Lets keep the personal knocks out ah, we all appreciate the history and knowledge being shared, back then we did not all agree on things and the same now, but now we shave ourselves, we are meant to be big boys now.
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Lets keep the personal knocks out ah, we all appreciate the history and knowledge being shared, back then we did not all agree on things and the same now, but now we shave ourselves, we are meant to be big boys now.
Total agreement with you Grimme, people who want to get personal and/or political can go play in another forum, there is far too much history of cars, events and people to be enjoyed than have to have to put up with the other nonsense.Quote:
Originally Posted by Rod Grimwood
Now as to the end of Shellsport, as was alluded to earlier by Lurker, it had run its course. The problem was that the cars were getting older and while the likes of Mk1 Escorts Twin Cams were still very competitive they had been out of production for a number of years. A number of incentives were introduced to try and get people to move into newer model cars but unfortunately they were all front wheel drive and being some of what could be called 1st generation Japanese FWD cars they were not really suitable. Now if we had taken a holiday for about 8 -10 years until the likes of the cars that we saw in the British Touring Car Championship such as the Primera, Vectra, Peugeot, Volvo, Honda etc had been built then the incentives etc would have worked and I am sure we would have still had the magic of the class. Unfortunately the 1st generation Japanese sourced cars that we had in our fleet at the time simply were just not suitable for turning into a racecar while still remaining true to the spirit of the Shellsport class.
I met up with Don last week and had a good look at the car. It is in pieces at the moment and the engine needs some work done but it is a great looking car and would really like to see it on track again. Thanks Don.
Quote:
Originally Posted by stirlingmac
Here you go Rod, got this from Bryce today Attachment 8162
Any one remember Bryce Platt racing the CHEQUERED FLAG Escort ??? Graham
I understand & appreciate what both of you chaps are saying but we should not validate any injustice just because time has passed. We all remain answerable for what we've done & please acknowledge that the question I posted was simply that! A question to be answered.Quote:
Originally Posted by Carlo
I might add that I've received three emails from TRS contributors who whilst not wanting to be named, are apparently far more well informed than myself on the reasons behind the demise of Shellsport.
TRS is a forum for the likes of this to be discussed.
Russ Cunningham
I'm all for robust discussion Russ, but is this a subject that needs to be discussed? Whats the best possible outcome from discussing this?
Cool!Quote:
Originally Posted by worsel
i am sort of struggling a bit here.....can someone correct me if i am wrong please.Quote:
Originally Posted by Lurker
Shell withdrew from the shellsport series at the end of the 85 season.......is that correct.
The academy as it is referred to that started the carreers of greg murphy amongst many others commenced in the 1990/91 season...
and there is a perceived connection between the two..........??...really.
Don't forget the class was revived/revamped as the Tootal Coolwool 2.5 series allowing rotaries to run. Keiron Wills ran his ex Aussie Grp C RX7 which was then turned into the RX8. I remember the buzz at the time was touring car racing grabbing all the attention and many potential smallbore racers took to running Corollas etc in the B&H series and then the Nissan Mobil Series. When touring car budgets got too much for many, SS2000 was developed and continues to cater for the smaller capacity modified saloons.
yes ,i am aware of that,it was the inference that shell stopped supporting the shellsport class to tip their money into the 'academy' for young drivers when there was a 5 year gap between the two...Quote:
Originally Posted by stirlingmac
Thats what I remember Shellsport cars as (pic of Mk1 Escort)!
Im only a young fella compared to alot of you guys on here and I have no idea how or why the series ended - and to be perfectly honest, thats history as far as Im concerned. What I do know, is that as a young lad, standing at the entry into the sweeper at the front straight at Puke, the Shellsport cars were the coolest cars to watch. The McNamara Escort was where it was at for me, thats for sure!
Sorry Richard I wasn't having a dig at you or Russ , just highlighting that a class for small capacity cars continued but the spotlight turned to the touring cars.
Yes, with Knitwear on screen. Burnt Orange colour.Quote:
Originally Posted by markson
Thanks Worsel, Be good to catch up with Bryce, last saw him imitating a rally driver.
Hahaha Rod, a bit like this maybe?
PaulAttachment 8311
Quote:
Originally Posted by worsel
Oh! He did get sideways. Yea, thats him. PS need a contact maybe for Bryce so i can catch up.
Here are some from the Kevin Thomson collection
Attachment 8356Attachment 8357Attachment 8358Attachment 8359Attachment 8360Attachment 8361
Great pics !!! Are there any more....???
I will pass on your request to Bryce. He does look in here on occasions too.Quote:
Originally Posted by Rod Grimwood
Hi Rod
The last time I seen Bryce he was driving a Waste Management truck Graham
Thanks guy's, now that i would love to see a Waste Management truck going sideways.
There certainly was some great looking machinery in the original series. Hopefully we can see some of these cars back on track again in the new series. Who drove the Fristscort car in the photos above ?
Attachment 8407
Kevin Ryan and Grant Atken at the esses off the start finish straight at Timaru
It was Ken SagerQuote:
Originally Posted by kiwi285
[QUOTE=Rod Grimwood;13659]Yes, with Knitwear on screen. Burnt Orange colour.
Photos taken at Baypark 23-10-77 and Pukekohe Club Circuit 8-5-77 a couple of others added for interest
Thanks, great photos, note Soames connection on front panel.
Attachment 8724
This is cheating a bit as it was before 1978. This is my Shellsport Datsun coupe that won 2 NZ Championships for those interested in this period. I sold this car to Rex Findlay afterwards. This is its first time out at Puke. Finished 3rd with standard suspension which we changed for the next round at Baypark.
Attachment 8725
This is the cars second race which was at Baypark. Pole position, new lap record and won the race.
Attachment 8726
After Baypark it got its new livery. Eastern Tool Company sponsorship & Shell Oil NZ contract. Raced for the remainder of the year in this guise against firstly Reg Cook in the coupe. Robbie Francevic took over the coupe and Reg changed to the Cherry in an effort to win the championship against my car. We got there in the end but some of the racing was pretty intense! They tried every trick in the book and then some.
Attachment 8727
For the next season the car was repainted black. This is how many people remember this car. By this time the car was going quick. Nearly 2 seconds faster than Reg Cooks record at Puke when I entered the class.It was a great car to drive, however you had to have your wits about you.
Attachment 8728
Just another shot for anyone interested
Fantastic shots Steve, remember you and Ralph well!
Was the "Fristscort" the car which ran an FVA engine?..Quote:
Originally Posted by seaqnmac27
Great photos Steve.
Cheers
Lee
Fantastic photos Steve, thanks for posting them here.
Great photos Steve, keep them coming.
Frist car did have FVA to start i believe, it used to scream.
Rod,
I have sent you a pm with Bryce P's contact details.
Love the pics Steve, really cool!