Speedway saloons from the late 60's to the mid 70's, any pictures, memories...

[Gerard Richards]

The early days of dirt track saloons was pretty evocative. Numbers weren't thick on the ground as cars were hard to come by back then. The gladiator pit of the dirt oval was the final chapter for a road car back then. Most were built up from wrecks as were many of the circuit saloon racers of the era. Cars that come to mind were Trevor Gray's great FJ Holden (1st NZ Champ), Ron Kendall's 100E Prefect with Lotus Twin Cam and later Mazda RX2, Norm Anderson's 3.3 Victor, The Pierce Brothers from Stratford, with there 289 V8 Falcon and Vauxhall's, the McConnachie 67 Camaro and '69 Mustang, Peter Howarth's great EH Holden, Tony Redfern from Hamilton with his 350V8 Kingswood and the list goes on. I know Steve has posted a couple of photos of the Sidchrome Monaro that Jim Richards, Steve Millen and Bruce Dorn raced, this was also a great car. Not wanting to duplicate his thread on lost cars, I thought it would be great to have a dedicated Speedway Saloon line. It would be great to see some pics of these early cars and maybe here that one or two had possibly survived

[Kiwiboss]

Gerard. i remember the McConnachie 69 Mustang quite well from it racing at Forest Lake!! would have only been 11/12 at the time? it was the talk of Speedway back then!! which reminds me, whatever happen to the McConnachie Brothers? i know Steve will have some McConnichie Mustang pictures!!

:cool:Dale Mathers:cool:
TGA, NZ

[Steve Holmes]

Where the hell is pallmall when you need him! He has a massive collection.....

[Gerard Richards]

Yes I have seen pictures of the McConnichie '69 Fastback Mustang in blue and white it looked a treat (also built from a wreck). I never actually saw it race, but it sure looked the goods. I do remember reading one of the McConnichie brothers was killed in the U.S.A., racing I think, but it might have been a road accident, possibly in the mid 1980s. Yeah I have seen some of pallmalls early stock car and saloon photos they are fab, would be great to see some more!

[pallmall]

Where the hell is pallmall when you need him! He has a massive collection.....

Watching from afar! Actually I have been having some issues logging in.
Yes I have thousands of speedway photos and photos of all the saloons mentioned. Will post some over the next week as time and logging in issues allow.

I did some stuff about the McConnichie Brothers and the Mustang a couple of years ago for an Austrlian web site. This will tell you most of what you need to know. Barry was killed racing an offroader in the USA, Graham is still living in the USA, and the family will not really talk about the boys, their early racing and the tragedy.

http://www.homepages.ihug.com.au/~gmison/McConnachie_Mustang.htm

Gavin.

[Lee Tracey]

344
One of the Australian Saloon team from 1971.
345
Ross Baker in the Escort

Both photos as purchased from the Forest Lake track photographer of the time.

Cheers
Lee

[Steve Holmes]

Watching from afar! Actually I have been having some issues logging in.
Yes I have thousands of speedway photos and photos of all the saloons mentioned. Will post some over the next week as time and logging in issues allow.

I did some stuff about the McConnichie Brothers and the Mustang a couple of years ago for an Austrlian web site. This will tell you most of what you need to know. Barry was killed racing an offroader in the USA, Graham is still living in the USA, and the family will not really talk about the boys, their early racing and the tragedy.

http://www.homepages.ihug.com.au/~gmison/McConnachie_Mustang.htm

Gavin.

Thats a great article Gavin. Was the visiting US 69 Firebird raced of Ronny McDowell the car that was later raced by Ron Kendal?

[Steve Holmes]

344
One of the Australian Saloon team from 1971.
345
Ross Baker in the Escort

Both photos as purchased from the Forest Lake track photographer of the time.

Cheers
Lee

Cool photos Lee, got any more?

[Kiwiboss]

So was this the ex Mcdowell Pontiac with John Scott driving? Not sure where this was taken? Luv the Fat Feet and the sideways action!!

Dale Mathers
TGA, NZ

[pallmall]

The Ronny McDowell Firebird was owned by Cowan-Black promotions and was built up by Ron Kendall, Eddie Sutherland, and the Ferabends. Unfortunately the car was only just finished in time for the McDowell visit and too many teething problems meant that Ronny was not seen at anything like his best. Ron Kendall took over the driving duties following the visit and got the car sorted, the only hickup was when one of the USA drivers on his way to Australia, and here with Gene Welch, blew the engine in a guest drive. I believe the car did go on to John Scott, but I am not 100% certain. The John Scott car certainly was a competitive package and was still racing against the new tube frame cars in the early eighties. I think the photo Dale posted would be from 1981.
Photos will follow in the next few days.

[pallmall]

The Cowan Black Pontiac, photos taken by Andre Ruiterman of the nearly finished car.
http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i275/Checraft/dirt%20saloons/Fa.jpg

http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i275/Checraft/dirt%20saloons/F.jpg

Ron Kendall. (photos by Heather Hills and Andre Ruiterman)

http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i275/Checraft/dirt%20saloons/81c.jpg

http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i275/Checraft/dirt%20saloons/81b.jpg

15A John Scott (Andre Ruiterman photos)

http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i275/Checraft/dirt%20saloons/15.jpg

http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i275/Checraft/dirt%20saloons/15a2.jpg

[pallmall]

The McConnachie Mustang (photos by Heather Hills and Andre Ruiterman)

http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i275/Checraft/dirt%20saloons/3b.jpg

http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i275/Checraft/dirt%20saloons/3a.jpg

http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i275/Checraft/dirt%20saloons/3aa.jpg


The first NZ Speedway Saloon car champion. Trevor Gray.

http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i275/Checraft/dirt%20saloons/99.jpg


75 Peter Howarth in his second Holden.

http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i275/Checraft/dirt%20saloons/75Ph2.jpg


And Jimmy Richards having his first speedway outing (and winning) in the Howarth car.

http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i275/Checraft/dirt%20saloons/75JR.jpg

[pallmall]

Australian Kenny Barlow, many times visitor to race in NZ in stockcars and saloons. Kenny was the person who convinced the Cowan-Black and Scott-Black promotions at Waikaraka and Forest Lake to introduce saloons to their programme during his visit with the Australian stockcar team in early 1968. The two tracks introduced the new class a few meetings into the 1968-69 season. The tours by the Australian drivers in their own cars in the following few seasons allowed the NZ drivers to improve their cars and become more competitive with the visitors.
This is Kenny on his first visit with his own car around 1969, the car stayed in NZ and for a time was run and driven by Jimmy Richards for the Waikaraka promotion. (photo Heather Hills)

http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i275/Checraft/dirt%20saloons/2AU.jpg


Australian Ken Richardson and his Aussie car at the same time. (photo Heather Hills)

http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i275/Checraft/dirt%20saloons/41.jpg

[Steve Holmes]

Sensational posts there Gavin! Do you know where the Kendall Firebird came from before it was converted for the track? Was it brought in from the US or was it already in NZ?

When did teams start converting rhd cars to left hand drive for speedway?

[pallmall]

Sensational posts there Gavin! Do you know where the Kendall Firebird came from before it was converted for the track? Was it brought in from the US or was it already in NZ?

When did teams start converting rhd cars to left hand drive for speedway?

I am not sure where the Firebird came from, a lot of USA cars came in to the country as wrecks for parts, some were local wrecks, cars crashed by their owners who found more power and less traction than their ability could handle. Actually amazing how many imported USA cars got crashed within the first 6 months of being in the country, but that is a whole other story. I guess that the Firebird was probably something that the Blacks had 'in stock' in Morrinsville.

As to the RH drive LH drive thing I researched this a bit recently after a question on Macgors. The rules never stated driver position, only roll cage construction relative to the seat. One of the reasons to go LH was to get the driver away from the fence, especially as a lot of tracks had wooden fences backed by earth and it was common for boards to split and come loose, another reason was weight distribution, and another was LH drive put the driver in a better position for passing and seeing the pole line. Some cars were converted back inthe early seventies to LH drive, by the late seventies it was more common, and of course as the tube frame cars came along through the eighties that was the way they were all built.

[pallmall]

Some colour from the early days at Stratford. I think the Tina is Henry Plowright, and the green #2 is Frank Pierce.

http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i275/Checraft/dirt%20saloons/ssb.jpg

http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i275/Checraft/dirt%20saloons/ssb2.jpg

http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i275/Checraft/dirt%20saloons/ssa.jpg

[Steve Holmes]

Amazing photos Gavin! The last set are particularly enjoyable. Do you know the date of the top one in the last post with the Cortina and Zephyr etc?

Do you have any shots of speedway Monaros?

[pallmall]

Ron Kendall started out in stockcars in early 1968, but by 1970 was driving the 100E saloon which gained him a 2NZ with GT power at the first NZ Champs and a 1NZ with Twin Cam power at the second NZ Champs. More titles would come in the Mazda.
http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i275/Checraft/dirt%20saloons/81.jpg

Ron then went on to a Cortina, the Firebird, Mustang, and the Mazdas.

http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i275/Checraft/dirt%20saloons/81a.jpg

http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i275/Checraft/dirt%20saloons/81d.jpg

[pallmall]

Amazing photos Gavin! The last set are particularly enjoyable. Do you know the date of the top one in the last post with the Cortina and Zephyr etc?

Do you have any shots of speedway Monaros?

Stratford was the first track to start saloons after Waikaraka and Forest Lake, I guess those photos would be 1970 approx. Monaros soon, plus a few other Holdens.

[pallmall]

A few Monaros and other Holdens.

Kevin Bates.
http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i275/Checraft/dirt%20saloons/1T.jpg

Tony Redfern.

http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i275/Checraft/dirt%20saloons/75Ph.jpg


Steve Millen.

http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i275/Checraft/dirt%20saloons/15a.jpg

Peter Martin.

http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i275/Checraft/dirt%20saloons/4H.jpg

More to follow.

[Steve Holmes]

Nice! So the Millen car is that also raced by Jim Richards?

[pallmall]

Yes Millen took over the drive, must have been when Jim went to Australia (need to check that), Jim did drive it another couple of times at January meetings at Waikaraka, International meetings in 1977 or 1978 while he was back here.

[Steve Holmes]

Thanks Gavin. I hadn't realised it raced out of Waikaraka for that long, must have been a good 4-5 years? Boy that was a really handsome car!

Keep the pics coming, they're really enjoyable.

[pallmall]

Here are the McConnachie brothers working on their first speedway car, the Zephyr that had the famous end for ender at Waikaraka.
http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i275/Checraft/dirt%20saloons/22.jpg

Another of the Mustang.
http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i275/Checraft/dirt%20saloons/McConnachieBrosMustangSallon750x537.jpg

And the Mustang after it was sold to the Hawkes Bay.

http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i275/Checraft/dirt%20saloons/222HBSaloon750x458.jpg

A couple more Waikaraka pit shots circa 1972. #75 Peter Howarth, and #97 Holden, not sure who that is.
http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i275/Checraft/dirt%20saloons/75PeterHowarthSaloon634x606.jpg

http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i275/Checraft/dirt%20saloons/97Saloon632x622.jpg

[pallmall]

Ronny McDowell, first night out in the Pontiac.
http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i275/Checraft/dirt%20saloons/140219730003573x377.jpg

http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i275/Checraft/dirt%20saloons/140219730006606x451.jpg

Aussie Kevin Dalton
http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i275/Checraft/dirt%20saloons/0501197200016450x361.jpg

The Ross Baker Escort.
http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i275/Checraft/dirt%20saloons/2R.jpg

Ian Easton Camaro
http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i275/Checraft/dirt%20saloons/454IanEastonSallon750x455.jpg

[pallmall]

1974 NZ Champion, #100 Allen Ford.
http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i275/Checraft/dirt%20saloons/160219740014750x562.jpg
http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i275/Checraft/dirt%20saloons/0601197600020Standarde-mailview.jpg

88M Ross Decke
http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i275/Checraft/dirt%20saloons/88M750x506.jpg

[Steve Holmes]

Just sensational Gavin, I'm really enjoying these. In one of the shots of Allen Fords HT Monaro, it looks like the nose of a tube frame Monza in the photo. I thought these cars didn't come about until the later part of the 70s, so did Ford race his Monaro for quite a few seasons?

Do you have any info on Ian Eastons 70 Camaro?

[pallmall]

Just sensational Gavin, I'm really enjoying these. In one of the shots of Allen Fords HT Monaro, it looks like the nose of a tube frame Monza in the photo. I thought these cars didn't come about until the later part of the 70s, so did Ford race his Monaro for quite a few seasons?

Do you have any info on Ian Eastons 70 Camaro?

The Monza is a USA car that was here around 1976, more later when I put up some stuff on USA visitors in saloons.
Allen Ford must have raced the Monaro for about 5 seasons at least.
I have nothing on the Easton Camaro other than the photo, but there may be an Ian Taylor involvement.

[Steve Holmes]

Its amazing so little is known of the Easton car. A high profile driver in what should have been a high profile car, its interesting there is so little known about it.

[pallmall]

The first season of Speedway Saloons at Waikaraka Park. Motley collection of run what ya brung. (Russell Luke/Hisconz photo)

http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i275/Checraft/Motor%20Racing%20Historic/RussellLukeSlides010750x498.jpg

[Kiwiboss]

[QUOTE=pallmall;587]The first season of Speedway Saloons at Waikaraka Park. Motley collection of run what ya brung. (Russell Luke/Hisconz photo)

Great ol picture of Waikaraka Pallmall, luv the safety fencing in the early days!! I raced my dad's Stock car at Waikaraka 78/79 once, only 19 at the time, it was a fast scary track back then!! had the ol 3.6 Cresta tapped out!!! Bet the neighbours never complained, LOL

Dale Mathers

[Javman]

Scott / Jennings 1979 530

Scott / Kesseler Waikaraka

Scott / Whale Waikaraka

[seaqnmac27]

How about some from Stratford mid '60's

140014011402140314041405

[Rod Grimwood]

Was that Evan Watson in his first Monaro, not sure. Those were the days, I spent alot of time with Ron Kendall doing all sorts and I helped out with the Capri that the Millens ran for a while, it was a stolen burn out bought off insurance company. I played in the car a few times when guy's were busy and after they had finished did a few meetings.

[Steve Holmes]

How about some from Stratford mid '60's

140014011402140314041405

Yikes, check the exhaust system on the Jag in that first shot!!!

[Rod Grimwood]

Well technically it should not get damaged up there Steve, but who knows in those days. Bet it sounded alright rung out too.

[Rod Grimwood]

Heres one for Mr Pall Mall, from a scrap book I found. Will post some pictures and a write up on when Millen took over from Jim Richards from a programme

[Rod Grimwood]

From scrap book

[Rod Grimwood]

Some more

[Rod Grimwood]

Don't steer to well with broken steering arm/tie rod, and Rod was being held up a little in the Monaro

[Steve Holmes]

That Allen Ford HT Monaro was a horny looking car.

[Rod Grimwood]

Ron Kendall did a bit of curcuit racing at the same time, and this Mazda RX3 Ron purchased as a curcuit car (i thought it was a beaut) and we all went to Bay Park and Ron ran it but did not really enjoy it, so back to workshop and out with windows, weld up doors and remove the lights etc and off to Waikaraka next Saturday night and bingo. Even ran slicks in feature because track was real dry and this is end result. 1 week nice curcuit car next week saloon at Waikaraka and then next week Te Marua for NZ Champs and another success story. Ron was a pretty handy peddler.

[Shano]

Ron Kendall in an earlier car - 100E Prefect which I think had a twin cam engine in it.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v298/benderboat/Stock%20cars/RonKendall100Estockcar.jpg

And Noel Goodwin in his 850cc-powered Fiat 600.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v298/benderboat/Stock%20cars/Fiat600Goodwinstockcar.jpg

[pallmall]

Evan Watson always ran as #76.
http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i275/Checraft/1b%20Minis%20and%20Imps/AR06-01-1977005750x471.jpg

Trevor Gray in Aussie.NZ Team 1971.
http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i275/Checraft/1b%20Minis%20and%20Imps/6-6-71_trevor_gray_v_crick.jpg

That Pontiac again.

http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i275/Checraft/1b%20Minis%20and%20Imps/02.jpg

http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i275/Checraft/1b%20Minis%20and%20Imps/2a.jpg

http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i275/Checraft/1b%20Minis%20and%20Imps/2.jpg

Ray Wright
http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i275/Checraft/1b%20Minis%20and%20Imps/70d5bffa.jpg

[pallmall]

The McConnichie Camaro

http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i275/Checraft/1b%20Minis%20and%20Imps/3.jpg

[TonyG]

Wow so many memories bought back just looking at these photos. I first went to Waikaraka when the Pall Mall team were at there peak with 16A Sam Ferabend (Capt), 2A Graham McLachlan, 3A Dave Greer, 6A Joel Wright, 10A Graham Mitchell and 28A Laurie Hines. I remember them taking on the Triang team from Matamata I think ?
They even had figure 8 races from memory.
Another saloon that popped up every now and then was Rowan Geck and his 100e and then xw/xy Falcon. Have some pics of his later xd here. My brother In Law used to crew for him so new Rowan well.
Slightly off topic but do we have a thread for later Waikaraka cars and also anything on the meeting/s they had at Kumeu Outlaws or Meremere Outlaws banked oval. Does the Meremere track still exist ?
Cheers
Tony

Just found this for anyone that uses Facebook
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Kevin-J-McIvor-Poetry-and-Stockcar-History/137230243009599?sk=wall

Lots of pics of Pall Mall cars, the Jesters team etc

[pallmall]

Lots of my photos on that Facebook page.

If you want to catch up with old stockcar and saloon stuff have a look on Macgors in the Racecars Missing in Action section.
http://macgor.proboards.com/index.cgi?board=stockcarmia

The Meremere High Banks track is still there, but chopped up for speedboats, I don't think speedway has run there since 1999.

[nick_tassie]

Speaking of Facebook there are some great photos of speedway from the NSW tracks on the official Newcastle International Motordrome page

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Newcastle-International-Motordrome/246037532162?sk=photos

[Rod Grimwood]

Ron Kendall a couple of months back at Rod Millens birthday skid, doing what he does, making things go.

[GD66]

Wow, Trevor Gray ! That one tickled the old memory bank...

[TonyG]

Lots of my photos on that Facebook page.

If you want to catch up with old stockcar and saloon stuff have a look on Macgors in the Racecars Missing in Action section.
http://macgor.proboards.com/index.cgi?board=stockcarmia

The Meremere High Banks track is still there, but chopped up for speedboats, I don't think speedway has run there since 1999.

Thank you. I will do that. So many good memories of that era.

[CUSTAXIE50]

In 1968 Dave Greer worked at Sunnybrae Autos in northcote and i think Ron Kendall allso worked there , Dave built up his stockcars there and i saw Ron build up his 100e prefect there allso with a new xflow that was still in the box when i saw it sitting in the back of sunnybrae autos .Ron said to me to take the motor out of the Kato Special and put it into a 100e for speedway, i sold the trailer to Ron Kendall that came with the Kato Special, Dave Greer allso rebuilt the motor that was in the Kato Special ,and he allso put the first W-O-F on the CUSTAXIE for me if you look at it thats 44 years ago this year, i allso recall some years later when i was in auckland dave worked on my holden in a workshop in Barrys Point Rd ,where is dave today is he still around.

[Rod Grimwood]

Dave is in Whangaparoa and retired last i caught up (about 8 years ago). He had a workshop up there for years. Dave was a very good mechanic (the type that fixed things, did not just replace). Ron is in the Concourse, Henderson with a workshop (that has a bit of speedway gear in it) and has a fella Arthur playing around doing a bit of machining.
Funny you should mention Sunnybrae Autos as i ended up there managing the place way back then. Hence my mention on other thread about seeing a certain car on the north shore one afternoon.

[CUSTAXIE50]

That certain car again small world is it not-rod,i have in front of me a Bill from sunnybrae autos Limited Feb 13-1969 it says-tow car garage and return fit exhaust pipes-parts-exhaust mounts-$2.18-2 clamps $1.24-14 ft exhaust pipe $4.00-Labour etc $15.00-Total-$22.42 reg no AW4720.

[CUSTAXIE50]

Last week i was looking at a 1957 holden ute and i was telling the owner ,what dave did with the front lights when the front guards had rust in them , he would cut the guard back maybe 3 inchs and set the lights back into the guards.

[Impala 65 SS]

This is the story on Ross Bakers cars that he has built & raced,.
http://www.heroncars.co.nz/template.php?p=content_articles_rossbaker1

[Frosty5]

The Ronny McDowell Firebird was owned by Cowan-Black promotions and was built up by Ron Kendall, Eddie Sutherland, and the Ferabends. Unfortunately the car was only just finished in time for the McDowell visit and too many teething problems meant that Ronny was not seen at anything like his best. Ron Kendall took over the driving duties following the visit and got the car sorted, the only hickup was when one of the USA drivers on his way to Australia, and here with Gene Welch, blew the engine in a guest drive. I believe the car did go on to John Scott, but I am not 100% certain. The John Scott car certainly was a competitive package and was still racing against the new tube frame cars in the early eighties. I think the photo Dale posted would be from 1981.
Photos will follow in the next few days.

Hi PallMall, yes those were great days at Waikaraka Park. Cut my racing teeth there at 17 after building a stock car when an engineering apprentice. One of the guys I had a lot to do with was Phil Joyce and his 100E bodied stock car. He had Otara Panelbeaters just a few doors up from where Johhny Riley had his original car sales. Have often wondered what, where Phil got to. He used to live in Papatoetoe. His brother Frank also raced at WP. Do you know if he is still around. Cheers, Dave Graham

[John McKechnie]

Dave-I remember Phil Joyce had a brother Val who raced in C grade stock cars while Phil was in A grade.

[Rod Grimwood]

Hi PallMall, yes those were great days at Waikaraka Park. Cut my racing teeth there at 17 after building a stock car when an engineering apprentice. One of the guys I had a lot to do with was Phil Joyce and his 100E bodied stock car. He had Otara Panelbeaters just a few doors up from where Johhny Riley had his original car sales. Have often wondered what, where Phil got to. He used to live in Papatoetoe. His brother Frank also raced at WP. Do you know if he is still around. Cheers, Dave Graham

Dave,
Frank lives in Opua Bay Of Islands about 2 k from me and has now retired but ran the refuse tip up here for years and still tinkers with cars. We often talk of the old days. Roy Hornell also lives not far away, seems a good place for old dirt trackers to retire too. I can get contact for Frank if you like.

[Frosty5]

Dave,
Frank lives in Opua Bay Of Islands about 2 k from me and has now retired but ran the refuse tip up here for years and still tinkers with cars. We often talk of the old days. Roy Hornell also lives not far away, seems a good place for old dirt trackers to retire too. I can get contact for Frank if you like.

Thanks Rod, have sent you a PM with my contact details.
Cheers Dave

[Rod Grimwood]

Phil Joyce was up in the Bay of islands last week at Ron Banners funeral, Phil is looking real good and doesn't seem to age. Has a daughter in Kerikeri.

[Frosty5]

Phil Joyce was up in the Bay of islands last week at Ron Banners funeral, Phil is looking real good and doesn't seem to age. Has a daughter in Kerikeri.

Hi Rod, you didn't to mention that I was trying to touch base with him did you? His grandson pm'd me last January to which I responded but have heard nothing since.
Dave

[Rod Grimwood]

Sorry mate I didn't, thought they had contacted you.
PM me again I will try and pass through Frank again.

[Frosty5]

Sorry mate I didn't, thought they had contacted you.
PM me again I will try and pass through Frank again.

Done

Cheers Dave

[fhuket]

34809

[Jac Mac]

34809
Jumbo Berryman #11 ?..........., ..........., Peter Woods Mustang in 4th.

[fhuket]

[ATTACH=CONFIG]

[fhuket]

John "Jumbo" Berryman's first Falcon coupe. 63 Falcon Sprint. Woodford Glen Speedway, Christchurch Late 1970,s.
3481134812

[fhuket]

34813

[fhuket]

34817
Jumbo Berryman #11 ?..........., ..........., Peter Woods Mustang in 4th.
That's Right Jac.
Jumbo is my Father.
He first raced a 56 Two Door Customline with Peter way back in the 70's and built and raced 5 early shaped Falcon Coupes after that. All Steel Bodies and cool looking. He sold them normally after a season or two to build another and try some new ideas. Had some great lessons from Peter and was awesome growing up in that era. I have some from Riverside and remember some good times at the Gore Motor Camp with all the people back then.

[worsel]

222 at Riverside Raceway34843

[fhuket]

222 at Riverside Raceway34843
Cool picture I have not seen before thanks Worsel. Do you have any others from that era ?
Cheers

[Steve Holmes]

222 at Riverside Raceway34843

Worsel, do you have any other speedway pics from the 1970s - 1990s? I'm writing a book about people in speedway and could really do with having a few more photos.

[Popey]

I have this copy of a news paper article which has some info on Allen Ford. He is my cousin and as a kid I remember visiting him working on his Mark 1 Zephyr in his parents garage in Onehunga. And have fond memories of siting with his parents in the middle of the main grandstand at Waikaraka park watching him race. Sorry the article is hard to read once reduced.
3991239913

[John McKechnie]

not many of this model Monaro were out there- most had sedans.
Is this John Haymans "Fred" ?

[Rod Grimwood]

It is Allan Ford John, i may have some more of this car. There was another at Mount Maunganui (Riddell or Kiddell) i think.

[John McKechnie]

Popey- when was this article dated, and in it did it say where the engine came from, also was it carbed or injected ?

[Steve Holmes]

Thats awesome Popey! Here is another from our Old Speedway Photos thread posted by 225sloper: http://www.theroaringseason.com/showthread.php?1499-Old-Speedway-Photos

Out of interest, how did the Monaro end up on the speedway? These were desirable cars back then. They usually only became speedway cars if they got wrecked as road cars, or stolen/recovered etc.

39914

[John McKechnie]

John Hayman had the first NZ Monaro at Waikaraka.
It had been stolen, stripped and the body bulldozed flat to hide it when it was buried.
John got the body and jacked it back into shape , but rear window opening was always lower on one side.
The Chev 350 motor from Graeme Harveys Elfin 400 went into it.
Johns one was white, and I see the inside of Alans is white also.
Can anyone confirm this was the same car, though probably Johns was rhd and here Alans is lhd.
Ray Chatfield behind Alan- a very fast pedaller, then Ray Wrecker Wright.
At this point in time it looks like top runners found driving position better on the passenger side, whereas earlier no one was concerned.
Evan Watson built a HQ Monaro up from brand new panels from the GM dealership that I worked for.
It was a space framed , but was told he had to put a normal floor in....project stalled for a while.
Where have all these all cars gone...............? as if we dont know

[Kiwiboss]

John Hayman had the first NZ Monaro at Waikaraka.
It had been stolen, stripped and the body bulldozed flat to hide it when it was buried.
John got the body and jacked it back into shape , but rear window opening was always lower on one side.
The Chev 350 motor from Graeme Harveys Elfin 400 went into it.
Johns one was white, and I see the inside of Alans is white also.
Can anyone confirm this was the same car, though probably Johns was rhd and here Alans is lhd.
Ray Chatfield behind Alan- a very fast pedaller, then Ray Wrecker Wright.
At this point in time it looks like top runners found driving position better on the passenger side, whereas earlier no one was concerned.
Evan Watson built a HQ Monaro up from brand new panels from the GM dealership that I worked for.
It was a space framed , but was told he had to put a normal floor in....project stalled for a while.
Where have all these all cars gone...............? as if we dont know

Great info John, i remember the story way back when I was a kid someone either in Hamilton or Auckland building a dirt track gen1 Camaro around a early Holden(HK/HG) shell that had been either stolen or wrecked and it cause a big kerfuffle. I guess we forget these days how hard it was to obtain, and how expensive cars were back then, just to purchase New was an issue requiring overseas funds, and some of these cars that hit the dirt were barely on the show room floor, quite impressive back then. And if it was American like a Mustang or Camaro well that was just "walking on the moon" stuff.

[Rod Grimwood]

These 2 were stolen and stripped, Cowan/Black aquired and Ron built for promotion cars for guests.

[John McKechnie]

Great info John, i remember the story way back when I was a kid someone either in Hamilton or Auckland building a dirt track gen1 Camaro around a early Holden(HK/HG) shell that had been either stolen or wrecked and it cause a big kerfuffle. I guess we forget these days how hard it was to obtain, and how expensive cars were back then, just to purchase New was an issue requiring overseas funds, and some of these cars that hit the dirt were barely on the show room floor, quite impressive back then. And if it was American like a Mustang or Camaro well that was just "walking on the moon" stuff.
Thanks Dale, some of this does test the memory....but I was there as a teenager around these guys.
Real hero material...John Scott, Evan Watson, John Hayman, Terry Costello,Barry McConnachie, Rod the Water Tank driver ...list goes on.......My all time favourite car was Barry McCs Mach 1 Mustang
The Camaro you are thinking of was built by the Fabulous Baker Brothers.
Twas a Vauxhall Victor FD 4 door that they shortened to look like a 2 door Camaro . They then got a local GM car salesman to say it was as Camaro.
I remember it racing, knew exactly what it was , but for me it didnt matter as it had a Chev V8 in it and they drove it well.
Would never do it now as its cheaper now to buy a Camaro than a mint Vauxhall FD Ventura 3.3

[Steve Holmes]

John Hayman had the first NZ Monaro at Waikaraka.
It had been stolen, stripped and the body bulldozed flat to hide it when it was buried.
John got the body and jacked it back into shape , but rear window opening was always lower on one side.
The Chev 350 motor from Graeme Harveys Elfin 400 went into it.
Johns one was white, and I see the inside of Alans is white also.
Can anyone confirm this was the same car, though probably Johns was rhd and here Alans is lhd.
Ray Chatfield behind Alan- a very fast pedaller, then Ray Wrecker Wright.
At this point in time it looks like top runners found driving position better on the passenger side, whereas earlier no one was concerned.
Evan Watson built a HQ Monaro up from brand new panels from the GM dealership that I worked for.
It was a space framed , but was told he had to put a normal floor in....project stalled for a while.
Where have all these all cars gone...............? as if we dont know

Thanks John, really fascinating.

Where have they all gone? Good question. Unlike old Stockcars, most of the old Saloons no longer exist. Many old Stockcars were just pushed into paddocks when they were no longer competitive, and their hefty construction meant they often survived the elements for years. But the old Saloons mostly seem to have got crushed or chopped up.

I remember as a kid in the 1980s riding my BMX bike around Palmerston North where I grew up, and it was common to see old speedway Saloons in wreckers yards. There was a Torana XU1 and a couple Minis at a place I did work experience at. Another place had an HQ Monaro coupe sitting on top of a stack of cars. I thought that might have been the old Jim Richards/Bill Dorn car, but turned out not to be the case. I'd guess it was the Monaro raced out of Palmy speedway by Gary McKelvie.

[Rod Grimwood]

Yea John, done a couple laps in the ole water truck back then between replacing wooden planks and painting them white. me and Wally Page together for couple seasons. handy place to spend the days.

[Popey]

I think it was supplied by John Robinson (his sponsor) as a wreck and built into a saloon car by Allen Ford and Dennis Short. The motor was an injected 400 block with 350 crank.

[John McKechnie]

Barry McConnachie- 1969 Mustang Fastback
Does anyone know where it is , what happened to it or can pick up any details of this car after he sold it.

It is hard to believe that this, the Firebird , Monaros , Richard Bennetts XB Coupe and all the V8 Kingswood saloons have all been scrapped....anyone ?

[Steve Holmes]

John, its my understanding the McConnachie brother bought the shell in the US as a write-off?

Many of the cars evolved over the years, and often ended up being space-framed. The body contact in the Saloons division meant the steel bodied cars were hard to maintain.

I know the Castrol GTX HQ Monaro raced by Neville Crighton and that became the Jim Richards speedway car, was later sold to Bill Dorn in the Manawatu, and raced out of Palmerston North. It then went through a couple more owners, and when Streetstock racing was first introduced in PN, it was converted to a Streetstock and eventually wrecked.

The Peter Woods 1965 Mustang fastback survived many years in the South Island, until it was purchased by Bruce Boulton in the late 1990s. He raced it for a few seasons, then transferred all the running gear into a new car, then crushed the '65 and buried it in a paddock on his farm.

There is currently a Sunbeam Tiger racing in Streetstocks in the Hawkes Bay that was built back in the '70s. Not sure who originally raced it, there were a few of them around at the time. I'm pretty certain it didn't start life as a Tiger. Perhaps it was an Alpine, or something else.

[John McKechnie]

I know when trade me was still only a couple of years old -2009?- I remember seeing a dirt track 1969 Mustang Fastback there.
It was in very good condition, but didnt last long enough for me to follow it up.
There was a blue 105 Anglia 283 V8 there which went for under $2K....would have made a great 2K car.......

[seaqnmac27]

John, its my understanding the McConnachie brother bought the shell in the US as a write-off?

Many of the cars evolved over the years, and often ended up being space-framed. The body contact in the Saloons division meant the steel bodied cars were hard to maintain.

I know the Castrol GTX HQ Monaro raced by Neville Crighton and that became the Jim Richards speedway car, was later sold to Bill Dorn in the Manawatu, and raced out of Palmerston North. It then went through a couple more owners, and when Streetstock racing was first introduced in PN, it was converted to a Streetstock and eventually wrecked.

The Peter Woods 1965 Mustang fastback survived many years in the South Island, until it was purchased by Bruce Boulton in the late 1990s. He raced it for a few seasons, then transferred all the running gear into a new car, then crushed the '65 and buried it in a paddock on his farm.

There is currently a Sunbeam Tiger racing in Streetstocks in the Hawkes Bay that was built back in the '70s. Not sure who originally raced it, there were a few of them around at the time. I'm pretty certain it didn't start life as a Tiger. Perhaps it was an Alpine, or something else.

I have a vague recollection that the might be Mike Wemyss' car that he built to replace his Simca Vedette

[seaqnmac27]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Orc79JxcFmQ&t=55s

[seaqnmac27]

Its a little later but...


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1jsmyINYpqQ

[seaqnmac27]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j2eR4OJe_p0&t=30s

[seaqnmac27]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x5OlxKN3aHc&t=1s

[seaqnmac27]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2p5vOVT4XEY&t=3s

[seaqnmac27]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=crzOmwMVym4&t=81s

[seaqnmac27]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4KfU0WQF7ks

[seaqnmac27]

and a moment from my and probably your youth Steve


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

[seaqnmac27]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6b3f_lo0PfM

[seaqnmac27]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W-RI8za9JN0

[Go Slideways]

Its amazing so little is known of the Easton car. A high profile driver in what should have been a high profile car, its interesting there is so little known about it.

I have many photo's of Jac Jac's Camaro which I will scan and post here, after I've talked a bit more to him about his car.

In the mean time - USA legend Gene Welch raced in New Zealand during the 70's. He had many very cool cars, I think that this one might be a shortened Camaro on a Sprintcar chassis.
From Jac Jac's collection - a John Sharpe photograph.

https://s1.postimg.org/6tvd9q2d5b/EPSON018.jpg (https://postimages.org/)

[Go Slideways]

Who is this? John Sharpe photograph from Jac Jac's collection.

https://s1.postimg.org/279q914w2n/EPSON017.jpg (https://postimages.org/)


https://s1.postimg.org/5xyvu9xm67/EPSON010.jpg (https://postimages.org/)

[Go Slideways]

It was Ian Easton that put these stars and stripes on the Monaro

https://s1.postimg.org/5pkg7lp88f/EPSON012.jpg (https://postimages.org/)

[Go Slideways]

https://s1.postimg.org/58u4twdhj3/EPSON013.jpg (https://postimages.org/)

[John McKechnie]

#101- Gene Welch 2nd car ?

[Go Slideways]

Yes thats what Jac Jac just told me, at Forest Lakes he thinks.

[Steve Holmes]

I have many photo's of Jac Jac's Camaro which I will scan and post here, after I've talked a bit more to him about his car.

In the mean time - USA legend Gene Welch raced in New Zealand during the 70's. He had many very cool cars, I think that this one might be a shortened Camaro on a Sprintcar chassis.
From Jac Jac's collection - a John Sharpe photograph.

https://s1.postimg.org/6tvd9q2d5b/EPSON018.jpg (https://postimages.org/)

Awesome photos of the Camaro.

[John McKechnie]

Yes thats what Jac Jac just told me, at Forest Lakes he thinks.
Went there in the weekend,man it has changed.
Bought my HK Kingswood from Forest Lake Promotions- a.k.a. Black/Scott.
last time i was there with a friend and his racing pink AP5 Valiant.
Now its a real lake again with swans......

[Go Slideways]

Its amazing so little is known of the Easton car. A high profile driver in what should have been a high profile car, its interesting there is so little known about it.

These are from Jac Jac's personal collection.

https://s1.postimg.org/68fk80r9pr/EPSON006.jpg (https://postimages.org/)

https://s1.postimg.org/3h6hzy5ddr/EPSON007.jpg (https://postimages.org/)

https://s1.postimg.org/8li6p865hb/EPSON009.jpg (https://postimages.org/)

https://s1.postimg.org/4npt8jux4f/EPSON010.jpg (https://postimages.org/)

https://s1.postimg.org/51w8zf309r/EPSON011.jpg (https://postimages.org/)

https://s1.postimg.org/96rubj117j/EPSON012.jpg (https://postimages.org/)

[Steve Holmes]

Awesome to see pics of the Camaro. Thanks for posting. Its amazing how beat up these things got. Back when speedway saloons were real cars, seeing a near-new Camaro on the dirt must have been like seeing a space ship.

[225sloper]

Looks like it was this car 26p John McIntyre.46763

[225sloper]

Great photo of the Peter Woods Camaro next to Wayne Andrews Mustang not sure who took photo was found on the web.46764

[225sloper]

Cool photo of the Robert Brown Monaro photo found on the web46765

[225sloper]

The Peter Woods Mustang that went through a few owners before ending up buried on Boultons farm racing the Torana of Don Black. image found on the web.46766

[225sloper]

Norm Butler in Camaro entering the track,image found on the web.46767

[225sloper]

The Wayne Andrews Mustang image found on the web46768

[225sloper]

46769

[Steve Holmes]

These are awesome photos ^^. I never cease to be amazed when I see cars that would now be quite valuable converted for speedway racing. I have to assume most were wrecked road cars. Back in the 1970s, Mustangs and Camaros (and even Monaros) were extremely rare in NZ.

First time I've ever seen the Norm Butler Camaro. Great looking car.

And yes, I believe the John McIntyre Camaro is the same car later raced by Ian Easton. His son Shane now builds the hugely successful HyperMac race cars in Cromwell.

[oppositelock]

My 1/18th scale model of the McConnachie Mustang after being sold to Ken Johnson of Hawkes Bay.

[John McKechnie]

Thank you for putting up my all time favourite mustang, that colour scheme was bold at the time..has got me thinking.

[Steve Holmes]

Wow, that is just so cool! Awesome job.

[oppositelock]

And here's what he did to it when he first purchased/raced it - would have been 1973, before returning it to the glorious blue and white for the 1974/75 season ..... (again my 1/18th scale model of it)

No-one seems to know what ever happened to the car after that. A friend of mine's brother pit crewed on it and apparently they raced it at Manfield at some stage ??? But that was a looooooong time ago !

I do intend to make a version in the McConnachie colours - #3, white interior, no bonnet scoop or front spoiler.

[oppositelock]

In the Holden corner we have a few Toranas.

Peter Martin's 1976 and 1977 NZ Champion JJ Fishmart and Superoo takeaways cars #4H.

Blondie Chamberlain's 1981 NZ Champion car #77s.

Australian Peter Crick's awesome ashphalt racer from 1974 Liverpool City Raceway.

All models are made in resin and are 1/18th scale.