86 replies to this topic

[Jerry Entin]

KEN SMITH HAS BATTLE ON HIS HANDS AT SKOPE CLASSIC THIS WEEKEND

Last time Kiwi super vet Ken Smith (Lola T430) competed at Christchurch's Powerbuilt Tools Raceway at Ruapuna Park he had a dream run, earning himself a record-equaling fourth Lady Wigram Trophy with pole position in qualifying and victory in each MSC NZ F5000 Tasman Cup Revival Series race.

This weekend he returns to contest the fourth round of the 2010/11 MSC series at the annual Skope Classic meeting with a real battle on his hands.

Smith, the defending MSC series champion, forced his way past Mark Dwyer (Lola T400) to win the only race to be contested at the first rain-lashed Festival of New Zealand Motor Racing - Chris Amon at the Hampton Downs circuit near Auckland a fortnight ago.

But at the second meeting, held in more benign conditions at Hampton Downs last weekend, pole went to visiting Monaco-based British driver Peter Dunn (March 73A) and all three races were won by one of the other overseas entrants, Canadian Jay Esterer (McRae GM1).

Smith did set the fastest lap time in the opening qualifying session, but broke an input shaft in the top 20 session, meaning he missed out on a chance to go even quicker in the Top 10 Shootout.

The 1.01.881 time he set in the Top 20 session was still good enough to give him P10 on the grid for the first race but after working his way up to fourth in the first race, then finishing a close second to Esterer in the second, any hopes Smith had of finally getting the better of the quick Canadian were dashed in the third when he had to pit for a new wheel and tyre after contact as he lapped Poul Christie (Lola T190).

With usual sparring partner Steve Ross (McRae GM1) having problems of his own over the weekend, Smith still has a healthy lead in the MSC series points standings. But with just two rounds of the popular trans-Tasman MSC F5000 Tasman Cup Revival Series to go - the penultimate one at Invercargill in a fortnight and the final at the Qantas Australian Formula 1 Grand Prix in Melbourne in March - the wily veteran knows the pressure is on him this weekend.

Not just from Esterer either. Series young gun Michael Lyons (Lola T400) showed real race-winning potential at Hampton Downs last weekend, coming back from a car-bending dnf in the first race to cross the finish line fifth in the second and a weekend-best second - after wrestling the lead of Esterer on several occasions - in the third.

Compatriot Mark Dwyer has also shown plenty of pace, as has series newcomer, Clark Proctor, the former Stock Car champion and more recently NZV8s and Targa Rally front-runner who bought a March 73A on the eve of the first New Zealand Festival of Motor Racing meeting.

And no mention of the second NZ Festival of Motor Racing - Chris Amon meeting would be complete without reference to the giant-killing antics of Michael Whatley behind the wheel of one of the oldest cars in the field, a Surtees TS8.

A member of the six-strong group of visiting drivers from the UK, Whatley is 19th overall in the series points standings but has a commanding lead over class stalwart Poul Christie in the Class A category thanks to a barn-storming performance at the second Hampton Downs meeting which saw him finish as high as eighth in one of the races.

This weekend a 23-strong MSC NZ F5000 Tasman Cup Revival Series field heads a packed programme with races for classic and historic single-seaters, sportscars and saloons. After a 20 minute qualifying session on Saturday morning there will be three races for the MSC cars, the first of two eight lap sprint preliminaries on Saturday afternoon, the second on Sunday morning then a final over 12 laps on Sunday afternoon.

The MSC F5000 Tasman Cup Revival Series is organised and run with the support of sponsors MSC, NZ Express Transport, Bonney's Specialized Bulk Transport, Mobil Lubricants, Pacifica, Smith & Davies, Avon Tyres and Exide.


2010/11 MSC New Zealand F5000 Tasman Cup Revival Series Series points after Rnd 3 of 6
Overall
1. Ken Smith (Lola T430) 141 points
2. Steve Ross (McRae GM1) 101
3. Aaron Burson (McRae GM1) 87
4. Jay Esterer (McRae GM1) 85
5. Peter Dunn (March 73A) 73
6. Mick Lyons (Lola T400) 71
7. Tony Richards (Lola T332) 70
8. Clark Proctor (March 73A) 60
9. Andrew Higgins (Lola T400) 52
10=. Ian Clements (Lola T332) 49
10=. Reg Cook (Lola T400) 49
12=. Mark Dwyer (Lola T400) 41
12=. Sefton Gibb (Lola T332) 41
14. Brett Willis (Lola T330) 39
15=. Russell Greer (Lola T332) 31
15=. Frank Lyons (Gurney-Eagle FA74) 31
15=. Ron Maydon (Amon F1010 F1) 31
18. David Abbott (Lola T430) 15
19. Michael Whatley (Surtees TS8) 13
20=. Tony Roberts (March 73A-1) 10
20=. Roger Williams (Lola T332) 10
22=. Peter Burson (McRae GM1) 9
22=. Greg Thornton (Chevron B32) 9
24=. Alastair Russell (McRae GM1) 6
24=. Peter Sundberg (Lola T332) 6
26=. Poul Christie (Lola T190) 5
26=. Hamish Paterson (Chevron B32) 5
28=. Stu Lush (McRae GM1) 4
28=. Kerry McIntosh (Begg FM2) 4
28=. Warwick Mortimer (Surtees TS5) 4
31. Stan Redmond (Lola T332) 3

Class A
1. Michael Whatley (Surtees TS8) 85 points
2. Poul Christie (Lola T190) 39
3=. Kerry McIntosh (Begg FM2) 38
3=. Warwick Mortimer (Surtees TS5) 38

report sent site: Ross MacKay

[Jerry Entin]

Jay Esterer (McRae GM1) leading Tony Richards (Lola T332)
Skope Classic meeting
Powerbuilt Tools Raceway @ Ruapuna Park
Sat-Sun
Feb 05-06
2011

DAY 1 REPORT

MCRAES SET THE MSC F5000 SERIES PACE AT SKOPE CLASSIC

The McRae GM1s of Steve Ross and Jay Esterer proved to be the cars to beat in the MSC NZ F5000 Tasman Cup Revival Series class on the first day of competition at the annual Skope Classic meeting at Christchurch's Powerbuilt Tools Raceway at Ruapuna Park today.

Dunedin driver Ross bounced back from a dnf in the final MSC race at the third round of the series at Hampton Downs last weekend to claim pole from Michael Lyons (Lola T400) and Esterer in the morning qualifying session and Esterer won this weekend's first MSC series race after an impressive come-from-behind drive.

Having won all three races at the Hampton Downs meeting Esterer had every right to be confident heading into this weekend's meeting. But when poleman Ross was swamped at the start all bets were off.

Under race rules it is the responsibility of the pole sitter to dictate the pace so Ross, understandably, was not very happy about what happened.

"It's my job to control the start until the start/finish line but everyone seemed to go round me," he said.

Esterer confirmed as much, explaining that having been caught - and penalised - in similar circumstances two years ago he held back until the field sorted itself out.

Chief beneficiary of the confusion was top local driver Tony Richards (Lola T332) who rocketed away from the outside of the second row of the grid to grab a lead he held until the penultimate lap when Esterer - who had smashed the lap record as he carved his way back up through the field - finally made it to the front.

While Esterer was on his charge Richards and class young gun Michael Lyons sprinted away from Mark Dwyer (Lola T400), Hampton Downs pole man Peter Dunn (March 73A) and Ian Clements (Lola T332) with series points leader Ken Smith (Lola T430), Steve Ross and David Abbott (Lola T430) line astern. Like Esterer, Smith lost considerably ground at the start and spent the rest of the race in catch up mode.

"I was behind Jay, " explained Smith, " and I swear I almost ran up the back of him. After that it was just a matter of trying to get back past the cars in front. We were all running pretty much the same pace so it wasn't just a case of picking them off one by one, sometimes I'd catch a car then have to follow it through the next few corners."

After running comfortably in third then fourth place (once he was passed by Esterer) Mark Dwyer was forced to stop on the fifth lap with a loose nose cone, while soon after compatriot Greg Thornton (Chevron B34) brought out the double waved yellow flags after slowing and pulling off the circuit adjacent the start/finish line when something in his car's driveline broke. The flags could not have come out at a better time for Esterer, with Richards and Lyons slowing just enough to allow him to hook into their draft and slingshot past when the track went green again.

While all this was going on up front the battle for places in the mid-field was just as intense with Peter Dunn eventually crossing the finish line fifth from Ian Clements, Aaron Burson (McRae GM1), David Abbott (Lola T430), Frank Lyons (Gurney-Eagle FA74), the giant-killing Michael Whatley (Surtees TS8) in the first of the older Class A cars, and Reg Cook (Lola T400).

Blenheim driver Russell Greer (Lola T332) was also in the mix until, like Dwyer, he was forced to stop with loose bodywork.

With two more races tomorrow, another eight lap sprint in the morning and the Mobil 1 12 lap feature in the afternoon it is still anyone's round - though the fact that Jay Esterer's car arrived back at the end of a tow rope does not bode well for the quick Canadian.
"I felt a vibration in the motor as I crossed the start/finish line so I switched it off," he said.
And does he have a replacement if the damage is terminal?
"No."
2010/11 MSC New Zealand F5000 Tasman Cup Revival Series Rnd 3 Preview Skope Classic meeting Powerbuilt Tools Raceway @ Ruapuna Park Sat-Sun Feb 05-06
Qualifying
1. Steve Ross (McRae GM1) 1.18.781
2. Michael Lyons (Lola T400) 1.18.981
3. Jay Esterer (McRae GM1) 1.18.989
4. Tony Richards (Lola T332) 1.19.113
5. Ken Smith (Lola T430) 1.19.294
6. Peter Dunn (March 73A) 1.22.045
7. Mark Dwyer (Lola T400) 1.22.142
8. Ian Clements (Lola T332) 1.22.313
9. Aaron Burson (McRae GM1) 1.22.794
10. David Abbott (Lola T430) 1.22.800
11. Frank Lyons (Gurney-Eagle FA74) 1.23.164
12. Russell Greer (Lola T332) 1.23.477
13. Michael Whatley (Surtees TS8) 1.23.624
14. Reg Cook (Lola T400) 1.23.716
15. Stuart Lush (McRae GM1) 1.23.795
16. Greg Thornton (Chevron B34)
17. Phil Mauger (McLaren M23) 1.25.800
18. Peter Burson (McRae GM1) 1.26.682
19. Stan Redmond (Lola T332) 1.27.829
20. Andy Higgins (Lola T400) 1.31.196

Race 1 (8 laps)
1. Jay Esterer 10.46.529
2. Tony Richards +0.711
3. Michael Lyons +1.959
4. Ken Smith +10.786
5. Steve Ross +14.299
6. Peter Dunn +25.959
7. Ian Clements +28.632
8. Aaron Burson +35.050
9. David Abbott +35.511
10. Frank Lyons +40.556
11. Michael Whatley +50.484
12. Reg Cook +51.457
13. Stan Redmond +51.836
14. Phil Mauger +1.06.001
15. Peter Burson +1.12.347
16. Kerry McIntosh +1 lap
17. Andy Higgins +1 lap
dnf Russell Greer, Greg Thornton, Mark Dwyer, Stuart Lush.
Fastest lap (and new lap record) Jay Esterer 1.18.164

Report sent site: Ross MacKay/Fast Company
photo: Fast Company/Alex Mitchell

Edited by Jerry Entin, 05 February 2011 - 07:30.

[Lola5000]

Whats happened to the other guy that was racing a very McRae i think he also has a T430? Chris Hyde?

Edited by Lola5000, 05 February 2011 - 07:08.

[Jerry Entin]

Young Gun Michael Lyons

Formula 5000 group after first race


photos: Fast Company/Alex Mitchell

Edited by Jerry Entin, 05 February 2011 - 07:38.

[Terry Walker]

Love to be there. The only F5000 race I ever saw was at Oran Pk, 1974/5 Tasman season. At the time I didn't fully appreciate what I was seeing (and hearing).

[David McKinney]

Whats happened to the other guy that was racing a very McRae i think he also has a T430? Chris Hyde?

I have to be careful here, as I'm speaking of rumour and hearsay

The story going around is that a rule has been introduced saying that only owners can race their cars in the series. Therefore Hyde, who was driving someone else's car, is unable to race

I repeat that I've heard nothing official on this - but would like to

[GD66]

I heard that one, too. Obviously aimed at preventing cashed-up slowpokes importing talented young guns to get the win. But, as I asked at the time, when has that EVER been the case in motorsport ? Surely the opportunity to get the very best out of the car's potential will benefit the crowd as well as the entrant ? Yet to see an official justification for this apparently-ludicrous rule. (Strums fingers on desk...)

Edited by GD66, 05 February 2011 - 17:37.

[Jerry Entin]

Jay Esterer ready to go and do Battle that is Rick Michels behind car
Jay won't be able to run in todays event due to having to save his engine. He will be ready for the next event.

This is from Wally Willmott:
"Jay won the race and set a new lap record but unfortunately he had to switch off the engine just yards before the finish line, and coast over with an engine making expensive noises. Won’t be running tomorrow but hope to be back in 2 weeks time at Teretonga, Invercargill.
There was much interest at the weigh in after the race. Jays car coming in at 620kg (613 minimum limit)"

photo: Wally Willmott

Edited by Jerry Entin, 06 February 2011 - 23:36.

[Jerry Entin]

Ken Smith trying out Jay Esterer's McRae GM1
Jay Esterer asking Ken Smith how he likes the fit.

Ken Smith getting the feel of the McRae

Wally Willmott has been helping Jay Esterer run the car at Both events.

photos: Wally Willmott

Edited by Jerry Entin, 06 February 2011 - 23:34.

[Lola5000]

Can I ask why are the McRaes so quick?

[Jerry Entin]

Michael Whatley Class A runaway winner mixing it up with the later type cars

Lola 5000.
The Lola and other 5000 boys had been thinking that Jay Esterer's car was under weight. After the last race the cars were weighed. Jay's car passed. Wally Willmott had know everyone was after them. He also knew the car is legal.

Jay Esterer is a very accomplished driver. He also has his engines built at his shop by his friend Brad Claridge. There is nothing extra special about the McRae's. It is just good preparation and hard driving that has given Jay his just reward.

He was checked for engine size at Portland last year when he won and passed. He was checked for weight at the recent race and also passed that inspection.

photo: Fast Company/Alex Mitchell

Edited by Jerry Entin, 06 February 2011 - 23:57.

[Lola5000]

Lola 5000.
The Lola and other 5000 boys had been thinking that Jay Esterer's car was under weight. After the last race the cars were weighed. Jay's car passed. Wally Willmott had know everyone was after them. He also knew the car is legal.

Jay Esterer is a very accomplished driver. He also builds his own engines. There is nothing extra special about the McRae's. It is just good preparation and hard driving that has given Jay his just reward.

hanks for that,why i ask is in Australia pre the last couple of years we never got to see the McRae built cars,it was always a Lola out in front.

[Jerry Entin]

Lola 5000 this comes from Ross MacKay:

Last season Chris Hyde drove Stu Lush's McRae GM1. This seaosn Stu is back behind the steering wheel himself.

Edited by Jerry Entin, 05 February 2011 - 21:25.

[Lola5000]

Lola 5000 this comes from Ross MacKay:

Last season Chris Hyde drove Stu Lush's McRae GM1. This seaosn Stu is back behind the steering wheel himself.

I think its fantastic how the NZ boys have built up this series.
Its a pity it never took of in Australia in historics,with large fields.
I went to NZ for the 1st historic series in about '93/95.When a few of the Australian cars stayed over including a Lola430,332 and i think an Elfin.
I'd post photos of that series but don't know how.

[kingswood]

Can I ask why are the McRaes so quick?

One contributing factor might be that the McRae can be fettled to
arrive at very close to the weight limit, whereas it isn't very easy
to get a Lola much below 700kg

[David McKinney]

Thanks for that,why i ask is in Australia pre the last couple of years we never got to see the McRae built cars,it was always a Lola out in front.

You would have seen them if you were old enough! They won several races, inevitably in McRae's hands, including the 1972 and 1973 Tasman Championships and a few AGPs

[Lola5000]

You would have seen them if you were old enough! They won several races, inevitably in McRae's hands, including the 1972 and 1973 Tasman Championships and a few AGPs

I'm 52 years old so yes i went to most of the Sandown Tasman races.

[goffer]

The McRae GM1's are all pretty light, noticeably Aaron Burson's (an ex Jay car) and Jay Esterer's - I think Aaron's was even closer to the limit than Jays when they all got weighed yesterday. I think you'll find the Lola's (T332, T400 & T430's) were up around 700kg = an approx 13% weight penalty over a GM1. You'd have to say that Ken Smith in a GM1 would have to be the lightest combo on the grid !!

So Jay builds nice light (legal) cars, builds good motors & drives hard. Steve Ross being up the sharp end of the field suggests it is not just Jay who can make one sing. And in recent years of course we had Chris Hyde right up there in GM1's. The reason(s) Chris is not racing this season are unfortunate, but perhaps understandable. Chris has driven cars owned by others - firstly Alister Hey, and then last year he took over driving duties for Stu Lush when Stu decided be was perhpas pushing his luck a bit much with his hard charging style of racing. For some reason before his new season a rule was a made that a driver had to either own the car he drove, or be a "series original" (which is where Kenny Smith & Reg Cook fit in - neither own the cars they drive, but they drove this class back in 1970's) So the great majority of the field are owner drivers. But .... can it be said that Michael Lyons owns the car he drives? (I think Frank & Judy, his mum & dad, probably do) and how about Andy Higgins? Family owned therefore OK. But both are 'young guns', which to some extent is what Chris Hyde was labelled ..... ?? So it's OK to be a young gun in a family that can afford a few nice motor's .....

What I do know is that at various times seeing Michael Lyons (really standing on it today at Ruapuna), Jay Esterer, and Chris Hyde really getting their hustle on in these cars is just fab for those watching on. Thanks guys.

[Rob Ryder]

A word of thanks to Jerry for keeping us up to date with the Revival series, and adding excellent photos.
It is much appreciated here on the other side of the Planet
Rob

[Jerry Entin]

Young Gun Michael Lyons winning
HISTORIC RACING CLUB/NZ FORMULA 5000 ASSOCIATION
2010/11 MSC New Zealand F5000 Tasman Cup Revival Series
Rnd 3 Preview
Skope Classic meeting
Powerbuilt Tools Raceway @ Ruapuna Park
Sat-Sun
Feb 05-06
2011
TWO MSC F5000 WINS FOR LYONS JNR AT SKOPE CLASSIC MEETING

Second-generation racer Michael Lyons (Lola T400) marked himself as a driver to watch with two MSC New Zealand F5000 Tasman Cup Revival Series wins from three starts at the annual Skope Classic motor racing meeting in Christchurch on Sunday.

In sweltering temperatures which topped 33 degrees C just as the 18-strong field of V8-engined Formula 5000 single-seaters lined up for the 12-lap Mobil 1 feature in the middle of the afternoon, 20-year-old British driver Lyons followed fellow front row starter Steve Ross (McRae GM1) for five laps before muscling his way past into a lead he would never lose at the beginning of the sixth.

After claiming his debut MSC series win in the weekend's second MSC series race earlier in the day Lyons was in a confident frame of mind heading into the final but having played second fiddle to his young adversary off the start in the first and second races, it was Ross who got the better of the start in the third, holding the advantage until the end of the fourth lap when he went wide at the sweeping corner which leads onto Powerbuilt Tools Raceway's start/finish straight.

"I just went in way too hot," the Dunedin man admitted. "I tried to gather it all back together but by the time I got the thing straight he (Lyons) was gone."

Having already proved his speed and racecraft in the first race of the weekend on Saturday afternoon, then led the second from start to finish, young gun Lyons - whose father Frank (Gurney-Eagle FA74) crossed the finish line four places behind - was probing for just such an opportunity when Ross went wide and - not surprisngly - grabbed it with both hands

"Because its such a hard place to pass here I had to spend the first couple of laps working out who was quick where so when I sent Steve in a bit deep at the sweeper I was able to cut back in, get alongside and keep my foot in it until I was past, " he said.

With race one winner Jay Esterer (McRae GM1) a reluctant spectator after damaging an engine on his way to his Saturday win, the finishing order in the second MSC series race of the weekend on Sunday morning was Lyons, Ross, MSC series points leader Ken Smith (Lola T430) and Peter Dunn (March 73A).

In the 12-lap Mobil 1 feature, meanwhile, it was Lyons, Ross and Mark Dwyer (Lola T400).

For most of the race Dwyer circulated in fifth position behind Lyons, Ross, top local (Christchurch) driver Tony Richards and Ken Smith, but Richards and Smith tangled through the infield with less than a lap to go, gifting the final step of the podium to Dwyer with race winner Lyons' father Frank fifth and fellow UK visitor Peter Dunn sixth.

Behing the leading bunch there was another good multi-car battle for the mid-field placings with Frank Lyons forcing his way past Andrew Higgins (Lola T400) on the first lap before settling into eighth just behind Peter Dunn and Ian Clements (Lola T332). Aaron Burson (McRae GM1) finished sixth in the eight lap sprint race in the morning but found his car overheating in the oven-like heat in the final, eventually crossing the finish line in eighth place, just in front of giant-killing veteran Michael Whatley (Surtees TS8) in the first of the older Class A cars.

Race 2 (8 laps)
The weekend's second MSC series race on Sunday morning gave Michael Lyons his debut series win, the young UK driver edging away from fellow front row starter Steve Ross off the rolling start before pulling out a lead he never looked like losing.

In the absence of first race winner Jay Esterer, the Canadian sidelined by engine problems, Lyons ran a lonely race, pulling out an early advantage over Ross with Ken Smith a similar distance back in third.

As the field sorted itself out on the first lap Lyons led Ross, Smith, race one standout Tony Richards and Mark Dwyer though neither Dwyer nor Richards made it to the end of the lap. Richards was the first to go when his car's battery cried enough, Dwyer following soon after with a gearbox problem.

Behind them Andrew Higgins caught and passed Aaron Burson under braking into the sweeper to claim seventh place but race positions remained static for the next two lap as the Safety Car was introduced to allow track workers to move Richards prone car.

That bunched the field back up but any hope Ross might have had of latching onto the tail of Lyons's Lola T400 were dashed when the 20-year-old also got the better of the re-start, quickly re-establishing the advantage he had and setting the fastest race lap on his way to a three-and-a-half second victory from Ross with Smith third, Peter Dunn fourth, Andrew Higgins fifth and Aaron Burson sixth.

Former MSC series champion Ian Clements had been running fifth between Dunn and Higgins, but he stopped early with a broken half shaft.

David Abbott and Frank Lyons were also running well early on before being forced out of the race, Abbott with a gearbox problem, Lyons with fuel starvation.

In their absence, Greg Thornton (Chevron B24) steadily worked his way through the field getting past Reg Cook for 10th place with one lap to go and just pipped compatriot Michael Whatley for ninth place on the line.

Race 1 (8 laps) Saturday

It was the McRae GM1s of Steve Ross and Jay Esterer, meanwhile, which were the cars to beat on the first day of competition at the Skope meeting on Saturday, Ross bouncing back from a dnf in the final MSC race at the third round of the series at Hampton Downs the Sunday before to claim pole from Michael Lyons, and Esterer winning the first MSC series race of the weekend from Tony Richards and Lyons.

Having won all three races at Hampton Downs the weekend before, Esterer had every right to be confident heading into the Saturday race. But when poleman Ross was swamped at the start all bets were off.

Chief beneficiary of the confusion was Tony Richards who rocketed into an early lead from the outside of the second row of the grid and led until the penultimate lap when Esterer - who had smashed the lap record as he carved his way back up through the field - finally made it back to the front.

While Esterer was on his charge Richards and Lyons initially disputed the lead from Mark Dwyer, Peter Dunn and Ian Clements with Ken Smith, Steve Ross and David Abbott (Lola T430) line astern.

After running comfortably in third then fourth place (once he was passed by Esterer) Mark Dwyer was forced to stop on the fifth lap with a loose nose cone, while soon after compatriot Greg Thornton brought out the double waved yellow flags after slowing and pulling off the circuit adjacent the start/finish line with a driveline problem.

The flags could not have come out at a better time for Esterer, with Richards and Lyons slowing just enough to allow the quick Canadian to hook into their draft and slingshot past when the Safety Car returned to the pits.

While all this was going on up front the battle for places in the mid-field was just as intense with Steve Ross eventually crossing the finish line fifth from Peter Dunn, Ian Clements, Aaron Burson, David Abbott, Frank Lyons, Michael Whatley and Reg Cook.

Blenheim driver Russell Greer (Lola T332) was also in the mix until, like Dwyer, he was forced to stop with loose bodywork.

With four of the six rounds completed, the battle for the 2010/11 MSC NZ F5000 Tasman Cup Revival Series now heads to Invercargill's Teretonga Park for the penultimate round in a fortnight's time before crossing the Tasman a month later for the grand final the Qantas Australia Formula 1 Grand Prix meeting in March.

2010/11 MSC New Zealand F5000 Tasman Cup Revival Series Rnd 3 Preview Skope Classic meeting Powerbuilt Tools Raceway @ Ruapuna Park Sat-Sun Feb 05-06
Qualifying
1. Steve Ross (McRae GM1) 1.18.781
2. Michael Lyons (Lola T400) 1.18.981
3. Jay Esterer (McRae GM1) 1.18.989
4. Tony Richards (Lola T332) 1.19.113
5. Ken Smith (Lola T430) 1.19.294
6. Peter Dunn (March 73A) 1.22.045
7. Mark Dwyer (Lola T400) 1.22.142
8. Ian Clements (Lola T332) 1.22.313
9. Aaron Burson (McRae GM1) 1.22.794
10. David Abbott (Lola T430) 1.22.800
11. Frank Lyons (Gurney-Eagle FA74) 1.23.164
12. Russell Greer (Lola T332) 1.23.477
13. Michael Whatley (Surtees TS8) 1.23.624
14. Reg Cook (Lola T400) 1.23.716
15. Stuart Lush (McRae GM1) 1.23.795
16. Greg Thornton (Chevron B34)
17. Phil Mauger (McLaren M23) 1.25.800
18. Peter Burson (McRae GM1) 1.26.682
19. Stan Redmond (Lola T332) 1.27.829
20. Andy Higgins (Lola T400) 1.31.196

Race 1 (8 laps)
1. Jay Esterer 10.46.529
2. Tony Richards +0.711
3. Michael Lyons +1.959
4. Ken Smith +10.786
5. Steve Ross +14.299
6. Peter Dunn +25.959
7. Ian Clements +28.632
8. Aaron Burson +35.050
9. David Abbott +35.511
10. Frank Lyons +40.556
11. Michael Whatley +50.484
12. Reg Cook +51.457
13. Stan Redmond +51.836
14. Phil Mauger +1.06.001
15. Peter Burson +1.12.347
16. Kerry McIntosh +1 lap
17. Andy Higgins +1 lap
dnf Russell Greer, Greg Thornton, Mark Dwyer, Stuart Lush.
Fastest lap (and new lap record) Jay Esterer 1.18.164

Race 2 (8 laps)
1. Michael Lyons 12.13.408
2. Steve Ross +3.509
3. Ken Smith +7.544
4. Peter Dunn +8.679
5. Andrew Higgins +0.141
6. Aaron Burson +11.678
7. Russell Greer +8.594
8. Greg Thornton +5.036
9. Michael Whatley +0.207
10. Reg Cook +0.437
11. Stan Redmond +0.527
12. Peter Burson +13.518
13. Phil Mauger +3.108
14. Peter Sundberg +0.268
15. Kerry McIntosh -
dnf; Frank Lyons, David Abbott, Ian Clements, Stu Lush, Tony Richards, Mark Dwyer
Fastest lap: Michael Lyons 1.19.694

Race 3 (12 laps)
1. Michael Lyons 16.14.999
2. Steve Ross +8.625
3. Mark Dwyer +32.296
4. Ian Clements +34.174
5. Frank Lyons +39.932
6. Peter Dunn +41.793
7. Andrew Higgins +46.612
8. Aaron Burson +1.09.822
9. Michael Whatley +1.10.396
10. Reg Cook +1.17.757
11. Russell Greer +1.29.288
12. Peter Burson +1 lap
13. Peter Sundberg +1 lap
dnf. Tony Richards, Ken Smith, Stan Redmond, Kerry McIntosh, Greg Thornton.
Fastest lap: Michael Lyons 1.19.903

report sent site: Ross MacKay/Fast Company
photo: Fast Company/Alex Mitchell

Edited by Jerry Entin, 06 February 2011 - 11:41.

[Patrick Fletcher]

Thanks Jerry,

Great report for this round of the series

36C is hot there... must have been a strong nor wester!

Get the thermals on for Teretonga - just like the Kiwi Tasman rounds last century.

Best

[Jerry Entin]

F-5000 field lined up for start of round 4


Young Gun Michael Lyons in his sun glasses


Thanks Patrick:
It is my pleasure to show the Tasman Revival to the forum members and I am glad they are enjoying this thread.

photos: Fast Company/Alex Mitchell

Edited by Jerry Entin, 07 February 2011 - 22:06.

[Jerry Entin]

Michael Lyons leading the F-5000 Field

Goffer: I think the explanation you gave on Chris Hyde was perfect. Michael Lyons is fortunate to be the son of a racing mother and father. His driving is through his own ability and desire. It isn't something that can be given to you. He did a great job this past weekend.

Rob: I am glad you are enjoying hearing about the Tasman Revival, all possible by Fast Company and Ross MacKay allowing the site to show his reports. Also we are thankful for the beautiful photos of Alex Mitchell. And of course TNF photographer Wally Willmott.

photo: Fast Company/Alex Mitchell

Edited by Jerry Entin, 06 February 2011 - 23:54.

[NZALPA]

Goffer: I think the explanation you gave on Chris Hyde was perfect. Michael Lyons is fortunate to be the son of a racing mothert and father. His driving is through his own ability and desire. It isn't something that can be given to you. He did a great job this past weekend.

Rob: I am glad you are enjoying hearing about the Tasman Revival, all possible by Fast Company and Ross MacKay allowing the site to show his reports. Also we are thankful for the beautiful photos of Alex Mitchell. And of course TNF photographer Wally Willmott.

......and really lucky to have Jerry Entin putting it all on the site.........

Huge thanks to Jerry...

Edited by NZALPA, 07 February 2011 - 18:51.

[goffer]

Lola 5000 this comes from Ross MacKay:

Last season Chris Hyde drove Stu Lush's McRae GM1. This season Stu is back behind the steering wheel himself.

Ummm - thanks a lot Ross - doesn't tell us any more than we already know. The question remains - and is also asked by David McKinney & GD66 = why ?? There is clearly a cone of silence deal going on here.

When Chris picked up the drive in Stu Lush's car last season he and his family put a lot of time & effort into trying to make that car of Stu's reliable (with mixed success) - certainly it has been quite the opposite for the many years Stu has been running it (I don't mean any disrespect - these things are black holes for money, and the fans appreciate them being raced) So when a car, and therefore the series, is set to benefit from investment where is the sense in scuppering a car back to unreliable also-ran status in the field. And sponsorship surely need not be a dirty word ? Ken Smith is constantly adding contemporary sponsors logo's to the T430 he is running - I doubt he dips far into his own pocket (compared with the genuine class salwarts) to run as the 'darling' of the series.

Regarding the new driver eligibility ruling there is still a lack of upfront information, and the association & media are complicit in this. The fans (all 3 of us) would like more transperancy.

[xj13v12]

There are at least 4 fans interested in this.
The McRae cars are light and when a high power engine and a good driver is added the results will come. It is, as it has always been, a "package" that gets results. Those cars handle very nicely when set up properly and give the driver confidence. I am not sure everyone is using the Avon A11 compound (some were using a softer quicker compound previously) but fresh tyres are worth considerable lap time over the course of a race, just as they are in all forms of racing.
These cars don't pay for themselves and few have any real sponsorship. They pay their own entry to the AGP and add to a pool of money to gain entry at the various events in NZ and assist overseas entrants with shipping. The decals you see on the cars is aknowledgement of various organisations who regularly give in kind support. If someone has access to some personal sponsorship that is permitted in NZ and at the AGP but not other Australian events run under the historic eligibility rules.
The "invited" driver area is a NZ invention and limiting or banning a non owner from driving is a grey area in my view. Kenny doesn't own that car but is allowed to drive. Bryan Sala has driven Bill Hemming's Elfin etc. The concern was a "gun" driver turning up to win the series for a wealthy owner. That type of competitive approach is a double edged sword and no one wants to see the great work done to get the profile to where it is unravel. Cost is always an issue and the current incarnation of F5000 remains for enthusiastic amatuers.
These cars will continue to break half shafts, input shafts, gears, CW&Ps, engines etc just as they did in their day. To have them on the track performing as often and as well as they currently do is a credit to every one of the entrants.

Edited by xj13v12, 07 February 2011 - 04:28.

[goffer]

Hey there xj13v12 - appreciate you pitching in. For all I know there may have been other 'players' lining up to be entrants with young guns in cockpit, and so something had to be done to protect the series from a $$ takes all approach. Your wording "the concern was ..." indicates some real knowledge of why / how this ruling came about ??

But surely 'wealthy owner' does not describe Stu Lush, and Chris Hyde is no more a gun than Kenny Smith, Steve Ross, Tony Richards, Sefton Gibb or Roger Williamson (keeping the discussion to just to NZ'ers). It is a wonderfully competitive class, and no one was or is proving unbeatable ??

[David McKinney]

For all I know there may have been other 'players' lining up to be entrants with young guns in cockpit, and so something had to be done to protect the series from a $$ takes all approach

I have to admit that the first I heard of the "restriction" was when it was suggested that Neil Cunningham fancied doing the series...

[xj13v12]

I have to admit that the first I heard of the "restriction" was when it was suggested that Neil Cunningham fancied doing the series...

I thought having Chris in a good car was good because it put some egos into perspective. A better younger driver was basically right at the front. The difficulty is putting on a good show rather than a parade without increasing the risk that comes with higher levels of competition. This is a difficult balance and easily forgotten in the heat of battle.

[goffer]

The difficulty is putting on a good show rather than a parade without increasing the risk that comes with higher levels of competition. This is a difficult balance and easily forgotten in the heat of battle.

A point perfectly illustrated by 2 separate incidents (both involving an 'original' and a 'gentleman racer') both on the last lap of race 3 yesterday - incident one (which I saw developing) was Tony Richards trying to come back under Ken Smith after being dislodged from 3rd to 4th during the previous lap - I guess Tony felt he'd held Kenny off almost all race and wasn't ready to give away a 3rd placing. The other incident which I did not see (though would have had a grandstand view if I'd stayed in my viewing spot from race 2) happened when Stan Redmond tried what sounded like a bit of a banzai move on Reg Cook after being stuck right on his exhausts for the previous 11 laps, without being able to get past. I guess Stan got desperate to take the place, and skated off at quite high speed. Luckily none of the above lead to anything more than minor damage, but "the heat of the battle" has a lot to answer for .........

Excuse my ignorance but who is Neil Cunningham ??

[David McKinney]

http://www.brdc.co.uk/Neil-Cunningham

[Giraffe]

Excuse my ignorance but who is Neil Cunningham ??

I don't think Mr. Cunningham would have been overqualified for the gig, and I'm not sure he would have been faster than young Michael Lyons who I doubt is technically a car owner himself.

Edited by Giraffe, 07 February 2011 - 18:12.

[David McKinney]

Depends how he was perceived by the NZers. If he'd sold himself as a superstar....

[Lola5000]

http://www.brdc.co.uk/Neil-Cunningham

I always like him as a driver when he came down under a few times.
Will never forget the very sad story of his mothers death/life.

[Jerry Entin]

You tube video of the F-5000 final race at the Amon Festival.
Very well done video.

video sent site: Dale Mathers

Edited by Jerry Entin, 13 February 2011 - 18:02.

[Jerry Entin]

Invercargill
Sat-Sun
Feb 19-20
2011

EVENT PREVIEW

MSC F5000 BATTLE RETURNS TO INVERCARGILL'S TERETONGA PARK THIS WEEKEND

The battle for 2010/11 MSC F5000 Tasman Cup Revival Series honours returns to Invercargill's Teretonga Park circuit this year with the Evolution Motorsport Classic Speedfest meeting hosting the penultimate round this weekend.

'King' Kenny Smith is again the man to beat, the hard-driving veteran gunning for his third straight title in his Lola T430.

Smith won the Lady Wigram Trophy race for a record-equaling fourth time at the Christchurch Casino-backed opening round of the 2010/11 MSC series at Powerbuilt Tools Raceway in October last year and heads south with a four point lead in the series standings over Dunedin driver Steve Ross (McRae GM1) and a 24-point buffer over third placed series young gun Michael Lyons (Lola T400).

It's been a busy season so far for Smith, the now 69-year-old contesting his 53rd consecutive national motor racing season, racing four different cars at the two New Zealand Festival of Motor Racing - Chris Amon meetings at Hampton Downs in January, before heading south for the fourth round of the MSC F5000 series at the annual Skope Classic at Christchurch's Powerbuilt Tools Raceway at Ruapuna Park two weeks ago then back up to Feilding's Manfeild circuit to contest his 48th New Zealand Grand Prix last weekend.

Though some of the overseas drivers who shipped their cars down under for the two NZ Festival of Motor Racing - Chris Amon meetings have returned home, the Evolution Motorsport Classic Speedfest meeting at Teretonga will still be bolstered by the presence of top UK-based F5000 class drivers Peter Dunn (March 72\3A), Michael Whatley (Surtees TS8) Mark Dwyer, (Lola T400) and Greg Thornton (Chevron B24) as well as Canadian Jay Esterer (McRae GM1.

Lining up against them is a full field of local drivers including Christchurch-based Lola T332 trio Tony Richards, Ian Clements and Stan Redmond, Blenheim's Russell Greer (Lola T332), Aucklanders Hamish Paterson (Chevron B32), Stuart Lush (McRae GM1), Andrew Higgins (Lola T400) and Kerry McIntosh (Begg FM2), and Rotorua's Brett Willis (Lola T330).

There will also be a lot of interest in the appearance in the class of former tin-top front-runners, Reg Cook (Lola T400) and Peter Sundberg (Lola T332). Not to mention that of Christchurch driver Phil Mauger in the ex Denny Hulme McLaren M23 Formula 1 car which will join the MSC F5000 series field this weekend.

The MSC F5000 Tasman Cup Revival Series is organised and run with the support of sponsors MSC, NZ Express Transport, Bonney's Specialized Bulk Transport, Mobil Lubricants, Pacifica, Smith & Davies, Avon Tyres and Exide.


2010/11 MSC New Zealand F5000 Tasman Cup Revival Series
Points after Rnd 4 of 6
Overall
1. Ken Smith (Lola T430) 175 points
2. Steve Ross (McRae GM1) 171
3. Michael Lyons (Lola T400) 151
4. Peter Dunn (March 73A) 121
5. Aaron Burson (McRae GM1) 119
6. Jay Esterer (McRae GM1) 106
7. Tony Richards (Lola T332) 92
8. Ian Clements (Lola T332) 89
9. Andrew Higgins (Lola T400) 84
10. Mark Dwyer (Lola T400) 77
11. Frank Lyons (Gurney-Eagle FA74) 61
12. Clark Proctor (March 73A) 60
13. Reg Cook (Lola T400) 59
14. Russell Greer (Lola T332) 43
15. Sefton Gibb (Lola T332) 41
16. Brett Willis (Lola T330) 39
17. Ron Maydon (Amon F101) 31
18. Michael Whatley (Surtees TS8) 29
19. David Abbott(Lola T430) 21
20. Greg Thornton (Chevron B24) 19
21. Peter Burson (McRae GM1) 13
22=. Tony Roberts (March 73A) 10
22=. Roger Williams (Lola T332)10
24. Peter Sundberg (Lola T332) 9
25. Kerry McIntosh (Begg FM2) 8
26. Stan Redmond (Lola T332) 7
27=. Stu Lush (McRae GM1) 6
27=. Alastair Russell (McRae GM1) 6
29=. Poul Christie (Lola T190) 5
29=. Hamish Paterson (Chevron B34) 5
31. Warwick Mortimer (Surtess TS5) 4

Class A:
1. Michael Michael 169 points
2. Kerry Kerry 114
3. Poul Christie 39
4. Warwick Mortimer 38

report sent site: Ross MacKay/Fast Company

[Lee Nicolle]

You tube video of the F-5000 final race at the Amon Festival.
Very well done video.

video sent site: Dale Mathers

That GM1 of Esterers has got some mumbo!! No wonder Kenny thinks it is fat!!
That last few corners made Lyons car look slow!

[Jerry Entin]

Lee: Wally Willmott and Jay Esterer have been working hard to fit his last years spare engine into his McRae for this weekend.

All possible by Aaron Burson lending it to them.

[Lee Nicolle]

Lee: Wally Willmott and Jay Esterer have been working hard to fit his last years spare engine into his McRae for this weekend.

All possible by Aaron Burson lending it to them.

As a matter of interest I have seen no mention of Graham Mcrae at this years races.
His cars are doing very well this year.

[horizon]

, I have been wondering about Jay's straight line speed shown in the video and is it not as simple as the Lola's having more wing than the GM1 ?

[eldougo]

With GREAT Hp and a lightweight Mc Rae , it was always going to be just in front.

[Jerry Entin]

* 2010/11 MSC New Zealand F5000 Tasman Cup Revival Series
Rnd 5 Preview
Evolution Motorsport Classic Speedfest meeting
Teretonga Park
Invercargill
Sat-Sun
Feb 19-20
2011



JAY ESTERER BACK IN FRONT ON MSC F5000 SERIES RETURN

Visiting Canadian driver Jay Esterer (McRae GM1) again proved the man to beat on the first day of competition at the fifth round of the 2010/11 MSC F5000 Tasman Cup Revival Series at Invercargill's Teretonga Park today.

Esterer won the opening MSC F5000 race at the fourth round of the 2010/11 series at the big Skope Classic meeting at Christchurch's Powerbuilt Tools Raceway at Ruapuna Park a fortnight but it was at the expense of his car's engine, and he took no further part in the meeting.

Fortunately, using an engine loaned him by fellow MSC F5000 series McRae GM1 racers Aaron and Peter Burson, the quick Canadian had his car back to its best for this weekend's Evolution Motorsport Classic Speedfest at Teretonga, claiming pole position in the qualifying session this morning then leading the weekend's first MSC F5000 series race this afternoon from start to finish.

Second, after joining Esterer on the front row of the grid after qualifying, was defending series champion Ken Smith (Lola T430) with last year's series runner-up Steve Ross (McRae GM1) third and Tony Richards (Lola T332) fourth.

Series young gun Andrew Higgins (Lola T400) impressed with the third quickest lap time in qualifying but in the race it was Tony Richards who slotted into third place behind Esterer and Smith at the start with Steve Ross initially fourth, then third after making a move on Richards a lap later.

As they had in qualifying the top seven cars were a cut above the rest in the race, Esterer maintaining a slight advantage over Smith with Ross, Richards, Higgins, Peter Dunn (March 73A) and Ian Clements (Lola T332) line astern behind.

Next, UK visitors Michael Whatley (Surtees TS8) and Greg Thornton (Surtees TS15) disputed eighth position with Whatley holding onto it until the final lap when Thornton won a drag race to the finish line, crossing it just 0.021 of a second in front.

Whatley was by far the quickest of the Class 2 (for older model cars) contenders, however, the next, Aucklander Kerry McIntosh driving the locally-made Begg FM2, finishing 16th.

Today's 8 lap race was the first of three for the MSC NZ F5000 cars on the Evolution Motorsport Classic Speedfest programme this weekend with a second 8 lapper on Sunday morning and a 12 lap feature in the afternoon.

The battle for 2010/11 MSC F5000 Tasman Cup Revival Series The MSC F5000 Tasman Cup Revival Series is organised and run with the support of sponsors MSC, NZ Express Transport, Bonney's Specialized Bulk Transport, Mobil Lubricants, Pacifica, Smith & Davies, Avon Tyres and Exide.


2011 MSC New Zealand F5000 Tasman Cup Revival Series Rnd 5 Evolution Motorsport Classic Speedfest meeting Teretonga Park Invercargill Sat-Sun Feb 19-20 2011

Qualifying
1. Jay Esterer (McRae GM1) 54.00
2. Ken Smith (Lola T430) 54.304
3. Andrew Higgins (Lola T430) 55.123
4. Tony Richards (Lola T332) 55.218
5. Steve Ross (McRae GM1) 55.357
6. Peter Dunn (March 73A) 55.434
7. Stuart Lush (McRae GM1) 56.699
8. Ian Clements (Lola T332) 57.341
9. Hamish Paterson (Chevron B34) 58.508
10. Greg Thornton (Chevron B24) 58.666
11. Stan Redmond (Lola T332) 58.667
12. Michael Whatley (Surtess TS8) 59.667
13. Mark Dwyer (Lola T400) 1.00.087
14. Brett Willis (Lola T330) 1.00.244
15. Russell Greer (Lola T332) 1.00.381
16. Peter Sundberg (Lola T332) 1.00.730
17. Ken McIntosh (Begg FM2) 1.04.471

Race 1
1. Jay Esterer 7.29.737
2. Ken Smith +0.858
3. Steve Ross +4.757
4. Tony Richards +12.183
5. Andrew Higgins +12.519
6. Peter Dunn +12/994
7. Ian Clements +16.154
8. Greg Thornton +24.327
9. Michael Whatley +24.348
10. Hamish Paterson +31.511
11. Brett Willis +32.161
12. Russell Greer +38.793
13. Peter Sundberg +43.382
14. Stan Redmond +44.089
15. Phil Mauger +51.192
16. Kerry McIntosh +1 lap
dnf Mark Dwyer
dns Stuart Lush
Fastest lap: Jay Esterer (McRae GM1) 5.34

report sent site: Ross MacKay/Fast Company
photo: Fast Company/Alex Mitchell

Edited by Jerry Entin, 19 February 2011 - 08:08.

[Jerry Entin]

MSC NZ F5000 Tasman Cup Revival Series field lining up on the warm-up lap for the first race


Michael Whatley and his extremely fast Surtess

photos: Fast Company/Alex Mitchell

Edited by Jerry Entin, 19 February 2011 - 08:17.

[Jerry Entin]

Fourth placed Tony Richards (Lola T332)


photo: Fast Company/Alex Mitchell

Edited by Jerry Entin, 19 February 2011 - 08:23.

[Peter Leversedge]

Raupuna Photos
Photos @ www.flickr.com/photos/warwickrobinson [274 Photos] under Skope 2011
Shots of my little red racer DSC0663 to DSC0667

[Jerry Entin]

Jay Esterer and his main man Wally Willmott on the Dummy Grid

Invercargill
Sat-Sun
Feb 19-20
2011
ESTERER, SMITH & ROSS TAKE MCRAE/LOLA BATTLE TO NEW HEIGHTS

Series front-runners Jay Esterer, Ken Smith and Steve Ross took the Formula 5000 category's historical McRae vs Lola battle to new heights at the latest round of New Zealand's MSC F5000 Tasman Cup Revival Series at Invercargill's Teretonga Park Raceway over the weekend.

Though original Tasman Series front runner Graeme Lawrence's period lap record (set in a Lola T332 in 1976) of 53.4 seconds remained safe for another year, Esterer (McRae GM1) set the standard for the weekend with a pole lap of 54.0 before going on to win two of the three MSC series races, the first from defending series champion Smith (Lola T430) and last year's series runner-up Steve Ross (McRae GM1), and the third from Ross and Smith.

Smith was never far behind in either race and won the second - from Ross, Andrew Higgins (Lola T400) and Tony Richards (Lola T332) - when Esterer was slowed and eventually stopped by a fuel problem.

The weekend's round of the 2010/11 MSC F5000 Tasman Cup Revival Series was the last one on this side of the Tasman and provided typically close and exciting racing throughout the 15-strong field.

As he was at the most recent series round at Christchurch's Powerbuilt Tools Raceway at Ruapuna Park, visiting Canadian driver Esterer was devastatingly quick, no more so than in the 12-lap A J Auto Electrical final when he steadily pulled away from Smith then Ross to cross the finish line almost nine seconds in front.

In doing so he set his third fastest race lap of the meeting, his 55.564 second lap not quite as fast as the 55.170 he set before being forced out of the weekend's second series race on Sunday morning, but well under the 'contemporary' record for the class - 56.08 - set by Roger Williams in 2004.

Though he is still seeking the weekend clean sweep he is obviously capable of, Esterer was happy just to have a car to drive at this weekend's MSC series round after blowing an engine (as he crossed the finish line) in the first race at the fourth series round at Christchurch a fortnight ago.

With circuits in his own country and the northern USA still covered in snow, Esterer, from Edmonton in the prairie province of Alberta, said it was also good to be able to take a mid winter break in New Zealand. Particularly when he got to race on 'fantastic' tracks like Invercargill's Teretonga Park Raceway.

"For a start, " he said, "the Loop (the circuit's aptly named long sweeping left-hand first corner) is one of the best corners in New Zealand - tough to get right but rewarding when you do - and with the short infield straightaway that follows it then the right-left complex of Castrol and the esses it has got to be one of the best combinations of corners anywhere."

Defending series champion and Ken Smith was as competitive as ever, being the only other driver to dip into the 54s in qualifying (his best time just 0.304 of a second slower than Esterer's qualifying best), and with a win, a second and a third he maintained his lead in the 2010/11 series points standings.

However after watching Esterer ease away from him for a third time early in Sunday afternoon's 12-lap feature, then Steve Ross finally catch, pass and also establish a buffer, the evergreen 69-year-old veteran reckoned he could have had a better weekend.

"Yes, " he said, "we had a bit of a gearbox problem which limited the amount of time we could get on track on Friday and though we did a good enough time in qualifying there was no way we were going to catch Jay's car in the races. Our car's good, don't get me wrong, we've got it handling the way we want it, but we're giving away a good 130kgs to that car of Jay's and there's no way we can pick that weight up and dump it on the ground and be as quick as Jay can without it."

And Ross?

Having had to play catch up early on in the first two races (after being pushed down the qualifying order by both Andrew Higgins and Tony Richards) the Dunedin man was third by the second lap and second by the fourth in the final, but even with clear air in front of him he struggled to make an impression.

"I thought I may be able to, "he said, "but no, when I got there (into second) Jay was too far up the road."

As it turned out even Smith was finding it hard, conceding that, for some reason, his Lola didn't quite have the legs it did on Saturday or in the first race on Sunday.

"We leaned it out a bit, and perhaps that was the wrong way to go, " he said."She was also smoking a bit from one of the banks (of cylinders) round the back and that could have had something to do with it."

It certainly showed in the veteran's pace, with a best lap of 55.302 on his way to victory in the second race, but only a 56.316 on his way to third in the final.

Having struggled with various issues of his own at earlier rounds of the 2010/11 MSC series, Smith's protégé, young Auckland driver Andrew Higgins, was - in contrast - having his best weekend of the season so far, setting the third quickest lap time in qualifying on Saturday morning and following that result up with a fifth place finish in the first race, a weekend best third in the second and a fourth - behind Esterer, Ross and Smith - in the third.

Like Esterer, Higgins rates Teretonga as one of his favourite tracks and, now that he and his family-based team have sorted out various mechanical issues he is getting a real feel for the car.

Unfortunately the weekend had its ups and downs for some of the other MSC series regulars, category returnee Reg Cook out before he even had a chance to qualify with a broken thumb (as a result of a coming together with fellow Lola T400 driver Mark Dwyer) in practice on Friday, and visiting UK drivers Michael Whatley (Surtess TS8) and Greg Thornton (Chevron B24) both showing pace but suffering dnfs.

In Thornton's case it was in the second race, Whatley's the third. In the second, Thornton spun exiting the high speed Loop on the first lap, but was able to continue until his car's input shaft broke - for the second time in three meetings.

Initially, compatriot Whatley, a man who peddles a older Class A car quicker than anyone else here or in the UK, had a better run, qualifying 12th but finishing ninth in the first race and seventh in the second.

In the third, though, he outbraked himself at the Elbow and damaged his car too badly to continue.

Also in the wars were local series' stalwarts Stu Lush (McRae GM1) and Stan Redmond (Lola T332).

Lush broke a half shaft on Saturday but thought he could get a replacement part to the circuit on time for Sunday's two races. The part did arrive, but not in time to have the car repaired for the race on Sunday morning, and though he started the final in the afternoon - and ran as high as eighth - he was forced out half way through when his car's engine cut out.

Redmond enjoyed a better start to the weekend only to take a front corner off his car when he ended up in the barriers avoiding a spinning Greg Thornton in the weekend's second race.

Finally, arguably the busiest driver over the weekend was Russell Greer, the man who owns and drives the lap record holding (and 1976 Teretonga F5000 race winning) ex Graeme Lawrence Lola T332. The Blenheim man also owns and enthusiastically races another historic New Zealand racing car, the fearsome Stanton Corvette sportscar and with the three MSC races unfortunately bracketed with the sportscar ones he was literally jumping out of one in the pits and into the other on the dummy grid.

"It's definitely made it interesting," he said, " but in the past we've always been plagued by silly little problems with the Stanton so this year we decided once and for all to sort them out and do every meeting we could alongside the Lola. It hasn't been easy jumping in and out of the two of them and it's definitely hindered my driving as far as the 5000 is concerned, but, you know, we've had 21 wins and a second in the Stanton so in that respect it's also been a pretty good year."

Race 2 (Sun 8 laps)
It was Ken Smith who won the weekend's second race after pole man and early race leader Esterer slowed and eventually pulled off the track on the sixth lap with what turned out to be fuel starvation.

Because he was late getting to the grid Esterer originally lined up for this race in pit lane. But after contact between Greg Thornton's Chevron and Stan Redmond's Lola saw the latter in the tyre barriers the red flags came out and because a lap had not been completed the first start was annulled and the cars re-gridded with Esterer this time taking his rightful place on pole.

From there he edged away from fellow front row starter Smith and looked to have the race in hand until he suddenly slowed on the start/finish straight and Smith and the rest of the field thundered past.

Off the start it was Andrew Higgins who had tucked in behind Esterer and Smith but he was quickly dispatched to fourth by Tony Richards then fifth by Steve Ross.

Ross then set off after Tony Richards, catching and passing him for third place on the fourth lap.

Esterer and Smith proved harder to hunt down, the order stabilizing with Esterer holding a small advantage over Smith with a four second gap back to Ross who in turn had what at the finish line proved to be a 12 second buffer on Richards, Higgins and Dunn with Ian Clements sixth after finally getting the better of Class A standout Michael Whatley on the last lap.

Behind Whatley, Brett Willis was the best of the rest with Russell Greer ninth, Hamish Paterson 10th, Phil Mauger in the ex Denny Hulme McLaren M23 11th and Kerry McIntosh in the Begg FM2 12th. Peter Sundberg ran in 10th between Greer and Paterson early on but pulled into the pits with gearbox problems on the fifth lap.

Race 1 (Sat 8 laps)
He might have had problems on Sunday but Saturday's MSC race was a Jay Esterer benefit, the quick Canadian leading it from start to finish.

Second, after joining Esterer on the front row of the grid was Ken Smith with Steve Ross third and Tony Richards fourth.

Series young gun Andrew Higgins impressed with the third quickest lap time in qualifying but in the race it was Tony Richards who slotted into third place behind Esterer and Smith at the start with Steve Ross initially fourth, then third after making a move on Richards a lap later.

As they had in qualifying the top seven cars were a cut above the rest in the race, Esterer maintaining a slight advantage over Smith with Ross, Richards, Higgins, Peter Dunn and Ian Clements line astern behind.

Next, UK visitors Michael Whatley and Greg Thornton disputed eighth position with Whatley holding onto it until the final lap when Thornton won a drag race to the finish line, crossing it just 0.021 of a second in front.

The battle for 2010/11 MSC F5000 Tasman Cup Revival Series The MSC F5000 Tasman Cup Revival Series is organised and run with the support of sponsors MSC, NZ Express Transport, Bonney's Specialized Bulk Transport, Mobil Lubricants, Pacifica, Smith & Davies, Avon Tyres and Exide.


2011 MSC New Zealand F5000 Tasman Cup Revival Series Rnd 5 Evolution Motorsport Classic Speedfest meeting Teretonga Park Invercargill Sat-Sun Feb 19-20 2011

Qualifying
1. Jay Esterer (McRae GM1) 54.00
2. Ken Smith (Lola T430) 54.304
3. Andrew Higgins (Lola T430) 55.123
4. Tony Richards (Lola T332) 55.218
5. Steve Ross (McRae GM1) 55.357
6. Peter Dunn (March 73A) 55.434
7. Stuart Lush (McRae GM1) 56.699
8. Ian Clements (Lola T332) 57.341
9. Hamish Paterson (Chevron B34) 58.508
10. Greg Thornton (Chevron B24) 58.666
11. Stan Redmond (Lola T332) 58.667
12. Michael Whatley (Surtess TS8) 59.667
13. Mark Dwyer (Lola T400) 1.00.087
14. Brett Willis (Lola T330) 1.00.244
15. Russell Greer (Lola T332) 1.00.381
16. Peter Sundberg (Lola T332) 1.00.730
17. Ken McIntosh (Begg FM2) 1.04.471

Race 1
1. Jay Esterer 7.29.737
2. Ken Smith +0.858
3. Steve Ross +4.757
4. Tony Richards +12.183
5. Andrew Higgins +12.519
6. Peter Dunn +12/994
7. Ian Clements +16.154
8. Greg Thornton +24.327
9. Michael Whatley +24.348
10. Hamish Paterson +31.511
11. Brett Willis +32.161
12. Russell Greer +38.793
13. Peter Sundberg +43.382
14. Stan Redmond +44.089
15. Phil Mauger +51.192
16. Kerry McIntosh +1 lap
dnf Mark Dwyer
dns Stuart Lush
Fastest lap: Jay Esterer (McRae GM1) 5.340

Race 2 (8 laps)
1. Ken Smith 8:06.736
2. Steve Ross +1.068
3. Andrew Higgins +2.073
4. Tony Richards +2.701
5. Peter Dunn +9.163
6. Ian Clements +20.667
7. Mike Whatley +21.932
8. Brett Willis +26.552
9. Russell Greer +33.668
10. Hamish Paterson +33.833
11. Phil Mauger +37.770
12. Kerry McIntosh +1 Lap
dnf. Jay Esterer, Peter Sundberg, Gregory Thornton
Fastest lap: Jay Esterer 55.170

Race 3 (12 laps)
1. Jay Esterer 12:55.888
2. Steve Ross +8.740
3. Ken Smith +11.461
4. Andrew Higgins +14.967
5. Tony Richards +15.413
6. Peter Dunn +18.980
7. Ian Clements +23.137
8. Hamish Paterson +34.885
9. Brett Willis +42.907
10. Russell Greer +53.764
11. Peter Sundberg +56.770
12. Phil Mauger +58.529
13. Kerry McIntosh +1 Lap
dnf. Stuart Lush 3 Laps, Mark Dwyer 9 Laps
Fastest lap: Jay Esterer 55.564

report sent site: Fast Company/Ross MacKay
photo: Wally Willmott collection

Edited by Jerry Entin, 26 February 2011 - 01:08.

[sircosworth]

Ummm - thanks a lot Ross - doesn't tell us any more than we already know. The question remains - and is also asked by David McKinney & GD66 = why ?? There is clearly a cone of silence deal going on here.

When Chris picked up the drive in Stu Lush's car last season he and his family put a lot of time & effort into trying to make that car of Stu's reliable (with mixed success) - certainly it has been quite the opposite for the many years Stu has been running it (I don't mean any disrespect - these things are black holes for money, and the fans appreciate them being raced) So when a car, and therefore the series, is set to benefit from investment where is the sense in scuppering a car back to unreliable also-ran status in the field. And sponsorship surely need not be a dirty word ? Ken Smith is constantly adding contemporary sponsors logo's to the T430 he is running - I doubt he dips far into his own pocket (compared with the genuine class salwarts) to run as the 'darling' of the series.

Regarding the new driver eligibility ruling there is still a lack of upfront information, and the association & media are complicit in this. The fans (all 3 of us) would like more transperancy.

I happen to know that the amount of sponsorship money Ken Smith receives is only a small fraction of the cost required to run these cars competitvely, and he does dip into his own pocket quite considerably every season for the last 50+ years he has been racing, he has put many hundreds of thousands of dollars, literally, over the years more then the ''class stalwarts'' you talk about helping young drivers, giving them cars to drive, running them and fixing them when they get crashed. Although he is grateful for the help he does get, especially from David Abbott who leased him the car to drive, he has put and continues to put more into NZ motorsport than most people so maybe you could get facts straight before making statements like that.

[sircosworth]

The McRae GM1's are all pretty light, noticeably Aaron Burson's (an ex Jay car) and Jay Esterer's - I think Aaron's was even closer to the limit than Jays when they all got weighed yesterday. I think you'll find the Lola's (T332, T400 & T430's) were up around 700kg = an approx 13% weight penalty over a GM1. You'd have to say that Ken Smith in a GM1 would have to be the lightest combo on the grid !!

So Jay builds nice light (legal) cars, builds good motors & drives hard. Steve Ross being up the sharp end of the field suggests it is not just Jay who can make one sing. And in recent years of course we had Chris Hyde right up there in GM1's. The reason(s) Chris is not racing this season are unfortunate, but perhaps understandable. Chris has driven cars owned by others - firstly Alister Hey, and then last year he took over driving duties for Stu Lush when Stu decided be was perhpas pushing his luck a bit much with his hard charging style of racing. For some reason before his new season a rule was a made that a driver had to either own the car he drove, or be a "series original" (which is where Kenny Smith & Reg Cook fit in - neither own the cars they drive, but they drove this class back in 1970's) So the great majority of the field are owner drivers. But .... can it be said that Michael Lyons owns the car he drives? (I think Frank & Judy, his mum & dad, probably do) and how about Andy Higgins? Family owned therefore OK. But both are 'young guns', which to some extent is what Chris Hyde was labelled ..... ?? So it's OK to be a young gun in a family that can afford a few nice motor's .....

What I do know is that at various times seeing Michael Lyons (really standing on it today at Ruapuna), Jay Esterer, and Chris Hyde really getting their hustle on in these cars is just fab for those watching on. Thanks guys.

Yeah it is Ok to be a young gun in a family that can afford a few nice motors. These are people that have worked hard to be able to afford to indulge in their passion and give a lot of people enjoyment from watching these cars on track. Of course their parents own the cars but, for example, anyone who has a problem with they Lyons family letting their son drive a car is out of line as they are some of the nicest, most enthusiatic supporters of motorsport you could hope to find, they put a huge amount of work in behind the scenes, they will do anything for anyone and they should be applauded for what they do as without them the sport would be much poorer. As for Andy Higgins, I know he puts in a huge amount of work preparing his car himself, he's definitely not a spoilt young rich guy and his family are again great enthusiasts and supporters of motorsport in NZ. Both of these guys have been welcomed with open arms into the F5000 association. I although I dont agree with it personally, I think you'll find, rather than being a rule to exclude Chris Hyde as has been rumoured, it is more a rule designed to exclude people to take what they want from the series and dont put anything back into supporting it.

[sircosworth]

One contributing factor might be that the McRae can be fettled to
arrive at very close to the weight limit, whereas it isn't very easy
to get a Lola much below 700kg

The Lolas are giving away somewhere from 100-130kgs to the McRaes, this is because the Lolas were built to later rules that required deformable structures that the McRaes didnt have, they were outlawed once these new rules were bought in around 1974. when you look at it, the engine and gearbox and things are the same, the majority of the weight has to be in the monocoque. There is no way the Lolas can get down to this weight. When they talk about in Formula 1, 10kg slows you down about 0.3sec per lap, you can understand the advantage the McRaes have. Something should get done about equalising the weights of the cars before next season as there are a lot of people not happy about it. Esterer has showed the advantage of weight the way he just drives away from everyone else, as do the other McRaes to a lesser extent. At Teretonga, he was pulling 8 car lengths over Ken Smith down the front straight only for Smith to close it right up again through the first few corners of the lap. Just shows what a driver like Smith could do in a McRae rather than a bread van..

[horizon]

Sircosworth,

While you bring up some interesting points regarding F5000 in NZ, Please ...lets not forget that this is Vintage/historic racing. Frank Williams is NOT sitting in the stands with a notebook taking names ;0)
Quote: "something should get done about equalising the weights" Why ?? Each driver/team picks there "horse n buggy" based of colour/badge/price and they get to run it with warts and all. One thing you have failed to bring up is that Mr Esterer can actual drive these cars .

Edited by horizon, 27 February 2011 - 03:57.