3 ....but to be honest I never did on purpose I put it down to people not reading flags or looking in mirrors , NEVER MY FAULT lol except on one occasion I was hunting a mustang down after I was run into the grass in first r/hander Puke ....he got such a fright seeing me back in his mirror at the hair pin he decided to drive off the road all by his stupid self , because he was going to cop a BIG ONE

[George Sheweiry]

I dont think Linda grey would quite agree with that one Grunter

[Grant Sprague]

George I remember that well , in my view I was on a hot practice lap & the gap narrowed , on that same corner they say the onus is on the passing driver [being me] perhaps I should have read her better , I wont make an excuse for any wrong done ..........but when two cars travelling at same speed the only other thing I can say we would have an inexperienced driver & one a bit better ...results proving the point ..................

[Steve Emson]

Better to say nothing

[Grant Sprague]

Steve you are correct but sometimes words are spoken ....we leave it there ..Steve, I met up with your God father to day at Hampton Downs he was there for the H M Cars ...Paul is a lovely humble man ......was very hot there [29] Dale,s class was well put together, also the F5000 geeeee Ken is amazing for his age just gets on with it , also the other classes well put together ..........

[bob homewood]

Grant ,good to catch up with you
again on the weekend ,its been too long between drinks

[BMCBOY]

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[BMCBOY]

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[SATIATOR]

Hi Folks

Here is a Mid Eighties photo many may have not seen.

It is from Ohakea, which used to run fairly regularly then for the classics.

Braking at the end of the intermediate straight after the main runway.

That is my(Kevin Gill) Daimler Dart powered Spitfire, John Fendall's TR6 and Bernie Huynen's Valiant powered Healey.

Those were the days!

If anyone else has photos of any of these cars from the time, or more importantly any videos I would be grateful if you could get in touch.

Many cheers
Kevin

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[seaqnmac27]

Somehow I think this is a bit before then


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b8nKA2A_ctE

[Roger Dowding]

Hi Folks

Here is a Mid Eighties photo many may have not seen.

It is from Ohakea, which used to run fairly regularly then for the classics.

Braking at the end of the intermediate straight after the main runway.

That is my(Kevin Gill) Daimler Dart powered Spitfire, John Fendall's TR6 and Bernie Huynen's Valiant powered Healey.

Those were the days!

If anyone else has photos of any of these cars from the time, or more importantly any videos I would be grateful if you could get in touch.

Many cheers
Kevin

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Kevin, Bernie Huynen still has the Healey but now V8 powered drove it once in Valiant powered form at Masterton in the late 1980's at an Austin Healey Club meeting on a grass circuit, will see if I can find some photo's

[Roger Dowding]

Kevin, Bernie Huynen still has the Healey but now V8 powered drove it once in Valiant powered form at Masterton in the late 1980's at an Austin Healey Club meeting on a grass circuit, will see if I can find some photo's
Also has another Healey owned by Philip Mules,which has a bit of Race History, and Bernie is racing it these days.
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[Roger Dowding]

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Bardahl Series Hillclimb, 1979/80, Bald Hill - run by MG Car Club, myself in the TR4A that did the whole series, almost without incident.
- photo, my own collection, photographer unknown was given to me at the next hillclimb.

[BMCBOY]

Here's a photo of Bernie Huynen in the Valiant Healey at a Otaua Hillclimb
The car has since had a V8 installed, but due to compliance problems it will have a 'sloper' engine refitted.
The car is now up in Northland with its new owner.

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[45DCOE]

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[45DCOE]

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[45DCOE]

31306 Brian Blackberry

[45DCOE]

31307Red Dawson

[45DCOE]

31308Paul Fahey

[45DCOE]

31309Fahey/Leonard

[hilstwist]

What yeAr was Moffat at Levin. ?I missed that one!

[45DCOE]

31310Rex Hart

[45DCOE]

31311Peter Kocis/Brian Blackberry/Alan Moffat

[45DCOE]

31312Lancaster/Richards

[45DCOE]

31313Graeme Lawerance

[45DCOE]

31314Leo Leonard

[45DCOE]

31317Jim Richards/Brent Bullivant

[Steve Holmes]

Wow, these are just incredible! Where have you been hiding them?

Thanks for sharing.

[45DCOE]

A couple more...31318Warwick Brown
31319Graham McRae

[45DCOE]

31320Fahey Bay Park

[45DCOE]

What yeAr was Moffat at Levin. ?I missed that one!

Think it was 1975 Tasman Series

[Steve Holmes]

Think it was 1975 Tasman Series

Yes thats right, he did Bay Park Xmas meeting in December 1974, then Levin and Wigram in January 1975. The Wigram race was the last time he ever raced the Mustang before it was retired.

[Milan Fistonic]

Pukekohe 12 November 1972

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Rod Coppins (Charger E49) and Robbie Francevic (Torana XU1)


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133 Brian Todd (Torana GTR)
176 Graham Crawford (Torana GTR)

[Milan Fistonic]

Pukekohe April 29, 1973

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Jim Richards


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Peter Sundberg & Don Halliday


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Brett Riley

[Steve Holmes]

Superb images Milan. Thanks for posting.

What happened to the Peter Sundberg Escort?

[seaqnmac27]

Didn't it become Bryce Platt's Championship winning car?

[Milan Fistonic]

Some photos from the 1974 Benson & Hedges.

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Wayne Wilkinson / Bryan Innes - Chrysler Charger

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Barry Phillips / Rex Hart - Triumph 2.5 PI

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Alec Isbey / Don Halliday - Peugeot 504

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Michael Draper / Roger Hood - Ford Cortina 2000

[Milan Fistonic]

The 1974 Glenvale 200 at Bay Park


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Jim Richards driving Fred Watchlin's Torana XU1


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Steve Millen. He was entered in the programme driving an XU1 but obviously changed to this Mazda.

[Steve Holmes]

These are outstanding images Milan! Thanks so much for posting. A friend of mine owns that orange XU1 being driven by Jim Richards, so I shared that with him.

[seaqnmac27]

These are outstanding images Milan! Thanks so much for posting. A friend of mine owns that orange XU1 being driven by Jim Richards, so I shared that with him.

Seen here driven by Rod Millen at Western Springs in Aprill 75

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[Rod Grimwood]

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This is actually Steve, but same car.
They got it wrong in Mag.

[Hart1598]

Didn't it become Bryce Platt's Championship winning car?

no. Bryces car was the ex Murray Soames car

[Milan Fistonic]

96 Rodger Anderson Charger E49
241 Robbie Francevic Torana XU1
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756 Charlie Conway Torana XU1
132 Des Radonich Torana XU1
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131 Stuart Hooper Datson 1200
152 Alan Turner Fiat 125
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62 Bill Shiells Mazda RX2
114 Tom Grace Escort RS1600
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[Spgeti]

Tom Grace's car is the ex Frank Radisich RS1600 and is now owned by David Thompson Jnr.

[Milan Fistonic]

106 Michael Fitzpatrick Capri
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96 Rodger Anderson Charger E49
148 Ray Olenius Torana XU1
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140 Peter Batten Cooper S 1293
133 Peter Neil Cooper S 1293
126 David Childs Cooper s 999
109 Vern Reeve Anglia 1764
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[Milan Fistonic]

Allan McCully Begg FM4
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Dexter Dunlop McRae GM1
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[Kwaussie]

The man and his place.

[Milan Fistonic]

Reg Cook / Tony Warren - Falcon 351 GT
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Rolly Doyle / Mike Franchi - Mazda RX3
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Robbie Francevic / Kevin McNamara - Falcon 351 GT
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Gary Lang - Falcon 351 GT
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[Milan Fistonic]

Sue Adams / John Woolf - Capri GT
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Paul Hammond / Bryan Bate - Charger E49
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Rodger Hood - Fiat 124
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[Habu]

WOW!!! Thank you so much for posting. Brilliant photos

[Steve Holmes]

Such great photo Milan, thanks so much for posting them.

[BMCBOY]

I recently came across these colour negatives from Baypark in 1979. Even though the negatives were slightly "compromised" after all this time I have managed to get something passable out of them and believe they are worth preserving and sharing.

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[John McKechnie]

A huge thank you for your efforts here, magic viewing.

[Milan Fistonic]

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[Rod Grimwood]

Pretty sure the Red RX3 in last photo was Rod Millen and the car went onto be a rally car for a short while until the new Mazda Dealers white car was finished and then it was taken over by John Woolf.

[Milan Fistonic]

This is an earlier shot I posted of the car. It was Steve Millen driving the Mazda instead of the XU1 he was entered to drive.

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[Paul Kirk]

Har ha ha, Frosty5, good one, I like it!
Engines have pistons and run on petrol/methanol/lpg/etc, motors have armatures and run on electricity, eg 12 volts/240 volts/etc!
PK.

[Rod Grimwood]

Now this was along time ago but pretty sure Rod driving as helmet and seat position is him. Notice the Marchal lights advertising and Duckhams, they were among the first backers/assistance along with Giltrap and AC Gills for Rod and rallying, The 1st RX3 was blue and this car was built in between that and white car straight after this which had bigger Duckhams across back guards.
The red car did not do much at all, before it was sold.

In your photo Milan you can see the sump guard still fitted, mud flaps and the wheels were on it when John Woolf rallied it.

Car below is the blue one note lights

[Rod Grimwood]

Found this photo courtesy of Ross Cammick of red car, sump guard, flaps, wheels etc. this about 1st event for John in it.

[Milan Fistonic]

The programme had Steve entered in the XU1 number 100C and when the car was changed for a Mazda numbered 100B I thought it must be Steve driving. But I've just checked the Motor Action report on the race and the Mazda was driven by both Steve and Rod. Overall results weren't given but the Millens finished third in Class B behind Paul Adams (BMW 2002) and Glenn McIntyre/Phillip Bevan (RX3).

[Steve Holmes]

I recently came across these colour negatives from Baypark in 1979. Even though the negatives were slightly "compromised" after all this time I have managed to get something passable out of them and believe they are worth preserving and sharing.

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Epic! Thanks for posting Ross.

[16bbls]

The programme had Steve entered in the XU1 number 100C and when the car was changed for a Mazda numbered 100B I thought it must be Steve driving. But I've just checked the Motor Action report on the race and the Mazda was driven by both Steve and Rod. Overall results weren't given but the Millens finished third in Class B behind Paul Adams (BMW 2002) and Glenn McIntyre/Phillip Bevan (RX3).

Any idea who was driving the #53 Charger? Geoff Sutherland perhaps? Along with this one and the #31 Hammond car, were there other Chargers entered?

[Grant Sprague]

16bbls I was not there to watch but what I remember was that the Southerland car was red, could have been the weekend it rolled up side down into pit area , my brother raced a charger in the series as well so the number of chargers not sure , some one might have a entry list

[John McKechnie]

Sutherland E49 Charger that rolled and squashed the roof down was silver

[16bbls]

Sutherland E49 Charger that rolled and squashed the roof down was silver

Yes Mercury Silver and I understand he still owns the car. The Hemi Orange Hammond car above (ex Coppins) is now painted silver however.

[Milan Fistonic]

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[Grant Ellwood]

Sutherland E49 Charger that rolled and squashed the roof down was silver

I saw the Sutherlamd Charger land in the pits upside-down, at the time I was on Dennis Marwoods pit crew and he (Dennis) made a stop to change tires (I think). The Charger just missed landing on a woman pushing a pram through the pit area. I was so shocked, standing still and watching the carnage. So, Dennis had a very slow pit stop on my behalf, I was the jack- man.but despite my slow wheel change he still won his class(again, I think). I note Dennis isn't in the program, probably a late entry Milan?

[John McKechnie]

Out of all the Chargers this is the most memorable for me- and that is nothing to do with the flip.
Simply, he was a fellow competitor at the hill climbs.
In all my life i have never heard another engine screaming like that

[16bbls]

It amazes me to see the cars racing in NZ throughout this era without the requirement for roll-bars. The Sutherland Charger was certainly squashed.

Thank you for putting up the entry list Milan.

[Oldfart]

16bbls, it's probably because nobody ever thought of them. The Skoda I had (ex Heatway) club folk laughed at because it had a cage, not required for the rally at all, just that it was factory car and had one.

[John McKechnie]

Better no role cage than illusion of safety given by exhaust or aluminium tubing

[16bbls]

That is very true. We pulled an homologation Charger E38 out of a container in 2003 in Toowoomba still fitted with a half roll-cage and racing harness that had been fitted from new. (Car now in NZ awaiting restoration). It looked liked scaffolding tube and was clamped together. The car had been prepared by Jim Bayliss in Newcastle (Jay Bee Clubmans). I have also seen a few of the other privateer cars of that period fitted with this type of half cage.

[John McKechnie]

Worst one I saw was a white Historic MK2 Escort racing at Oran Park , it barrel rolled on the last corner and the passenger roof A pillar ended up being pushed hard down on top of the gearlever.
Rollcage had the distinctive welding that you only see with aluminium, obviously been like that since it was built in 70s.
A Historic XJS owner I spoke to had chosen to the aluminium cage taken out and replace it with a more satisfactory material......wise man
However...not original now,

[Oldfart]

Some time now since Motorsport made alloy cages non compliant, even though they still appear to be FIA OK!

[Grant Sprague]

OOopppps wrong colour , thanks guys for correction.... I remember some one sending me an [auto action I think] while living in London with a big photo of the charger up side down , perhaps it was a Red Charger Gary drove , Don't think it was the Orange one that he raced later on though ........ geeeeee we are getting up to about 40 yrs ago how time has flown lol

[Ray Bell]

Originally posted by 16bbls
.....It looked liked scaffolding tube and was clamped together. The car had been prepared by Jim Bayliss in Newcastle (Jay Bee Clubmans). I have also seen a few of the other privateer cars of that period fitted with this type of half cage.


That was totally acceptable then...

A single roll hoop bolted to the floor at around the B-pillar level, then the removable stays which went to the rear parcel shelf. Bond Roll Bars must have made a thousand like that!

[John McKechnie]

Ray- my Team Cambridge Monaro had the same style fitted in Nov 1969.

Also to take roll cage safety to an extreme- look at Lee Holdsworth accident- cage made the car so strong, but the human body isnt.
Thats why crumple zones were made on modern cars.

[16bbls]

A single roll hoop bolted to the floor at around the B-pillar level, then the removable stays which went to the rear parcel shelf. Bond Roll Bars must have made a thousand like that!

Yes, exactly and we were of the opinion it had been supplied through Bond.

[Oldfart]

I am pretty sure the one in the Skoda must have been boiler tube. (Full cage) I took it out when I tried to sell it as nobody wanted a factory built production one. Yes this car was prepared in Yugoslavia and sent out prepared for the other cars to be copied from. The cage weighed a ton!

[Rod Grimwood]

This is Sutherlands Charger, yes John, Silver, and yes no roll cage, and yes it used to scream. So did the people in the pits when it came over the sand and wire fence. That is Alan Woolf standing looking at rear of car and he was in pits with his Escort when it landed beside them. Watched it and could not believe no one hurt and also Geoff got out thank god.
If it had a modern seat it would have been different, as the seat folded.
Mind you if it had modern seat it would have had cage.

[Milan Fistonic]

Castrol GTX Championship Race at Pukekohe November 14 1976.

Elvie Williams
35552

Norris Miles
35553

Mark Jennings
35554

Inky Tulloch
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Hal Colthart
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Doug Allan
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[Milan Fistonic]

A few more from the GTX race November 14 1976

Trevor McLean
35558

Kevin McNamara
35559

George Bunce
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Ray Williams
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[16bbls]

Great photos! That's the earliest photo I have seen of the Trevor McLean Charger. I understand it to have arrived in NZ around mid 1973, hence the plates GM1048. Most racing images show the car with IP4188. I would be extremely grateful if you were able to post images of Chargers racing at Pukekohe on 3 February 1980 where I think there were quite a few competing on the day - Trevor McLean in the same Charger, George Bunce in a Mustard E49, Derek MacDonald 340ci Charger, Allan Scott E49 along with a few other Chargers.

[Milan Fistonic]

I'll see what I can find but in the meantime here's the entry list for the Production Saloon Car Race.

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[BMCBOY]

35570

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[Milan Fistonic]

Nothing from the Feb 3 meeting but I've got some from March 9 1980.

Hal Colthart
35571

Trevor McLean & Gary Bromley
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Allan Scott
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[Milan Fistonic]

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35575

[Grant Sprague]

Great photos thank you for sharing [fantastic]

[16bbls]

That is fantastic! Many thanks for those. We are still seeking photographic records of the #90 Charger that was raced by George Bunce in that Feb 1980 Production Car race, so hopefully something will turn up. The ex Trevor McLean Charger is alive and well in the SI, however the ex Allan Scott then Mick Quinn Charger I understand hasn't survived.

[John McKechnie]

What happened to the Charger that Grady Thomson drove-one of Lyl Williamsons ?

[16bbls]

It had a cosmetic restoration and then made its way from Auckland under new ownership down south.

[Spgeti]

Great photos of the Camaros.
The Tulloch car is today owned by Inky.
The McNamara car has been in Aussie for a few years and has been up for sale.
The Bunce car was to my knowledge still in Auckland. Thats the ex Richards Crichton car.
The Allen car is the ex McKee car which was a championship winning car and is stiil in Auckland.
The Allen family own the ex Archibald car which was Doug Allens first Camaro.

[BMCBOY]

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[16bbls]

Excellent and thank you for posting those BMC. Really grateful to see some photos from the day.

[Milan Fistonic]

Pukekohe Club Circuit

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[John McKechnie]

Graeme Addis gave me this info on the pic- thanks Graeme for the memories.

"Yours truly here driving John Barham's Monza Blue 350 stock HT...Knocked off
Robbie Francevic in his XAGT at this meeting twice.
I am sure that is Jimmy the Torana just behind"

This has a different number on the side to another HT Monaro Graeme raced which was 6- with Sandbrooke Racing on the side.

[John McKechnie]

More excellent info withe Graeme-"

Yes it is Richards and Addis hard at it ..again!!



The John Barham car is another Monaro….the Sandrook HT was yellow and black Monaro livery, also HT 350 GTS, belonged to Ivan Sandbrook of New Zealand Fibreglass…Colin Sandbrook owned Sandbrook Windscreens and Ivan was his brother.



Those HT 350’s were fg quick and handled so well…the trick was to leave the spring rates standard and resist messing with the ride height…the body roll weight transfer worked perfect. Only let down was the brakes.



You can put the pic up with photo credit Milan Fistonic".

Barry Algie told me the same thing- Dont mess with spring rates and the ride height............

[John McKechnie]

And more-
"The John Barham car number was 109…kept from my A40 Farina / GTX Charger days…


Yours truly here driving John Barham's Monza Blue 350 stock HT...Knocked off
Robbie Francevic in his XAGT at this meeting twice, then stacked the HT into
the trees at the road end!! Phil Joyce fixed it like new.

Rgds, GA.


The Sandbrook Monaro number was 6..which was written as a 9 upside down as a joke from me and the crew to Ivan Sandbrook, the car owner.

We used to tell him he would read it 2 ways as 9… when it slid past the pits on it’s lid…. or if he was arse up in the stands pissed.



GA"

[Milan Fistonic]

More from Club Circuit

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[John McKechnie]

Absolutely top notch pics Milan, looks like this was one action packed meeting

[Milan Fistonic]

Club Circuit September 1974

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[Milan Fistonic]

26 - Rod McCallum & Bob Homewood - Holden Torana
46 - Brian Todd & Dave Wallace - Hillman Avenger TC
31 - Reg Cook & Robbie Francevic - Mazda RX2

35982

[John McKechnie]

More from Club Circuit

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ADDIS, RICHARDS, FRANCEVIC….Late afternoon club circuit….all very seriously ON..even at Club Circuit…such good days, true fun and friendship- G.A.

[Milan Fistonic]

ADDIS, RICHARDS, FRANCEVIC….Late afternoon club circuit….all very seriously ON..even at Club Circuit…such good days, true fun and friendship- G.A.

Usually good racing at those Club Circuit meetings.

[Milan Fistonic]

Max Pennington & Wayne Murdoch - Chrysler Charger
35983

Allan Woolf & Robbie Booth - Ford Cortina 2000L
35984

Ken Smith & Red Dawson - Chrysler Charger
35985

Reg Cook & Robbie Francevic - Mazda RX2
35986

[John McKechnie]

Just looking at the pics of Graeme Addis in the Monaro.
Not a HT GTS 350, but a HK327- and no lung gasper.
Taillamps, rear boot lid garnish
Also no bonnet scoops, GTS badge on the rh side of bonnet.
Just like my Team Cambridge Monaro- someone just put a HT grille on
Great effort against the XAGT 351 and Richo

[Roger Dowding]

Found an old Autonews 23 March 1970 which had an article on the National Race meeting, run by NSCC, the final of the Championships for the 1969 - 70 season.
Will post the article later but here are three of the pictures by Gavin Evitt.

One of my favourite cars, the Dave Silcock 3.8 Mk 11 Jaguar in its earlier specs before all the lightening - couldn't get rid of the crease, that is how it was published and stapled.
35987

Looks a bit wet, Fahey and Coppins
35988

This one is for John Hatton [ John H ] Formula Vee field at the start.
35989

[Milan Fistonic]

Tim Bailey & Roy Harrington - Mazda RX2
36010

Syd Jensen & Angus Hyslop - Chrysler Regal V8
36011

Dene Aitkenhead & Colin Lea - Jaguar XJ6
36012

Peter Haugh & Pat Boyer - Triumph Toledo
36013

[Milan Fistonic]

David Childs - Datsun 1200 SSS

36014

The blue 1200SSS is Allan Nuttall's car and the white one is Bill Anderson's.

[John McKechnie]

Whose / what is the white Wild Wheels entry, anyone know ?

[Milan Fistonic]

Graeme Addis & Noel Goodwin Chrysler Charger No. 14

[John McKechnie]

So, I assume that became the Wild Wheels Sports Sedan.......in time.
Graeme and Noel , talk about a pair of loose cannons, love to hear the Chargers life story from the car itself.

[Milan Fistonic]

Race 2 for 2001-4500cc & 4501-6000cc

12 Neville Crichton - Ford Falcon GT
7 Gary Lang - Ford Falcon GT
36015

5 Jim Richards - Ford Falcon 351 GT
36016

70 Wayne Wilkinson - Ford Falcon
36017

6 Tony Warren - Ford Falcon 351 GT
36018

[John McKechnie]

Ahhh, Fords family saloons having a Sunday thrash around the rural tarmac....once again, such neat pics Milan.
You certainly captured our history.

[Milan Fistonic]

Race 1 0-1150cc & 1151- 2000cc

Race 1 Grid
36031

Front row - Michael Draper & Philip Henley - Fiat 124
36032

Small class grid
36033

Into Elbow on lap 1 - Neville Langley's Avenger TC at the back - red Escort of Steve McHugh
36034

Michael Draper - Fiat 124
36036

Christine Neil - Fiat 128
36037

[Milan Fistonic]

Steve Emson and Christine Neil side-by-side leaving the Elbow with Phil Henley in behind
36038


Looks like she beat you into the loop Steve
36039

[Milan Fistonic]

Peter Hughes' Mazda RX2 Coupe, winner of the GTX 2001-4500cc class at the 1974 B&H meeting.

36040

[16bbls]

Ahhh, Fords family saloons having a Sunday thrash around the rural tarmac....once again, such neat pics Milan.
You certainly captured our history.

Absolutely! The Tony Warren Ford family saloon even has a tow bar...

[Roger Dowding]

Absolutely! The Tony Warren Ford family saloon even has a tow bar...

and the ad for " Reidrubber " - 'Put some 404's on the floor', remember those tyres..

[Milan Fistonic]

36044

36045

36043

36042

[John McKechnie]

Glenn MacIntyre, Fiat 124-Bank NSW
Paul Fahey- looks low and neat- See , they dont have to have exagerated wheel arches, Cant say Dales one excites me like this one though...........LOL

Now, has the PDL replica got that little white kiwi decal in the inside drivers headlight extension upper vent ?

Pete Geoghegan- Super Falcon, raced here with Moffat in Coke Mustang and Puke. program shows Jim Carlyle in my Monaro in same race.
Frank Gardner- Camaro with repair to rear wheel arch.

[Steve Emson]

'Looks like she beat you into the loop Steve'

Ah yes- however I have an excuse! Christine drove this car at this track very well indeed. The two of us were along way ahead of the rest. I was racing this car after this scratch GTX race in the B & H with John Woolf. We had to have the full std exhaust on. Christines car had the exhaust off and was a rocket ship. After, for the remainder of the GTX championship my girlfriend and I would climb under the 128 and take the exhaust off for races. The difference was huge. Hats off to Christine however, on that day I just could not stay with her in a straight line.


Steve Emson and Christine Neil side-by-side leaving the Elbow with Phil Henley in behind
36038


Looks like she beat you into the loop Steve
36039

[BMCBOY]

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[BMCBOY]

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[BMCBOY]

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[BMCBOY]

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[BMCBOY]

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[BMCBOY]

Has anyone got an entry list for this race as I would like to put a name to many of these photos - thanks.

[Milan Fistonic]

Magnificent photos Ross.

Here is the entry list.

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36117

[Milan Fistonic]

Just noticed some changes in another programme.

Number 3 was scratched

Number 15 was a Mini 1275 GT driven by Frank and Robin Radisich

Number 40 was a Mazda 323 driven by 17-year-old Paul and 15 year-old Chris Radisich.

Would have to be one of the very few times, if not the only time, four members of one family competed in the same race.

[BMCBOY]

Brilliant thanks Milan - I have have sent you a PM re these both here and on FB to get your new email address.
Ross Cammick

[Milan Fistonic]

While the number three Commodore was scratched by Paul Adams, the body and the engine of that car did compete in the race.

The Coppins Clayton Car had engine trouble during testing on Thursday before the race so they bought the Adams car from Giltrap Racing and put the engine from that into their Top Pet car.

Then after practice the Hulme Richards car was written off in a road accident in Pukekohe while being driven by a mechanic.
They then put the running gear from the wrecked car into the engineless Adams car.

So the Adams car provided the engine for the Commodore that won the race and the body for the Commodore that finished third.

[Steve Holmes]

Outstanding images Ross! Thanks for posting.

[John McKechnie]

Is it possible to get some more info on the Commodore that was written off on the road ?

[khyndart in CA]

Why John, were you the unnamed mechanic ?


KH

[John McKechnie]

Ken- never, ever have I been seen driving or sitting as a driver in a commode.
My question is- if there was a race meeting at Pukekohe Racetrack, how did a race car get written off in a road accident in Pukekohe ?

[Milan Fistonic]

Ken- never, ever have I been seen driving or sitting as a driver in a commode.
My question is- if there was a race meeting at Pukekohe Racetrack, how did a race car get written off in a road accident in Pukekohe ?

Remember John that this was a race for "Standard Production Cars". Quite legal to drive them on the road.

[khyndart in CA]

Is it possible to get some more info on the Commodore that was written off on the road ?

As the track could not be used for a test drive I guess the quick drive from "Pukie"to Pokeno to show your mates did not work out quite as it should have !


Ken H

[John McKechnie]

but think about whose car got written off- Hulme and Richards.
Whose going to say to them- we took the car for a quick road test and ...well,did you ever see that movie "Vanishing Point"?,


BTW- got that poster yet?

[Milan Fistonic]

The accident happened after official practice on Saturday. I would guess the car would be going back to Giltrap's workshop for a final check over before the race the next day. Nobody had huge transporters for moving cars around in those days.

[khyndart in CA]

BTW- got that poster yet?

John,
Yes, it just arrived and I really appreciate it especially all the signatures. Brilliant. Thanks so much.
I just have to find a suitable place to display it.
Your 1980 BMW calendar will be on it's way in a couple of days now I have your proper address.:o
Cheers,
Ken.

[BMCBOY]

These a some of the photos that were given to me, shot by Brian Tomes at Baypark. Perhaps someone could tell us what year this was exactly, as I don't think I was there for that meeting.

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[seaqnmac27]

1983 Ross

[BMCBOY]

1983 Ross

Many thanks - I was travelling in North America at that stage.

[Steve Holmes]

These a some of the photos that were given to me, shot by Brian Tomes at Baypark. Perhaps someone could tell us what year this was exactly, as I don't think I was there for that meeting.

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36304

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These photos are awesome!

[John H]

What great photos from Baypark
These photos are awesome!

[Milan Fistonic]

Just noticed some changes in another programme.

Number 3 was scratched

Number 15 was a Mini 1275 GT driven by Frank and Robin Radisich

Number 40 was a Mazda 323 driven by 17-year-old Paul and 15 year-old Chris Radisich.

Would have to be one of the very few times, if not the only time, four members of one family competed in the same race.

I've just come across another meeting in which six members of the Radisich family were entered. It was the 1981 NSCC Clubman's Race Meeting at Western Springs. Frank drove a Mazda, as did Chris, Paul and Kim. Danielle was in a Datsun and Robyn a Mini.

[Roger Dowding]

Many thanks - I was travelling in North America at that stage.

Yes you were BMC BOY " travelling North America in 1983, I had left the USA late September 1982, went to England and was back in NZ by the beginning of December .. had to go back to work, after using up all my leave..

[Milan Fistonic]

This is from the March 8, 1981 meeting at Pukekohe. The start of a Production Supercar Race.

38234

11 - Trevor McLean
3 - Mick Quin
8 - Bob Cullinane
62 - Gary Bromley

[Milan Fistonic]

The entry list for the Production Supercar races at March 8, 1981 Pukekohe meeting

38235

[John McKechnie]

Does anyone know what happened to Peter Meadows XU1 Torana ?

[BMCBOY]

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[BMCBOY]

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[BMCBOY]

Entry list kindly supplied by Milan Fistonic

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[BMCBOY]

38381

[Steve Holmes]

These are truly fantastic photos Ross! Thanks for posting.

Were these cars allowed after-market wheels? Seems several of them have them.

[BMCBOY]

Were these cars allowed after-market wheels? Seems several of them have them.[/QUOTE]

If my memory serves me, I think the aftermarket wheels had to be manufactured in NZ. So the cars tended to use Cheviot and Aunger branded wheels.
For a time alloy wheels were manufactured and exported from the Ford plant in Wiri, probably because the cost of raw material was competitive and they were of very good quality.

[seaqnmac27]

This is from the March 8, 1981 meeting at Pukekohe. The start of a Production Supercar Race.

38234

11 - Trevor McLean
3 - Mick Quin
8 - Bob Cullinane
62 - Gary Bromley

The start of this race is featured in Steves thread on the Cullinane Monaro

[BMCBOY]

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[BMCBOY]

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[BMCBOY]

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[ERC]

Great stuff - as always. Could I ask a small favour? The exact date might be a great help, as from 1983 to 1991, when I was a flaggie, we never got a programme, so if I was able to take pics, I often have no idea of the date and I file all photographs, scanned or digital.

Your pics from 1983 onwards are great for assisting me to date some of mine! That 'To Be Dated' folder on my PC is way too big.

[seaqnmac27]

28th October 84 Ray,

[BMCBOY]

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[Steve Holmes]

Outstanding photos Ross! Thanks for posting.

[BMCBOY]

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[BMCBOY]

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[BMCBOY]

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[Steve Holmes]

These are awesome photos Ross! The Commodore's pictured are the extremely rare GM-NZ built SS cars, which were specifically constructed on the local assembly line to contest the B&H series. The rules required only 25 locally produced homologation specials.

Robin Curtis had been in charge of running the GM Dealer Team's Chevette rally cars, and when GM-NZ withdrew from rallying, they set their sights on touring car racing. Curtis brought in Peter Brock to help oversee the project, and to supply parts. In the end, 30 cars were produced. 29 were painted white with red and blue stripes, and 1 was black with gold stripes.

My friend Mike Price owns the yellow Midgley car pictured above. This is one of the two GM Dealer team cars from the previous season, and was driven by Denny Hulme and Peter Janson. The other GM-DT car was driven by Brock and David Oxton, and is now owned by Mike's father Garry.

This is the Hulme/Janson car as it looks now.

39237

[Milan Fistonic]

The start of the 1974 Benson & Hedges 500.

30 seconds to go with Leo Leonard (4) and Jim Richards (3) on the front row.
43074

Leonard stalls as the flag drops but manages to get his car off the track.
43075

The field streams past Leonard stranded on the grass.
43076

Leonard gets the Charger going and joins in at the back of the field in position 40.
43077

After one lap Leonard was up to 25th, after two he was 20th, after three he was 14th. By lap 60 he was leading the race. Leonard and co-driver Gary Sprague went on to finish first only to be excluded from the results because of a technical infringement.

[Steve Holmes]

Outstanding!

[Milan Fistonic]

43239

[Milan Fistonic]

By the lack of a crowd this must have been taken at the practice day for the 1974 NZIGP. There were three Toranas entered in the BNSW race driven by Gary Lang, Graham Anderson and Rex Findlay.

43700

[Go Slideways]

Thank you to everybody who is contributing to this thread, a fantastic time in New Zealand.

Ross Cammick you're a bloody legend.

[Steve Holmes]

Thank you to everybody who is contributing to this thread, a fantastic time in New Zealand.

Ross Cammick you're a bloody legend.

I agree.