New Zealand Festival of Motor Racing (2014)

[Shoreboy57]

Time for a new FMR thread (hope that's ok Steve).

I have to say I can't wait to drag out my Roaring Season T for the Ferrari Festival. And thank you in advance to those on this site who will be racing / helping to make it another great event for us mere spectators.

Lindsay

[Rod Grimwood]

Time for a new FMR thread (hope that's ok Steve).

I have to say I can't wait to drag out my Roaring Season T for the Ferrari Festival. And thank you in advance to those on this site who will be racing / helping to make it another great event for us mere spectators.

Lindsay


Make sure you come and catch up, most time will be in F5000 pit 3
Goes for every one, look forward to catch up.

Grimme

[Steve Holmes]

Thanks Lindsay, I was wondering when someone was going to start this thread. Hopefully members will post up images and info of the event as it takes place.

[kiwi285]

These threads are always the place to come to to see what happened at any historic event. We get the best action shots of the cars involved and results long before they appear elsewhere. The only place to come to keep us up to date.

[Snoozin]

I'll be on media duties again this year, lanky joker clad in hi vis with a big straw panama hat on! Come say g'day if you want or accost me for some shots of your car if it's out there!

Cheers, Richy

[Michael Clark]

I'm in yellow Crossle FF #32

[ERC]

I'll be wandering around with a camera - and chatting... Not sure what days yet, but definitely Friday.

May even wheel the Marcos around into the paddock car park as long as it is dry. (Electric window mechanism has failed and is beyond repair!)

[Shoreboy57]

Entry lists anywhere for FMR?

[Kiwiboss]

This is the list for HMC and HSC groups. Dale M

[Jac Mac]

Hmmm, looks like it might have been a very good year to be selling standard stroke cranks & virgin 4" bore blocks this off season, or is it situation normal & everyone telling porkies as usual..:), C'mon Dale, fess up!

[Rod Grimwood]

I'll be wandering around with a camera - and chatting... Not sure what days yet, but definitely Friday.

May even wheel the Marcos around into the paddock car park as long as it is dry. (Electric window mechanism has failed and is beyond repair!)


you will be all good, weather going to be a scorcher, so lets see the car (and you of coarse)

[Kiwiboss]

Steve Elliott's 68 A-Sedan Camaro loaded up and ready to go!! Dale M

[Kiwiboss]

The Festival of Motor Racing is also about our great motorsport legends along with the cars they raced. This event we'll be blessed with 1964 NZ Saloon Car Champion "Kerry Grant" and ace mechanic to Paul Fahey and others "Ray Stone" these guys will be in the HMC marque so come along for a chat and make them welcome. Our own Steve Holmes has done a fantastic job of these give away posters.

Kerry will only be available the 2nd event Sunday 26th

Also along will be Leo Leonard, Dennis Marwood and Paul Fahey.

Dale M

[kiwi285]

Will make sure I get mine and signatures of those on hand.

[timbo61]

This has been asked on this post before, but is there an entry list for the whole event available.
In Australia most organizers post an entry list and event schedule in the week leading up to the event.
If that's not possible is there a results website we can look up to see who did what to who during the racing?
Travelling across the ditch for the second weekend, so see you then.

[ERC]

Often, entry lists are not published in advance as this can detrimentally affect programme sales. Lists at some events are also copyright, so it is up to the organisers. There are advantages and disadvantages of each system. Dale has posted his class above.

As for results, I'm not sure whether or not the AMB transponders are essential for this meeting, but I would imagine they will be published..

http://www.mylaps.com/en/events?sport=Car&country=NZ

Unfortunately, results tend to just show the drivers' name rather than car, which is a bit frustrating unless you know exactly who is driving what, particularly when transponders can be swapped between cars.

Programme of Events

-Both weekends of the Ferrari Festival to be held from Friday 17th until Sunday 19th January, and Friday 24th until Sunday 26th January 2014 will see racing on the track at Hampton Downs Motorsport Park. See details about Hampton Downs on this Festival website under the Drop-down menu 'The Venue'.

- There will be 9 classes of cars on track for each weekend of the Festival. The following 7 classes will race both weekends :

1. Ferrari Owners Club parade

2. F5000 & F1

3. Historic Muscle Cars

4. Heritage Touring Cars

5. Pre 78 Historic Saloons

6. Pre 78 & Invited Sports, Sports Racing & GT cars

7. Pre 85 Historic Allcomers & Sports Sedans

Additional classes - 1st weekend

8a. BMW Open class

9a. Classic Trials

10a. Historic Formula Fords

Additional Classes 2nd weekend

8b BMW E30s

9b. FJ/F3 & Invited Historics

10b. Historic Formula Libre

[EType]

Just saw 3 Ferrari's travelling in tandem down the Auckland Sothern motorway - at least one looked like an F40, then a Morgan and an early 911.

I got a tingly feeling....

[Shoreboy57]

The closer we get to NZFMR the fewer TRS posts it seems. Glad to know everyone is focused on getting ready #Priorities!

[crunch]

The closer we get to NZFMR the fewer TRS posts it seems. Glad to know everyone is focused on getting ready #Priorities!

Sure are.
I'm having a nana-nap this arvo so I can leave Palmy about midnight to drive up overnight to spend the day there tomorrow, then back to Palmy tomorrow afternoon...probably with sore ears after seeing and hearing my first ever Formula 1 car

[ERC]

F1 cars have run in NZ before including the McLaren and the Amon Crunch!

Huge interest in the F1 Ferraris from the media though - and a pretty good crowd for a Friday.

Weather wasn't so good first thing but it did brighten up. A few comments and issues with the class structure and the overall level of entries which may need to be addressed.

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[ERC]

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Administration/paperwork issues prevented this running today, but strenuous efforts underway.
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[Steve Holmes]

Fabulous photos Ray, keep 'em coming!

[Shoreboy57]

And so it begins. Choc fish for Ray for set of pics?

[ERC]

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Bruce Manon driving Mike Sexton's Escort
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Somehow, I don't think the gentleman on the left is the driver.
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Paul Halford's car probably running on 11 instead of 12, but it still sounded fantastic.
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[ERC]

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[ERC]

Last batch for today... Still a fair few more taken, plus a pile still to be cropped.

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[ERC]

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[ERC]

From yesterday Friday Jan 17th:

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[ERC]

Saturday...

Car parks filled fast and lots of people - particularly enjoying the Ferrari displays. Rather warm at 26 degrees.

Hampton's fettucine portion ($14), was just about the largest I have ever seen, anywhere! Very tasty, but just too much pasta, even for me.

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[ERC]

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[ERC]

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Skipping ahead a bit, time-wise (it gets boring looking at pics from just one vantage point...)

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Even on the warm up laps, the nearside door was flapping open.
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[ERC]

I have to say that from an amateur photographer's perspective with only a modest 300mm lens, that Hampton Downs must surely rate as one of the very best tracks in the world. Ironically, when the track extension is finished, we'll miss out on the opportunities currently presented by turn 3, where cars show real attitude and the sun is often in the right place.

No wonder it is a favourite for the pro's but every time I come away from the track on a sunny day, I have a pile of pics worth saving.

When the F1 track design consultant changed the original design from anti-clockwise to clockwise, little did he know that he would create one of the greatest photo spots ever - for spectators (who are often coralled behind catch fencing and concrete, miles away from the track surface).

Only Goodwood appears to be in the same league as HD these days and for my money, HD is tops.

[ERC]

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I hadn't realised who was driving in this session until I saw it on the TV1 news... I hadn't even looked at the pic until a few minutes ago.
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Latest from Andy Culpin's workshop. Recreation of a BMW M8.
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Zac Lawrence, who was so impressive last week at Taupo in the ERC Series with his mint BMW 635, wasn't at all happy when in the BMW race (after this race), someone scraped down the side of the car.
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[ERC]

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[Snoozin]

Fantastic day, I can't make it tomorrow due to other event commitments but here is a few so far. Hundreds to come!

http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5510/12009589316_0b1e5f1bb8_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/snoozinrichy/12009589316/)
IMG_8063 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/snoozinrichy/12009589316/) by SnoozinRichy (http://www.flickr.com/people/snoozinrichy/), on Flickr

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7433/12008775955_1fe79b1729_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/snoozinrichy/12008775955/)
IMG_8100 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/snoozinrichy/12008775955/) by SnoozinRichy (http://www.flickr.com/people/snoozinrichy/), on Flickr

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7346/12008772115_bc57f527d9_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/snoozinrichy/12008772115/)
IMG_8115 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/snoozinrichy/12008772115/) by SnoozinRichy (http://www.flickr.com/people/snoozinrichy/), on Flickr

http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5540/12008772095_dd5b719e59_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/snoozinrichy/12008772095/)
IMG_8715 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/snoozinrichy/12008772095/) by SnoozinRichy (http://www.flickr.com/people/snoozinrichy/), on Flickr

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7384/12009121774_1d3a5a9d3f_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/snoozinrichy/12009121774/)
IMG_8858 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/snoozinrichy/12009121774/) by SnoozinRichy (http://www.flickr.com/people/snoozinrichy/), on Flickr

[BMCBOY]

Attended on Saturday - fantastic weather and large number of road going Ferraris on show.
Seemed to be less competitors this year and not too many spectators. Perhaps Sunday will bring more out as there is Kumeu car show also. Took some photos so have posted a few here

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[John McKechnie]

The entry fee for 2 weekends of racing was $625.
Each weekend gave Friday- practice and qualying.
Saturady and Sunday 2 races each day.

[TonyG]

Exactly John. Easy to find when you look or ask instead of knocking it. Very disappointing comments from Paul and his friends. Incidentally Paul is VP of Puke Car Club so even worse in my eyes.
On to the up side - you did well John. Kept that bloody Red GM Behind you I see until they reversed the grid to give him a chance lol :) :)

[John McKechnie]

Hi TonyG- Good to hear from you mate, you would have loved it- Barry Algie arrived with THE Monaro, he will be fully ready for next week,
had 3 flat tyres today, 3 bonnet hold down pins pull out in 3 races -still better than the best day in the office.
Great weather, just look at the beautiful photos, isnt it so neat the track is so accesable for them.
Every car out there was someone pride and joy, and everyone was trying to the best of their abilities.
Scotty fitted an in car camera so we can keep enjoying the moments.

[ERC]

There is some stuff on Paul's Facebook that is probably valid, but this is not the best place to publish our criticisms.

On the TM message board there is also a thread about reduced numbers at Kumeu. What we have to accept is that this the high season and of course there are going to be many events on at or around the same time. That is never going to change.

May I suggest that valid criticisms of the Festival are channelled to the organising committee?

I have my own take on the Festival and I know that many others do, but this is a local initiative and we should applaud the fact that we even have a Festival that draws a far better crowd than almost any other motorsport event in NZ.

The only statement on Paul's post that I would challenge at this stage, is that the Lyon's family make this annual pilgrimage (as do one or two others) and I have no doubt that they wouldn't bother for just one weekend. Two weekends is fine by me but having Taupo immediately before certainly affects many locals.

[Snoozin]

Hi TonyG- Good to hear from you mate, you would have loved it- Barry Algie arrived with THE Monaro, he will be fully ready for next week,

This news is the greatest thing I have heard today, I am just so damn excited to see this thing.

Signed - someone who was born well after the days of these incredible cars


Richy

[TonyG]

I would love to be able to be at home at the moment. I have been checking in every half hour since 3pm my time (Qld) for updates and photo's. So many cool memories.

ERC - The only reason I mentioned Pauls Facebook posts were because I thought it poor form that a Car Club VP should #1 Criticize an event on Facebook rather than go to the organizers and #2 have no idea of what was involved in the way of costs and classes.

[kiwi285]

Maybe Paul should have a good look round the facilities and the view that the crowd has access to at HD before he opens his mouth and spouts some uninformed crap. All sounds like sour grapes to me. And besides they have had so much money spent on their circuit by the Government and Auckland Council and it still fails to draw that many punters. I wouldn't go back there again.

[kiwi285]

http://i43.tinypic.com/166j5ed.jpg

http://oi40.tinypic.com/2m3029f.jpg

http://i43.tinypic.com/2w21vft.jpg

http://i39.tinypic.com/w7jxhk.jpg


If you are heading to HD next weekend go and see Graeme and introduce yourself. This car is literally a time capsule after being welded into a container for the last 30 years. It is pure Lola T190 from the engine back. Graeme is so pleased with the support and enthusiasm that is being shown towards the car and himself - so talk to him and encourage him the keep working on the car and racing it again.

A big 'thank you' to John Ure and Crunch for the work they put in on the Friday to get the paperwork completed so that Graeme could compete. This really makes me feel good to see such co-operation. Thank you both and the other behind the scene people involved.

I had the privilege of being on track in Mike Coory's Nissan 30ZX during the ride period when Graeme amongst other was on track with the Charger so I managed to get a couple of unique photos from the on track action.

Mike

[kiwi285]

http://i39.tinypic.com/2ez1gsh.jpg

For those of you (like me) who have never met him, this is Crunch, a gentlemen who has done so much behind the scenes to help get these historic classes running so that we can all enjoy seeing the car doing what they do best.

'Thank you' from us all

Mike

[TonyG]

Thanks for the photos Mike. Now I have had my morning fix of car porn I may make it through the day. :)

Cheers from Oz
Tony

[John McKechnie]

TonyG- if you cant get through the night, pm me your email address and I can send you some in-car video footage from my car getting through the field.

[beowulf]

Maybe Paul should have a good look round the facilities and the view that the crowd has access to at HD before he opens his mouth and spouts some uninformed crap. All sounds like sour grapes to me. And besides they have had so much money spent on their circuit by the Government and Auckland Council and it still fails to draw that many punters. I wouldn't go back there again.

I dont' know what Paul had to say. Not on facebook. The Festival is not perfect but it is pretty damn good. Lovely cars being well driven with respect for other cars. Most impressed with Michael Lyons, watching him power sliding the F5000 over the hill at turn three bought back memories of Keke Rosberg. Thanks to Rod Grimwood for his advice on my car. The problem turned out to be a brake binding not the diff. A easy and cheap fix, not like a normal race car problem.Once again thanks to all those for their advice and assistance.
I for one will not be going back to Puke. A shame because it had some nice corners.
Roll on the second week of the Festival, and congratulations to the organisers for putting it on.

[Kiwiboss]

Even with this little drama on Friday damaging several HMC cars including the PDL it was one fantastic event, we patched it up and carried on. The Ferrari side took the attention away from the smaller fields and so they should as their effort was simply amazing, but besides that the racing all-round was just fantastic and we tried some different handicapping in our HMC/HSC group which worked well but most important for me was not one car ran into another the whole weekend and some of the racing was close, especially the reverse grid starts!! The last race yesterday after the chequer we done a formation cool down lap to give the flaggies and spectators a wave and big thumbs up in appreciation, they luv’d it.

I also got hammered on the whole weekend and im pleasantly worn out today!! lots of different views on how the festival should be run but mostly by those either not racing, without a race car or have never raced!! Seems to be a pattern there!! Hmmmm. I learnt many years ago there are 3 types of persons, 1 – Those that make “it” happen(John McKechnie) 2 – Those that watch “it” happen, and 3 – Those that “Wondered” what happened.

Bring on this weekend. Dale M

[ERC]

Your grid may not have had any panel damage Dale, (thank goodness) but there was one very upset driver whose immaculate car was damaged by an overly aggressive driver in one of the other races.

This is not championship racing, but sadly, there are still one or two drivers out there who still don't understand.

I'll certainly be out there again Friday and probably Saturday but the smaller fields are a genuine worry for paying spectators and there is always some attrition which doesn't help.

[Shoreboy57]

Dale it was a real thrill to see the 104 replica, it brought back lots of great memories of the original. Congratulations on a spectacular addition to the HMC grid

[Habu]

Your grid may not have had any panel damage Dale, (thank goodness) but there was one very upset driver whose immaculate car was damaged by an overly aggressive driver in one of the other races.

This is not championship racing, but sadly, there are still one or two drivers out there who still don't understand.

I'll certainly be out there again Friday and probably Saturday but the smaller fields are a genuine worry for paying spectators and there is always some attrition which doesn't help.

As a member of the paying public, I was disappointed at the quantity of cars in some of the fields, compared to previous Festivals I have attended. Was it because Kumeu was on the same weekend, was it because Taupo was the week before, or was it because the focus was for a marque? I dont have the answers to any of the questions, but I will admit that this years festival didnt appear to have the same kind of "vibe" that every other I have been to had.

I read on another website this morning that the crowd yesterday (incidently the only day I went, or will be going), was said to be the largest so far? I noted a lack of trade support relative to other years, and the timetable was a bit slow.

Dont get me wrong, I appreciate the massive effort to promote and run this event and I know we are damn lucky to have an event like this in NZ. But I was still disappopinted, given the price to attend, the fact that its the only motor racing event I take my teenage son too, and that some classes were appearing a little thin for quantity, or depth of vehicle content.

Oh yeah, yes I've raced, and I know what it takes to prepare and run an older vehicle, and have assisted with promoting and running motorsport events previously..........just saying :p

[Kiwiboss]

Ray, as always great to catch up, I know there was damage in some of the other class’s which is never good at these events but like you Im trying to be proactive in making sure this is on the mind of every HMC and HSC racer, still doesn’t mean it won’t happen but we have to at least do our best as group managers, it’s about establishing a “mind set” for our particular class!! Im less concerned about numbers as this will always be up and down depending on the state of the economy and various other reason’s people have, speaking with Jim and Chris they were happy and sure it would have been nicer with more but we all got thought it regardless. We can always learn and try an make it better next time!!

For HMC this event was a cross roads, with firm rules in-place we wouldn’t let one racer in because he won’t fit 15” wheels and yet his car is otherwise HMC correct, I don’t understand it but its his choice and we’ll leave it at that!! it was also great to have quite a few future racers with us over the weekend and I enjoyed talking to them to see were they’re at, spoke with Andrew Sinclair at length about his 70 Cuda build and will be finished mid-year, Brett Pearce with the HK Monaro was gutted his car wasn’t finished as he saw the smaller grid as a positive to race and test his car at the same time without concern of a larger field, our future 69 Camaro racer spent time in our camp checking out the opposition in which we had a few laughs, his Camaro gets shipped in 2 weeks and will go straight to the paint shop for an ex Chamberlain American Airlines colours and that will be cool, Craig and Shona Stacy came out to support us so I had to be the “Skid King” instead this weekend!! so really the future is looking positive but we still need to keep the momentum building.

Shoreboy57, thanks for the comments, very much appreciated and the PDL did attracted huge pit interest considering its really only paint and stickers, Tony battled all weekend with 2 flat tyres, camber bolts coming loose and in the last race when we had it all working he “Elbowed” the seat belt cam-loc lever causing his belts to fly undone, still, I knew it would be a 1:20 car for HD and Tony just missed out on a 1:19 so was pretty happy, it’ll be ready to go again this weekend.

Dale M

[ERC]

Cheers Dale, but please read and take note of Habu's post above. Whereas all other events we participate in throughout the year are totally competitor financed and spectators are often admitted free, the same rules do not apply to the Festival.

This is a very commercial enterprise and therefore I believe, rightly or wrongly, that in this case, we must seriously consider spectator appeal ahead of one or two other considerations. It is probably the only event around here other than the Aussie V8s that gets decent press coverage and a good paying crowd and is certainly the premier classic event in the area.

Habu, if you want to send me a private message with your email address, I would appreciate your comment on a suggestion I have for next year and I need feedback from paying spectators before I formally put it to the Festival committee.

As one who remembers Howden Ganley in F1, I know that he is less well known than McLaren, Amon and Hulme, BMW or Ferrari, so I think it is critical that next year, that we can guarantee spectators get value for money both on and off the track.

[crunch]

http://i39.tinypic.com/2ez1gsh.jpg

For those of you (like me) who have never met him, this is Crunch, a gentlemen who has done so much behind the scenes to help get these historic classes running so that we can all enjoy seeing the car doing what they do best.

'Thank you' from us all

Mike

Cheers Mike...as you can see from the photo I had to bring my Grandad with me!

[Habu]

Cheers Dale, but please read and take note of Habu's post above. Whereas all other events we participate in throughout the year are totally competitor financed and spectators are often admitted free, the same rules do not apply to the Festival.

This is a very commercial enterprise and therefore I believe, rightly or wrongly, that in this case, we must seriously consider spectator appeal ahead of one or two other considerations. It is probably the only event around here other than the Aussie V8s that gets decent press coverage and a good paying crowd and is certainly the premier classic event in the area.

Habu, if you want to send me a private message with your email address, I would appreciate your comment on a suggestion I have for next year and I need feedback from paying spectators before I formally put it to the Festival committee.

As one who remembers Howden Ganley in F1, I know that he is less well known than McLaren, Amon and Hulme, BMW or Ferrari, so I think it is critical that next year, that we can guarantee spectators get value for money both on and off the track.

Thank you for the reply - PM sent.

Habu

[Paul Wilkinson]

I am sure that the festival was well worth the $40 ticket price but by the time the petrol, parking, food etc was also taken into consideration it was beyond my post-Christmas discretionary income for the wife and I to attend. Like I say, I'm sure it represented good value for money but organisers will have to accept that higher prices will reduce numbers. I can understand that fewer people paying more money is often preferable but it doesn't feed the sport.

[ERC]

Personally, I would consider $40 pretty good value, but I take your point. Big Day out - $185... Speedway $20 (or more for a special event) for 4 hours? Civic Theatre - $100+, Bruce Mason theatre about the same and $8.50 for a beer. Andre Rieu, Cirque du Soleil well over $100 a ticket for just three hours.

Goodwood, Friday practice only - $66 four years ago. I hate to think what our Monaco Historics cost us - and they only manage 8 sessions/races a day with a 40 minute gap between each.

Considering there was action from 9am, to probably after 5pm, 18 races (?) plus demos, that is pretty good value. However, taking a family and feeding them and getting to and fro is expensive, but at least HD don't have the food Nazis on the gate.

My $14 fettuccine fed me at lunchtime and with some cooked up extra sauce, my wife and I at night and there is still a portion left!

[Shoreboy57]

Couldn't agree more. Compared with other events I think NZFMR provide very good value for a days entertainment. $40 value in pit walk alone. Much rather spend that than pay the $$$ for a day at the Pukekohe concrete tunnel for Aussie V8s

[Paul Wilkinson]

I agree that the day would have been worth the money, I'd have been there if I hadn't rather put the $100 towards a new harness for my Lotus so I can get it on the road a wee bit quicker. For dyed in the wool classic race fans, $100 for the day is well worth it . However, if you want to catch a wider group and grow that fan-base you might need to look at pricing. At the end of the day value is measured by how many people purchase. If numbers are dissapointing then judgement has been passed, assuming appropriate marketing etc.

I assume visitor numbers especially unique visitors are being measured each day? It may be that you've simply spread the general public (i.e. not your core attendees) attendance over 6 days instead of 3. If numbers aren't good then your model is wrong, as simple as that.

[RacerT]

As a member of the paying public, I was disappointed at the quantity of cars in some of the fields, compared to previous Festivals I have attended. Was it because Kumeu was on the same weekend, was it because Taupo was the week before, or was it because the focus was for a marque? I dont have the answers to any of the questions, but I will admit that this years festival didnt appear to have the same kind of "vibe" that every other I have been to had.

I read on another website this morning that the crowd yesterday (incidently the only day I went, or will be going), was said to be the largest so far? I noted a lack of trade support relative to other years, and the timetable was a bit slow.

Dont get me wrong, I appreciate the massive effort to promote and run this event and I know we are damn lucky to have an event like this in NZ. But I was still disappopinted, given the price to attend, the fact that its the only motor racing event I take my teenage son too, and that some classes were appearing a little thin for quantity, or depth of vehicle content.

Oh yeah, yes I've raced, and I know what it takes to prepare and run an older vehicle, and have assisted with promoting and running motorsport events previously..........just saying :p

Hi Habu.
As one of the directors of the Festival, I can tell you that we think long and hard about the upcoming Festival and try to make each year a bigger and better 'circus'. The competitor entry was down, noticeably the BMW's, but the new class of Sports Sedans added many interesting cars. Next week there will be three new classes, including Formula Libre. The Taupo round the weekend before does impact on the Festival, but HRC has many competitors asking for that event, so what do we do? There were more trade stands than last year, positioned down the wall where the spectators come in. Ray mentioned that some classic and historic events are free for spectators, but these are the low profile events that cater solely for the competitors. All HRC events are marketed and advertised to try to build up classic and historic racing and a gate charge is made to cover these costs. We are trying to build up motorsport overall, firstly by building a circuit and then promoting race meetings to the public. I know the $40 entry charge is at the upper level, but early bird and online purchasing is cheaper. (V8 Supercars are considerably more expensive). My wife and I went to the movies the other night the other night and paid $17 each for a two hour film - 8 hours of motorsport is much better value! I think we have learnt that both competitors and spectators are fickle and we definitely cannot please them all, but I guess we will keep trying!

[Paul Wilkinson]

It looks like a fantastic, world class event. Any criticism I've given is intended to be positive. I'm sure we all appreciate all the hard work, time and money you've all put into it.

[ERC]

Tony, I am drafting a positive response to you and your committee, as like many on here, I desperately want this annual event to be a huge success. I first of all need to circulate an email for a response from our own drivers on one aspect of it - and you'll get that email tomorrow anyway!

I have also sent an email to Habu and Shoreboy57 for their views.

[fullnoise68]

There`s an old saying `you can`t please all the people all the time, you can only please some people some of the time' and that is pretty much the case here. Being on the inside looking out, the first thing about the weekend when the HMC marquee blew over, was firstly how everyone pitched in to help, and secondly that no one was hurt or worse. I`m not a religious person but someone was looking out for us. The Festival is a social occasion whereby you don`t get reemed for pit walks, etc and where everyday people can enjoy a good family outing and get to see some pretty exotic cars and a lot of kiwi ingenuity. It is also about celebrating NZ motorsport history and for those that can see a bit beyond their noses, the `older' generation are gradually leaving this world, so make the most of the opportunity you are given to meet and speak with them.

[spinner32]

I have just returned to Christchurch after having a fantastic weekend at the Festival. Tony, you have a great facility, I really enjoyed having a thrash around in a borrowed Ferrari. I found everyone extremely friendly, and have made some great contacts for my own racing projects. I agree that the fields were a bit thin, but the quality of racing was right up there. I agree also that you are better to have conforming cars than just letting anyone in to make up numbers. I'm sad that I won't see Barry's Monaro run, but seeing the other Sports sedans and HMC cars race was worth the trip. A special thanks to Tony Rutherford, Ray Williams, and all the other track workers who made me feel so welcome. Pete Blomfield

[Limezed]

I went along on Saturday and thoroughly enjoyed it. It's a meeting where there is just as much (more) action in the pits than out on the track. Hats off to all those involved, both racers and organisers.

Also I was only charged $20 and parked free infield, so if you have something a bit different then the show and shine makes it both cheaper for you and gives the punters yet another thing to look at.

Keep up the good work guys.

[John McKechnie]

Limezed- thanks for dropping in and saying hello. Good to catch up with you and from the look in your eyes, we need to find a space for you to play in.Still enjoy your video

[Frosty5]

The thing that really struck me and I guess I am a tad biased, was the enthusiasm of the punters around the HMC marquee. (fortunately that was the only roll over for the weekend!!!) It was jaw dropping stuff for a lot of them. When all said and done, the fact is that the festival is all about history and it is active and punters get involved in it. For the majority of classes, punters were curious, asked a lot of questions and showed immense interest in the cars. For a lot of the kids they would never have seen anything like it before in their lives so well done to the competitors, the officials and Jim Barclay and his band of organisers. Was great to see Racer T having an experience of a lifetime in driving the PDL Mustang, makes a change from the air conditioned General. He will be buzzing for weeks after that and will probably get a second dose this weekend!!!!!
Dave Graham

[Malcolm McLeod]

Hey Snoozin, absolutely brilliant photo's!!!!!
I will need to get some enlargements done later of some of those.
That photo of the F1 car could have been taken at any racing circuit - and unless you said turn x at Hampton Downs, then one would automatically think somewhere in Europe.
Well done!


Fantastic day, I can't make it tomorrow due to other event commitments but here is a few so far. Hundreds to come!

http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5510/12009589316_0b1e5f1bb8_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/snoozinrichy/12009589316/)
IMG_8063 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/snoozinrichy/12009589316/) by SnoozinRichy (http://www.flickr.com/people/snoozinrichy/), on Flickr

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7433/12008775955_1fe79b1729_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/snoozinrichy/12008775955/)
IMG_8100 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/snoozinrichy/12008775955/) by SnoozinRichy (http://www.flickr.com/people/snoozinrichy/), on Flickr

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7346/12008772115_bc57f527d9_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/snoozinrichy/12008772115/)
IMG_8115 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/snoozinrichy/12008772115/) by SnoozinRichy (http://www.flickr.com/people/snoozinrichy/), on Flickr

http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5540/12008772095_dd5b719e59_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/snoozinrichy/12008772095/)
IMG_8715 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/snoozinrichy/12008772095/) by SnoozinRichy (http://www.flickr.com/people/snoozinrichy/), on Flickr

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7384/12009121774_1d3a5a9d3f_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/snoozinrichy/12009121774/)
IMG_8858 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/snoozinrichy/12009121774/) by SnoozinRichy (http://www.flickr.com/people/snoozinrichy/), on Flickr

[kiwi285]

In this modern day and age I wouldn't have thought that the admission price was at all over the top. The fact that you can poke your head inside the cars and under the bonnet and talk to the drivers and crew is a big plus. Reminds me of the Tasman Series races back in the 60's when you could go and talk to the F1 drivers who came out here for some R & R.

Where would historic racing be if it wasn't for the efforts put in by all of the people at HD and the Historic racing Club. A damn great job by all.

[Rod Grimwood]

HD, you all do a great job, from the top office right to the people looking after pits, the track, cleaning toilets etc. You do it as well as is possible.

Sit a young kid in a F5000 and tell parent to get photos and look at the reaction of the kid (just mention it and kids eyes open) and the parents, it is easy to chat to them and answer questions. Now next year that parent will be hounded, 'dad lets go to the racing'
Also it is amazing how many faces I see from previous meetings and some stop and chat, others just nod take photo and wander on.
Why they do this is because they are allowed to, and I believe it is a wonderful thing, so hats off Tony, Graham and crew, well done.

[Jizim]

It looks like a fantastic, world class event. Any criticism I've given is intended to be positive. I'm sure we all appreciate all the hard work, time and money you've all put into it.

Hi ya Paul....ha ha ha ,,,mate I would pay $200 just to go see me drive a Ferrari 458 around this track. Plus another $200 just to listen to the music of that V12 F1 car.....Come along next weekend with your family mate....pay ya $40 or what ever it is...come have a photo in the Safety Car....I will chuck a couple of extra peanut butter sanga's in the lunch box for you and even let you use my fridge in the end bay to keep your drinks cold! We could have a natter about the good old days and the mean green machine that gave us our jollys a few years back .....the atmosphere and friendliness of everyone including any of the stars there....(.me included...ha ..) I have met some lovely people here and everyone seems to be so bloody happy......not a shithead to be seen....oh and did anyone mention an air display........Mate ya gotta do it! I will guarantee you that you will go home feeling like you had one great day and ya kids will be fizzing at the bung like an old keg. If by the remotest chance you don't leave the track in trance like state with a strange smile on ya dial I will recompense any money spent! Besides all that, I wouldn't mind catching up with you. Kindest regards, Tony Rutherford.

[kiwi285]

I would also like to give a big vote of thanks to the flaggies who stand out in the weather all day long and cannot get to see any of the pit action because of where they are. They do a marvellous and sometimes thankless job but we wouldn't have any races without them and their commitment.

I have friend who owns a Lamborghini Aventador and he just loves letting people sit in it to have their photos taken. It is amazing the number of older women who are keen to have their photos taken sitting in the car. And the grins on peoples faces when they get out says it all. Yes that would give kids something to tell their mates at school.

[Malcolm McLeod]

THANK YOU VERY MUCH!!!!!!!
Your appreciation is.....appreciated!


I would also like to give a big vote of thanks to the flaggies who stand out in the weather all day long and cannot get to see any of the pit action because of where they are. They do a marvellous and sometimes thankless job but we wouldn't have any races without them and their commitment.

I have friend who owns a Lamborghini Aventador and he just loves letting people sit in it to have their photos taken. It is amazing the number of older women who are keen to have their photos taken sitting in the car. And the grins on peoples faces when they get out says it all. Yes that would give kids something to tell their mates at school.

[Steve Holmes]

Thanks everyone who has posted up photos here for those who couldn't attend. Don't you just love the internet! Keep the pics coming guys, this stuff is really enjoyable.

[Steve Holmes]

I see a few comments relating to car numbers at this event. To my mind, and this is just a personal thing, an event like this should always be about quality, not quantity. OK, if you can have both, that would be ideal, but for me an event like this is about seeing the best and most interesting cars, not merely seeing lots of cars.

There are cars running at this event that you cannot see anywhere else. For me, there are four cars I really want to see, for personal reasons. They are the Graeme Addis Charger, the Barry Algie Monaro, Ian Algie Alfetta, and the Sidchrome Mustang. I was born in the 1970s, and grew up watching Sports Sedan racing, and seeing these amazing, wild and crazy cars that were so loud, temperamental, and unique.

I always loved watching the Ian Algia Alfetta, and am really looking forward to actually seeing this car race again for the first time since the late 1980s. Same with the Addis Charger. I saw this car racing in period, and always loved it. I haven't seen the car for over 25 years. I only saw the Sidchrome Mustang race once, at Manfeild, in the early 1980s when George owned it. I never got to see the Barry Algie Monaro race. My local race track was Manfeild, and Barry never ventured down that far during any of my visits. But I got to see the car on tv when it raced at Pukekohe and Bay Park.

For me, the $40 entry is worth it just to see these cars, as they're all a part of my childhood, and the very reason I am so passionate about motor racing. I guess, they're the very reason this website exists.

OK, of course there are many others I'm looking forward to seeing, but for me its about the individual cars, and the stories they tell, and not so much about the racing itself.

I am sure there are many others like me, who attend just to see one or two cars in particular. Thats what this event is about. Quality over quantity every time for me.

[ERC]

Thanks to Shoreboy57 and Habu for their PMs and comments. Much appreciated.

Sorry Steve, low numbers are a massive put off for paying spectators. Fine wandering around the pits, but try sitting out on the track and see how fast you (and the family) get bored looking at empty tarseal.

Continued low grid numbers will kill the Festival and I'll say it publically even if others might not, but half a grid of BMW E30s is not an attraction that I would pay for - ever. A full grid of E30s I could tolerate at the Festival - just, but only if there were no other more interesting and worthy cars available.

[Howard Wood]

Hi Habu.
As one of the directors of the Festival, I can tell you that we think long and hard about the upcoming Festival and try to make each year a bigger and better 'circus'. The competitor entry was down, noticeably the BMW's, but the new class of Sports Sedans added many interesting cars. Next week there will be three new classes, including Formula Libre. The Taupo round the weekend before does impact on the Festival, but HRC has many competitors asking for that event, so what do we do? There were more trade stands than last year, positioned down the wall where the spectators come in. Ray mentioned that some classic and historic events are free for spectators, but these are the low profile events that cater solely for the competitors. All HRC events are marketed and advertised to try to build up classic and historic racing and a gate charge is made to cover these costs. We are trying to build up motorsport overall, firstly by building a circuit and then promoting race meetings to the public. I know the $40 entry charge is at the upper level, but early bird and online purchasing is cheaper. (V8 Supercars are considerably more expensive). My wife and I went to the movies the other night the other night and paid $17 each for a two hour film - 8 hours of motorsport is much better value! I think we have learnt that both competitors and spectators are fickle and we definitely cannot please them all, but I guess we will keep trying!

Hi Tony,

As you know there is so much competition for the entertainment dollar today and despite the predictions there seems less leisure time available so most attractions have to reinvent themselves every so often to stay fresh and relevant.

As a competitor with very strong views on the need to maintain historical accuracy in "Historic" classes I fully support the direction and ethos of the festival and would love to see it develop to become the equal of any of the major festivals word wide. I also realise that you need to offer more than one weekend's racing to attract overseas entries and this is particularly true for the F/ Juniors next year. On the other hand, for local entrants particularly those running in other concurrent series the two weekend format can be a challenge. In my case, the Taupo BMW series round Jan 11/12 folllowed by two weekends of the Festival requires other family members sacrificing too much of their available holiday time year after year than is reasonable.

In addition, the date clash with the Scope races in the South Island means that many potential competitors (and I know several FFers in this category) have to make a choice between the two. Is it practical to split the festival format over two weekends between HD and Scope (or some other venue such as Queenstown) with the option of a either a one weekend or two weekend entry fee? It seems to me that this might offer something to attract more overseas entrants, show other parts of the country what you are trying to do here while catering for time poor local competitors such as myself.

[Habu]

Hi Habu.
As one of the directors of the Festival, I can tell you that we think long and hard about the upcoming Festival and try to make each year a bigger and better 'circus'. The competitor entry was down, noticeably the BMW's, but the new class of Sports Sedans added many interesting cars. Next week there will be three new classes, including Formula Libre. The Taupo round the weekend before does impact on the Festival, but HRC has many competitors asking for that event, so what do we do? There were more trade stands than last year, positioned down the wall where the spectators come in. Ray mentioned that some classic and historic events are free for spectators, but these are the low profile events that cater solely for the competitors. All HRC events are marketed and advertised to try to build up classic and historic racing and a gate charge is made to cover these costs. We are trying to build up motorsport overall, firstly by building a circuit and then promoting race meetings to the public. I know the $40 entry charge is at the upper level, but early bird and online purchasing is cheaper. (V8 Supercars are considerably more expensive). My wife and I went to the movies the other night the other night and paid $17 each for a two hour film - 8 hours of motorsport is much better value! I think we have learnt that both competitors and spectators are fickle and we definitely cannot please them all, but I guess we will keep trying!

Hi Tony,

Thank you for taking the time to respond to my criticisms. In relation to the trade displays, I clearly missed their representation. Although the entry price was $40, I didnt feel as though I had the same value for money relative to previous years - clearly my expectations had been exceeded by your previous efforts! As you have correctly indicated, compared to the movies, the Festival does represent good value for money for the time you can spend. The $5 parking charge could hardly be classified as exorbitant. As far as the Hampton Downs facility is concerned, it is always a pleasure to visit.

As a fickle spectator, I look forward to 2015.

[John McKechnie]

Further to what Steve said above- quite simply, we all know these guys and the cars.
If we want to see them continually demonstrate racing their Historic cars then

adopt one, be part of that family, help the owner keep the dream alive, help when needed, help when not needed, go to night school learn some fabricating skills,take the pressure off the guy that it is up to him and only him to prep the car, fuel it, check oil, tyres and bonnet pins just before a race.
There can never be too many supporters

Just an observation on keeping numbers up.

[Oldfart]

Well said John. There was a time (good old days?) when the "hangers on" were what made it possible. That hasn't changed. Flaggies are always in demand too!

[John McKechnie]

Flaggies are always in demand too!...........
.I can see the bumper sticker now *Sleep with a flaggie, we need more of them*
Do you want a dozen of them Malcolm?

[Malcolm McLeod]

If they're good looking and female!!! LOL

Flaggies are always in demand too!...........
.I can see the bumper sticker now *Sleep with a flaggie, we need more of them*
Do you want a dozen of them Malcolm?

[Malcolm McLeod]

Oh you meen the stickers.......I'll grab them on Sunday.
(Thought you meant flaggies...lol)

If they're good looking and female!!! LOL

[RacerT]

Hi Tony,

As you know there is so much competition for the entertainment dollar today and despite the predictions there seems less leisure time available so most attractions have to reinvent themselves every so often to stay fresh and relevant.

As a competitor with very strong views on the need to maintain historical accuracy in "Historic" classes I fully support the direction and ethos of the festival and would love to see it develop to become the equal of any of the major festivals word wide. I also realise that you need to offer more than one weekend's racing to attract overseas entries and this is particularly true for the F/ Juniors next year. On the other hand, for local entrants particularly those running in other concurrent series the two weekend format can be a challenge. In my case, the Taupo BMW series round Jan 11/12 folllowed by two weekends of the Festival requires other family members sacrificing too much of their available holiday time year after year than is reasonable.

In addition, the date clash with the Scope races in the South Island means that many potential competitors (and I know several FFers in this category) have to make a choice between the two. Is it practical to split the festival format over two weekends between HD and Scope (or some other venue such as Queenstown) with the option of a either a one weekend or two weekend entry fee? It seems to me that this might offer something to attract more overseas entrants, show other parts of the country what you are trying to do here while catering for time poor local competitors such as myself.

Thanks Howard.
Very constructive and well thought through, as all your posts are! TR

[Racer Rog]

In the deep South (Mainland) we run the ENZED CLASSIC, this is the weekend after the Skope, so we are always interested in working in with the others, in fact we organizes to get the Formula Juniors down to the South Island with the support from our own club (CMRC) and Toll Logistics, and this was the icing on the cake for these guys, we think that we have one of the best little Historic and Classic meetings in the South and we do try to stick to H & C type cars and in the main we do, but also have invited cars of interest, and this is to fill the fields. Our prime objective to make sure every one has fun and we ensure a great social side to the meeting, as many from the North Island can attest to, yes we do let them run provided they have a letter from their mothers saying that they are allowed to play. At this point in time we are accepting late entries for this years meeting, starting on Waitangi day with qualifying starting on Friday at noon. if any are interested PM me.
Roger

[ERC]

From today:



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No not mine...

Not many spectators at all today. Maybe many will be elsewhere for the long weekend.

Good to see Grant Kern back again. It wasn't the gearbox last weekend, it was the clutch.

Gordon Burr had to bring the V8 Escort rather than the Alfetta.

When I left, Barry was awaiting fuel for the Monaro.

John Dennehy's rare Aston Zagato popped a plug.

[SPman]

Shit - what happened to George's Mustang?

[John McKechnie]

front suspension problem, he hopes to back asap

[stirlingmac]

Any pics of Burrs' Escort is that the ex Ian Taylor car from Wellington ?....I have fond memories of that car

[ERC]

Yes! And yes...




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[CUSTAXIE50]

well it was my first time at HD on friday, and it was the last outing for the day,so you could say i was late.Thanks Tony for the bread roll i had it on my way home in Cambridge where i fueled up.Now the first thing for me at HD i could not see all the track from where i was by the Grandstand and also in the pits, its a great looking place but i cant see all the racing i can hear it.I was in Morrinsville picking up a gearbox, so i was almost there so i came up for a look see i wanted to see Georges Mustang,but looking at the photo up here hes got his hands full at putting the old girl back to the way it was at the start of the day.I had a wee lol at the signs on some of the buildings,it went something like this-- No jacks-No axle stands and No refueling on the tar seal and if you do it will cost you$100. Well there was one f5000 that they started, that part was alright but i moved away when they started refueling it with the motor running on the tar seal with a 20litre fuel can,its not the fuel that they are putting in the tank that turns to fire its whats in the can also Fuel Vapour not very safe at all with the other cars around them only my view.Well will have to get my a into g because they are running the north island sidecar champs at palmy speedway tonight and i dont want to be late for that.All the best to all at HD for the weekend and be safe out there.

[ERC]

Custaxie - some people do not seem to be aware of the current MSNZ regulations regarding refuelling...

As for viewing. ALL my photographs at HD are taken from spectator allowed areas. Very few road tracks anywhere in the world allow 100% track viewing from any one point and generally those that do, are not that good for taking photographs anyway.

Very few also allow unlimited paddock access for free either.

I spoke to a neighbour who went to HD last week and he was blown away just how spectator friendly it was and more to the point, how friendly all the drivers and support crews were.

Good crowd there again today - Saturday.

What many wanted to see. A few teething problems though, so you had to grab a pic on lap one or two.

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[ERC]

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[Powder]

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Is the Mustang an original Group A car? I thought they'd all found their way back to Australia but perhaps George S. has had one tucked away.

Interesting to read the comments about how to target the event to spectators.
I've attended all the previous festivals but decided to skip this one simply because I'm not a big Ferrari fan.
The HMC has a lot of appeal to me but that'll be bigger and better next year so I don't feel I've missed too much.

Ticket price is largely irrelevant (within reason) for a once a year event. If it's something I really want to see I'll pay $100 or more.

I also agree with Steve H's comments on quality rather than quantity, but I'd include races per day in the argument. Currently if you want to have a good look around the paddock then you're missing action on the track. I see nothing wrong with 8 races per day with 40min breaks. Perhaps even the drivers/crews would prefer a less hectic schedule?

The Howden Ganley event has the potential to be quite interesting as he drove a wide variety of cars (any chance of a Le Mans Matra making an appearance?). I also hope the list of future events might include a Porsche Festival. The company has a good sporting history in NZ (well, more so than Ferrari anyway) and the Porsche Museum has been very supportive of similar events overseas. But if you had a Mustang Festival I'd be there all 6 days :).

Malcolm

[CUSTAXIE50]

Ok, what good is it to me if i pay to get in and sit in the grandstand only to see the front part of the track.

[Andrew Metford]

I also hope the list of future events might include a Porsche Festival. The company has a good sporting history in NZ (well, more so than Ferrari anyway) and the Porsche Museum has been very supportive of similar events overseas.

The 2015 Festival is celebrating Porsche, so book your hoildays now :)

[Powder]

The 2015 Festival is celebrating Porsche, so book your hoildays now :)

Great to hear, thanks.
There's a post earlier in the thread that implies next year's festival is to celebrate Howden Ganley.
Is the 2015 event a combined Ganley/Porsche Festival or have I got my wires crossed?

[ERC]

2015 is Howden Ganley, 2016 is Porsche. Porsches are too common and too similar for me. Ferrari has an attraction that few other marques can emulate. Porsche only did F1 in the 1.5 litre formula from 1961 - 1966 and only produced two car models. One (slow) four cylinder ex F2 car and one 8 cylinder. I think they won just one F1 race, but happy to be corrected.

Ferrari have been involved in F1 from day 1 and have produced literally dozens of iconic F1 cars. One F1 1500cc Porsche would not have the spectator pulling power that the Ferrari F1 cars obviously had, judging by the crowd response.

Sorry Powder, but it is easy enough to watch the cars and races you want over a three day period. Eight races a day? Boring. Very boring. You hike to one part of the track then have to hike back again 8 times to fill in the day? I think not.

Many drivers do not like the two or three day meetings simply because there is TOO MUCH hanging around. They are there from 8am and if they are in the last race, they are hanging around for 9 hours for two 12 minute races. At a one day meeting, a driver gets one practice and three races and at least 50% prefer that - and yes, this is taken from a poll of all driver in our series, not just an opinion.

Spreading the Festival over three days, plus a day for documentation and scrutineering, often puts off those who are working for a living too.

Custaxie, if you want to see more of the track in one go, rent an apartment!

I haven't yet been to Highland Park but at 4.1kms long, much of it is out of sight altogether... And Powder, a small grid on a long track makes it even worse for paying spectators. I am not paying to see empty tarseal whilst a procession of six cars circulates, getting further and further spaced out. That isn't racing. It doesn't help when the attrition rate is high either - which it usually is. I suggest you look at the finishing numbers for the last races of weekend 1.

Might just as well speed group the cars and send 45 cars out for a tour and let us see 400 different cars. (Only kidding...)

Monaco Historics 2012, penned into one section of the track; stuck behind tall catch fencing or too far from the track to get a clear pic; not even being allowed to go from one quarter full grandstand to another; not being allowed into the paddock without an extra pass; constant 40 minute waits in the hot sun, with nothing happening on track (other than ViPs being ferried around), means I'd never ever go back.

The HD Festival may not be perfect, but I'd rather spectate there than Pukekohe - or Monaco.

[Paul Wilkinson]

I wonder if having the same theme over 2weekends/6 days is spreading too little jam over too much toast? Come on one day and you've seen everything. Maybe have different themes/marques celebrated each day and load the programme towards them on that day? You'll potentially broaden the market a bit and get different visitors on each day supplementing your core group.

[ERC]

It worked with the one marque for BMW and for Ferrari, as both local suppliers were very supportive of the event.

I managed to cadge a ride in the Ferrari FF course car, supplied by Continental cars, but the signage and club stands wouldn't be quite as easy with two different marques, meaning a massive changeover from week to week.

There has been more discussion (on the MB's) this time than normal but suggestions need to be sent directly to the Festival Committee for consideration. There is also much going on in the background that we are blissfully unaware of.

Next year, (it probably works on a two year cycle) we should have a larger overseas contingent with the Formula Juniors and F5000's back in force and possiby the Australian Muscle Cars, so grids hopefully will be bigger than this year in those three sections at least.

I do agree that changing some things between each weekend is a massive positive though, as I was happy enough going down for part of both Fridays and both Saturdays.

Whilst the Classic Trial may not be to everyone's liking, they at least managed to turn up with 36 cars and some of those cars are interesting in their own right.


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[Haga]

Festival live on net: http://live.hamptondowns.com/

[TonyG]

Ok, what good is it to me if i pay to get in and sit in the grandstand only to see the front part of the track.

Baypark - where you sat was what you saw.
Pukekohe - a little more if you sat in the Hill stand top southern end (just objects moving at other side of track though)
Manfield - Same as Baypark
Lakeside - Same
Willowbank - Bit like Puke - see right in front of you and objects moving across the other side.
Gold Coast - Sounds like Monaco - can't go from half empty stand to stand or in pits without extra dollar passes and see bugger all through animal cage surrounding track.

Its the same world wide so I see this as a bit of a lame complaint. What are the facilities meant to have ? Grandstands like Indianapolis where you are that far away you are watching coloured ants race?

Sorry just seems like a silly complaint - you either want a race track or you don't. Enjoy what you have. They are fast disappearing.

Tony

[Oldfart]

Ok, what good is it to me if i pay to get in and sit in the grandstand only to see the front part of the track.

I don't understand why you would arrive at a place you have not been before and not take a walk around to find the spot, or spots that best suit you. I have been to a huge number of tracks and for me HD is THE most spectator friendly. I have yet to decide which of the viewing spots I like best and keep moving almost all day.

[ERC]

Agree with Oldfart. The joy of HD is that from the spectator area you can walk to the bank and watch the exit of turn 1, through 2 and into three. Walk 100m and watch them crest the brow of turn three and down in to turn 4 hairpin. Walk 300m and see them exit turn 3 and enter/exit turn 4 and also see them exiting turn 5 (the droppng hairpin) and down to the long sweeper. Walk another 300m and park yourself on the bank and see them exit the first hairpin and through turn 5 and down to the sweeper. Move up the bank 50m and watch them through the hairpin and the sweeper up the hill and to the finish line. You can even view from the pit wall now and again after the starts at many meetings and walk along and watch them enter turn 1.

You can even sit outside Hamptons and watch them ourt of turn 1 and down to turn 2. Magic - and you have only walked a kilometre.

If you are spritely, you can even watch each lap in an 8 lap race from a different viewpoint, all of them photographically friendly. Where else can you do that?

If all you want to do is park your posterior in a seat and drink beer all day, then you aren't going get the best HD has to offer.

The only downside is that apart from Hamptons, there is little or no shade or shelter, but in that respect is is no different from Teretonga, Manfeild and Taupo. (I haven't been to the remaining South island tracks - yet.

At Pukekohe at a big meeting, you are denied access to the covered stand there too unless you have a pass - and even that courtesy isn't extended to drivers! You are also denied spectator access to the esses and until recently, the hairpin.

[Powder]

2015 is Howden Ganley, 2016 is Porsche.

Thanks for the clarification of the dates.



Porsches are too common and too similar for me. Ferrari has an attraction that few other marques can emulate. Porsche only did F1 in the 1.5 litre formula from 1961 - 1966 and only produced two car models. One (slow) four cylinder ex F2 car and one 8 cylinder. I think they won just one F1 race, but happy to be corrected.


....umm, there's a bit more to motor racing than just F1.



Sorry Powder, but it is easy enough to watch the cars and races you want over a three day period. Eight races a day? Boring. Very boring. You hike to one part of the track then have to hike back again 8 times to fill in the day? I think not.


On my previous visits to the Festivals I've probably only watched 3 or 4 races per day and spent the rest of the time in the paddock talking to people, so it seemed to me that a full race programme was wasted on me. But thinking about it a bit more, having the noise of racing going on adds to the atmosphere, even if I'm not actually watching the race. So, yeah, keep the programme as it is.



I haven't yet been to Highland Park but at 4.1kms long, much of it is out of sight altogether...


And they're bidding for the NZGP to be moved there! If Motorsport NZ give them the race then I'll know they're not fit to run the sport in this country.



Might just as well speed group the cars and send 45 cars out for a tour and let us see 400 different cars. (Only kidding...)


Hey good idea, you should start a race series. :)



Monaco Historics 2012, ......I'd never ever go back.


Le Mans Classic is the one for me. Dozens of vantage points, open pits, fantastic cars from all ages.



The HD Festival may not be perfect, but I'd rather spectate there than Pukekohe - or Monaco.


Agreed, excellent venue and event, and long may it continue (phew back on topic at last).

Malcolm

[ERC]

Thanks for that. Thankfully, there are many different viewpoints and the Festival committee is probably well aware of most of them.

We'll never get a total consensus but NZ motorsport is probably strongest in the Classic & Historic arena and particularly strong when the overseas cars and drivers boost the quality and the numbers.

There is still plenty of scope for expanding the festival over the rest of the site over the years to come but they proved this time, that whilst F1 may not be everyone's cup of tea, there is no doubt whatever that seeing/hearing F1 cars on the track is a huge drawcard.

Ironically, with only one or two cars on the track at a time for their demo runs, you could appreciate the noise.

I'm not sure that even a Porsche 917 would have the same appeal to the general public.

[CUSTAXIE50]

I don't understand why you would arrive at a place you have not been before and not take a walk around to find the spot, or spots that best suit you. I have been to a huge number of tracks and for me HD is THE most spectator friendly. I have yet to decide which of the viewing spots I like best and keep moving almost all day. I did have a walk about,and i did see some getting on the piss in the apartments and having a good time all good.you would have to go a long way to better manfeild oldfart,look at it this way seeing Ken Smith at 72 and others put the wood into it as they go over the start line,and see 100% of the race from one spot.Only my view and this may not be right. you would hear 100% of the race and see 25% of the race at HD would that be right oldfart,Tony and the others as i have said before have done a great job at building up HD and still are working on it ,and i take my hat off to them for all this work.

[ERC]

Agree that you can see a lot of the track at Manfeild, but hopeless for an amateur taking photographs.

[CUSTAXIE50]

You would have more then a box camera,any good one of todays cameras would do go stand on the hill ERC.

[ERC]

I use a 300mm lens now on a modern SLR digital camera and I can assure you that Manfeild has virtually no decent viewing spots to get a photograph that I would be happy with. Certainly. there would be no variety. Lets just agree to differ. What you want and what I want from a race track as a spectator, differs.

[Michael Clark]

Porsche in F1 from 1961-66??

Ray - they lasted until the end of 1962 and then ran away. A Porsche car has never been seen in F1 since. End of story.

[Racer Rog]

The Porsche Club would seem to be a dead duck, we were asked by some local Porsche club guys if we could do something for them at our ENZED Classic meeting for this year, the weekend after Skope, so designed the meeting around that, given that its 50 years of Porsche Competition ( give or take a couple of months) asked for some support from local dealers, not money, just a little help in getting in formation out, got jack shit, plus we have the grand total of 9 Porsches. it is much the same in other classes as well, they come to us with great promises of full grids, which we are more than happy to provide, them front up with 6 cars, of which 5 will be ring ins. So you really have to be very careful when trying to figure out just how you want to play these meetings, but it does help if you can feature a class or marque with success, it gives a depth to the meeting.
Roger

[ERC]

Porsche in F1 from 1961-66??
Ray - they lasted until the end of 1962 and then ran away. A Porsche car has never been seen in F1 since. End of story.
Thanks Michael! I really meant that the 1.5 litre formula was 1961 to end 1965, not that Porsche were ever presents.

We used to cheer Godin de Beaufort trundling around at the back of the grid!

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[Malcolm McLeod]

I did hear an unconfirmed whisper of a couple of possible changes for next year's festival, which if they happen, may result in a much larger profile, and make it truely an Event!
IF this is the case, I would suggest an invite to a few Aussie saloons wouldn't go amiss.....

[rogered]

Porsche in F1 from 1961-66??

Ray - they lasted until the end of 1962 and then ran away. A Porsche car has never been seen in F1 since. End of story.

They did "not a bad job" powering a few mclarens at one stage

[fullnoise68]

Good on John McKechnie for taking out the Denny Hulme award at main prize giving yesterday afternoon for his efforts in getting the Sports Sedan class organised for the event. Also to Howard Wood for the Best Overall BMW award and the entertainment value he added to running with HMC. On a personal note I`d like to thank the HMC directors Dale, Steve Holmes and Tony Roberts for nominating me for the HMC class award. For me, it`s about making it happen as a group and there are others within HMC who should have got it, but I am stoked and thanks to everyone for a great fortnight of social fun, and a bit of motor racing!

[Rod Grimwood]

[QUOTE=Rod Grimwood;37220]HD, you all do a great job, from the top office right to the people looking after pits, the track, cleaning toilets etc. You do it as well as is possible.




above was last week,

Sorry Guy's but this week was a total disaster for us.
Saturday we went to fit new tyres for qualifying and found that the 2 young fellas did not know how to do them, and we were told that someone would be there after 10am. Well our Qualifying was at 10:15 so stiff. Then we are told that they can not do them as the machine is not there (in Cromwell apparently) Our driver was in Pukekohe getting tyres fitted when our qualifying was on. So straight to back of grid, thanks guy's. (yes I was/am pissed with it)

We were only 1 of a heap who had problems with tyre fitting. Sorry but the 'new' outfit is not up to it and this needs to be addressed seriously. When Peter Van Bruegal was there you dropped rims to him and 1/2hr later they are done, He works of a truck with missus. Mind you he knows what he is doing, not like the (shall not name them) outfit that apparently had contract for this week end. (Interesting prices as well but thats another thing)

[Michael Clark]

Yes Rogerd - which is why I chose my words carefully!

[ERC]

I did hear an unconfirmed whisper of a couple of possible changes for next year's festival, which if they happen, may result in a much larger profile, and make it truly an Event!

I think that at this stage, some would have been confirmed but a lot of suggestions have probably not even been discussed - officially.

As always, there was lots of talk and many suggestions made but there is no doubt whatever that there is a tremendous support for the Festival and a willingness from all parties to make it successful.

I believe that there will be a stronger F5000 and FJ contingent, working on the assumption that these groups are swelled every two years and probably the Australian Muscle Cars too.

We'll just have to wait then for an official statement as to which if any of the many suggestions have been taken on board.

[Jaydee]

Thanks to all the support people who make all this possible. They did a great job even though I would rather not have been looking at the back of the towie on no less than three occasions. Not a happy time in the Escort. But it didn't detract from the event itself and I fully endorse Howard Wood's earlier comments.

Thanks also to Jim for letting me run in the Zag in the pre 78s which was great fun with properly aware drivers from front to back, which is it how it should be. And finally, thanks to big John for the great commentary job and for elevating the Zag to full works status...I only wish it was, John, but it's Rowan's car that was a works build; mine was built by RS Williams and Heritage Racing.

[Shano]

Congrats to John for the Denny Hulme award.

I have a query. I noted many of the cars had memorial stickers for Ivan Segedin and I would like to get one . Can anyone tell me where/how to get one. By pm preferably so as not to hijack the thread.

[EType]

Went out there yesterday and really enjoyed it, at least half a dozen times I saw something which made me think the price of admission was well worth it but one of the best was hearing the 3 Formula One Ferraris circulating the track - you really didn't need to see them - just hearing rise and fall of the combined wail as they circulated was enough.

One of my favourite cars, and I struggle to believe it, was a mid 2,000s? Toyota Corrolla hatchback win it's class (All Comers?) completely stock on the outside with a plain white paint job and circulating in 1 Minute 09s - talked to the driver later - 300HP and 900 kg and front wheel drive.... Maybe a few more interesting modern cars to fill the grids? One of the races only had 12 cars on the Sunday.



Stewart

[John B]

Ok, what good is it to me if i pay to get in and sit in the grandstand only to see the front part of the track.

You can move to the other grandstand and viewing areas. Moving allows you to see the entire track.

[RogerH]

Here is a YouTube clip of part of the morning Sunday Formula Junior race between three front engined cars :

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZOKLu7AQ6aw&feature=youtu.be

[timbo61]

Any time you have the pit/paddock area located on the inside of the track, you are going to have problems seeing all the track from any one position. Thats OK for me, as I'm prepared to walk around the track to the various vantage points to watch the racing. I have a bigger problem though watching racing through 10ft high catch fencing, which is what happens if you sit on the grass banking on the outside of the main straight at HD. It seems to be a big problem for a lot of other people as well, as no one else seems to sit there as well. At least its not as bad as most street circuits, especially Surfers Paradise and Sydney Olympic Park, both for the V8 Supercars.
Visibility is so bad (especially for general admission spectators), you end up watching all the action on the big screens wondering why you bothered to shell out big dollars to attend the event, when you could have watched it on TV at home for free.

[ERC]

Fair comment, but cars on straights - even if it is the start/finish line - don't appeal as much as when they are cornering. The lack of catch fencing on most of the corners at HD is a major attraction for me. The only track that I have seen that comes near in recent times is Goodwood - and that is a pre 1966 track...

All street races suffer from the limited view problem yet probably the best race I have ever seen televised, was the first Wellington Street race.

We probably have to accept that (road) race tracks are for drivers first, spectators second.

Speedway and oval racing are different forms of motorsport sport altogether.

[beowulf]

I have sent some thoughts to Jim Barclay on ways we may be able to improve it. Don't get me wrong it is a very good event. Not up to Goodwood but certainly better than Monaco Historics. Congratulations to the organisers for their efforts to promote an international event a long way from overseas competitors and with a relatively small home base. The sound of THAT Ferrari will echo around my head for quite some time. No rude comments Please.
After listening to it someone raised the question. Which was the best sound. The Ferrari, the 16 cylinder BRM, or the Mosquito?

[Michael Clark]

I suspect a lot of people who heard the V16 BRM have amplified the noise of it at a distance of six decades.

The scrap of the front engine cars in the FJ race was great however the efforts of David against the Goliaths was a real highlight.

[kiwi285]

Great sounds from all three machines. Solely depends on your own personal preferences.

[kiwi285]

Congratulations to John McKechnie for the award of the Denny Hulme trophy - very well deserved for your efforts on several fronts.

I cannot understand the complaints about spectator viewing - I spent the weekends wandering around getting photos for numerous viewing points. HD would definitely be one of the best tracks I have ever been to for spectator viewing and being able to shoot great photos. I really don't know what some people expect - a ride in the car perhaps !!!!

[Michael Clark]

In fact TRSers featured at the prizegiving - John McK as mentioned, Howard got the BMW award, and Jamie A handed over the famous Ken Wharton Trophy...who have I forgotten?

Also great to see Steve there.

[crunch]

Baypark - where you sat was what you saw.
Pukekohe - a little more if you sat in the Hill stand top southern end (just objects moving at other side of track though)
Manfield - Same as Baypark
Lakeside - Same
Willowbank - Bit like Puke - see right in front of you and objects moving across the other side.
Gold Coast - Sounds like Monaco - can't go from half empty stand to stand or in pits without extra dollar passes and see bugger all through animal cage surrounding track.

Its the same world wide so I see this as a bit of a lame complaint. What are the facilities meant to have ? Grandstands like Indianapolis where you are that far away you are watching coloured ants race?

Sorry just seems like a silly complaint - you either want a race track or you don't. Enjoy what you have. They are fast disappearing.

Tony

At Manfield Tony, where you sat you saw the WHOLE track

[Kiwiboss]

At Manfield Tony, where you sat you saw the WHOLE track

Yes, agree Crunch as Manfield is the best viewing track in NZ but has its Achilles heal in the fact no racing can be viewed from the pits unlike Hampton, all tracks have there pro's and con's but aren't we lucky we have all these great tracks here considering our population and country size. NZ is truly a "Motorsport" meca that some countries wish they had and from personal experience's the most affordable country to go racing.

Dale M

[RacerT]

Hi All.
What a great event!

We have received many positive comments for the Festival and as Richard said - "it might be a good moment to reflect on a fabulously successful event that drew some 26,000 spectators over the six days, the biggest gathering ever of Ferraris in NZ, Formula One Ferraris and a large chunk of people for whom this was their first time at a race track".

Thank you to everyone that helped to make the Festival a success, it is certainly a team effort from all concerned.

Roll on the Howden Ganley Festival. There will be a number of fabulous cars for the event.

Tony R

[crunch]

All street races suffer from the limited view problem yet probably the best race I have ever seen televised, was the first Wellington Street race.

.

Ray, that's probably because it didn't have catch fencing as such (ALL!) and a block wall waist height made of square concrete blocks was the pitlane wall. I was a flag marshall at this event at the hairpin after the start/finish line. We were stood on a 4' square concrete block on the inside of the corner and the edges of the tracks were defined by railway sleepers!

[crunch]

It was sooooo cool a viewing spot!!
The FIA track inspector had a minor heart murmur when he saw the track, and without Rob Lester there to "grease the wheels" the race would not have happened.

[Steve Holmes]

Great event, congratulations to everyone involved. I enjoyed catching up with familiar faces again, and thanks to members and visitors of this forum who came up and introduced themselves. Its always great to meet people for the first time who are regulars here.

[Steve Holmes]

This thread has only been running 2 weeks, and has had over 7,500 views..............and counting!

[Steve Holmes]

Good on John McKechnie for taking out the Denny Hulme award at main prize giving yesterday afternoon for his efforts in getting the Sports Sedan class organised for the event. Also to Howard Wood for the Best Overall BMW award and the entertainment value he added to running with HMC. On a personal note I`d like to thank the HMC directors Dale, Steve Holmes and Tony Roberts for nominating me for the HMC class award. For me, it`s about making it happen as a group and there are others within HMC who should have got it, but I am stoked and thanks to everyone for a great fortnight of social fun, and a bit of motor racing!

Steve, as you know, HMC doesn't begin and end with the action on the track. HMC is about helping out fellow competitors, helping behind the scenes to move the class in the right direction, presenting a beautiful car, racing cleanly and giving your fellow drivers space, putting your hand up to take on organisation work, interacting with the punters, printing up and giving away free posters of your race car to the kids (and personally signing them!), and remembering that historic racing is about having fun and leaving the ego at home. You're the complete package, you deserve the award.

[John McKechnie]

Fullnoise68-Absolutely agree you were all of the above, and you also looked after my boy Scotty when he was on the hunt for some oil.

[Shoreboy57]

Never good to see an accident at an historic meet. Does anyone have an update on Brent Willis and his Lola after the crash on Sunday?

[timbo61]

I hope my comments on catch fencing don't sound too negative. Its just a sign of the times that they exist and only requires one stray wheel ending up in the crowd to prove its worth.
In Australia we are blessed that at just about all tracks we can rest our elbows on top of the fencing and watch the racing and take plenty of photos of the action.

[Jizim]

Never good to see an accident at an historic meet. Does anyone have an update on Brent Willis and his Lola after the crash on Sunday?

Yes Brett came out ok and uninjured thank the Good Lord....after hitting a sheet of oil from another car he tagged the wall and the car sustained a minor amount of damage that will be attended to presently. We all wish this super star and his family operated crew well for the next round. Kind regards, Tony Rutherford.

[Rod Grimwood]

Never good to see an accident at an historic meet. Does anyone have an update on Brent Willis and his Lola after the crash on Sunday?


Brett is ok, his shins took a hit but he is a tough bugger and said all is ok. On chatting with Brett on Monday morning he said he had no belt marks etc and that the Hanz device worked brilliantly in that his head was not jolted and the belts over shoulder were absorbed by it.

Brett was unfortunately just along for the ride after hitting the oil. Also it was a angled/glancing blow (still bloody hard hit). Brett had just set his quickest time and was going for it and after starting from back of grid (after missing qualifying and problem in 1st race) he was in 5th and closing in fast. The car will need a lot of work, but this has been discussed with the wizards and it will be time now.

On behalf of the Willis Team, thank you to all who came to check on Brett and for the support you offered to all of us at this time, this is appreciated .

[Rod Grimwood]

We are still going down to the Scope meeting at Ruapuna this weekend to have a good watch and keep an eye on a couple of the boy's and the teams. See you there ladies and gents.

[Alan Hyndman]

Here's a link to Mark Holman's report of the Festival on the Classic and Sports Car magazine's website:

http://www.classicandsportscar.com/news/historic-motor-sport/michael-takes-the-lyons-share-at-hampton-downs-festival?utm_source=Silverpop&utm_medium=EMAIL&utm_campaign=CLAS%20email%20newsletter%20(28.01.2014)&utm_content=read_more_article_3

[CUSTAXIE50]

I was in Hawera on tuesday picking a motor up this time,and i stopped in at the work shop in Wanganui where the Custaxie is,they are getting the car ready for the Skope Classic and are taking the car down there today,and the driver is flying down later in the week.I think they are getting there with this car with all the work that they have done to it,they have looked at the motor and have it running better last time i talked to the driver at Manfeild ,they have fitted a fan to the car to get more air through the radiator to get it to run cooler last time i saw it at Manfeild it was pushing some water out.all the best to all who have worked on this car getting it up to speed for this weekend .as we all know heat kills any motor if you push it hard and this one is an old piece of iron today, and sometimes it takes a lot of work to get it to live as a race motor heres hoping they have a good run this weekend.

[John B]

Here's a link to Mark Holman's report of the Festival on the Classic and Sports Car magazine's website:

http://www.classicandsportscar.com/news/historic-motor-sport/michael-takes-the-lyons-share-at-hampton-downs-festival?utm_source=Silverpop&utm_medium=EMAIL&utm_campaign=CLAS%20email%20newsletter%20(28.01.2014)&utm_content=read_more_article_3

Nice to see some overseas exposure. Let's hope it attracts some international entries for 2015.

[Shano]

Hope you guys don't mind a few more images - couldn't resist the mighty spin

The sound of this thing made your insides rumble2342023422234232342423425

[Shano]

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[Steve Holmes]

Brilliant Shano! There is no such thing as too many photos!

[Shano]

These are out of order but I'm struggling with the uploader a little.
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How about this for a blow-up - must have been a major to make all that smoke23431

[fullnoise68]

Both weekends now loaded on Groundsky Photography, some excellent photos on there for those interested.

[225sloper]

A few shots taken on the Friday,was only there for a couple of hours but was well worth it.2347723476234782347923480

[225sloper]

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[225sloper]

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[Oldfart]

Yes, but a good percentage were Johns! :)


This thread has only been running 2 weeks, and has had over 7,500 views..............and counting!

[225sloper]

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[TonyG]

Nice shots !