TAUPO HISTORIC GP 2020 18 - 19 JAN 2020

[khyndart in CA]

It is that time again for gathering at Taupo for the Historic Race Events next weekend.

If "The good Lord is willing, and the creek doesn't rise" I plan to attend and I'm really looking forward to meeting up with many of you again.
If you see a car approaching on the wrong side (right side ) of the road, that could be me !

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https://www.brucemclarenmotorsportpark.com/whats-on/taupo-historic-gp-2020/


Hope to see you soon.
Take care and stay safe and best wishes for all those competing, organizers, photographers,course workers etc. and may the weather be kind for us.
Ken Hyndman

[Bruce302]

It is that time again for gathering at Taupo for the Historic Race Events next weekend.

If "The good Lord is willing, and the creek doesn't rise" I plan to attend and I'm really looking forward to meeting up with many of you again.
If you see a car approaching on the wrong side (right side ) of the road, that could be me !

64723


https://www.brucemclarenmotorsportpark.com/whats-on/taupo-historic-gp-2020/


Hope to see you soon.
Take care and stay safe and best wishes for all those competing, organizers, photographers,course workers etc. and may the weather be kind for us.
Ken Hyndman

Hi Ken, It is that time again, and I'm really looking forward to it. Just one week to go.
Take care and we will see you soon.

[khyndart in CA]

A "bucket list" ride for me at Taupo Jan. 2019. .
A lap in John McKechnie's Cambridge Monaro driven by Australian Master Race Series manager Rowan Harman.
Great sound of an overheating engine (note the centre gauge !) while hanging on with the minimum of seat belt, almost under the dash !. I loved every second of it.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-k5_6zGgI8g&t=19s


( Ken H)
Come to Taupo on Saturday to see who is seated into John's Monaro this year.

[Roger Dowding]

" It is that time again for gathering at Taupo for the Historic Race Events next weekend.

If "The good Lord is willing, and the creek doesn't rise" I plan to attend and I'm really looking forward to meeting up with many of you again.
If you see a car approaching on the wrong side (right side ) of the road, that could be me ! "

Driving like this LHD ..

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Photo Mark Donaldson - recoloured by Nic Butterworth - who is trying to join TRS .. just waiting for Steve I think ..to push a button !

Sadly will miss the event yet again , the Annual Waiheke family trip is on 16 - 28th so look forward to seeing the photos/ videos..
[ Must get school holidays changed so it doesn't clash !! ]

Cheers Ken H, John Mck, Bruce302, Bruce D - Spgeti, and others - enjoy the racing

[Bruce302]

It's a great weekend Roger, love to see you there.

[Paul B]

Hi Roger,
Keen to meet up too. see you there
Cheers

[John McKechnie]

Blue and Monaro are on their way, both on a transporter should be there about 11am. I am having my coffee now and then leaving. Want to get some hot laps in with Blue before the crowd arrives...........see you all there.

[Bruce302]

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We had a lot of fun in these old girls.

Photo by Milan Fistonic .

[John McKechnie]

Man ,it would have been so much easier to have just fitted a screw to secure the park lamp instead of all that tape.....btw , whose tape was that ?

[Bruce302]

Taped by a concerned spectator, who happened to not have (or give) a screw. (tape by 3M)

Man ,it would have been so much easier to have just fitted a screw to secure the park lamp instead of all that tape.....btw , whose tape was that ?

[Bruce302]

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[khyndart in CA]

Arrived back in Los Olivos, CA, tonight and finally able to get to a computer to belatedly thank all of you who made my visit to Taupo a most enjoyable time once again.
I was pleased that I could coax Spinner Black to come along on the Saturday which was his 79th birthday and he was thrilled to make contact with many he had not seen in over 40 years. To listen in on some of his conversations with the likes of Jim Palmer, Paul Fahey,
Barrie Phillips, Howden Ganley, Alan Boyle, Ray Stone etc. and discussing his old Monaro with John McKechnie was a real treat for me, although all were saddened at hearing of Kerry Grant's passing that morning. As Spinner left Taupo that day he said that was the best birthday gift he could have wished for.
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Spinner Black and John McKechnie having Monaro discussions. He was amazed at the restoration John had done to his 69 Monaro.

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Paul Fahey and Spinner(Spencer ) Black chiding each other over past experiences.

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Spinner enjoyed discussing the Historic Sports Sedans with their owners.
He shown here talking to Adrian Dobbe about his very quick 1969 Vauxhall Viva.

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(Someone doing a bit of landscaping in the background !)

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We all enjoyed seeing the Monaro in action and the display of John and Bruce Thompson in John's 1973 Falcon XA Coupe was a real treat.

(Ken H photos)

[Paul B]

It was great to see you again Ken! Excellent (Wellington anniversary) weekend at Taupo Historic GP. I hear there were 10,000 spectators over the weekend. Cheers

[khyndart in CA]

I always enjoy the Taupo track from many areas to view the action.
This is some Historic Sports Sedan & Allcomers at the # 14 corner leading onto the front straight.
Roger Davis in his 1976 Holden Torana SLR 5000 ahead of the incredibly quick and exciting 1939 Chevy Coupe driven by Cam Neil followed by Adrian Dobbe in his Viva.
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(Ken H)

[khyndart in CA]

I never tire of watching Cam Neil toss this machine around !
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Gordon Burr had his 1968 Escort running well.
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Bruce Thompson taking "Big Blue" the 1973 Falcon XA out to the starting grid.
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(Ken H photos..)

[khyndart in CA]

Historic Muscle Cars coming in from the track at Taupo, still looking immaculate.

# 23 is Dale Mathers in his 1969 Boss Mustang. (Mr. Steve Holmes standing in the distance.)
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# 58. Graeme Bagrie in his 1969 Mustang.
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# 53. Elliott Frame in his 1974 Escort.
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(Ken H photos.)

[Spgeti]

We had a grid of 25 cars which was a fantastic effort by the guys.
This followed on from MG where we had 29.
About to start our South Island Tour and for both Levels and Teretonga we have 21 on the grid.

We had a great weekend at Taupo. Well organised and looking forward to 2021 where the theme will be Ford.

[khyndart in CA]

More Historic Muscle Car and Saloon photos.

The ex Red Dawson 1967 Shelby Transam Mustang # 35 driven by Nigel MacDonald.

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# 103. Dennis McConnell in his 1968 Escort.
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(Ken H pics.)

[Spgeti]

Two very historic saloons, the Dawson Mustang and the Halliday Escort.

We are very privileged to have these cars on our grid and for the weekend we had 7 historic cars in total joined our grid.

[khyndart in CA]

This was the first Mustang I ever saw. The Fleetwood Mustang competing at Pukekohe in 1965. It has been beautifully restored.
# 22 1965 Mustang GT driven by Sean McCaughan.
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Another McCaughan family member,Brady, in his 1972 Capri # 94.
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Kevin Gimblett in his 1967 Camaro # 3
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Tony Mexted in his 1970 PDL Mustang # 104.
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(Ken H photos..)

[Kiwiboss]

Ken, i never seem to get much time to talk at these events when your over, i'll make some time to call in and see you later in the year when im in CA. Regards. What is your USA phone number? Dale M

PS: thanks for the great pictures.

[khyndart in CA]

Dale,
I will PM my US phone number.
I enjoyed the brief conversation I did have with you.
:cool:
This beautiful restoration brought back memories to Spencer Black.
(Taupo 2020 )
1968 Chevrolet Camaro # 16.
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( Morrinsville 1969. Outside Spinner Black's home. )

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(All photos by Ken H..)

[khyndart in CA]

Paul McCarthy was exciting to watch as he slung his 1972 RS1600 Escort around and mixed it up with the "big boys"

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(Ken H )

[Spgeti]

Cool photos of the Camaro’s Ken.

It was a fantastic weekend and I enjoyed talking to Spencer and showing him the Dawson Mustang.

Sorry I didn’t spend more time with you Ken.

The Escort is a great addition to the group along with the other FIA Group 2 cars.

Makes exciting racing and Paul is a great game player.....the Paul and Dale show gets the crowd going.
Great racing.

Take care,
Bruce

[Roger Dowding]

Cool photos of the Camaro’s Ken.

It was a fantastic weekend and I enjoyed talking to Spenser and showing him the Dawson Mustang.

Sorry I didn’t spend more time with you Ken.

The Escort is a great addition to the group along with the other FIA Group 2 cars.

Makes exciting racing and Paul is a great game player.....the Paul and Dale show gets the crowd going.
Great racing.

Take care,
Bruce

Great comments Bruce, One day / year I will get there.. hopefully before I am ready for the " Home for the Bewildered " that Chaindrive mentions .. maybe next year ..

Menawhile Ken H, Nigel et al - keep them coming both on here and Nigel's on his " Images " thread..

[Spgeti]

Great comments Bruce, One day / year I will get there.. hopefully before I am ready for the " Home for the Bewildered " that Chaindrive mentions .. maybe next year ..

Menawhile Ken H, Nigel et al - keep them coming both on here and Nigel's on his " Images " thread..

Next year Roger Taupo Historic GP will be celebrating “Ford” and this will be huge.
I know the Committee has already started planning and so have we.

Date is Wellington Anniversary Weekend, 2021, Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

We will have a very large grid as next year we do not have the South Island Tour which our guys are on there way to do.

Cheers

[khyndart in CA]

Extra thunder was provided at Taupo this year with the racing of Transzam cars.
Kerry Jones in his 2001 Blue Corvette C6 # 84 and Rob Bergren in his 2001 Blue Dodge Viper # 588 shared the wins during the weekend.
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Andy Greenslade in his beautiful 2010 Jaguar XK8 # 5 and Roger Williams in his Meguiar's coloured 2009 Corvette # 21 were entertaining to watch.
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(Ken H photos..)

[khyndart in CA]

I really enjoy F 5000 racing and I was disappointed to learn that Ken Smith was no longer competing in the Formula 5000 events at Taupo even though he was entered in the programme.
I am sure a lot of other drivers did not mind Ken's absence and it gave them a chance to shine.
Winning each race at Taupo was UK driver, Michael Lyons, in his 1974 Lola T 400 # 64.
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A view the opposition had of car # 64
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( Ken H photos..)

[khyndart in CA]

Coming in second in each event was Michael Collins in his 1972 McRae GM1 # 94.
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( Ken H photos..)

[khyndart in CA]

Aaron Burson in another 1972 McRae GM1 # 29. prepares to enter the circuit.
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(Ken H photos..)

[khyndart in CA]

McLaren F5000 cars entered.

It was nice to see Jan McLaren amongst the crowd.

Tony Roberts in his 1969 McLaren M10A # 7

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Frank Karl in his beautifully prepared 1970 McLaren M10B # 12

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Tim Rush in his 1972 McLaren M 22 # 20

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( Ken H photos.. )

[khyndart in CA]

More F 5000 entrants at Taupo.

Glenn Richards in his 1975 Lola T400 # 99
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(Ken H photos..)

[khyndart in CA]

Grant Martin in his 1974 Talon MR1A # 2

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David Banks also in a 1974 Talon MR1A # 91

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(Ken H photos..)

[Bruce302]

I like Grant Martin's helmet tribute to Chris Amon's design.

[khyndart in CA]

From the UK came the Lyons family.
Mrs Judy Lyons drove the Lindsay O'Donnell owned 1974 Begg FM5 # 21
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Mr Frank Lyons drove a 1974 Lola T332 # 55
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(Ken H photos..)

[khyndart in CA]

It has been 3 weeks since the Taupo event and I apologize for the delays with my inputs.

Brett Willis had a disappointing weekend as it it was the debut meeting for his Lola T332 # 19
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But Brett will be back !

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Paul Halford in his 1959 Formula Junior Autosud # 48
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Cam Neil enjoyed his weekend in his amazing 1939 Chevrolet Coupe # 39
Seen here leading a Historic Sports Sedan and Allcomers race through the first turn.

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Finally it was time to load up and head home after an enjoyable weekend of good, safe competition under clear skies.
And with that I am signing out and wish everyone all the best until we meet again.
Cheers,
Ken H & photos..

[Milan Fistonic]

Ken, I hope you don't mind if I add a few of my photos from Taupo to your thread.

A nice touch at Taupo is the provision of umbrellas to the open-wheelers while they are on the dummy grid.

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[Roger Dowding]

Damn-it was not there .. will have to have a chat / discussion / @#*&% with " Her Indoors " or " SWMBO " to re-arrange " Waiheke " so Taupo can fit my - busy - Schedule ..
Take the Grandkids to Waiheke - before the weekend or, and more likely, go to the Island after - we usually go and come home after Auckland Anniversary - School often doesn't go back until 1st week of Feb.
I need it for my " Sanity / Motorsport Fix / Old style meeting "

Allan Dick posted a photo or two of the " Crowds " - make that small Crowd at Pukekohe last weekend, where as the Levels and Ruapuna - packed out - Oh well !!
Still smarting over $120 to go for one day to the Supercars at Puke - when it cost USD 20 in 1982 to spend three days at Monterey !!
Still have the entry pass ..

[khyndart in CA]

Ken, I hope you don't mind if I add a few of my photos from Taupo to your thread.

A nice touch at Taupo is the provision of umbrellas to the open-wheelers while they are on the dummy grid.

65230

Mil;an,
That would be wonderful to have your photos here on OUR thread.
Ken H

[Milan Fistonic]

A few shots of the Historic Formula Fords.

69 Martin Lucas (Lotus 69) and 32 Michael Clark (Crossle 32F)
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88 Noel Woodford (Dulon MP15) and 65 Kurtis Raymond (Van Diemen RF81)
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88 Noel Woodford (Dulon MP15)
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14 Steve O'Donoghue (Mirage M5)
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32 Michael Clark (Crossle 32F)
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[Milan Fistonic]

The Air Force put on an impressive display...

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...though not quite as good as the Italian Air Force at Monza

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[Milan Fistonic]

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Roger Davis (Holden Torana SLR5000) and Gordon Burr (Ford Escort)

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Bruce Goodwin (Ford Zephyr Mk3) and Bruce Thompson ( Falcon XA Coupe)

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Bruce Thompson ( Falcon XA Coupe) and Wayne Baxter (Holden Commodre VK)

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John McKechnie (Holden Monaro)

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Gordon Burr (Ford Escort), Cam Neil (Chevrolet Coupe) and Peter Hooper (Toyota Starlet)

[Milan Fistonic]

Formula Junior, Historic Formula 3 & Invited Sports Racing Cars

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John Holmes Lotus 18 FJ

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Walter Findlay Elva DKW 100FJ

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Alan Hyndman Triford Special

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Bill Roughan Mogul Sports

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Alan Service McRae U2

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Paul Halford Autosud FJ

[Milan Fistonic]

Formula Junior, Historic Formula 3 & Invited Sports Racing Cars

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Gary Langsford Elva 100 FJ

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Jim Barclay Gemini Mk 3A FJ

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Tony Olissoff Brabham BT21 F3

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Keith Pfeffer Brabham BT2R

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Grant Clearwater Cooper T59 FJ

[Roger Dowding]

Milan, great photos, thanks, my goodness those FJ's are low .. scrape your seat on the road !!