Photos: The Bruce Wells Collection - Warwick Farm - Part 1

[Steve Holmes]

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OK, this is the big one! Warwick Farm no longer exists as a race track, at least, not for race cars. The car race track was built on the site of a horse track, and horse racing still takes place there. But the glorious sounds of high revving race motors haven't been heard at 'The Farm' for nearly 40 years, with the last race having taken place in August, 1973.

But prior to its closure, Warwick Farm was one of the most significant race tracks in Australia, and in its relatively brief career, which began in 1960, played host to the Australian Grand Prix, the single race Australian Touring Car Championship, plus rounds of the Tasman Series, and the ATCC when it became a multi-round championship from 1969. Furthermore, numerous of smaller events also took place there.

Warwick Farm was the premier motor racing venue in New South Wales, alongside Bathurst, although many more events were held at the Farm, with this being a permanent venue. Its eventual closure prompted promotion of other tracks, such as Oran Park, but prior to that happening, it was a place of great significance, in which many of the worlds top racing drivers competed.

Bruce Wells, being a NSW resident, attended many races at the Farm, and his significant photographic collection spans 1964 - 1967, after which he moved away from the area and quit motorsport photography.

I've split Bruce's Warwick Farm photos into several chapters, this first being of a pair of national events held in September and December 1964.

[Steve Holmes]

The term 'rubbin's racing' isn't a new one! Just check the panel damage in this opening shot. I'm pretty certain the leading EH Holden is that of Brian Muir, with Pete Geoghagan giving chase in the Cortina. But who is that in the Cooper S? Also, note the couple of spectators watching the racing without paying the admission charge!

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[Steve Holmes]

More touring car action, including the Anderson Customline.

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[neale]

Great pics as usual. I cant wait to see the rest of them!

The pic of the guys in the tree reminds me of a story that dad told me of when he used to watch the races at "The Farm".

He said that there used to be a guy that would ferry people across the Georges River in a small boat for a small fee that would be cheaper than paying to get in through the gate. At some race meetings he would ferry hundreds of people across & they would all climb the trees like you can see in that pic. At one meeting there was so many people in one tree that it couldnt handle the weight & fell over.

[Steve Holmes]

Neale, thats a great story! Glad you're enjoying the pics. Getting to post these amazing Bruce Wells photos on here is a real highlight for me.

[Steve Holmes]

Next batch, same event. That appears to be Glyn Scott in the #12 Lotus, but who is he chasing?

I believe the last two photos are of the very adaptable Greg Cusack, as he seemed to favour #7 on his race cars.

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[Steve Holmes]

Last group from this event.

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[Steve Holmes]

The following photos are all from a December 1964 national meeting. kicking off with the AM DB3, the only info I can find of this car is that it was raced by an A. Pucket.

The Peter Manton Cooper S that heads up this chapter, Bruce has really captured the car well, especially where it cocks the inside rear wheel. And note the amount of lean Pete himself applies into the corner! He just about disappears under the dash.

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[Steve Holmes]

Pretty sure this is Brian Foley chasing Geoghegan.

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[Steve Holmes]

Bit more touring car action, with the EH Holdens of Norm Beechey and Brian Muir, plus Bob Janes Jag.

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[Steve Holmes]

OK, single seaters. I think the opening two shots are of Doug Ferris in the Lotus 20B.

Then we have Lex Davison and Frank Matich.

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[Steve Holmes]

Bob Jane can't have done a lot of single seater racing, but this is him in the Elfin.

Following pics are (I think) Rocky Tresise in the Cooper, Bib Stillwell in the Brabham, and Matich again.

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[Dale Harvey]

Steve, I hope we have not come to the end of the photos, and the reason for not seeing more is that you are too busy to post them.
Dale.

[Murray Maunder]

Second that sentiment Dale. Really excellent photos and interesting to see how Bruce seems to favour rear end shots of racing, not all that common. It's very effective in showing styles and lines. Love it Steve, keep them coming!

[Steve Holmes]

Hi guys, yes there are loads more to come. I've not been on here much lately, as our beautiful big 8 year old Rhodesian Ridgeback had been diagnosed with cancer and we'd been trying to have him fixed.

Will be posting more photos today.

[Steve Holmes]

OK, update time. Here are the next batch from the December 1964 meeting, and showing Norm Beechey in the EH giving chase to Bob Janes Jaguar, and Brian Muir's EH.

Can anyone help ID the FX Holdens? I think the #45 car in the first shot could be that of Bo Seton. How about the others?

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[Dale Harvey]

Great photos!! Notice, Brian Muir and the bloke in the Lotus formula junior #16 both wearing short sleeved shirts. That's the way it was in the good old days!!! I can remember some drivers racing in singlets.

Dale.

[Steve Holmes]

Yep, amazing isn't it! certainly more casual times.

[Steve Holmes]

First two shots show Bob Jane and Frank Matich again. Any thoughts on who the other drivers are in these photos?

The FX is Bo Seton again.

Any ideas on who is driving the AM? Looks like the car Tom Sulman raced several years earlier.

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[Steve Holmes]

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[Steve Holmes]

Next batch:

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[Steve Holmes]

Any thoughts on whose is the light coloured EH Holden? It obviously wasn't as quick as the Muir and Beechey cars, which were at the front battling Bob Jane's Jag.

I'll take a punt on the FX Holden with the vertical side stripes as being Warren Weldons, while the Cortina in the last shot is that of Jim McKeowns, which I always thought was the best looking of all the Aussie MkI Cortinas.

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[Dale Harvey]

The only thing different about that 48-215 with the vertical stripes is the number. Warren Weldon always raced with #119.

Dale.

[Steve Holmes]

Thanks Dale, I did manage to find a photo on Autopics of Warren racing under the number 33. This may have just been something forced upon him at this event: http://www.autopics.com.au/item.mibiznez?id=6859

[Steve Holmes]

OK, next batch. First up is Frank Matich in the pretty Lotus 19B. Next is another shot of what appears to be the Warren Weldon Holden FX. Last two are a couple of absolute ripper touring car shots of first Bob Jane leading Pete Geoghegan and Peter Manton, then a second shot with Brian Foley also in the mix.

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[Steve Holmes]

Bout time I updated this thread.

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[Steve Holmes]

Would that be Kevin Bartlett in the TVR Grantura? KB, you had a bit of an association with assembling TVR's in Australia didn't you? I have a road test from (I think) 1965 on a V8 Griffith that had been assembled by you. Did anyone ever race a Griffith in Australia?

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[Greg Mackie]

If not K.B., it could be Peter A [Pedro] Owen, he drove a TVR.

My affordable 'race' tyres came from 'Pedro'....S/H Michelin X for 30/- [$3] each. They sometime needed to be re-grooved, to pass srutineering.:rolleyes:

[Steve Holmes]

Thanks Greg, love the story about the tyres! You're right about the TVR, I think Bartlett and Owen shared the same car. As well as his tyre company, Owen also owned Motor Imports Ltd and was the Aussie agent for TVR, which I assume is why Bartlett assembled his demonstrator V8 Griffith road car.

[Steve Holmes]

This first shot is a ripper! Pete Geoghegan in the Lotus Cortina leads the Mini Coopers of Peter Manton and Brian Foley, while Jim McKeown tucks in behind Foley. And to the left of shot appears to be Leo Geoghegan in the Cortina GT.

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[Steve Holmes]

Time for another batch from the farm. Can anyone help to ID the driver of the Porsche? Both Harry Firth and Eddie Perkins ran 356's, but both of those cars appeared much earlier than when this photo was taken.

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[Steve Holmes]

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[dennis tobin]

The second last photo on page 1 - car number 42 (the Turner is behind) ... What is it? It looks a bit like a Lister left out in the sun! Does it still exist??

[thunder427]

Would that be Kevin Bartlett in the TVR Grantura? KB, you had a bit of an association with assembling TVR's in Australia didn't you? I have a road test from (I think) 1965 on a V8 Griffith that had been assembled by you. Did anyone ever race a Griffith in Australia?

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...Steve, Picture #2 is a Haines Hunter, built by the Sydney Boat builder by the same name,I worked on one for Dick Bates of ACT/Canberra fame, Father to the Bates 'Rallye' boys....quite possibly the same car!!..thunder427/MJ

[Greg Mackie]

Thanks for jogging my memory, thunder.....that is a Hunter. I just couldn't think of that name.

The Porsche, #88, could be Graham White in Bill Townsend's car, perhaps?

[Steve Holmes]

...Steve, Picture #2 is a Haines Hunter, built by the Sydney Boat builder by the same name,I worked on one for Dick Bates of ACT/Canberra fame, Father to the Bates 'Rallye' boys....quite possibly the same car!!..thunder427/MJ

Thanks Myles, like Greg I was trying to solve that one, I'd seen it before, but couldn't come up with a name. Did it have a fibreglass body?

[Steve Holmes]

Thanks for jogging my memory, thunder.....that is a Hunter. I just couldn't think of that name.

The Porsche, #88, could be Graham White in Bill Townsend's car, perhaps?

Thanks Greg, good work!

[Steve Holmes]

Just winding this thread down towards its conclusion. Here are the next stunning batch of shots from Bruce.

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[Steve Holmes]

Next batch:

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[Ellis]

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The Red Brian Muir EH S4 (later Terry Allan and Dave Price)
There is another pic or 2 of it in later posts

[Steve Holmes]

Thanks Ellis, yep thats right, and it was one of the very fastest touring cars in Australia at the time.

[Steve Holmes]

Here are the last three pics from this chapter. More from Warwick Farm to come in a new chapter.

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[Dale Harvey]

I would guess that this last shot is George Garth in the FC Holden.
Bring on the next batch please.
Dale.

[Kevin Bartlett]

Steve, I think that pic of the TVR has Pedro aboard. The helmet type is my indication, as that was one favoured by PO. True we did share drives, I drove in the more major events for Pedro at Catalina Park and Warwick Farm. I think we ventured further afield on more than one occasion, but the memory dims.

[Greg Mackie]

That's Kevin Fisher in the Fiat 1500.

[John Uren]

Ron Thorp bought Tom Sulman's DB3S, Ron is better known for the Cobra that replaced it

[Greg Mackie]

Dr John Uren?, NSU Prinz?, Lotus Cortina ?

[Steve Holmes]

Steve, I think that pic of the TVR has Pedro aboard. The helmet type is my indication, as that was one favoured by PO. True we did share drives, I drove in the more major events for Pedro at Catalina Park and Warwick Farm. I think we ventured further afield on more than one occasion, but the memory dims.

Thanks KB. Did you ever race a Griffith?

[Steve Holmes]

Ron Thorp bought Tom Sulman's DB3S, Ron is better known for the Cobra that replaced it

Thanks for that John. Ron has good taste in cars!

[John Uren]

Hello Greg, sorry, this is ''young John'', used to be the kid who trailed around as 'pit crew' for the NSU and Lotus.
Dr John died last December, in Bowral, still talking cars

[Greg Mackie]

That is sad news.

I helped John with some suspension mods. on the NSU, in the early '60s. He was a pretty handy driver.

[John Uren]

Thanks Greg.

re: the Hunter, #41 on the previous page: perhaps this is one of the Hindmarsh cars? Husband and wife, one black and one silver.

[Ray Bell]

Yes, it is the Ian Hindmarsh Holden-powered Hunter...

48/215 No 40 is John Hall, 45 is Brian Donovan (not Bo Seton), 35 is Bruce Stewart, 37 is probably Graham Ryan.

I don't know who the light-coloured EH is, the Mk 3 Zephyr is Bruce Taylor.

Strangely, you don't seem to realise that the December pics of the front-line tourers depict the most exciting races ever run for the class. A fantastic pair of races that left spectators spellbound.

[Ray Bell]

Originally posted by Steve Holmes
First two shots show Bob Jane and Frank Matich again. Any thoughts on who the other drivers are in these photos?


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Paul Bolton in the Rennmax (21) with a Hillman engine, I'd forgotten all about that one...

Brabham No 9 is, I'm pretty sure, Geoff McClelland.

[Ray Bell]

Originally posted by Steve Holmes
Last group from this event.

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Doug Kelley in the old Cooper leads the top group... there's another pic of him too...

The Lotus 18s were Fairall and Price, I don't know which is which.

The TR is Bill Hucker, Max Brunninghausen in the SP250, Mike Champion in the blue Morgan, Doug Macarthur in the Spridget, I don't think this Turner is Donnelly.

[Ray Bell]

Originally posted by Steve Holmes
The following photos are all from a December 1964 national meeting. kicking off with the AM DB3, the only info I can find of this car is that it was raced by an A. Pucket.

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Alan Puckett was a well-known artist and did a lot of posters for motor racing. He had the 1935 Aston Martin LM20 which had done so well at Le Mans and ran it in the 'Vintage' race at the Farm in '62, later sold it to the US. A real Aston Martin fancier.

[Ray Bell]

Originally posted by Steve Holmes
Bit more touring car action, with the EH Holdens of Norm Beechey and Brian Muir, plus Bob Jane's Jag.

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The RCN report described this:


Jane had hit the front and led for the next lap but it was far from over. Muir wasn't giving up, and giving the red rocket everything "pushed" Jane at breakneck speed into the Causeway. The Jag nearly let go, Muir saw his chance, ducked underneath - and nearly hung himself on the fence. The Jag was clear again and this time the advantage was too great. Jane flew down Pit Straight 50 yards ahead of Muir, with Beechey, driving furiously and doing his very best but at a great disadvantage with different tyres, a long 200 yards away. Behind them, almost a minute away, came John Hall, followed by Graham Ryan and Bryan Donovan.

This race was just for the over 1600cc cars, it got much more interesting in the combined event!

[Ray Bell]

Originally posted by Steve Holmes
Bob Jane can't have done a lot of single seater racing, but this is him in the Elfin.

Following pics are (I think) Rocky Tresise in the Cooper, Bib Stillwell in the Brabham, and Matich again.

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Correct on all counts...

However, I think you underestimate Jane's open-wheeler experience. This Elfin served him well for a couple of seasons before being sold to David Collins, he contested many of the Lucas-Davison rounds at Calder and a lot of Gold Star races as well as support events for Tasman Cup races. Not only that, he jumped into his Brabham Repco at a later Calder meeting... the car had lived through an abysmal year, Harvey had ridden it into the fence when something broke at Bathurst, Ian Cook had been all at sea in it at Lakeside, Jim Palmer doddled around in it at the Farm IIRC and then Allan Moffat bundled it up at Sandown.

At Calder, however, Bob got into a dice with Frank Matich's SR3 and Leo Geoghegan's Lotus 39 and set fastest lap!

[GD66]

Alan Puckett was a well-known artist and did a lot of posters for motor racing. He had the 1935 Aston Martin LM20 which had done so well at Le Mans and ran it in the 'Vintage' race at the Farm in '62, later sold it to the US. A real Aston Martin fancier.





Alan Puckett's most famous artwork adorned the fairings of Aussie Vaughan Coburn's Yamahas. They were seen in NZ in the Marlboro Series days.2814428145

[Ray Bell]

Well...

I never knew he had such good models.

[Steve Holmes]

Alan Puckett's most famous artwork adorned the fairings of Aussie Vaughan Coburn's Yamahas. They were seen in NZ in the Marlboro Series days.2814428145

Wow!

[275 GTB]

Here are the last three pics from this chapter. More from Warwick Farm to come in a new chapter.

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Interesting trackside group...noise monitoring? One lap to go point?

[Ray Bell]

Please, Mick...

They're holding cameras with long lenses, they are located between the flag points prior to the Causeway, neither of your suggestions apply.

There was no noise monitoring in 1964 anyway.

[275 GTB]

Please, Ray...there is only so much of your vast knowledge that us mere mortals can handle...

The fella sitting on what is probably a camera case might have a long lens in hand

Moving Right to Left,

the female looking person far right seems to be holding a sign...
the fella with his back to camera, seems to playing a baby grand...but could be some sort of console (like noise monitoring for an OB)
the fella with dark glasses watching the cars that have passed, seems to have a directional mic or flag available...OB sound pick up or yellow flag relay?

[928]

wonderfull imagination 275GTB

[Steve Holmes]

Mick, when I am back at my computer that have these pics stored on it, I will magnify the original in that area to see if we can see more clearly what is going on there.

[275 GTB]

wonderfull imagination 275GTB

I zoomed in on the pic and that's my best guess...although, my imaginary friend did agree with me...except that she did say that what I thought was a sign could have been a wind barrier/sound deflector for beside the directional mic...but I thought that unlikely.


Mick, when I am back at my computer that have these pics stored on it, I will magnify the original in that area to see if we can see more clearly what is going on there.

Thanks Steve, I did zoom in but a higher resolution shot is likely to tell us more :)

[Ray Bell]

It might just be flag point M1, which was later done away with...

It's an odd crowd there with the woman and all, but could that be a yellow flag she's holding?

A photographer joining the flaggies wouldn't be unexpected either.

[275 GTB]

Please, Mick...

They're holding cameras with long lenses, they are located between the flag points prior to the Causeway, neither of your suggestions apply.

There was no noise monitoring in 1964 anyway.

So we have changed our tune have we Ray?

[Ray Bell]

I was looking at the wrong picture, Mick...

The photographers on the outside of the curve.

[275 GTB]

Sure...anyone could make a simple mistake like that...but you, with your encyclopaedic brain?

[Steve Holmes]

Here you go Mick. Sorry, it just blurs out.

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[Ray Bell]

Yes, definitely a flag point and flaggies... and 'visitors'...

The clearer pic shows it's not a woman, too, rather a man in shorts and long socks.

[275 GTB]

Thanks Steve...just like a lot of things in my life at the moment...just blurs out :)

[Greg Mackie]

Here you go Mick. Sorry, it just blurs out.

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The chap in the dark glasses, looking towards the Cortina. looks very much like Ray Berghouse to me. There seems to be a camera hanging around his neck, in Berghouse fashion.

[275 GTB]

Thanks Greg...you wouldn't know the pre-Zeiss model and serial numbers by chance?

[Greg Mackie]

Crikey Mick, how did you know that !

[275 GTB]

Crikey Mick, how did you know that !

The camera is still in its beautiful leather case...so you wouldn't have been able to take the numbers! :D

[Ray Bell]

I think you'll find it's a bit too early for Bergy...

[Greg Mackie]

Isn't it enough for you to query everything on TNF, Mr Doubting Thomas [AKA Know-It-All] ?

[Ray Bell]

Originally posted by Greg Mackie
Isn't it enough for you to query everything on TNF, Mr Doubting Thomas [AKA Know-It-All]?

Greg, if I'm as you describe, how come I have so often asked your advice on things?

One problem here we have is that I didn't get to complete my last post due to a problem with my computer.

I was to add:

If it was Bergy, or any other serious photographer, he would have had his camera out and ready for action, as does the bloke sitting down low.

I would further suggest that the person in question is wearing white overalls with a coat over them, indicating that he's either a flag marshall or an observer working on that flag point and that it's a cold day.

But I don't know everything, so I could be wrong.