Photos: The Bill Pottinger Collection - Part 1

[Steve Holmes]

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I've been looking forward to starting the process of posting this first part of the Bill Pottinger Collection on here for some weeks, since Bill and I first made contact, thanks to Roaring Season member, Michael Clark. Bill grew up in Invercargill, in the deep southern tip of the South Island of New Zealand. His local race track, as a young enthusiast, beginning in the late 1960s, was Teretonga, and its Teretonga Bill's incredible collection centres around.

The majority of the photos in this collection were taken during the Teretonga round of the Tasman Series, beginning in the late 1960s, running through to the early '70s. I'll let Bill tell the story from here: "I started taking photos in 1967 at age 14 and used to bike out to Teretonga with my father's Asahi Pentax and a 135mm telephoto lens which I bought. I learnt developing and printing so I could sell the photos to the drivers and local newspaper, and then Eoin Young took an interest when he came out for the Tasman Series and used the photos in his overseas magazine articles.

"The thrill of being close to the track and then rushing home to develop and print them and see the images appear on the photo paper was something to never forget".

So far, Bill has sent me 48 photos, and has taken the time to caption each, as he recalls clearly taking every photo that appears here. Therefore, I'm splitting these 48 photos over two parts, so each can be appreciated on its own merits, and with Bill's caption for each.

You'll note, several photos have been signed by the drivers, which makes them even more interesting, in my opinion. One of the few drivers whose signature Bill didn't get, was Jim Clark. Bill explains: "Jim Clark was my hero but I was always too shy to ask him for an autograph!! April 7th this year marked 45 years since his untimely death at Hockenheim, but that time has gone in a flash".

Sadly for us, Bill's collection only spans a few years. "In the early '70s I moved to Christchurch for Uni so didn't have Dad's camera anymore and that was the end of the car photos!"

[Steve Holmes]

Note that all the text for the photos posted in this collection are the captions provided by Bill:

Derek Bell, the no 2 driver for Ferrari in the 1969 Tasman Series accelerates into the main straight at Teretonga on his way to 5th place behind Courage, Hill, Amon and Gardner. Bell had contacted Rindt on the starting grid when the flag dropped and Rindt broke a driveshaft in his Lotus 49T.

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[Steve Holmes]

Team Lotus drivers Jochen Rindt and Graham Hill pictured at the January 1969 Teretonga International in Invercargill N.Z. Graham Hill finished 2nd to Piers Courage (Brabham BT24 V8) while pole sitter Rindt broke a driveshaft on the startline in his Lotus 49BT V8. Teretonga was the final N.Z. race before moving to the 4 meeting Australian section of the 8 race series.

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[Steve Holmes]

Jim Clark in his Lotus Ford V8 presses on sans front bodywork after an off-course excursion while comfortably in the lead. He finished 2nd behind winner Bruce McLaren in his BRM V12 P126 but ahead of Frank Gardner, Chris Amon, Piers Courage and Denny Hulme. Clark made fastest lap of 61.0 secs.


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[Steve Holmes]

Just one more for today:

Ferrari Team Transporter during the 1968 Tasman Series at the Teretonga round. The open doors of the VW Kombi reveal a spare Dino V6 engine for Chris Amon’s car. Amon finished 2nd to Jim Clark’s Lotus49T in the 8 race series.

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[Kwaussie]

Great to see Bill Pottinger's here - they are some of the best that I have ever seen from Teretonga. Looking forward to veiwing the next 43!!

[tonttu]

Just one more for today:


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What an incredible photo this is. It seems to really sum up the relaxed uncomplicated way of racing way back then.

[Steve Holmes]

Frank Gardner (Brabham BT23D Alfa Romeo V8) on the grid for the 1969 Teretonga International. He went on to finish 3rd behind McLaren and Clark.

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[Steve Holmes]

Pedro Rodriguez leans on the brakes of his BRM P126 V12 before pitting when a holed radiator caused his engine to overheat. Pedro was backup driver to Bruce McLaren in the BRM team for the 1968 Tasman Series.

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[Dale Harvey]

A great portrait of Frank Gardner, but, he is in the Mildren Mono or Yellow Submarine not the Brabham. Different roll bar and the Brabham had a perspex windscreen. Sorry Steve, I don't mean to be picky.
Dale.

[kiwi285]

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Bet there was some paint removed from under the nose of the BRM here. No anti-dive front suspension here.

Great photos and looking forward to seeing the rest of them. I like the one of the Ferrari engine just sitting in the open for all the see. Would anyone know these days what an F1 engine looked like at all !!!

At Sandown in 1967 I managed to sit with Jim Clark for 10 minutes odd and talk about racing in general and the next seasons F1 and he was quite happy to do it. These days you would be lucky to see an F1 driver several hundred metres away ducking from motorhome to pits. I wouldn't waste my time and money going to a modern F1 event - give me historic racing every time.

Thanks for sharing

Cheers Mike

[GD66]

What do we think that hose or lead is that runs down the side of the car and up into the engine bay ? Looks like a water pipe below it, which is fair enough, but I have spotted this before and been intrigued. Now that we are lucky enough to have TRS, I can ask !

[928]

air bleed off the radiator back to the header tank is my guess

[Steve Holmes]

A great portrait of Frank Gardner, but, he is in the Mildren Mono or Yellow Submarine not the Brabham. Different roll bar and the Brabham had a perspex windscreen. Sorry Steve, I don't mean to be picky.
Dale.

Thanks Dale, the text is all supplied by Bill to accompany the photos. Bill's knowledge is impressive, so this would have just been an oversight. And I didn't pick up on it myself, so its good you've corrected it.

[Steve Holmes]

Jim Palmer (McLaren M4A-FVA) talks to his father George in the pits before the 1968 Teretonga International in which he finished 8th after a spin on the wet track.

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[225sloper]

These photos are unreal

[Steve Holmes]

Dunedin Driver Lin Neilson in the late 1960s at Teretonga Park near Invercargill. This is the southern most circuit in the world and is operated by the Southland Sports Car Club. He is testing his new lightweight Mini Cooper S.

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[Steve Holmes]

Piers Courage is pictured putting at Queens Park Golf Course in Invercargill. Behind him Jochen and Nina Rindt compare scores during a golf match with Graham Hill and Frank Gardner after practising at nearby Teretonga Park for the 1969 Teretonga round of the Tasman Series. Piers Courage was to win the 1969 Teretonga race from Graham Hill, Chris Amon, Frank Gardner and Derek Bell.

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[bob homewood]

air bleed off the radiator back to the header tank is my guess

Yes it was a extra bleed that was fitted to overcome the overheating problems the cars suffered in the opening rounds ,you can see it here in this photo of the car being repaired after a off course excursion ,with the raditor removed

[GD66]

Wonderful ! Thanks, lads. Gotta love TRS...:cool:

[tweaks]

I do like the tyre set up on Lin's Lightweight Mini..slicks on Minilites on front and good old Dunlop Aquajet on std S rim on rear.

Cheers
Lynds

[Kwaussie]

In the photo of Jim Palmer & his father it is interesting that the mechanic in the dark jumper has a watch on both wrists - maybe one was Jim's. Great photos!

[Grant Sprague]

Wonderful ! Thanks, lads. Gotta love TRS...:cool:Thanks just fantastick photos, when you think you had seen them all in they come like opening a new dimension............keep them coming [brings back childhood memories]

[Steve Holmes]

Graeme Lawrence (McLaren M4A FVA) leads the field in the February 1969 Gold Star round (N.Z. Drivers Championship) He went on to win from Roly Levis 1.6 Brabham (BT23C FVA) and Graham McRae (McRae Lotus TC). Levis went on to win the championship for 1969 from Lawrence and McRae. McRae in his home-built car was the fastest 1.5 litre car for the season comfortably beating the Brabhams and Lotuses.

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[Steve Holmes]

Derek Bell (2.5 litre Brabham BT26 Ford Cosworth V8) speeds into the straight during the Lady Wigram Trophy race, round 3 of the 1970 Tasman Series. Bell qualified 4th but blew his engine during lap 34 of the race while in 2nd position.

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[DJMcD]

Such a smooth operator I think we underrated him at the time, went on to a wonderfully long career in sports cars.
I was lucky to operate with Bill in those great years at Teretonga, he is just a lovely guy, great photography, every shot a cracker!

[Steve Holmes]

Bruce McLaren reflects on his win in the 1968 Teretonga International where he drove a BRM P126 V12 of 2.5 litre size designed by Len Terry and being trialled for the upcoming Formula 1 season. He finished ahead of Jim Clark (Lotus 49T) and Frank Gardner (Brabham BT23D Alfa Romeo V8).

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[Carlo]

Bill was a very acomplished driver in his own right as those who competed against him will testify

[Steve Holmes]

Derek Bell (2.5 litre Brabham Ford V8) is sideways and on two wheels as he crosses the bump in the Wigram Loop beside the hangars. After starting 3rd on the grid he withdrew on lap34 when his Cosworth Ford V8 blew up while in 2nd place.

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[Steve Holmes]

Chris Amon’s Ferrari Dino 2.4 litre V6 cockpit is shown as the car is warmed up prior to the Teretonga International. Amon finished 3rd in the race behind winner Piers Courage (Frank Williams entered 2.5 litre Brabham BT 24 Cosworth Ford V8, chassis no.3.) and Graham Hill (2.5 litre Lotus 49T Cosworth Ford V8). Amon went on to win the 8 race Tasman Series for 1969.

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[Steve Holmes]

Denny Hulme (Brabham BT23C-FVA 1.6 litre) finished 6th at the January 1969 Teretonga round of the Tasman Series behind McLaren, Clark, Gardner, Amon and Courage. Hulme was the current F1 World Champion driver. His car for the Tasman Series was the ex Roy Winkelman Jochen Rindt F2 car but this was damaged in the first race of the Tasman Series beyond repair and was replaced with his own F2 Brabham he had used the previous year in European Formula 2. This is the car shown here at Teretonga.

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[David McKinney]

Correct, except that the cars were BT23s, not BT23Cs

[Grant Sprague]

You got me going , hey I have a beautiful coloured print of Y Rindt side ways up over a hill some where in Europe in the Lotus number 3 ............this site is fantastic rejuvenating youth lol

[GD66]

Hulme was the current F1 World Champion driver. His car for the Tasman Series was the ex Roy Winkelman Jochen Rindt F2 car but this was damaged in the first race of the Tasman Series beyond repair



And THAT is another story, for another thread on another day....

Have recently re-watched the CanAm Thunder dvd, quite joyful to see again the obvious affection in which Pete Lyons held Denny.

[Steve Holmes]

Roly Levis (Brabham BT23C FVA) oversteers into the main straight at Teretonga Park during the January 1969 round of the Tasman Series. This was the year of the wings for single seater cars. Laurence Brownlie raced a similar car but without wings. While Levis got the wings, Brownlie got extra gear ratios.

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[Steve Holmes]

Graeme McRae driving a McLaren M10A Chev rounds the Elbow bend on his way to winning the 1970 Teretonga International from USA drivers Ron Grable (McLaren M10A), and Mike Goth (Surtees TS5 Chev). McRae won the 1970 N.Z. Gold Star and finished 5th in the 1970 Tasman Series after contesting and winning only two rounds.(Teretonga and Surfers Paradise).

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[Art Markus]

Until Carlo mentioned Bill's driving exploits, I was starting to think we can't be talking about the same Bill Pottinger that I remember, even though there can't be too many petrolheads of a certain age and of that name in the country. But it's the same guy all right. And boy, was he a DRIVER. Around the same time (mid-70's) I was pootling about in my 1970 MG Midget, Bill had a Mini 1275GT. He had the most FANTASTIC car control of anyone I knew at that time, and all these years later I have never seen anyone better. Yet he was always modest and unassuming in the great Kiwi tradition of sportsmanship. He went on to rally an Escort (a Mark One with Twin Cam engine from memory) but always with a limited budget to the best of my knowledge. I lost contact with the NZ motorsports scene after going to the UK in 1978, so don't know what happened to Bill subsequently, but if you happen to see this Bill... greetings. Great photos too.

Art Markus

[Steve Holmes]

Art, thats great! And yes, Bill will see this. I can put you in touch if you like?

[Steve Holmes]

Graham McRae waits on the grid for the start of the 1970 Teretonga International. He went on to win the race.

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[superroo69]

These images are superb and I can only say it is a great shame that Bill didn't continue on with his motor sport photography, as he had a great eye for the subject matter and would have had quite a successful career IMO. I particularly like the shots of the drivers, as these types of photos are few and far between, compared to the racing shots.

Paul

[Grant Sprague]

Beautiful photos thanks for sharing with us ........................ from a damp mild Tauranga morning ..... Grant

[Steve Holmes]

Jochen Rindt brakes heavily in his Lotus 49BT during practice for the 1969 Teretonga International. He clocked fastest time in practice but then broke a driveshaft at the start of the race.

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[Steve Holmes]

Graham Hill (Lotus 49T) prepares for the January 1969 Teretonga round of the Tasman Series. Hill finished 2nd in the round behind Piers Courage in a Brabham BT24 Ford V8, prototype for the 1968 F1 Brabham. Hill generally finished behind team mate Jochen Rindt in his similar Lotus 49T.

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[Rod Grimwood]

Awesome photo of Rindt, the car is working, look at the angle of top arms on front suspension, distortion in wing and wing struts, (makes you wonder how good they really were, no side bracing and flexing is taking all advantage away) They got them right later on. Rindt, he was a very quick driver.

[Steve Holmes]

Clyde Collins (PDL Falcon being tapped by Jack Nazer FVC Escort) at Teretonga. (about Jan 1971 International?)

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[Murray Maunder]

Wow! Stunning photos every one! In case it needs pointing out, unlike today's snappers these guys shooting to film had to make every shot count with the cost of film and processing usually amounting to $1 each, today at least $10. Especially love Bill's study of the drivers, and he has a great eye for interesting angles that we see few shots from. Looking forward to The Bill Pottinger Collection Part 2.

[Michael Clark]

Jeepers these are good!

[Kiwiboss]

Clyde Collins (PDL Falcon being tapped by Jack Nazer FVC Escort) at Teretonga. (about Jan 1971 International?)

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WOW, look at the spectators, safety barriers(not) and fencing in the back ground!! and a powerpole to the left!! this is great stuff!! just so un-PC in todays world(unless you go to Puke that is, LOL) one can see what action the spectators are look at.

And Clyde Collins has almost disappeared leaning over, maybe he's trying to close the passenger door but Jacks doing it for him? can you imagine the type of seat belts and safety used back them!! im glad this has improved in 42 years!! Truly a great shot!!

Hmmmmmmmmmmm now let me see, a little car dive bombing into the side of a big car? where have i seen this before!! Amco :)

Dale M

[Grant Sprague]

Great elbows from Jack , lol , that's the way it [was ..is] Dale , chess in motion ... Clyde slow into the corner pissing Jack right off... I would say this is the elbow at Teretonga coming on to main straight ....... clyde running out of stoppers ....

[Grant Sprague]

I have some , if you would like , just need some one to post them ,,,, up here I have a real pob with this crop ap had some people try , just need an I T person ............... good one on Jimmy Clark taken from Ernie an other story on it,s own .... plus some for Steve ................ Grant

[bp photos]

Yes the photo of Clyde Collins is taken at the Elbow corner at Teretonga and Jack Nazer was desperate to get past.

The photo of Jochen Rindt braking is interesting in that the Lotus badge on the front of the car has a black background instead of the normal green background in memory of Jim Clark's death the previous April (1968).
Sadly Jochen was to crash in practice for the Italian Grand Prix on Sept 5th 1970 and I think this led to Lotus cars (both road and race)having another black background(instead of green) for another 12 month period. If my memory serves me right!!!!!

The photo of Roly Levis exiting the Teretonga Elbow corner shows him lifting his right arm up and out of the way while he puts on opposite lock with his left hand. Could this be why he lifted his arm like this?

Thankyou for your kind comments on the photos.

Bill Pottinger

[John McKechnie]

This picture of Clyde and Jack is one of many. Clyde was described in Autonews as the panelbeaters friend.
Two cars, one corner, and they were NOT racing for chocolate fish-they had prize money.
How is Clyde , does he ever visit this site?
I passed this site on to Brian Crosbie.

[Rod Grimwood]

Saw Clyde at Ruapuna (Lady Wigram meeting) last Nov. He is across the ditch, drops back occassionally. I had a good chat about this car with him and it was very interesting some of the bits he told me about it and what went on.

Bill thank you very much for shareing these photos, you sure got some goodies.

[Grant Sprague]

I recall the Clyde & Warner when I was a kid they were very interesting brothers kept up with up to date changes back in the late 60 s & 70,s very clever engineers I always respected their approach to the changing times , normally their cars were fast on from day one Warner the hard case & Clyde the more serious one .
Oh Brian Crosbie, I remember his fast escort [I think] Gary & him had some good races also when Brian brought the firebird up to Timaru to give Ernie a lesson [GTHOI] some super car race I think ?? any way I think Ernie had the widest car on that day ??

[John McKechnie]

My contact down there said that Brian had serious problems with the Firebird, and things were never the same again after that first race.

[Steve Holmes]

David Oxton’s Brabham cuts inside John Nicholson’s Brabham BT18 as they round the hairpin in the first round of the 1.5 litre Gold Star Championship for 1968/69. The race was won by Bert Hawthorne’s Brabham BT21C Twin Cam. Despite missing the first two rounds, Graham McRae won 6 of the remaining 7 rounds in his home-built McRae Twin Cam, to be overall winner of the series. After the last round McRae went overseas in the newly revived “Driver to Europe” scheme.

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[rogered]

Jochen Rindt brakes heavily in his Lotus 49BT during practice for the 1969 Teretonga International. He clocked fastest time in practice but then broke a driveshaft at the start of the race.

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The 49, with the high wing fitted is THE BEST looking car of the era!!!
(close second is dan gurneys eagle)

[Steve Holmes]

Niel Allen’s McLaren M10B accelerates towards the hairpin on the way to winning the 1971 Teretonga International on 24th January. He won in a time of 60min 57.1 secs from Frank Matich and Teddy Pilette also in McLaren M10Bs. He went on to finish 3rd behind Graham McRae and Matich in the 8 race Tasman Series of 1971.

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[DJMcD]

Niel Allen’s McLaren M10B accelerates towards the hairpin on the way to winning the 1971 Teretonga International on 24th January. He won in a time of 60min 57.1 secs from Frank Matich and Teddy Pilette also in McLaren M10Bs. He went on to finish 3rd behind Graham McRae and Matich in the 8 race Tasman Series of 1971.

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Interesting isn't how F5000 brought us people we had never heard of before or much afterwards. This guy was one of those.

[DJMcD]

Superb shot from Bill. The 49T without the stupid high rear wing was one of the best lookers, Rindt was also one of the best we ever saw, great driver taken far too soon.

[Steve Holmes]

Jim Clark braking heavily during the 1968 race. Note the small kiwi in front of front wheel put on by Jim's kiwi mechanics.

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[Grant Sprague]

Jim Clark braking heavily during the 1968 race. Note the small kiwi in front of front wheel put on by Jim's kiwi mechanics.

18140WWWooooow Bill , thank you these are so magic........... I can FEEL that brake pedal lol......... Jim is pushing it so hard by the look of his posture, & attitude...... of car must have been so balanced in brake department ............ Jim was one of my very few heros , Kerry Grant was up there as well they were just humble fast racers ....

[bp photos]

Thanks Grant yes Jim Clark was a silky smooth driver and apparently very light on the brake pads compared to other Lotus 49 drivers, according to the mechanics.

[Steve Holmes]

Here is Graeme Lawrence trying out the Pedro Rodriguez BRM in practice for 1968 Teretonga International.

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[SPman]

Interesting isn't how F5000 brought us people we had never heard of before or much afterwards. This guy was one of those.He retired after a bad crash in testing his new Lola T300 in Dec 1971. My brother and I worked for his construction company "Allen Commercial Construction" in Aus in 1969-71, working on high rise buildings - 7 days a week/16 hrs a day! (29 stories in North Sydney in 29 weeks!)
. Peter Molloy was his mechanic, and my brother had a very quick road Cooper S 1293, which Peter had worked his magic on in the workshop.

http://www.speedcafe.com/2011/07/01/niel-allen/

[Steve Holmes]

Chris Amon (Ferrari Dino 2.4 V6) drives to 4th place in the 1968 Teretonga International. Chris went on to finish 2nd behind Jim Clark at the end of the 8 race Tasman Series. His car was based on a Formula 2 Ferrari Dino. It was built at Maranello by Roger Bailey then shipped in component form to N.Z. where it was re-assembled by N.Z. mechanic Bruce Wilson. The V6 engine was in 3 valve form for the 4 N.Z. races and then 4 valve form for the Australian section.

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[Michael Clark]

Except that is the 1969 car - not as pretty as the '68 246T to my eye

[Steve Holmes]

Thanks Michael.

[bp photos]

Michael
Just checked my copy of "The V6 Ferraris of Tasman Cup 1968-1970" by Paolo Marasca and yes you are quite right Michael, the photo above is of the 1969 car. Sorry about that, both 1968 and 1969 were great years though!! My memory needs an overhaul!!
I'm sure Chris would remember those Tasman times with fond memories.
Cheers Bill Pottinger.

[Michael Clark]

He most certainly does Bill - for a whole lot of reasons...See Wal's photos on the Jim Clark thread of the annual cricket match at the Amon family bach, the water skiing and all the other diversions that made that such a special time.

By the way, I forwarded your photo of Graeme Lawrence in Pedro's BRM to the pilot. GHL's response was that "...sure was a long time ago" and that Tim Parnell had offered him a test drive of the BRM. Graeme said he'd caught up with Tim at the British GP a few yrs ago and that he'd recalled those days in the Tasman as the best of his career.

[bp photos]

Thanks Michael
I checked out the Jim Clark thread you suggested and enjoyed Wal's photos they are fantastic.
Also your article about the tragic crash at Hockenheim and reasons for it happening make very good sense.

[Steve Holmes]

STP support team scurry through the pits.

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[Steve Holmes]

Speedway Motors Timaru team of Brent Hawes and Leo Leonard

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[Steve Holmes]

By the way, I forwarded your photo of Graeme Lawrence in Pedro's BRM to the pilot. GHL's response was that "...sure was a long time ago" and that Tim Parnell had offered him a test drive of the BRM. Graeme said he'd caught up with Tim at the British GP a few yrs ago and that he'd recalled those days in the Tasman as the best of his career.

Thanks Michael. Yes I posted this photo on The Roaring Season Facebook page, and Graeme was asked his thoughts on the car by another member, Greg Bartlett, to which he replied: "Was great Greg had bit more power etc than our Twin Cams as I recall very smooth power band and quite light in spite of its size. Actually caught up with Tim Parnell at British Grand Prix couple of years ago he speaks very fondly of his days and the people "down under"".

[Steve Holmes]

Tim Parnell (BRM team manager) Patty and Bruce McLaren after Bruce had won the 1968 Teretonga International.

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[Steve Holmes]

Don Halliday leading Paul Fahey at the 1971 Teretonga International in practice.

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[Steve Holmes]

January 1971 International meeting. Taken at the Elbow corner leading onto the main straight at Teretonga. This is Paul Fahey (Mustang) glancing in the mirror at Rod Coppins (Camaro) trying hard to catch the Mustang.

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[John McKechnie]

Steve H - What a fantastic photo , all it needs is the Team Cambridge Monaro in there as well to make the trifector/troika

[Steve Holmes]

Yellow Submarine Mildren Mono team in pits. Is that Renault driver Brian Crosbie looking on?

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[Steve Holmes]

I received this email on Sunday from Bill, with the following photos:

"Hi Steve

"It is great to see Grant Sprague's interest in "The Roaring Season",
I never met any of the Spragues but they were a very well known Timaru motor racing family and I have found a trio of photos of the Sprague Anglia with Gary Sprague driving I think.

"One shows the Anglia ahead of Lin Neilsen's Mini at Teretonga in 1969, and the second shows the Anglia ahead of Red Dawson at Levels Timaru in Feb 1969.

"It was a very quick car, well driven, and lifted the inside front wheel very high on cornering, as shown in the third photo".

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18614

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[Grant Sprague]

Wooow , Bill thank you for such detailed pics of my big Bro, & Steve for posting these . These pics are about the 3rd year of owner ship of this fun car, Gary would have been about 18 yrs old here. You can see it has the new mini lites , Ernie took pride in reducing weight on all his cars , he taught us its the cheapest subtitute for HP , when the car arrived from the NI Ernie had contacts in UK & got some better go fast bits , had castings made for bell housuing , diff housing , tail shaft housing [Alloy], alloy skins etc all made locally in Timaru, I think the diff housing might have been lotus I tried to take it all in a a kid , never had a roll cage too heavy lol , untill later in this pic Mum kept on at Dad to have saftey for Gary , you can see a cage in pic it was mad of the lightest strongest I think called drian [dranium]??metal for air crafts??. Bill I was talking to Roly [Levis] yesterday he is going to get on to the roaring season to check out some pics etc you have taken , he is flying out to Aussie as I am typing to stay with oldest daughter Vivian to get some warmer weather , he is very keen to get into roaring season....... Kind Regards Grant

[Carlo]

If I remember correctly Grant those were the first set of alloy panels that Brian Livingston produced. We did have a pretty clever bunch of apprentices across the various branches of the motor trade in Timaru those days.

[Grant Sprague]

Carlo , also Barry Turner , he did the panels on some of the other cars plus my Merlin Scanz car I bought off Browny he & Livy are artists & Ash Palmer making those tools with Ernie to change brake pads at B& H races in lightening speed not to mention the quick lift jacks when all others used hydraulic pump jacks , they might not have had alway the fastest cars in a straight line but made up for it with physics etc , Yes we had the backing of Timaru all were were a part of the team .....

[Carlo]

Grant, some of the fuel churns or copies of them are still doing the job today in the South Island endurance series today

Team Timaru, totally united when out of town and fighting like buggery to prove who was best when at home. Still happens today and is I believe, why we still have so many from the region who excel at the various disciplines within our sport

[Grant Sprague]

Carlos , this was an other story , I was with Dad when he was in the old shed in King Street when he was playing about with the internal breathing tubes in the large churns readying for a B & H .. to get the fuel in & out as quick a possible , he also devised a swirling fin inside to speed the fuel flow [not sure if he continued with that fin.the churn [as you know] was that big it took one large dump of fuel & vanished into the fuel tank in seconds , while the Auck boys were using factory made funnels etc ....... by the time they pitted & out , an other 1/5 lap was made up ???on some others . My very good friend Kevin Bann [Kelford Cams] Chch is looking after that same churn if you would like to borrow it not a prob...... I have sooooooo many stories lol ??

[Steve Holmes]

More saloon car action, from the Loop, at Wigram, 1970. First up is Paul Fahey, in typical pose in the FVA Escort, his favourite race car, leading Red Dawson in the Shelby Mustang.

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[Steve Holmes]

Here is John Riley, in the ex-Paul Fahey Mustang, leading Gary Sprague in the Escort twin-cam

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[Grant Sprague]

Have to grin , if you look closely you will see the rear of bonnets up at the back a bit to get air flow out as quick as possible , a lot of people have forgotten about this over the years ,make a big difference over a period of laps ???........some of you would have seen yr bonnets try & blow off 3/4 way down back straight of Puke with the air trapped in engine bay , especially alloy & fibre glass ones .........have a great day guys Grant

[Shoreboy57]

More saloon car action, from the Loop, at Wigram, 1970. First up is Paul Fahey, in typical pose in the FVA Escort, his favourite race car, leading Red Dawson in the Shelby Mustang.

18680

As a fan, my favourite too. Would love to see it run at HD in January

[John McKechnie]

Have to grin , if you look closely you will see the rear of bonnets up at the back a bit to get air flow out as quick as possible , a lot of people have forgotten about this over the years ,make a big difference over a period of laps ???........some of you would have seen yr bonnets try & blow off 3/4 way down back straight of Puke with the air trapped in engine bay , especially alloy & fibre glass ones .........have a great day guys Grant

Grant- no grins allowed now, its different. I had a scrutineer come to me at HD as the rear of the bonnet was up a small amount on one side.
They want the bonnets dead flush so no oil, flames etc will come backward onto the windscreen.

[Oldfart]

Grant- no grins allowed now, its different. I had a scrutineer come to me at HD as the rear of the bonnet was up a small amount on one side.
They want the bonnets dead flush so no oil, flames etc will come backward onto the windscreen.

And would the factory gap prevent those?:)

[John McKechnie]

I tried that old line about factory finish, but alas no.
Have to modify things to really snug it down if I want to run again.
Look at pic 131 0n my thread Newspaper Reporter to see Grants lopsided bonnet grin on the Monaro.

[Grant Sprague]

Yep relate to your words .......... lol
Grant- no grins allowed now, its different. I had a scrutineer come to me at HD as the rear of the bonnet was up a small amount on one side.
They want the bonnets dead flush so no oil, flames etc will come backward onto the windscreen.

[Rod Grimwood]

On Anglias and Escort had 2 pieces of garden hose for each bonnet pin, one just right for flush sit and once scrutineered back to pit slip it off and on went longer ones to hold back of bonnet up, amazing as Grant says you run with flush ones down Puke and bonnet bulge and trying to leap off, sit back up and neat. Another thing i did was put a very little alloy lip along the back of bonnet and it formed a vortex between bonnet and screen, you could see heat flying out and over screen. Downfall was when you had a leak or major, screen was covered in crap. Ran bonnet down in wet. Lots of tricks back then ah Grant.

[Grant Sprague]

:)Rod , Air [WIND] is a very powerful element , alot of people learn from its energy, there is a real science there.
As for the bonnets & pins , my last car had a fibre glass bonnet the rear pins were long ????? , any way you would think the bonnet would tear in half the way it use to climb up [Pkue 250k was recorded], goes to show the force of the air brake??. Hey Rod are you the same Rod we use to kick about with in the earlier days , taupo etc etc . Any way have a great week end my friend ..... Grant

[Rod Grimwood]

:)Rod , Air [WIND] is a very powerful element , alot of people learn from its energy, there is a real science there.
As for the bonnets & pins , my last car had a fibre glass bonnet the rear pins were long ????? , any way you would think the bonnet would tear in half the way it use to climb up [Pkue 250k was recorded], goes to show the force of the air brake??. Hey Rod are you the same Rod we use to kick about with in the earlier days , taupo etc etc . Any way have a great week end my friend ..... Grant


Yep same one Grant, same Mo different colour and not much hair left, still got my old Escort (with long back pins) in room out back mate.
Great days at Taupo and Bay Park will catch up some time.

[Rod Grimwood]

Front pin with height hose still fitted, and rear pin with hose removed, but notice rear pin a lot longer. Short hose went on to sit bonnet in flush position for scrutineering with spacer between bonnet and pin, Then longer piece fitted to hold bonnet up tight on pin.

[Grant Sprague]

Ha ha Good one Rod , I had the same colour hose [different Lengths as well lol]......... Yea mate thought it was you , we use to have a blast . I am now married with 3 girls........ Now a good boy lol ??. But really miss the racing . I go down to Rotorua with a few mates do the go carts etc that makes me feel better , I get a hard time as apparently I seen to get the best carts just cant win lol. I do have a red car that blows my cob webs out [zo6] plus got a screaming eagle on the way so that will helps also , my girls not very happy about that , so getting my bike licence might be a fad but time is marching on , what about you mate what have you been up to. I remember your escort you are one of the ole boys like me we had so much fun , but still serious . Yep I would love to catch up ......... keep in touch . Grant

[John McKechnie]

Grant- sounds like you may be getting ready to have a mid-life crisis and get a HMC , Sports Sedan or SS2000

[Rod Grimwood]

Hard case Grant I got 2 girls, must have been all that water we drank. I am hopeing to get my car back together soon and do some classic events. I will certainly be in touch and have a catch up at some time. It's been a couple of years.
Cheers mate

[Grant Sprague]

Grant- sounds like you may be getting ready to have a mid-life crisis and get a HMC , Sports Sedan or SS2000 LOL John ....... Geeee you just might be right never thought of it that way , you see I stayed home while the girls all grew up & went to school , then got back into cars & stuff.
Most weekends are family fun days they are not into cars as such , so its picnics , walks etc etc weekends away, BUT my soul now looking for a new spark re the car thingy as the girls are into marching in the summer months 7 my wife is very supportive for them etc etc , so my time is starting to free up a bit.............. Rod yep we will sort something soon .... cool . Grant

[John McKechnie]

Grant- put your toes in the water by coming along to Ice Breakers HMC in September.If nothing else you will be more than welcomed as an existing legend. You certainly be given some hot laps if the program allows.

[Grant Sprague]

Grant- put your toes in the water by coming along to Ice Breakers HMC in September.If nothing else you will be more than welcomed as an existing legend. You certainly be given some hot laps in the program allows. John this is very thoughtful & kind of you ............this is most certainly worth talking about ....Thanks grant

[Steve Holmes]

Time for another update from Bill's stunning photo collection, showing Graham Hill, Frank Gardner, and Jochen and Nina Rindt, enjoying a round of golf. Do you think Sebastian Vettel and Mark Webber play much golf together in their spare time?

Here is Bill's description of these photos:

"More shots, this time from a golf match between Jochen and Nina Rindt, Graham Hill, Piers Courage and Frank Gardner a couple of days prior to the January 1969 Teretonga round of the Tasman Series.

One pic shows Jochen Rindt shifting the sprinkler from the green to allow the game to procede.

Another shows Nina in action and the other is of Graham Hill towing his trolley while he searches for the ball.

Amazing to think I could go with them for the game, thanks to Eoin Young who wanted some photos for his articles".

18982

18983

18981

[Grant Sprague]

Thanks Bill
& Steve........ amazing how the mind works re the super stars of to day [eg F1 drivers ] & how we perceive the perception of others ... I see them as just people [as I get older ..lol ] but as a kid it was the wooow factor..... terrific piks of the men on the mission.......

[Steve Holmes]

Speedway Motors Timaru team of Brent Hawes and Leo Leonard

19004

[Grant Sprague]

Good pik of the boys , so sad re Brent I think I mentioned I was there that day , about 12 yrs old when Brent died sad for every one , I had turned just at that moment from the hairpin started to walk towards the pits , as Gary & Ernie were share driving the red Anglia that day in the next all comers race Dad felt so down he did not race , on the way back [to the pits]I had not realized at that point what had happened , was busy picking up empty fiz bottles for my pocket money to re sell to the shop on the left before the pits... as for Leo he is still that same build we catch up at the ford corp box each year [xmas meet levels] we have a great catch up ....PS this pik looks like the back ground of Teretonga.. ? . after Brent got Killed Leo salvaged the engine .. G/ Box , some suspension bits & pieces & turned it into an other begg with the help of George , the orange F5000 car with some trekka suspension bits True story

[Steve Holmes]

Thanks Grant, thats a great recollection, and yes, a very sad loss.

[Steve Holmes]

Derek Bell catches up with the latest from "Motoring News".

19027

[Steve Holmes]

George Begg gets Geoff Mardon ready to go out on the track in the Begg FM2.

19028

[Steve Holmes]

Donald McDonald chats to Laurence Brownlie in his Brabham BT23 FVA during practise.

19029

[Grant Sprague]

Great pik of Laurence , I was talking to him a couple of years ago [still living in the deep south] Laurence is a master at painting free hand of motor racing history NZ & probably over seas , not sure if oils or water........ Laurence is still coming to grips with the accident he had years ago between him & Denny at Puke... [Many years ago ].... A very long story I am fortunate to have meet Denny & Gretta....... But shit does happen .....naturally that's our choice to be apart of this sport ....:rolleyes:

[Steve Holmes]

Thats right Grant, he has a website for his artwork: http://www.laurencebrownlie.com/

[Steve Holmes]

This photo is stunning! Graham McRae is clearly pushing hard. He didn't have a good time of it at Wigram, where a small fire erupted in his engine bay as the cars were on the grid, and by the time the fire was put out, the rest of the field was already on its second lap. McRae completed just 20 laps before the McLaren retired with overheating issues. He did, however, win his preliminary race, by a comfortable margin. Bill, can you recall if you took this photo during the preliminary or the main race?

19062

[Steve Holmes]

What an awesome photo! Bill captures a camera man leaning out of the window of an HT Monaro, filming the McLaren M10A of Frank Matich at Wigram, in 1970, for the tv news.


Matich went on to have a very good event at Wigram, taking pole position, and winning the coveted Lady Wigram Trophy.


Anyone got a copy of the tv clip?

19063

[GD66]

This photo is stunning! Graham McRae is clearly pushing hard.


Great pic ! Frank Radisich in behind in the M4A.

[Grant Sprague]

I think the infamous bump at hanger bend ?????? You can just see the share determination plus the talent no fear attitude of Graham & his beautiful car ............. Geeeeee amazing man amazing photo . [THANKS MATE] , he had his ups & downs like most of us , if only ???????

[Rod Grimwood]

Where is that Monaro now, great how McRae has got his head tilted over to give action to the filming, well done.

[Steve Holmes]

I was wondering the same thing myself Rod, re the Monaro.

[Steve Holmes]

This is just a great shot, Bill must have just about got his toes run over when he captured this one. But look at the determination on McRae's face, you can actually see the whites of his eyes!

19076

[bp photos]

Hi Steve
I think it would have been in the main Lady Wigram race as it looks like he is cutting through the backmarkers (Frank Radisich in photo behind McRae in his M4A McLaren). When Graeme was trying really hard you could see the whites of his eyes, as in this photo.
Cheers
Bill Pottinger

[John McKechnie]

I was wondering the same thing myself Rod, re the Monaro.

Steve H- I would say that vinyl roof would not help any rust issues.

[Steve Holmes]

Yeah, I'd say you'd be right John!

[Steve Holmes]

Time for some tin-top action, with Rod Coppins in the Cambridge Camaro getting the bums-rush from Paul Fahey in the little Alan Mann Escort. This is 1970, and despite the Escort only running the 1,600cc FVA motor, Fahey was sensational, beating the V8 big-bangers in each of the three races. He once described to me this was the best event of his career, because he absolutely drove the wheels off the Escort, and it was such a forgiving car, he could run it all day long at 100%.

Look really closely at the back wheels on the Camaro, they're both off the ground! Coppins was giving it everything too!

19085

[SPman]

Great pik of Laurence , I was talking to him a couple of years ago [still living in the deep south] Laurence is a master at painting free hand of motor racing history NZ & probably over seas , not sure if oils or water........ Laurence is still coming to grips with the accident he had years ago between him & Denny at Puke... [Many years ago ].... A very long story I am fortunate to have meet Denny & Gretta....... But shit does happen .....naturally that's our choice to be apart of this sport ....:rolleyes:
That's great - I was wondering what happened to him - he was a great, assertive driver and the accident really stymied what could have been a long (or longer, at least) and succesful career.

[Steve Holmes]

John Riley gets its loose at Teretonga in the ex-Paul Fahey Mustang during the 1970 season. Riley was always spectacular!

19098

[Steve Holmes]

The next two pics were taken at a Gold Star event at Ruapuna in October 1969. Can anyone help ID these interesting vehicles?

19099

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[Oldfart]

I remember the cars, but I'm damned if I can remember who they are/were!.

[John McKechnie]

Could the first one be Peter Stewart -Rabat Mantis?
Sorry, meant 2nd pic.

[Oldfart]

Don't think so. Robat Mantis was a Lotus 7 style some years prior to 68, (Steve has my photo) and the driver looks a lot more "mature"!
It looks either motorcycle or perhaps outboard motor twin?

[GD66]

Pre-unit Triumph twin.

[John McKechnie]

I have a race meeting from motorman Ruapuna October 1969., but cant identify these cars

[Kwaussie]

Maybe the first car is the Wasp? driven by Ron Walton who was a boffin type TV presenter!
The car was built with the help of the Christchurch Boys High Car Club in about 1965 - any old boys here ?

[Steve Holmes]

I thought for sure someone might have solved these by now?

[ElCoyote]

Where is Jamie when you need him?

[Steve Holmes]

19180

[Steve Holmes]

19181

[David McKinney]

19100
I think this might be a car called the 'Special GT' or something equally non-specific. Don't know much about it, but I think its constructor/owner/driver might have been one of the Fred Turners who were about at that time

Agree the other one could be the Wasp

[bigbanger]

1969 - I notice no seatbelt (shoulder straps at least) in the #2 openwheeler. Can someone enlighten me as to the rules of the time? When did belts or 4/5/6 point belts become mandatory for openwheelers?

[Michael Clark]

Great BP shot at #136 of a man who turns 70 this Saturday.

[bry3500]

Maybe the first car is the Wasp? driven by Ron Walton who was a boffin type TV presenter!
The car was built with the help of the Christchurch Boys High Car Club in about 1965 - any old boys here ?

I downloaded the photo.. enlarged and changed contrast, The Badge on the nose is "W". Wasp? Walton?

[Rod Grimwood]

Bry, you are a right old Sherlock fellow. Well done, not much sneaks past you. Hope all is good with you over there and will contact you soon.

[bry3500]

Bry, you are a right old Sherlock fellow. Well done, not much sneaks past you. Hope all is good with you over there and will contact you soon.

Cheers Rod , I enjoy sleuthing the history you lot make and look forward to catching up again sometime soon..

[Grant Sprague]

Bry , Thanks for the 1969 piks, I forgot Paul brought that mustang down to see how the SI cars compared, 1969 Jan & Feb I would still be collecting fizzy bottles between races lol:p

[Steve Holmes]

I downloaded the photo.. enlarged and changed contrast, The Badge on the nose is "W". Wasp? Walton?

Wow! Great work Bry!

[Steve Holmes]

I love this one, Paul Fahey, giving it heaps in the Escort at Wigram.

19202

[SPman]

That's an attitude Paul often attained in the Escort (among others). Mind you - Gary Sprague was equally adept....

[SPman]

Great BP shot at #136 of a man who turns 70 this Saturday.
EEEEk!

Don't mention the relentless march of years - it reminds me I'm no spring chicken these days, although, like most of us .....more mature folk.....I'm sure we still feel as young as we once looked..........

Where's Scott Wiseman chasing Andy B - Wigram?

[John McKechnie]

That was a very universal E-type-one week it was a Saloon, next week it was a Sports Car

[GD66]

That's an attitude Paul often attained in the Escort (among others). Mind you - Gary Sprague was equally adept....



Would love to have been trackside at Wigram the day the howling little Escort beat the V8s.....Legend....

[Oldfart]

I was at a very awesome day at Ruapuna when Paul went "rather well"! I was lucky to be arranging the dummy grid that day, and we did get time to watch too!

[Grant Sprague]

SPman , Gary & I use to have dinky toys on our kitchen table doing just this in & out little markers going side ways b 4 corners etc , I need to show you some shots similar , I will down load soon lol ... cool piks of Paul, he always tried hard results proved this time & time an area of great drivers

[grelley]

It was at Wigram, and I can still remember to this day the little Escort howling down the straight prior to the start finish line. I think it must have been the best it ever went.Was it Moffat in a fairly standard looking Falcon that he was racing against

[John McKechnie]

If it was 1970 and red then it could have been Clyde Collins

[grelley]

No it wasnt the Clyde Collins PDL Falcon (which ended up as a road car in Dunedin). As far as I remember it was orange, looked more like a production touring car (but wasnt) and was from Australia. The way the Escort went that day is my most vivid memory of motor racing.

[bp photos]

Thanks for the reminder that Chris Amon is turning 70 Michael, that seems amazing.!!! The guy is a living legend!!

[Steve Holmes]

Sports car action at Wigram, as Grahame Harvey in the Elfin leads Scott Wiseman in the high-wing E Type.

19287

[Steve Holmes]

Absolutely beautiful shot here of Graham McRae and Teddy Pilette on the grid at Teretonga for the 1971 Tasman Series race. Looks like they're having a conversation. What could they be discussing?


I am guessing this is not the main Tasman race, but one of the shorter preliminary races, where the field were split into two. For the main Tasman race, Pilette was starting from the second row, on grid position four, while McRae was on row three, grid position six.

19291

[ElCoyote]

19304

Gotta love those Escorts

[GD66]

Love how it's sitting nice and flat in the slide, not leaning and wheel-waving like most Escorts.
Proper suspension tuning !

[Grant Sprague]

19304

Gotta love those Escorts l thought for a minute , Gary doing a wet slid but no wipers on car, could have been mercury series as door not fitting correctly [alloy doors & bonnet] ps Gary would often do this on our city streets in the same car be fore it became a race car................lil bro

[Steve Holmes]

I love these grid shots with the drivers communicating to each other moments before launching into action. This is the October 1969 Gold Star event at Ruapuna. Bill explains:

"This photo shows pre race banter on the starting grid (2nd row) between Jiggs Alexander, Wayne Murdoch and Dave Oxton (centre) in their Brabhams".

19476

[Steve Holmes]

From Wigram, 1970.

19478

[Steve Holmes]

Bill explains the two shots in this post:

"Some shots from Wigram 1970, with Kaye Griffiths (U.K.) who had a BRP Boss Ford which was a starting money special to fund his holiday in NZ. It barely managed a lap in the race before being pushed away to a corner in the pits".

19480

19479

[Carlo]

No it wasnt the Clyde Collins PDL Falcon (which ended up as a road car in Dunedin). As far as I remember it was orange, looked more like a production touring car (but wasnt) and was from Australia. The way the Escort went that day is my most vivid memory of motor racing.

Alan Moffat and his Charger up against Leo in hid Charger while Paul took on the world with the Escort

[GD66]

Alan Moffat and his Charger


Sure now ? :o

[Allan]

The BRP Ford did not have a great record (or for that matter any record) in the 1970 Tasman series.
Levin DNQ
Pukekohe Ret lap 11 (Radiator)
Wigram DNQ
Teretonga (with Peter Hughes as driver) DNS (engine)

[Steve Holmes]

Magnificent profile shot here as Bill captures Mike Goth at speed, at Teretonga, 1970.

19573

[Steve Holmes]

..... and from the same event, Graham McRae.

19574

[GD66]

One for the rivet-counters !

Great pics, thanks heaps for sharing.

[bp photos]

I'm happy to be able to share the photos, pleased you like them.
Cheers, Bill P.

[Michael Clark]

The BRP Ford did not have a great record (or for that matter any record) in the 1970 Tasman series.

It was however sponsored by Sir Charles Napier - and that made it memorable...

[Grant Sprague]

Yep & a thanks from me also Bill , really appreciate these photos, notice the era [engine ] the rocker covers only tin with a screw 1/5 down oil filler cap......... stock block ?? & original ...................:cool:

[Allan]

So pray tell me sir, who is Sir Charles Napier? The only references I can find to the gentleman are a British Army Officer and a Scottish Naval Admiral both of whom have been dead for over 150 years and an English pub.

[John McKechnie]

I'm happy to be able to share the photos, pleased you like them.
Cheers, Bill P.

Hi Bill,
Found mention of you driving a Mini in a 1968 Motorman-want some more details?

[Kwaussie]

So pray tell me sir, who is Sir Charles Napier? The only references I can find to the gentleman are a British Army Officer and a Scottish Naval Admiral both of whom have been dead for over 150 years and an English pub.

It was the english pub!! Kaye's local.

[Michael Clark]

Exactly right Kwaussie although I though Griffiths owned it. Either way, the car was entered by Sir Charles and legend has it that Ron Frost was so taken by this that he seemingly overlooked the fact that the car was an old F1 car from the 1.5 era.

Irrespective of whether this story is correct, it always reminds me of Lord Melberry from Episode 1 of Fawlty Towers and Basil's fawning over the 'Lord' that he subsequently discovers is a con man...

[bigbanger]

Love those Weber 48IDA's (McRae) and likely Hilborn fuel injection (Goth).

[Howard Wood]

To be fair to Mr Griffiths, his was not the first "start money special" to grace a race series. My understanding was the car was entered under "Sir Charles Napier Racing" so strictly speaking the connection with some minor peer was only implied. Either way Ron Frost would have been mightily impressed.

Of course this was an era where a few people had nefarious intentions in coming to NZ, there was at least one early Formula A/5000 car which apparently arrived here with more than spare parts concealed inside it! As a result we had to completely strip a Formula Ford we were importing because HM Customs were deeply suspicious of anything to do with racing cars.

This was also the time of Customs Bonds on imported racing cars, not to mention import restrictions and huge duties. As a result, values were routinely dramatically understated but because everyone did it Customs seemed unaware. Until a couple of Americans bought a pair of Titan Mk6Cs out for the NZ FF series stating their true value. Bugger!

[bp photos]

That would be great thanks John.

[Allan]

Thank you for that. And I well remember the fuss associated with race/rally cars here for a season.

[Kwaussie]

To be fair to Mr Griffiths, his was not the first "start money special" to grace a race series!
Mr G went on to race a few McLaren cars on his return to the UK worth a google!

[Michael Clark]

And I thought a Lola T190 F5000

[Kwaussie]

Of course this was an era where a few people had nefarious intentions in coming to NZ, there was at least one early Formula A/5000 car which apparently arrived here with more than spare parts concealed inside it!

Be interesting if Bill P has a photo of Bobby Brown taking the right front wheel off from his T190 while exiting the pits at Teretonga during practice 1971

Great photos Bill - hope you don't mind as we wander off and recall the past!!

[David McKinney]

Of course this was an era where a few people had nefarious intentions in coming to NZ, there was at least one early Formula A/5000 car which apparently arrived here with more than spare parts concealed inside it!
Not to mention the two American 5000s which arrived with their side-tanks packed with drugs...

[John McKechnie]

Bill, I am trouble finding the mag now. My memory of it was about Minis in Feb 1969 Motorman- does that sound correct?

[Kwaussie]

Not to mention the two American 5000s which arrived with their side-tanks packed with drugs...

Did they smell nice when they fired them up!

[Steve Holmes]

Although originally Part 1 of this thread was only going to have 24 photos in it (because Bill had sent me a cd containing 48 photos), he has since emailed me through several more photos, so I kept extending the thread. But this will be the last photo from this part, before I begin Part 2 shortly. And to end Part 1, is the photo that headed up this thread, of Ulf Norinder, at speed, in his magnificent Lola at Teretonga. What a beautiful photo!

19655

My thanks again to Bill for sharing this incredible collection with us.

[John McKechnie]

The next two pics were taken at a Gold Star event at Ruapuna in October 1969. Can anyone help ID these interesting vehicles?

19099

19100

At last, finally found this-F.Turner Alfa Romeo Special from p.29 Motorman July 1968.
David Mckinney- you had the correct man.
Doesnt figure in the results.

[Michael Clark]

I'm far from an engineer or aerodynamics expert, but the Lola T190 just looks wrong to me

[Grant Sprague]

Not wrong there , might have been set up for pikes peak .......... elllch should not judge :p

[Steve Holmes]

I'm far from an engineer or aerodynamics expert, but the Lola T190 just looks wrong to me

That one in particular Michael, or T190s in general?

[Steve Holmes]

At last, finally found this-F.Turner Alfa Romeo Special from p.29 Motorman July 1968.
David Mckinney- you had the correct man.
Doesnt figure in the results.

Great stuff John, thanks.

[Michael Clark]

To be fair Steve, my comment is made with the benefit of knowing they were duds in period - it was only when Frank Gardner lengthened the wheelbase, and created the T192 in doing so, that the car 'came good'.

But the short wheelbase just looks wrong - but Eric Broadley must have had a theory...

[David McKinney]

Ulf Norinder had raced a Lola T142 before bringing the T190 to NZ. In answer to my question as to how they compared, he said "Night and day". At the time I thought he meant the T190 was better:)

[Michael Clark]

:)

[Steve Holmes]

This is interesting to me, I didn't realise the T190 wasn't a good car. What was wrong with them?

[John McKechnie]

Steve- At the time I remember reading that this was an early stage of F5000, especially at Tasman Series.
As such some Indianopolis type cars were used- like Eisert Chev.
Big oval cars and not very nimble.
McLarens soon changed that.
Some one with more knowledge than me can fill in more fully and correctly

[Steve Holmes]

Yes thats right John, in early Formula A/F5000 years, converted USAC cars were commonly raced. But the T190 was a purpose built Formula A/F5000 chassis. My basic understanding is that it wasn't so much a direct evolution of the T142, which itself was an evolution of the T140, but it must have shared many similarities? The T140 was created from the outset for Formula A/F5000.

[Michael Clark]

The T190 was Lola's third 5000 but really the second design in as far as the 142 was an update of the 140.

In the UK, customers in 1970 could choose between the M10B McLaren - the update of the championship winning 10A from the previous year, the Surtees TS5A - another update, or the Lotus 70. I guess there was the Leda but that was a risky choice - so really the Lola was the only new design from a company with 5000 experience. I would guess that most 190 customers were either 'Lola people' (like Norinder) or those that weren't high enough on the Surtees and McLaren waiting lists.

As far a s a timeline is concerned:

1968 Formula A introduced in the US - the main purpose built customer cars were from Lola, Eagle, Le Grand and McKee. Fields were bolstered by converted USACs and various other stuff including one offs like the Sceptre

FA went to Europe in 1969 and was called Formula 5000 - it is perhaps the only time in history where America adopted Someone else's name for a category that they originally invented

Anyway, McLaren and Surtees introduced customer cars - only one McLaren M10A ever raced in the 69 UK/Europe championship with the majority of them going to the States. I think two or three TS5s raced in the UK but again most of a much smaller production run went to the States. The Eagle was updated but that was pretty much the end for US built 5000s at the sharp end of 5000 grids.

[GD66]

From the Bay Park thread...

Pierre Phillips in the Lola T140 leads this demonstration lap, from Rex Ramsey in the LeGrand Mk 7 : on the outside, Stew McMillan in "The Fat One" Eisert FA, and winner Ron Grable's Spectre HR-1.
20117

Lola looks kinda scary with NO wings...

Edit : Sorry Michael, I must have been editing as you sent yours...

[Michael Clark]

That's it - Rex Ramsey in the Le Grand with Stew McMillan in the 'fat one' Eisert #5 on the outside and Grable's winning Sceptre wedge in behind

[John McKechnie]

I was told that Grable was one of the stunt drivers in "Bullitt"- turns out that he wasnt.

[Murray Maunder]

He was the original Formula A champion in USA, fairly solid performer but not in McRae's league IMHO.

Aren't black and whites great when done well?

[Michael Clark]

Murray, I thought Lou Sell was the original FA champion

[Roger Dowding]

Dunedin Driver Lin Neilson in the late 1960s at Teretonga Park near Invercargill. This is the southern most circuit in the world and is operated by the Southland Sports Car Club. He is testing his new lightweight Mini Cooper S.
That is one lightweight Mini, chopped roof, fibreglass front looks like a ' flip / lift one ' and looking like a " Minisprint " except the seams are still there, around the roof and down the front and rear as well, fat wheels on the front narrower on the back great stuff.

[John B]

Dunedin Driver Lin Neilson in the late 1960s at Teretonga Park near Invercargill. This is the southern most circuit in the world and is operated by the Southland Sports Car Club. He is testing his new lightweight Mini Cooper S.
That is one lightweight Mini, chopped roof, fibreglass front looks like a ' flip / lift one ' and looking like a " Minisprint " except the seams are still there, around the roof and down the front and rear as well, fat wheels on the front narrower on the back great stuff.

Is there meant to be an image with this?
Cheers, John

[David McKinney]

Murray, I thought Lou Sell was the original FA champion
Yes and no...

In 1965 the SCCA replaced the formule libre and FJ classes at its amateur meetings with three new classes, FA, FB and FC, the biggest allowing engines up to 3000cc. The championship was decided at an end-of-season event called the US Road Race of Champions, usually known as the "run-offs" in which the top guys from the various regional championships came together to decide the national title. So few big cars competed in the regions that first year that none in fact qualified for the USRRC

The same year the Formula Racing Association ran three races to the same rules, but it seems only the race at Continental Divide attracted any FA entries. Winner was Hap Sharp in a Cooper-Climax T53

The FRA seems not to have run races for FA cars after that, but there were was stronger FA competition in most regions in 1966. Harry McIntosh in a Brabham-Climax won the run-offs

In 1967 the USRRC winner was Chuck Kirkbride in a Lotus18, and in 1968 the title went to Ron Grable (Sceptre HR1)

Meanwhile in 1967 the SCCA had inaugurated its so-called Grand Prix Championship, a national series of five races in which FA, FB and FC cars ran together. The FB cars dominated, but it seems McIntosh (Brabham) was the highest-placed FA driver in the series

The folllowing year the SCCA admitted 5-litre stock-block engines to FA, and the GP Championship was won by Lou Sell (Eagle-Chevrolet)