Rolex Monterey Motorsport Reunion

[kiwi285]

Here is a large contingent of Kiwi's currently on their way to this event at Laguna Seca in California. I received a phone call this morning from Auckland Airport asking if I would be the conduit for photos taken at this event and others and to post them onto this website for the education of us all.

I have found the website for the event and just looking at the classes that are to race it will be a mind blowing couple of days for the lucky people attending. There is every class that I would ever like to see in action represented here. Rod (Grimme) is going to email photos to me and I will post them as they are received. The event runs from 13 - 16 August. I understand that the group is attending other events whilst in the States.

I know there is a group of F5000 cars and teams attending but nut sure who else is attending from NZ. If anyone knows please post details on this thread so that we can keep up to date.

http://www.mazdaraceway.com/rolex-monterey-motorsports-reunion

Rod has promised heaps of photos and he will post more when he returns.

In the meantime (like me) "eat your heart out' all you historic motorsport enthusiasts who will remain in NZ this month.

[khyndart in CA]

I plan to be there also and may post some photos. ( I promise not to use the Box Brownie camera this time )

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(That is not Ken Hyndman in photo with a Brownie camera ! )

[Roger Dowding]

I plan to be there also and may post some photos. ( I promise not to use the Box Brownie camera this time )

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(That is not Ken Hyndman in photo with a Brownie camera ! )

In 1982 a bunch of Kiwi's who were in the USA, initially for the 30th Anniversary Austin Healey meeting in Snowmass, Colorado. a group of us stayed in the USA and 6 of us [ one an honorary kiwi - Canadian -American ] went to the 9th Historic Meeting at Laguna Seca. an amazing weekend, BMC Boy and I were two of the 6, - small world..
One of the cars that amazed me, amongst all the amazing Ferraris, Porsches [ honured marque ] Alfa Romeos and others was this.
Old Yella 11, which came to Hampton Downs, in recent years apparently.

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Photo not taken with Kens Box Brownie, go to the corkscrew, it is amazing, Frank Gardner likened it to the Dipper at Bathurst, just drops away

[khyndart in CA]

If the event schedule is correct the F 5000 practice and qualify late Friday and do not come out again until late Sunday which is disappointing. Not like the old Ardmore days when the engines had hardly cooled down and then they were off in another race.
Oh well it should be a great gathering and I am looking forward to it.


(Ken Hyndman )

[RacerT]

There are 12 Kiwi F5000's going to Laguna Seca and 45 F5000's in the races. The split between the early cars, pre 1971 classed as 'A' cars and the later post 1971 'B' cars is about 50/50. The hardest thing for the Kiwi's to get used to will be the no spins, no contact rule that expels the drivers from the meeting. Not a bad idea though after seeing four F5000's crash at Hampton Downs this year.
Entry list;
Group Year Make Model Entrant Driver
7B 1976 Lola T430 HU 2 David Abbott David Abbott
7B 1976 Lola T430 HU 1 David Abbott Phil Mauger
7B 1969 McLaren M10A Tim Arnett Tim Arnett
7B 1971 Lotus 70B David Arrowsmith David Arrowsmith
7B 1975 Shadow DN6 Craig Bennett Craig Bennett
7B 1969 Gurney Eagle Michael Brayton Michael Brayton
7B 1974 Lola T332 Zak Brown Richard Dean
7B 1968 Lola T140 John Bryant John Bryant
7B 1970 McLaren M10B Poul Christie Poul Christie
7B 1970 Lola T192 Seb Coppola Seb Coppola
7B 1974 Lola T332 Todd Reiners Steve Davis
7B 1969 Gurney Eagle Johnnie Crean Johnnie Crean
7B 1973 Lola T332 Dudley Cunningham Dudley Cunningham
7B 1970 Surtees TS8 Harindra De Silva Harindra De Silva
7B 1968 Lola T140 Alan Dunkley Alan Dunkley
7B 1971 Lola T-192 Kurt Engelmann Kurt Engelmann
7B 1973 McRae GM-1 Jay Esterer Jay Esterer
7B 1972 Chevron B24 Todd Gerstenberger Todd Gerstenberger
7B 1970 Lola T190 Eric Haga Eric Haga
7B 1969 Surtees TS-5 Mark Harmer Mark Harmer
7B 1977 Elfin MR 8 Bill Hemming Bill Hemming
7B 1971 Lola T-192 Mead Korwin Mead Korwin
7B 1969 McLaren M10B Bruce Maxwell Leeson Bruce Maxwell Leeson
7B 1972 Matich A50 Philip Lewis Philip Lewis
7B 1974 Talon MR1A Grant Martin Grant Martin
7B 1973 Begg FM 5 Lindsay Odonnell Lindsay Odonnell
7B 1971 Webster F5000 Jonathan Ornstein Jonathan Ornstein
7B 1968 Crossle 15F Timothy Osborne Timothy Osborne
7B 1976 Lola T332C Charles F. (rick) Parsons Charles F. (rick) Parsons
7B 1972 Lola T300 Chris Pedersen Chris Pedersen
7B 1975 Lola T400 Glenn Richards Glenn Richards
7B 1969 McLaren M10A Tony Roberts Tony Roberts
7B 1973 McRae GM-1 Steven Ross Steven Ross
7B 1968 Lola T 140 Bruce Sevier Bruce Sevier
7B 1968 Crossle 15F Craig Shrontz Craig Shrontz
7B 1972 McKee MK18 Tom Simpson Tom Simpson
7B 1969 Surtees TS5 Andrew Sleutjes Andrew Sleutjes
7B 1973 McRae GM-1 Jim Stengel Jim Stengel
7B 1973 Chevron B24 Gregory Thornton Gregory Thornton
7B 1969 Lola T190 Salvador Trevino Salvador Trevino
7B 1973 Lola T330 Brett Willis Brett Willis
7B 1973 March 73A Paul Wilson Paul Wilson
7B 1974 Lola T332 Paul Zazryn Paul Zazryn

[kiwi285]

Thanks for posting the entry list Tony. Seems like Kiwi's and Aussie's make up about half the field. Some cars in there that I haven't seen before and one that I have never heard of (Webster F5000).

[khyndart in CA]

This site explains what the Webster F 5000 is..Jerry Eisert also designed the Formula A car that Dennis Marwood drove in NZ during 1969- 70.

http://www.conceptcarz.com/view/photo/943527,22079/1970-Webster-5000_photo.aspx


(Ken Hyndman )

[kiwi285]

Thanks for that info Ken. Yes I have a coloured photos of the Eisart Chev when Dennis was racing it here in NZ.

[Kiwiboss]

There are 12 Kiwi F5000's going to Laguna Seca and 45 F5000's in the races. The split between the early cars, pre 1971 classed as 'A' cars and the later post 1971 'B' cars is about 50/50. The hardest thing for the Kiwi's to get used to will be the no spins, no contact rule that expels the drivers from the meeting. Not a bad idea though after seeing four F5000's crash at Hampton Downs this year.

Interesting what you say Tony, my mate racing his IMSA Boss at the Historics put his wheel off track 4 times in one race kicking up a bit of dust and got expelled for 13months!! image doing that here in NZ, the wild west of motorsport, LOL

Dale M

[khyndart in CA]

About to go off to do some "Grimwood" hunting etc. at Laguna Seca. I will keep you updated on what I find !

( Los Olivos to Laguna Seca is 195 miles (That's 314 kms to the young fellas) or 3.0 hrs driving time )

( Ken Hyndman )

[Steve Holmes]

Hope all you lucky people at Monterey are taking lots of photos!

[khyndart in CA]

I will try Steve, but they will not be up to the Nigel Watts quality !

[Steve Holmes]

Thats OK Ken, we'll greatly appreciate whatever you have to share.

[bry3500]

Pre Reunion meeting
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J6zWRgy95MY

[bry3500]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hxt7J_hWfpA

[khyndart in CA]

August 14 2015.
I just wanted to report that Rod Grimwood has been seen at Laguna Seca, California and he is happy and is in good hands !

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(Ken Hyndman )

[kiwi285]

Why are we not surprised. I was expecting some photos by now - I understand the reason now, LOL

[khyndart in CA]

More Laguna Seca photos soon.

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( Ken Hyndman photos )

[khyndart in CA]

1965-1970 Shelby Mustangs were the featured vehicle for this year's Monterey Historic races.
They had their race on Saturday and I clicked these pix. The race was won by car # 8 driven by owner/driver Terry Lawlor from Australia. He led from start to finish.
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(Ken Hyndman photos )

[Roger Dowding]

Bry 3500, did anyone tell the cyclists and scooter riders there was racing going on as they wandered through the pits !!

[John McKechnie]

And the cyclist is riding the wrong way, thats a real nono............, I am sure Dale can tell us the penalty for that

[khyndart in CA]

Does it change anything if the cars on the left are just coming out of the pit/garage area, the yellow and green cars in the middle are waiting on the dummy grid and on the other side of that concrete barrier is the circuit with no race in progress ?



( Ken Hyndman )

[kiwi285]

Jeez that meeting would have to be on any historic fans bucket list.

[khyndart in CA]

I hope you don't mind if I enter some photos and if you have any questions I will try to answer. I even have some with me in also !
Like I mentioned Rod Grimwood was in good hands.

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The Brett Willis team were a very professional and friendly bunch and a credit to NZ.

I also had a chance to talk to Brian Redman as we told stories of the 1975 Long Beach Grand Prix where he won in this Lola T 332.

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(Ken Hyndman photos )

[khyndart in CA]

More from Laguna Seca.


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(Ken Hyndman photos )

[khyndart in CA]

Mustangs won the Trans Am race. The winning car was # 16 T, a 1970 302 Boss Mustang, driven in 1970 by Peter Gregg, shown here in the garage area with the wheels off.

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( Ken Hyndman photos )

[Roger Dowding]

Ken, great photo's. Hope you don't mind have saved some of them to my " Pictures " collection, with notation as yours.

[khyndart in CA]

Roger, you are most welcome to do whatever you want with my photos and thanks for asking. The quality was spoilt by the heat and no clouds so there is a lot of reflection but still better than the "Box Brownie" type ! There are still more to come. Is that ok ?


(Ken Hyndman )

[Roger Dowding]

Roger, you are most welcome to do whatever you want with my photos and thanks for asking. The quality was spoilt by the heat and no clouds so there is a lot of reflection but still better than the "Box Brownie" type ! There are still more to come. Is that ok ?


(Ken Hyndman )

" Is that ok ? " - of course, waiting for more. As mentioned was at Laguna Seca in 1982 and thought it was awesome, it was a simpler place back then.
during that trip to the USA also went to Portland International Raceway, for one of the North West Classic and Vintage [ as the Americans call them ] meetings, with members of the Austin Healey Club of Oregon.

Could be the start of another thread - Vintage Racing on the West Coast, 1982 style, as have many photo's mainly static but some of the racing.

[khyndart in CA]

Just a few shots of the Formula One cars. (The camera was not working properly )

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(Ken Hyndman photos )

[Grant Sprague]

August 14 2015.
I just wanted to report that Rod Grimwood has been seen at Laguna Seca, California and he is happy and is in good hands !

29797 good photo Roddy u trying to piss yr mates off ....its working lol


(Ken Hyndman ) Thanks Ken great photos ....good to see u mat the lad [Rod]

[khyndart in CA]

Yes Grant, they were a good bunch on the Kiwi teams. It was just a long break between qualifying on Friday and not racing until Sunday.
Here are some more photos. That is Dario Franchitti's brother, Marino, waiting to drive the blue 1975 Gulf Mirage GR8.
( you will note the photo quality changing as my camera was taking a dump which was really annoying..sorry about that but I thought I may as well put the photos in here as it gives an idea of the variety of the racing here at Laguna Seca. )

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( Ken Hyndman photos )

[kiwi285]

Excellent photos Ken and thanks for posting. I haven't received any from Rod yet - obviously entertaining the local females.

Would you mind if I posted the Trans-Am photos on the HMC Facebook page ??

Cheers Mike

[khyndart in CA]

Mike, I am glad you like these photos which disappoint me due to the camera. Yes you can do whatever you wish with these. I will keep adding as I go. Do not fear "Grimmy" will come through. I was impressed on how hard he kept record of all that was needed with his team. He was a real asset to Brett.

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(Ken Hyndman )

[Nick Slade]

It was great to have so many make the trip from New Zealand for the F5000 race, I was there with the Mclaren M10 B . We had many of the kiwis through our shop and attending an event I had at my shop which was an evening with Shadow cars which was great to have them there for that event also.
Alan Dunkley spent some time at my shop helping out with the Shadow DN 5 but on Sunday afternoon he made the main race for the F5000 group a spectacular race to watch, he is a super talent and you guys will be very proud of his achievements I'm sure.
http://i936.photobucket.com/albums/ad201/nickardele/20CE116C-019E-444D-9A51-20A2AC88DF7B_zpscipblotm.jpg (http://s936.photobucket.com/user/nickardele/media/20CE116C-019E-444D-9A51-20A2AC88DF7B_zpscipblotm.jpg.html)

http://i936.photobucket.com/albums/ad201/nickardele/6D1C4874-2043-4E79-8FCB-17313845A654_zpsj5fdlpkl.jpg (http://s936.photobucket.com/user/nickardele/media/6D1C4874-2043-4E79-8FCB-17313845A654_zpsj5fdlpkl.jpg.html)

http://i936.photobucket.com/albums/ad201/nickardele/49F2C3D5-7397-4A78-8B21-72AA3CB3302C_zpsiq8qmhfw.png (http://s936.photobucket.com/user/nickardele/media/49F2C3D5-7397-4A78-8B21-72AA3CB3302C_zpsiq8qmhfw.png.html)

http://i936.photobucket.com/albums/ad201/nickardele/1A4328A1-3848-4CE0-9F50-C41CA7D8B7C2_zpszsseh0ag.jpg (http://s936.photobucket.com/user/nickardele/media/1A4328A1-3848-4CE0-9F50-C41CA7D8B7C2_zpszsseh0ag.jpg.html)

http://i936.photobucket.com/albums/ad201/nickardele/D5EFA4BB-5029-44B6-9DD3-7F2F22959E3C_zpscxgawf6t.jpg (http://s936.photobucket.com/user/nickardele/media/D5EFA4BB-5029-44B6-9DD3-7F2F22959E3C_zpscxgawf6t.jpg.html)

[khyndart in CA]

Even driving to the track at Laguna Seca from Monterey can be interesting. I thought all these fine Italian cars were pulling over to let my 2001 BMW 325i Touring go through but it turned out that they were entering into the Concorso Italiano event that day. Anyway it was an impressive array of cars.

http://concorso.com/


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(Ken Hyndman )

[khyndart in CA]

2015 Rolex Monterey Reunion.
Various photos showing there were all types of racing vehicles at this event.
First shows the start of a 1973-1981 IMSA GT,FIA, GTX race as they head over the rise. (The area below me is where a tragic motor bike race accident occurred a few weeks prior and 2 Spanish riders died of their injuries. ) This photo shows Bruce Canepa in the lead in his 1979 Porsche 935 ahead of the 1977 Greenwood Corvette and this is the way they finished. ( I Love the Greenwood Corvette !)

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(Ken Hyndman photos )

[khyndart in CA]

More from Laguna Seca,
First , two fine gentlemen, Phil Mauger (L) and Lindsay O'Donnell (R)

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(Ken Hyndman photos )
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[bry3500]

http://blog.caranddriver.com/the-rolex-motorsports-reunion-races-are-a-monterey-must-mega-gallery/

[bry3500]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YzI3Pc857IY

[duncan fox]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YzI3Pc857IY

Beautiful move on Craig Bennett , whos no slug at the best of times. Ross was a bit suss though real wide GM1, I hope you post the afternoon race it was even better.

Well done Alan Dunkley!! Some one please give him a good car.

[khyndart in CA]

Thanks Bry3500 for posting these movies.
I still have some photos and I hope it is not too late to post them.

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Grant Martin in the Talon MR1A F5000 car that Chris Amon drove at the first Long Beach Grand Prix in September 1975.
(Ken Hyndman photo )

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Chris Amon waits in his Talon at Long Beach as Dave Ramsay bleeds the brakes. Sept. 1975
(D.Ramsay photo )

[Rod Grimwood]

This Gentleman, eats, breaths, digests, and loves his motorsport. It was a real pleasure to meet and spend time with Ken. I was sorry that I could not spend a bit more but things were happening. Ken is a true enthusiast who digs deep into the sport and is a wealth of knowledge.
The photo is similar to one posted earlier, and thank you for the kind words about the team Ken, but you are also the true motorsport enthusiast. It was real pleasure, and we will have that beer.

Sorry Mike for not getting photos and reports to you but there was a IT problem.

We meet and spent time with both Bob and Nick Slade and it was real great to spend time with them, good Kiwi guys at heart and very good race car/engine gurus. It was a real coincidence that the border of the property we stayed at was an engineer who worked on race cars and had a shop next to Bob. So on first night we were sitting around the court yard haveing a cuppa tea when he walked in and we meet, offered him a cuppa and began chatting and found out he was an engineer and on asking he knew Bob. Between them they have worked on some pretty amazing machinery and are still.
Bob was good enough to allow me to photograph some of his photos of days back in NZ. He had a lot more but as happens when you move things get lost sadly.

Also had the good fortune of Rob Kennard dropping in for a look and he came back the 2nd weekend with some of his old scrap book as well, but as above he had lost heaps in move.

I will post photos as I resize.

[Kiwiboss]

A few pics of the GT350 Shelby race at Monterey

[Rod Grimwood]

That was awesome to see so many GT350 Shelbys, and more in the pits.

[Kiwiboss]

This is Camaro Z28 number 1, a very special vehicle belonging to Jon Mello and after many years of restoration was on display at Monterey.

[Spgeti]

Wow, great photos Dale. That is one very rare car. I have forgotten the numbering system for 67 Z/28's but they did not make many and most early cars went to racers. Luv the car. Cheers, Bruce

[khyndart in CA]

Rod,
I certainly appreciate your words in post # 43. I was also impressed on what you wrote about Skip Scott. Such a tragic end to a life that had so much.
This photo shows Brett Willis waiting while his F5000 Lola is being used for a modeling session..Brett is probably thinking "I just want to get some track time and now I have to wait around for this !"
Laguna Seca August 15 th 2015

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(Ken Hyndman photo )

[khyndart in CA]

Brett Willis in his Lola T 330 at speed around Laguna Seca. August 2015.
Photos from my friend John Adams.

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(Ken Hyndman )

[bry3500]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UC6vj_Kpauc

[bry3500]

That was awesome to see so many GT350 Shelbys, and more in the pits.


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

[SPman]

I will post photos as I resize. Are you sure you mean that..............:D

[khyndart in CA]

A bit more of Trans Am. (Excuse the glitter)
Smokey Yunick's 1968 Camaro driven by Christi Edelbrock.
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1971 Javelin driven by Mark Donohue for Roger Penske back then.
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[khyndart in CA]

More Trans Am at Laguna Seca.
Richard Goldsmith in 1970 Dodge Challenger that was originally driven by Sam Posey.
(Neat photo taken by John Adams )

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[khyndart in CA]

George Follmer kept a reminder on his Javelin dash of how tough the Ford competition was
because he knew from first hand experience having previously driven the Bud Moore Boss 302 Mustang.

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( Ken Hyndman photos )

[khyndart in CA]

Rolex Monterey Reunion. Group 8A. 1967-1984 Formula One Cars.
Thanks to John Adams and his camera for allowing us to see some of the superb F1 cars from that era.
Thanks to Mike for creating this thread although I feel I have crammed a lot of my "stuff" into it but this is the last of what I have of a most enjoyable weekend at Laguna Seca,
(Ken Hyndman )

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Race winner, Charles Nearburg, driving his 1980 Williams FW07 # 27,(ex-Alan Jones) the car that brought my friend, Patrick Head to fame. This car still performs and looks great to this day. I am glad Patrick did not go to boat building when he left Trojan Works in 1974 !

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Chris Locke in his 1976 Lotus 77 # 5 ( ex-Mario Andretti) and Andrew Beaumont in his 1974 Lotus 76 # 11 ( ex Ronnie Peterson )
It certainly looked liked Andretti and Peterson out on the track as you can see in this photo.

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ex motor cycle racer Eddie Lawson did a fine job driving this 1977 Wolf WR 4 # 20. (Another car that Patrick was involved with developing along with Harvey Postlethwaite ). Followed by Danny Baker in a McLaren M 23 # 30.

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Third place went to Nicholas Colyvas in his 1974 Tyrrell 007 # 3 (ex-Jody Scheckter) followed here by James Hagan in his 1983 Tyrrell 011 # 6 that finished 14th.

( Thanks to John Adams for these photos..until next time, Ken Hyndman )

[Kiwiboss]

The Moffat Monza at Monterey

[Kiwiboss]

Owner Steve Sorenson and restorer Norm Mitchell(stripe shirt)

[khyndart in CA]

Dale,
Is that the same car that Moffat raced at Bay Park in December 1975 ? ( That is 40 years ago and it still looks great.)
Thanks for sharing, I must have walked past it and not realized what it was. There was so much to take in and enjoy here at Laguna Seca.

Dec. 1975. Coming up to the start at Bay Park. Leo Leonard # 4 and Allan Moffat # 7.
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(Ken Hyndman photo )

[John McKechnie]

In the latest Classic Car Driver mag, Lyall Williamson says that the reason why Leo beat Allan in the Monza at this meeting was because they had a tried and true car running strongly where Moffats was coming to grips with a new car

[Kiwiboss]

Dale,
Is that the same car that Moffat raced at Bay Park in December 1975 ? ( That is 40 years ago and it still looks great.)
Thanks for sharing, I must have walked past it and not realized what it was. There was so much to take in and enjoy here at Laguna Seca.

Dec. 1975. Coming up to the start at Bay Park. Leo Leonard # 4 and Allan Moffat # 7.
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(Ken Hyndman photo )

Yes, same car Ken!! Norm said a couple of little items aren't correct and they plan to change them later, was last minute just to make Monterey!!

Dale M

[Rod Grimwood]

We were lucky enough to spend time with ex-kiwi Bob Slade. It was great to catch up and see what Bob is keeping busy with. Bob builds F1 engines for a lot of the classic teams.
Over the years Bob has prepared many Indy Cars and others. Collecting awards on the way.

Bob was good enough to let me photograph some of his scrap book from days back in NZ. and I will share these with you and no doubt they will open a couple of the minds of the South Island chapter who shared this time.

Nick Slade was also very generous with his time also and we spent time looking over the Shadows in his workshop, 3 F1s and the Can Am beast all under rebuild. (photos later)

Also caught up with Rob Kennard and he let me photo whats left of his scrapbook as well. As both said, they had heaps of photos but when you move things get "lost"

Maybe these photos can go another thread, but I will place here to start.

[Rod Grimwood]

Earlier days,

[Rod Grimwood]

Then the Capri.

[Rod Grimwood]

More of the Capri and sparring partners Munty Capri and the Dickie Victor

[Rod Grimwood]

A little electrical problem with the Capri, and shot of Mustang at Bay Park on Northern trip with the Boy's.

Other classic shots of OSCA. Mr Vuyk and Mr Crowe at play

[Rod Grimwood]

Yes, same car Ken!! Norm said a couple of little items aren't correct and they plan to change them later, was last minute just to make Monterey!!

Dale M

We had great chat with them also, was paying bit of attention to car and they asked if we knew it. Chatted about Bay Park etc and how along with Red's car it was first time 2 had raced together outside States. It is bloody nice and sounded the bit on track also.

The Epson Monza was there also and that sure gets it on.

[Rod Grimwood]

Rob Kennard On left chatting with the present owner of the Cortina Steve Ross. They had just meet and chatted for along time about the car. Was handy as Rob discussed the car at length and new where there were parts etc to help finish rebuild. Will be great to see the car out running in classic events along with the PDL 1 which Steve also has in his toy shed.

Couple early shots of car

[Rod Grimwood]

And later as remembered by many.

Couple of Mustang before Cortina. This is the car that Bob Slade ran later.

[Rod Grimwood]

Caught up with a long time friend and his toy. This was the 1995 car and what a piece of beautiful work. Technology, grunt, handling, looks it had it all. It was very quick and it was great to see these top class drivers strutting their stuff. Steve is still quick and tidy.

Was great to catch up with Steve and his Beautiful wife.

[Rod Grimwood]

Steve, you may like to move these to another appropriate thread As Old Photos or something if you like, and will concentrate on 2015 Rolex.


Sorry about delays in photos/reports etc of Rolex Monterey, but I am not running on all 8 at the moment, but as soon as tune up is finished we will be into it. Bit of time too size photos also.
cheers

[Grant Sprague]

Thank you Rod great photos........ hope yr tune up done soon ....cheers bro

[Rod Grimwood]

This one of the model cars that nick had on display.

The following is as best as I can piece it together, but in Nicks shop is this car in real life and in rebuild mode.

Will post some photos of it as it first appeared in 1969 and then in 1970 on. This is one mean beast of a car, George Follmer must have found it uncomfortable to accommodate the balls needed to drive this.

These are 1969

Hopefully Nick can get onboard and straighten out the history, as I am sure to get some of it wrong.


The Shadow Mk I AVS (Advanced Vehicle System), as raced in the 1970 CanAm season, was the first Shadow CanAm car. Designer Don Nichols designed this odd looking car with only one thing in mind; the smallest frontal area as possible. He did this with the cooperation of tire manufacturer Firestone, they designed tires that were 30-35% smaller than the normal tires. With 10 inch rims up front the Mk I AVS had a 13sq-ft frontal area compared to the 19sq-ft frontal area of the 1969 M8B. It was capable of top speeds of 250mph and according to Firestone the tiny tires were capable of speeds of over 300mph.

[Rod Grimwood]

In 1970 mode and photos of run at Rolex 2007

[Rod Grimwood]

As we observed it in Nicks shop undergoing a very serious rebuild. Check out the peddle set up and also the seating position, not much in front of you.

[Rod Grimwood]

This was some of the suspension set up. (inboard) Yes they are valve springs (big buggers) and you adjust the spring pressure/ride the same as adjusting tappets (pedastool with adjuster) amazing setup. it was not all together but you can get an idea of how it worked. They reckon there was not much movement and it really was a big go-kart with tyres doing a lot of suspension work.

[Rod Grimwood]

Small front brakes because of room with small 10inch front wheels.

The engine was a neat bit also, you could pick it up as it was a dummy/pattern made out of plastic for set-up.

[Rod Grimwood]

One of the F1 Shadows nearing completion. This was the JP Jarier car.

There are 3 in the shop at the moment.

This one should be extra good as it had Nick in charge with young Alan Dunkley helping (sleeping on floor) along with consultants Russell Greer, Steve Ross and David Arrowsmith keeping an eye on proceedings., a full Kiwi team.

[khyndart in CA]

I found some more photos on my tablet camera from my time at the Rolex.
First one is of New Zealander Tony Nicholson showing my friend the internals of a McLaren M29 transmission.
Tony and his son Colin were very friendly as usual even though they had much to do.
Tony has more knowledge on McLaren race cars than anyone I know, especially Can Am.
This is the site for Tony's fine business at Infineon Raceway. Take a look sometime.
http://robinautomotive.com/contact/index.htm

30083


(Ken Hyndman photo )

[khyndart in CA]

As I was about to leave the track a marshal told me that with my ticket he would allow me into where the cars accelerated away from the pits and out onto the main circuit, I wish I had known that earlier as it gives a good view of what it was like at Laguna Seca on a clear day. I have been here before when the fog rolls in and viewing is almost impossible. So this is my last shots at the 2015 Rolex before heading home.

30108
John Dimmer heading out in car # 21. A 1971 Tyrrell 004 followed by a McLaren and in the distance the blue 1974 Amon F101

30109
This shows Charles Warner in car # 17 accelerating away in his pretty radically painted 1979 Shadow DN 9


(Ken Hyndman photos )

[duncan fox]

One of the F1 Shadows nearing completion. This was the JP Jarier car.

There are 3 in the shop at the moment.

This one should be extra good as it had Nick in charge with young Alan Dunkley helping (sleeping on floor) along with consultants Russell Greer, Steve Ross and David Arrowsmith keeping an eye on proceedings., a full Kiwi team.

I don't know how the Slades got any work done over that two week period . They made all of us Kiwis feel at home ...so we just moved in, heh heh

Both Nick and Bob were instrumental in helping me pry a near new 46 yr old 5 litre Toyota quad cam racing engine that was originally installed in the tiny tire car but never run out of the Don Nichols cave of treasures. This is for a customer project I am working on.

I talked with Nick and convinced him to approach Don and attempt to keep the trophies and other memorabilia together, as I believed that scattering it around was not in the best interests of recording Dons achievements.
Nichols AVS is one of Americas motorsport greats but doesn't seem have gotten the recognition it deserves.
Im pleased to say they have worked something out and Nick will continue keeping their accomplishments alive in the form of a small museum at the shop in Salinas .

[duncan fox]

I couldn't resist getting in the Mk 1 tiny tire thing and surprise.... it wasn't all that bad . A larger steering wheel (as they had later) would have sorted that dept. Don't know about the hand clutch though............
Very advanced design for its time ,makes me wonder what hallucinogenic drugs were involved.

[duncan fox]

I found some more photos on my tablet camera from my time at the Rolex.
First one is of New Zealander Tony Nicholson showing my friend the internals of a McLaren M29 transmission.
Tony and his son Colin were very friendly as usual even though they had much to do.
Tony has more knowledge on McLaren race cars than anyone I know, especially Can Am.
This is the site for Tony's fine business at Infineon Raceway. Take a look sometime.
http://robinautomotive.com/contact/index.htm

30083


(Ken Hyndman photo )

This was my 2nd year helping Tony. It was the F1's this time. It was kinda neat to have now worked on the very last true McLaren.We think very alike and share material and thoughts all the time. He and I are probably the two most anal McLarenophiles on the planet!!

It was good to meet up with you, I always enjoy your posts.

I have booked my place (and hotels) with Robin for both RA and LS next year . Big year, 2016 in Historics.

[Steve Holmes]

I couldn't resist getting in the Mk 1 tiny tire thing and surprise.... it wasn't all that bad . A larger steering wheel (as they had later) would have sorted that dept. Don't know about the hand clutch though............
Very advanced design for its time ,makes me wonder what hallucinogenic drugs were involved.

Duncan, why do you think the Shadow Mk 1 never really worked as well as expected?

[Rod Grimwood]

Steve I will try and get Nick to do quick bit on it, but what I picked up was that Follmer had big nuts and it was really a go kart with very little suspension and had a great big hunk of steel horsepower shoved up his spine.

[duncan fox]

Duncan, why do you think the Shadow Mk 1 never really worked as well as expected?

Steve,This car fits Dons quote "if I wanted ordinary Id have bought a McLaren" to a tee.

Firstly I believe the chassis was over powered, it was originally designed around a 600 hp 5 litre Toyota quad cam engine that didn't arrive until early 1970, halfway through the program by which time they were struggling with a whole host of other problems. The main one amongst the many was those tiny tires and the cascade effect they had on the overall design. They were affected by the track surface imperfections, they followed every nook and cranny and in order to keep them on the ground the springing had to be hardened. Result.....it wouldn't go round corners. Went like a raped ape on the straights though due to its low frontal area (not the 250mph hoped for), but then wouldn't stop. The brakes just were not up to it, the air brake in the original design had been banned due to the fia ruling on movable aerodynamic devises. The transmissions had to be modified to turn those small rear wheels 40% faster. Shifting had to be clutchless (unless you wanted to let go the steering wheel) the result of no room for an extra pedal in the foot well and the necessity to have a l/h hand clutch. Cooling was marginal always no matter where the radiators were.
Trevor Harris ideas were all sound but just too much too soon......



Vic Elford said it was the worst car he ever drove.

Newer versions used more current and proven thinking in their designs resulting in a championship in 74

Pete Lyons made the comment in period "racing rewards audacity while punishing excesses of it. And punish Nichols it did, almost bankrupting him.