Historic Sport Sedans

[Steve Holmes]

Yep, spot on Sean. It would be January 1979. That was the year Bay Park, Pukekohe, and Manfield hosted the three round Open Saloon Car series, with Jim Richards and John Briggs shipping their cars out to compete against the top NZ cars. Most of the local cars competing had been mothballed, as Motorsport NZ had introduced a maximum 2 litre engine limit for racing sedans following the 1977 ShellSport NZ Saloon Car Championship, due to dwindling numbers. So none of the V8s raced in the 1977/78 season, other than those racing in the South Island in OSCA, such as Inky Tulloch.

The PDL team dusted off PDL II, and added an extended front splitter at the base of the front bodywork to aid front downforce. To counter that, they also fitted that tall rear wing shown in that photo John posted, mounted on metal struts. The wing was actually off an unused McLaren F5000 they had sitting in their workshop. According to Leo Leonard, the additional rear downforce and grip from that wing was immense, allowing him to drive around the outside of Richards' Falcon sports sedan at turn one and right through the following right hand sweeper at Manfield.

Note that when the Stewart family completed the most recent restoration on this car in the mid-2000s, they fitted a tall rear wing to it, which it hadn't worn since that 1979 season. However, they decided the narrow McLaren F5000 wing didn't look too nice, so made up a new wider version instead.

[CUSTAXIE50]

So you would like to commercialise Historic Racing Ray? I thought that was against the ethos of Historic motorsport?

Ok the cus2 may be at the back,but you have to say thats one cool photo,

[TonyG]

Here is one for you Custaxie50. Thought you may appreciate this one from my brothers slide scans that I have just received.
At Puke not sure of year. 67 Maybe!


I have to run them through some better programs to try to restore the colours yet but have more to come from all around the 66 - 68 years and then a few that creep into the 70's.

[CUSTAXIE50]

Here is one for you Custaxie50. Thought you may appreciate this one from my brothers slide scans that I have just received.
At Puke not sure of year. 67 Maybe!


I have to run them through some better programs to try to restore the colours yet but have more to come from all around the 66 - 68 years and then a few that creep into the 70's.

Like night and day,cus1-cus2 today,but always good to see the new car out there.Anyone know when this car will be out next time.

[John McKechnie]

CUSTAXIE50- I gave him our meeting schedule for this year,and our next racing is Icebreaker in September. Everyone who raced before is automatically invited. Anyone who has a suitable car that they would like to run with us should contact me. I am hoping Custaxie 2 will come out to race again

[John McKechnie]

A reminder to everyone out there-
Historic Racing Club and Hampton Downs have been so good to give our class 4 meetings a year, so lets show our appreciation by being there, either racing or visibly supporting these surviving NZ authentic race cars from that period.

First one- Ice Breaker, September 13-14th 2014 at Hampton Downs

I will send out emails to drivers who have competed before.
Also if anyone has an OSCA, past NZ Sports Sedan, Shellsport or NZ historic car from that period that wants to run with us, please contact me - the class coordinator-and tell me what you have.
This is simply about getting these cars out for 4 times a year to have nostalgia and fun.
With all the wet and wild weather we have been having recently, we could have a dry run .
Pete- will the Skoda be ready for this?
Rod Grimwood from another thread-
"Yep, and he has his (old) car ready for a run as well, so he can pace her."
What is this car, will it fit in and does he want to run at this meeting?
As the class has Invited Allcomers to run with them ,as previously , I will be running my car as well and inviting Custaxie 2, Zephyr Corvette and some others to make up an interesting mix for some hot action on a cold day.

[Shoreboy57]

Thanks for the reminder John - a new season - that's something to look forward to on these cold days

[Rod Grimwood]

Yep he is ready to run, and car has previous Sports Sedan and OSCA History, car info shortly.

Don't forget people, it's all about giving the cars a run and keeping our old shoulders and arms busy for the BBQ. No winners, just the motor sport public and enthusiasts to admire some history and a excuse to get together.

[GeebeeNZ]

John That sounds great. Even if the cars aren't 100% authentic (Custaxie 2) I am sure the public will still love them.

[Snoozin]

I intend on being here, camera in hand! Can't wait!

[John McKechnie]

Just an update on the Icebreaker-
Custaxie 2 wont be there as Robert will be overseas.
Dennis Running -RX8 -yes.
Cam Crawford-XA Coupe-yes.
Graeme Addis- Charger-yes.
Gordon Burr-Alfetta- yes.
John Telford- RX7 V8.- if the weathers ok, then yes(only has drys)
Ralph Mossman- Grimmie has details-yes.
Garry Haynes- RX7 V8 (chev 350 LT1, willwood 6 pot front, 4 pot rear)-yes
Graeme Park-Marina V8- not ready yet, will run Porsche in other class.
Roy Bingley- Commodore-yes.
Barry Algie-Monaro-yes.
John McKechnie XA Coupe-yes
Many thanks to you guys for putting your hands up so quickly. more to follow.

[John McKechnie]

HELP-
thermostat housing for a SD1 rover V8 - needed by one of the drivers.
Needed to be able to run at the Ice Breaker Sept

If you can help/supply/sell please reply here so you can be contacted.
Thanks guys

[John McKechnie]

Would like to welcome Ralph Mossman back to the track in HSS.
On #425,in 1984 the grid has the Alfetta, Starlet Addis Charger, RX8, Algie Monaro and Ralf in his Viva.
There is also McLeans Commodore.
Now 30 years later, they are doing it again, talk about nostalgia, Parksy you are needed here a.s.a.p.
If the ex McLean Commodore now owned by Tony Boyden was to run, that would be another.
This class is definitely for the authentic cars and drivers.

[Rod Grimwood]

John it is Ralph, not the other it sounds like someone thats been in the news lately, and that he is not. (well not now anyway)

[Grant Sprague]

WHAT DID YOU SAAAAAAAYY .. I can relate to this lol

[John McKechnie]

Rod- not sure who you are talking about, but have corrected the name.
Barry Algie just came round, he told me the other car in this 1984 grid is Baigent- the two were talking before the race.
This car is a Nissan, and is sitting at Wendlebourns and , according to Barry, needs some prepping and then can run.
Now wheres Ralphs old Viva?

[Andrew Metford]

Edited for the post below: That's well and truly fair enough John, my apologies to those concerned.

[John McKechnie]

Andrew-There are things tucked away there, but we must respect their privacy and not discuss on an open forum.

[Rod Grimwood]

Viva body is gone but other bits still survive.

[Jizim]

Just a correction John......Graeme Parks in the Marina. (sorry to correct you mate but best get it right for everyone that knows Graeme....and thats a lot of people.) With respect of course and regards, Tony Rutherford.