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#1 Jerry Entin

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Posted 28 August 2012 - 01:14

Posted Image
Reigning MSC NZ F5000 Tasman Cup Revival Series champion Steve Ross (McRae GM1 # 5)
Muscle Car Masters meeting
Sydney Motorsport Park
Sydney
Fri-Sun
Aug 31-Sept 02
2012


'LEVEL PLAYING FIELD' FOR OPENING MSC F5000 SERIES ROUND IN SYDNEY

Major changes to the re-named Sydney Motorsport Park (nee Eastern Creek) circuit in Sydney's outer west mean there will be a level playing field for New Zealand and Australian competitors alike at the opening round of the 2012/13 MSC New Zealand F5000 Tasman Cup Revival Series there this weekend.

Earlier this year the re-vamped venue was re-opened with a new six-corner section of track at the south-east end of the complex taking the full length from 3.9 kms to 4.5. Though the V8 Supercar series used the shorter 3.9km 'Grand Prix' circuit there last weekend the MSC F5000s and other categories at the big Muscle Car Masters meeting this weekend will use the full 4.5km one.

Defending MSC NZ F5000 series champion Steve Ross (McRae GM1) from Dunedin has competed at Eastern Creek before. But a broken input shaft and rear hub meant he got little quality race time in on the track so reckons he will be in the same boat as everyone else, the nine Australian competitors included.

"What I can remember about it is that it's bloody fast and you get round Turn 1 in a hell of a hurry so hopefully we will have plenty of time to get our heads around the place on Friday," he said this morning.

Ross heads an 11-strong contingent of Kiwis crossing the Tasman for the opening round of the 2012/13 MSC series with support from a key group of New Zealand racers including three-time former series champion Ken Smith (Lola T430), 2011/12 season series runner-up Aaron Burson (McRae GM1), fellow Aucklanders Roger Williams (Lola T332), Clark Proctor (March 73A), Shayne Windelburn (Lola T400) and David Banks (Talon MR1A), Blenheim driver Russell Greer (Lola T332) and David Abbott (Lola T430) and Stan Redmond (Lola T333 CS) from Christchurch.

There will be particular interest at the meeting in the Lola T333 CS Redmond has just had restored and race prepared, it having been driven first time around (both in wide-bodied Can-Am and single-seater F5000 spec) by Australian ace Warwick Brown.

Expected to take the battle to the Kiwis at the meeting are top Australian F5000 category exponents Bryan Sala (Matich A50/51) and Aaron Lewis (Matich A50). Young gun Tom Tweedie, a former Formula Ford and Formula 3 series front-runner this year contesting the Carrera Cup Australia series in a Porsche GT3 Cup car is also an interesting addition to the field in a Chevron B24/28.

Meanwhile, not quite knowing where his allegiance lies is expat Kiwi Chris Lambden who has lived for many years in Melbourne but drives a McRae GM1 rebuilt and run by F5000 category specialists Motorsport Solutions in his old home town of Christchurch!

The appearance at the popular Muscle Car Masters meeting has meant an earlier than usual start for the 2012/13 MSC NZ F5000 Tasman Cup Revival Series. The first New Zealand round is the now traditional one at the Lady Wigram Trophy meeting at Christchurch's Powerbuilt Tools Raceway at Ruapuna Park in late October, then it will be back to Sydney Motorsport Park for some of the competitors for a non-points round at Australia's big Tasman Revival meeting in late November.

The points rounds then resume at the Hampton Downs circuit back in New Zealand for the two NZ Festival of Motor Racing - celebrating Denny Hulme meetings over consecutive weekends in late January before the series heads south for the annual Skope Classic meeting in Christchurch and Classic Speedfest meeting at Invercargill's Teretonga Park in February.

photo: Fast Company/Alex Mitchell
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.

Edited by Jerry Entin, 28 August 2012 - 01:34.


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#2 Jerry Entin

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Posted 28 August 2012 - 01:16

Posted Image
MSC series regular Stan Redmond with his latest car (#111), an ex Warwick Brown Lola T333 CS.
2012/13 MSC New Zealand F5000 Tasman Cup Revival Series
Calendar
Rnd 1: Aug 31-Sept 02 2012 Muscle Car Masters meeting Sydney Motorsport Park (Eastern Creek) Sydney (full circuit)
Rnd 2: Oct 26-28 2012 Wigram Revival meeting Powerbuilt Tools Raceway @ Ruapuna Park Christchurch
Rnd 3: Nov 23-25 2012 Tasman Revival meeting Sydney Motorsport Park (Eastern Creek) Sydney (non-points)
Rnd 4: Jan 18-20 2013 NZ Festival of Motor Racing - Denny Hulme meeting x 1 Hampton Downs Auckland
Rnd 5: Jan 25-27 2013 NZ Festival of Motor Racing - Denny Hulme meeting x 2 Hampton Downs Auckland
Rnd 6: Feb 01-03 2013 Skope Classic meeting Powerbuilt Tools Raceway @ Ruapuna Park Christchurch (provisional)
Rnd 7: Feb 15-17 2013 Classic Speedfest meeting Teretonga Park Invercargill (provisional)

photo: Fast Company/Alex Mitchell
Prepared by FAST COMPANY of behalf of the New Zealand Formula 5000 Association www.F5000.co.nz For more information about the 2012/13 MSC New Zealand F5000 Tasman Cup Revival Series contact Ross MacKay on 021 677 919 or via e-mail on ross@fastcompany.co.nz

Edited by Jerry Entin, 28 August 2012 - 01:33.


#3 Lee Nicolle

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Posted 28 August 2012 - 09:09

Lovely photos to wet the appetite.
But that schedule seems wrong to me. Two trips across the Tasman will be very costly for all. I would have thought the two aussie races then get all the cars possible in NZ for the series.

#4 xj13v12

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Posted 29 August 2012 - 00:13

Lovely photos to wet the appetite.
But that schedule seems wrong to me. Two trips across the Tasman will be very costly for all. I would have thought the two aussie races then get all the cars possible in NZ for the series.


That's the beauty of having a shipping sponsorship. It's up to the Ozzies to get to NZ in numbers.
The grid should be 20 cars this weekend at Muscle Car Masters.

#5 E1pix

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Posted 29 August 2012 - 00:36

My Goodness, time for F5000 Down Under again? Summer escaped me.

I'm so glad this Series is this successful. Love to see it sometime.

#6 Jerry Entin

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Posted 01 September 2012 - 09:24

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Race 1 winner Bryan Sala greets the chequered flag at the end of the first MSC NZ F5000 Tasman Cup Revival meeting at the Muscle Car Masters meeting in Sydney this afternoon

2012/13 MSC New Zealand F5000 Tasman Cup Revival Series
Round #1
Muscle Car Masters meeting
Sydney Motorsport Park
Fri-Sun
Aug 31-Sept 02 2012

BRYAN SALA PIPS ROSS TO WIN MSC F5000 SERIES OPENER IN SYDNEY

Pole man Bryan Sala (Matich A50/51) stormed back to pip Steve Ross (McRae GM1) on the last lap and win the first MSC NZ F5000 Tasman Cup Revival series race of the season at the Muscle Car Masters meeting in Sydney this afternoon.

Defending MSC series title-holder Ross from Dunedin beat Melbourne man Sala and second quickest qualifier Ken Smith (Lola T430) from Auckland into Turn 1 at the beginning of the six-lap race at the recently revamped, extended and re-named Sydney Motorsport Park (nee Eastern Creek) venue. As Sala and Smith squabbled over second place Ross even managed to edge away from the pair.

Once Sala managed to shake off Smith - who, as it turned out, was struggling with gear selection issues - however, he was able to reel Ross in and pull off a daring dive for the lead at the circuit's downhill hairpin on the last lap.

"Kenny actually put the same move on me on the second lap, but that time we ran round side by side and I stayed in front," Sala said afterwards. "Once I caught up on Steve I could see he was struggling there a bit the lap before but I was too far back. The next lap was the last lap so when we came round again I knew it was now or never. The right front tyre locked up half way through the move but Steve gave me just enough room and we got through without touching which was obviously good."

Ross took the move with good grace, admitting that he had 'messed up' in the tight new section of track immediately before the hairpin, but still getting a surprise when he went to turn in.

"The first thing I knew about it was when he (Sala) was alongside me with smoke pouring off his tyres," he laughed. "He was pretty committed - we both were - but that's OK, I gave him some room. We both went out a long way but we both got round alright. The only problem was, by that stage, he was in front!"

Sala was not exactly hanging around on that last, eventful lap, setting a new category lap record for the new 'long' circuit of 1 min 50.2739, just over half a second quicker than the time that earned him pole position in qualifying, 1 min 50.8249.

The hairpin move on Ross was not the only one to change the final running order either, Auckland driver Roger Williams (Lola T332) also getting past Smith - whose car was by now jumping out of fifth gear - within sight of the chequered flag for third place.

Behind Sala, Ross, Williams and Smith, Melbourne-domiciled expat Chris Lambden started and finished fifth while Blenheim driver Russell Greer (Lola T332) got a great start to lead last season's MSC series runner-up Aaron Burson for sixth only to run out of petrol after three laps, allowing Burson, Australian Darcy Russell (Lola T300) and Aucklander Shayne Windelburn (Lola T400) all to move up a place in the running order.

Christchurch series stalwart Stan Redmond qualified his newly restored and race-prepared ex-Warwick Brown Lola T333CS 12th on its long-awaited circuit return but ended his race in the pits, while fellow driver David Abbott crossed the finish line 11th after being forced to start off the back of the grid after failing to set a qualifying time thanks to a broken half shaft in practice then a magneto issue as his car was readied for qualifying.

Aucklander David Banks, in his second season in the MSC series, was the final member of the Kiwi contingent to finish the race, in 10th position just behind Australian Bill Hemmings (Elfin MR8) and in front of Abbott.

Clark Proctor (March 73A) made the trip from Auckland with the New Zealand contingent but only got as far as practice on Friday before engine issues sidelined him for the weekend.

Adelaide driver John Bryant (Lola T140) was also a non-starter thanks to crown wheel and pinion issues though local MSC series newcomer Rod Carroll had a good debut in his similar car, qualifying and finishing the first race in 13th position.

Compatriots Aaron Lewis (Matich A50) and Andrew Kluver (Lola T300) qualified for the race but problems with their cars meant they didn't get to start it.

Today's 6-lap race was one of three for the MSC NZ F5000 Tasman Cup Revival Series field at the Muscle Car Masters meeting with another 6-lapper tomorrow (Sunday) morning and a 12-lap feature final in the afternoon.

A special highlight on Sunday will be champion Australian category original Warwick Brown re-united with one of the cars he originally drove, the Lola T333CS now owned and driven by Stan Redmond.

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.

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

Edited by Jerry Entin, 01 September 2012 - 09:40.


#7 Jerry Entin

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Posted 01 September 2012 - 09:29

Posted Image
Muscle Car Masters meeting in Sydney this afternoon. Ken Smith, Bryan Sala and Steve Ross lead the field entering Turn 1 at the start.

2012/13 MSC New Zealand F5000 Tasman Cup Revival Series

Rnd 1 2012 Australian Muscle Car Masters meeting Sydney Motorsport Park Sydney Sat-Sun Sept 01-02 2012
Qualifying
1. Bryan Sala (Matich A50/51) 1:50.8249*
2. Ken Smith (Lola T430) 1:50.8586
3. Steve Ross (McRae GM1) 1:51.1846
4. Roger Williams (Lola T332) 1:52.7058
5. Chris Lambden (McRae GM1) 1:53.2025
6. Aaron Burson (McRae GM1) 1:55.1800
7. Russell Greer (Lola T332)1:56.5937
8. Darcy Russell (Lola T330) 1:56.8319
9. David Banks (Talon MR1) 1:58.6802
10. Shayne Windelburn (Lola T400) 2:00.5515
11. Bill Hemming (Elfin MR8) 2:00.9172
12. Stan Redmond (Lola T333) 2:05.0453
13. Rod Carroll (Lola T140) 2:08.3975
14. Jay Bondini (Lola T332) 2:09.2789
15. Aaron Lewis (Matich A50) 2:36.8582
16. Andrew Kluver (Lola T300) 3:15.5289
17. David Abbott (Lola T430) no time



Race 1 (6 laps)
1. Bryan Sala (Matich A50/51) 11:15.5011
2. Steve Ross (McRae GM1) 11:15.9585
3. Roger Williams (Lola T332) 11:24.3676
4. Ken Smith (Lola T430)11:24.3880
5. Chris Lambden (McRae GM1) 11:44.2528
6. Aaron Burson (McRae GM1) 11:44.4473
7. Darcy Russell (Lola T330) 11:54.4631
8. Shayne Windelburn (Lola T400) 12:05.7751
9. Bill Hemming (Elfin MR8) 12:13.3133
10. David Banks (Talon MR1) 12:13.7076
11. David Abbott (Lola T430) 12:24.7496
12. Jay Bondini (Lola T332) 13:03.2248
13. Rod Carroll (Lola T140) 12:04.7287
DNF. Russell Greer (Lola T332), Stan Redmond (Lola T333) 3 laps
New category lap record: Bryan Sala (Matich A50/51) 1:50.2739R


Calendar

Rnd 1: Aug 31-Sept 02 2012 Muscle Car Masters meeting Sydney Motorsport Park (Eastern Creek) Sydney (full circuit)

Rnd 2: Oct 26-28 2012 Wigram Revival meeting Powerbuilt Tools Raceway @ Ruapuna Park Christchurch

Rnd 3: Nov 23-25 2012 Tasman Revival meeting Sydney Motorsport Park (Eastern Creek) Sydney (non-points)

Rnd 4: Jan 18-20 2013 NZ Festival of Motor Racing - Denny Hulme meeting x 1 Hampton Downs Auckland

Rnd 5: Jan 25-27 2013 NZ Festival of Motor Racing - Denny Hulme meeting x 2 Hampton Downs Auckland

Rnd 6: Feb 01-03 2013 Skope Classic meeting Powerbuilt Tools Raceway @ Ruapuna Park Christchurch (provisional)

Rnd 7: Feb 15-17 2013 Classic Speedfest meeting Teretonga Park Invercargill (provisional)


photo: Fast Company/Alex Mitchell
Prepared by FAST COMPANY of behalf of the New Zealand Formula 5000 Association www.F5000.co.nz For more information about the 2012/13 MSC New Zealand F5000 Tasman Cup Revival Series contact Ross MacKay on 021 677 919 or via e-mail on ross@fastcompany.co.nz

Edited by Jerry Entin, 01 September 2012 - 09:47.


#8 275 GTB-4

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Posted 02 September 2012 - 07:25

EDIT: thought I quickly snapped a pic of Ken Smith on the saturday but appears to be Jay Bondini Lola T332 (another diminutive racer...I was once confused!! :wave: )

Posted Image

Edited by 275 GTB-4, 03 September 2012 - 06:14.


#9 Jerry Entin

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Posted 02 September 2012 - 14:29

2012/13 MSC New Zealand F5000 Tasman Cup Revival Series
ROSS & SALA SHARE MSC SERIES RACE WINS IN SYDNEY

Top Kiwi Steve Ross (McRae GM1) and top Aussie Bryan Sala (Matich A50/51) ended up sharing the spoils at the opening round of the 2012/13 MSC NZ F5000 Tasman Cup Revival Series in Sydney over the weekend.

The round was held at the annual Muscle Car Masters meeting at the recently extended and re-named Sydney Motorsport Park (nee Eastern Creek) with former Australian Touring Car and NASCAR driver Sala beating three-time former series champion Ken Smith (Lola T430) and defending champion Steve Ross to pole in qualifying then chasing a fast-starting Ross down on the last lap to win the first race of the weekend on Saturday.

Ross came back strongly on Sunday, however, winning the second race - another 6-lapper - in the morning from compatriots Roger Williams (Lola T332) and Aaron Burson (McRae GM1, and the 10-lap MSC feature in the afternoon from Smith, Sala and 2011/12 season series runner-up Aaron Burson (McRae GM1).

Though at just six laps the same length as the first race on Saturday, the second on Sunday took a heavy toll on equipment with nine dnfs, amongst them race one winner Sala, who pulled in when a rocker cover gasket burst and dipped oil onto his car;s left hand exhaust bank, Smith, who was a late retirement with a sticking throttle, and Jay Bondini, Russell Greer and Chris Lambden with broken input or half shafts.

Sala ran second for two laps before pitting to find the source of the smoke, elevating Roger Williams to second, Aaron Burson to third and the best of the Australians, Darcy Russell (Lola T330), to fourth.

Behind Russell, David Abbott (Lola T430) moved into fifth and Bill Hemmings (Elfin MR8) and David Banks (Talon MR1A) engaged in a spirited battle for sixth, eventually resolved in the local man (Hemmings') favour.

Between Sunday's two races one of the F5000 category's original heroes, Australian Warwick Brown, was re-united with one of the last cars he drove in the era, the Lola T333CS now owned and driven by Christchurch MSC series stalwart Stan Redmond.

Brown and Ken Smith were invited to join the 'Legends' demo, Brown in the Redmond car, Smith in the sister car to the one he usually drives, the other ex Warwick Brown car at the meeting, the Lola T430 now owned and driven by David Abbott.

Between races most of the issues which affected the cars in the second race were fixed and a full field again faced the starter for the 10-lap feature final in the afternoon.

A highlight of this race was the come-from-behind charges put in by drivers like Sala and Smith who because they failed to finish the second race started the third well down the grid .

Ross got his customary flier off the rolling start with Roger Williams tucking into second place for the first two laps before being forced to pull off the track with a diff problem. Where his car ended up was deemed dangerous so the Safety Car was dispatched while it was retrieved, bunching the field up and setting the scene for a tightly contested run to the flag.

With Williams out Bryan Sala, who has already worked his way back up the running order to fifth at the end of the first lap and third in the second, found himself in second place with Ken Smith following him through into third - where he stayed until a last lap move on Sala gave him second!

Behind Sala, meanwhile, Aaron Burson ran a lonely race for fourth from Darcy Russell, Chris Lambden, Russell Greer (Lola T332), David Abbott, David Banks - who this time got the better of Race 2 rival Bill Hemmings despite being back in 14th place at the end of the first lap - with Shayne Windelburn and Stan Redmond 11th and 12th respectively.

With a long-standing invitation to compete at the big Muscle Car Masters meeting prompting an earlier-than-usual start to the annual MSC F5000 series this year there is now a break until the second round back in New Zealand at the end of October (at the Lady Wigram Trophy meeting at Powerbuilt Tools Raceway in Christchurch) before a return to Sydney Motorsport Park for some of the series regulars for a non-championship round at Australia's own Tasman Revival Series meeting at the end of November.

The points rounds then resume back in New Zealand at the two NZ Festival of Motor Racing - celebrating Denny Hulme meeting at Hampton Downs in January before returning to the South Island for the penultimate series round at the annual Skope Classic meeting in Christchurch and final at the Classic Speedfest meeting at Invercargill's Teretonga Park in February.

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.

report sent site: Fast Company/Ross MacKay


#10 Jerry Entin

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Posted 02 September 2012 - 14:34

Race 2 (Sun 6 laps)
1. Steve Ross (McRae GM1) 11:18.9274
2. Roger Williams (Lola T332) 11:32.0103
3. Aaron Burson (McRae GM1) 11:45.5182
4. Darcy Russell (Lola T330) 11:49.9436
5. David Abbott (Lola T430)11:59.1578
6. Bill Hemming (Elfin MR8)12:08.7917
7. David Banks (Talon MR1)12:09.0163
8. Rod Carroll (Lola T140) 12:37.9529
DNF Stan Redmond, John Bryant, Bryan Sala, Shayne Windelburn, Jay Bondini, Chris Lambden, Russell Greer, Ken Smith Aaron Lewis

Posted Image
Race three podium (left to right) runner-up Ken Smith, winner Steve Ross and third place getter Bryan Sala.

Race 3 (Sun 10 laps)
1. Steve Ross (McRae GM1) 20:22.8205
2. Ken Smith (Lola T430) 20:28.2912
3. Bryan Sala (Matich A50/51) 20:28.6777

4. Aaron Burson (McRae GM1) 20:43.3458
5. Darcy Russell (Lola T330) 20:51.2960
6. Chris Lambden (McRae GM1) 20:53.7433
7. Russell Greer (Lola T332) 20:54.4756
8. David Abbott (Lola T430) 20:57.4244
9. David Banks (Talon MR1) 21:06.0364
10. Bill Hemming (Elfin MR8) 21:06.7582
11. Shayne Windelburn (Lola T400) 21:08.1619
12. Stan Redmond (Lola T333) 21:24.4759
13. Rod Carroll (Lola T140) 21:33.2430
14. Jay Bondini (Lola T332) 21:35.8148
DNF. Roger Williams (Lola T332)

results sent site: Fast Compny/Ross MacKay
photo: Fast Company/Alex Mitchell

Edited by Jerry Entin, 28 October 2012 - 02:20.


#11 275 GTB-4

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Posted 03 September 2012 - 06:54

Sala on Saturday...

Posted Image

Saturday...

Posted Image

#12 Jerry Entin

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Posted 23 October 2012 - 08:08

Powerbuilt Tools Raceway @ Ruapuna Park
Christchurch
Sat-Sun
October 27 & 28

Posted Image

KEN SMITH SEEKING THE ULTIMATE LADY WIGRAM RECORD THIS WEEKEND

Two years ago evergreen New Zealand motor racing veteran Ken Smith (Lola T430) won the Lady Wigram Trophy for a fourth time, equaling the record set by fellow racing great Graham McRae back in 1975.

This week the now 71-year-old Smith, in his 54th consecutive season of motor racing at a national level, returns to Christchurch's Powerbuilt Tools Raceway at Ruapuna Park to try and take the coveted Lady Wigram Trophy - which has been contested since 1949 - for a record-breaking fifth time.

If he does so Smith will enjoy the unique distinction of having won five trophies over five decades, his first win coming in 1976, his second in 1991 and his third and fourth in 2009 and 2010 respectively.

Some incentive, though having experienced his share of disappointment in those 50-plus years the feisty septuagenarian who continues to defy the usual stereotypes about age and activity, says he isn't counting his chickens quite yet.

"That's why I'm going down there (to win)," he said on Tuesday." I know that Clark (Proctor) and Steve (Ross) have both got lighter cars with more power than me so it's not going to be handed to me on a plate, I'm going to have to work for it but in saying that it's the same for them, they're still going to have to go the distance and you never know, I might just be able to wear them down."

Smith, fellow Aucklander Clark Proctor (March 73A), and defending MSC NZ Tasman Cup Revival Series champion Steve Ross (McRae GM1) from Dunedin, spearhead a 16-strong field of classic V8-engined Formula 5000 single-seaters which will take the grid this weekend for three races (one on Saturday and two on Sunday) at the annual Christchurch Casino-backed Wigram Revival meeting at the Canterbury Car Club's Powerbuilt Tools Raceway at Ruapuna Park.

Smith won the Lady Wigram Trophy for the first time when Formula 5000 was New Zealand's premier single-seater category (1976) and he has won it twice more behind the wheel of one of the 70s-era V8-powered cars since a Lady Wigram Trophy race was revived by the Canterbury Car Club for the MSC Tasman Cup Revival Series in 2008.

With two wins and a second placing at the opening round of this year's MSC series at the Sydney Motorsport Park in September, defending series champion Steve Ross holds a good points lead heading into this weekend's Wigram Revival meeting with last season's series runner-up Aaron Burson second and Australian Bryan Sala (not competing this weekend) third.

Ken Smith is back in fourth place but only because he was forced out of the second race in Sydney by a puncture. Before that he qualified second to Sala and ran fourth in the first race and worked his way back up to second in the final behind Ross but in front of pole man Sala.

As well as Smith, Ross, Clark Proctor and Aucklander Aaron Burson (McRae GM1), drivers expected to play their part in the top ten in each race this weekend include Blenheim's Russell Greer in the ex Graeme Lawrence Lola T332, Rotorua man Brett Willis in his Lola T330, former series title holder Ian Clements (Lola T332) and Melbourne-based expat Chris Lambden in his locally based and run McRae GM1.

There will also be interest in the first local showing of series stalwart Stan Redmond's ex Warwick Brown Lola T333CS, one the last of that line of cars ever made, and in the debut of long-time category and series supporter Poul Christie's new car, a McLaren M10B.

One of the oldest cars in the field, meanwhile, will be Aucklander Alan Dunkley's high-wing 1968 Lola T140. Dunkley, a championship-winning karter who has also raced in the Suzuki Swift class, debuted the family owned-and-run car last year and was immediately competitive with the other Class A (for earlier series cars) and many later model ones.

Since then the car has been stripped and rebuilt and is expected to go even better this season.

The MSC NZ F5000 Tasman Cup Revival Series heads the programme at the Wigram Revival meeting this weekend with support from the John Hawkins Memorial Formula Libre/Atlantic single-seaters (Ken Smith will also compete in this class in a Swift DB4), Classic Saloons and Mini 7s, Historic Touring and V8 Muscle Cars and Classic motorcycles.

There will be testing at the circuit on Friday with qualifying and the first set of races on Saturday and a full day of racing across all classes on Sunday with the premier Wigram Cup race for the MSC F5000 series cars over 15 laps starting at 3.30pm.

Next up for some of the MSC series regulars is a non-championship appearance at Australia's own Tasman Revival meeting back at Sydney Motorsport Park in November before back-to-back rounds for what is expected to be 30-40-strong fields of local, Australian and European and American cars at the Gulf-backed New Zealand Festival of Motor Racing meetings - featuring Denny Hulme at Hampton Downs in January.

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, Avon Tyres and Exide.

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

Edited by Jerry Entin, 23 October 2012 - 13:52.


#13 Jerry Entin

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Posted 27 October 2012 - 08:00

* 2012/13 MSC New Zealand F5000 Tasman Cup Revival Series
Rnd 2
Wigram Revival meeting
Powerbuilt Tools Raceway @ Ruapuna Park
Christchurch
Sat-Sun
October 27 & 28
2012


Posted Image
Pole man and runaway winner of the first MSC NZ F5000 Tasman Cup Revival Series race at the Wigram Revival meeting in Christchurch today was Dunedin driver Steve Ross in his McRae GM1. Behind him Clark Proctor (March 73A) and Ken Smith (Lola T430) battled for second place.


WINNING START FOR ROSS AT WIGRAM REVIVAL MEETING

Defending series champion and early 2012/13 season points leader Steve Ross (McRae GM1) has enjoyed a winning start to his weekend on the first day of competition at the second round of the 2012/13 MSC New Zealand F5000 Tasman Cup Revival series in Christchurch today.

Last year at the same Wigram Revival meeting at the city's Powerbuilt Tools Raceway @ Ruapuna Park, the Dunedin driver set pole with a time of 1:18.637 but threw away an early lead in the first race when he spun, eventually crossing the finish line in third place.

This year he had made no such mistake, going even quicker in qualifying this morning - his best lap of 1:17:850 over a second quicker than the 2011 pole time - then leading the first eight lap race of the weekend from start to finish

"Yes," he said," the car's going great, we haven't had any problems to speak of and the plan was to put in a really quick time in qualifying to guarantee us pole for all three races then take it from there."

Aucklander Clark Proctor (March 73A) joined Ross on the front row of the grid after beating former series title holder and four-time Lady Wigram Trophy winner Ken Smith (Lola T430) to the second quickest qualifying time, but like Smith - who started from P3 on the second row of the grid - he was no match for Ross who set the fastest race lap - a 1:18:533 - as he edged away to cross the finish line just over 10 seconds ahead of Proctor with Smith a further three-quarters of a second back in third.

Fourth was Brett Willis (Lola T330) from Rotorua, fifth, former MSC series champion Ian Clements (Lola T332) from Christchurch and sixth Melbourne-based expat Chris Lambden (McRae GM1).

Class young gun Alan Dunkley, whose family-owned and run high-wing 1968 Lola T140 is the oldest car in the MSC series field, put the cat amongst the pigeons with a qualifying lap which put him on the fourth row of the grid and early pace which saw him up to sixth place. A spin put him back down the field though and he crossed the line back where he started - in eighth place.

" We just started with too high a pressure in the tyres," he explained. "Not by much but enough to over-temp them and I ended up spinning. Before that it was good though. We took over 40 kgs out of the car over the winter and we've now got another 100 horsepower so she now gets along for an old girl."

Today's race was the first of three at the annual Wigram Revival meeting for the MSC NZ F5000 Tasman Cup Revival series field with a second eight lapper on Sunday morning and the feature Wigram Cup Race over 15 laps due to start at 3.30pm in the 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, Avon Tyres and Exide.

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

Edited by Jerry Entin, 27 October 2012 - 08:14.


#14 Jerry Entin

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Posted 27 October 2012 - 08:03

2012/13 MSC New Zealand F5000 Tasman Cup Revival Series Rnd 2 Wigram Revival meeting Powerbuilt Tools Raceway @ Ruapuna Park Christchurch Sat-Sun October 27 & 28 2012

Posted Image
First Class A car home was the 1968 Lola T140 of Al Dunkley which finished eighth after running as high as sixth before a spin

Qualifying
1. Steve Ross (McRae GM1) 1.17.850
2. Clark Proctor (March 73A) 1.19.375
3. Ken Smith (Lola T430) 1.20.002
4. Brett Willis (Lola T330) 1.20.352
5. Chris Lambden (McRae GM1) 1.20.968
6. Aaron Burson (McRae GM1) 1.21.180
7. Ian Clements (Lola T332) 1.21.289
8. Alan Dunkley (Lola T140) 1.22.081
9. Russell Greer (Lola T332) 1.23.389
10. David Abbott (Lola T430) 1.23.438
11. David Banks (Talon MR1A) 1.24.050
12. Lindsay O'Donnell (Begg FM5) 1.24.451
13. Stan Redmond (Lola T333CS) 1.26.278
14. Phil Mauger (McLaren M23 F1) 1.27.235
15. Peter Burson (McRae GM1) no time

Posted Image
Clark Proctor (March 73A) and Ken Smith (Lola T430) battled for second place.

Race 1 (8 laps Sat)
1. Steve Ross (McRae GM1) 10:38:117
2. Clark Proctor (March 73A) 10:49:188
3. Ken Smith (Lola T430) 10:49:848
4. Brett Willis (Lola T330) 11:00:442
5. Ian Clements (Lola T332) 11:02:749
6. Chris Lambden (McRae GM1) 11:11:877
7. Russell Greer (Lola T332) 11:13:296
8. Alan Dunkley (Lola T140) 11:18:994
9. David Banks (Talon MR1A) 11:30:505
10. Aaron Burson (McRae GM1) 11:35:008
11. Lindsay O'Donnell (Begg FM5) 11:35:218
12. Phil Mauger (McLaren M23 F1) 11:40:157
13. Peter Burson (McRae GM1) 11:42:493
14. David Abbott (Lola T430) 11:42:579
15. Stan Redmond (Lola T333CS) 12:01.939

results sent site: David Abbott
photos: Fast Company/Alex Mitchell

Edited by Jerry Entin, 27 October 2012 - 08:26.


#15 Lee Nicolle

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Posted 28 October 2012 - 00:39

I just love that pic of the Al Dunkley T140, an open wheeler wheel lifting!
Is Phil Mauger any relation to Ivan? With a name like that he should be on a speedway solo!

#16 goffer

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Posted 28 October 2012 - 02:26

I just love that pic of the Al Dunkley T140, an open wheeler wheel lifting!
Is Phil Mauger any relation to Ivan? With a name like that he should be on a speedway solo!


you are right Lee - this series is fab cause the guys that want to are really hustling their cars, and make a spectacle, not just a trundle around in the sunshine.

Also what is fab is having marvellous open pit access and being able to see up close the evolution of F5000 machines - from things like that T140 (spaceframe chassis, positively agricultural uprights & brakes) through the T300 / 330 / 332 / 400 / 430 series, the elegant moncoques of M10 Mclarens, the beautiful McRae GM1, the utilitarian March & Chevron models, and NZ & Australian machines (Matich, Begg, Elfin) that held their heads high.

#17 Wirra

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Posted 28 October 2012 - 03:13

... We took over 40 kgs out of the car over the winter and we've now got another 100 horsepower so she now gets along for an old girl." ...


I knew they were getting more horsepower these days - hence all the broken drive-shafts, but I also thought there would be some 'in-period' chassis requirement? How can you take 40kgs out of an historic car?

#18 Peter Leversedge

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Posted 28 October 2012 - 06:37

Lady Wigram Trophy Race won by Steve Ross, 2nd place to Kenny Smith
Russell Greer 6th

#19 275 GTB-4

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Posted 28 October 2012 - 08:32

I knew they were getting more horsepower these days - hence all the broken drive-shafts, but I also thought there would be some 'in-period' chassis requirement? How can you take 40kgs out of an historic car?


Errgghh..change the driver line up??? :)

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#20 Jerry Entin

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Posted 28 October 2012 - 09:57

Posted Image
Alan Dunkley and Steve Ross and Ken Smith

STEVE ROSS IS LATEST LADY WIGRAM TROPHY WINNER

Dunedin driver Steve Ross (McRae GM1) has added his name to the prestigious Lady Wigram Trophy after a near perfect weekend at the annual Wigram Revival meeting at Christchurch's Powerbuilt Tools Raceway at Ruapuna today.

Competing in the 2012/13 MSC New Zealand F5000 Tasman Cup Revival series, Ross set the fastest time in qualifying on Saturday morning and went on to win all three F5000 category races, driving away from the field in each one while drama unfolded behind him.

Series super-vet Ken Smith (Lola T430), who was hunting for his fifth Lady Wigram title, finished second in the 15-lap Lady Wigram Trophy feature, while the youngest driver in the field, Alan Dunkley, from Auckland driving the oldest car, a high-wing 1968 Lola T140, finished third.

Ross, the defending MSC NZ F5000 series champion and early 2012/13 season points leader, was thrilled to have won the Lady Wigram Trophy, one he had been chasing for several years.

“It’s just brilliant. The car went beautifully all weekend and we got a bit of a buffer and just carried on.”

Posted Image
Steve Ross heading into the first corner in the Lady Wigram Trophy race
Clark Proctor and Ken Smith following
As he did in the first two MSC races of the weekend Ross got the jump on fellow front runner starter Clark Proctor (March 73A) at the start of the Lady Wigram Trophy race but Proctor spun on the second of 15 laps allowing Smith to move into second.

Proctor dropped down to eleventh but then provided a crowd pleasing spectacle as he fought his way back through the field.

For much of the race Melbourne-based Kiwi expat Chris Lambden (McRae GM1) and Christchurch’s Ian Clements (Lola T332) provided a great battle for third until Clements spun coming onto the front straight when a suspension upright broke.

This gave Lambden some breathing space until he was caught two laps later by the hard charging Proctor.

Unfortunately these two then tangled at the hairpin with four laps to go when it looked as though a podium was within Proctor’s grasp. Both retired allowing young gun Alan Dunkley through to third.

“I’m absolutely stoked with it (the race)," said 22-year-old Dunkley. "Driving the oldest car on the grid and getting on the podium? You can’t ask for better than that. We set off with a medium pace not wanting to cook the tyres and just kept to that pace while others in front of us fell off.”

Although disappointed not to be have caught Ross, Smith was thrilled with his podium after earlier winning the Wigram Cup race driving one of his other cars, a 2-litre Swift DB4 Formula Atlantic single-seater, in the John Hawkins Memorial Formula Libre Invitation class.

“The weekend was mighty. I loved it," said the 71-year-old. "At the end of the day we’ve had good fun in the little car (Swift DB4) and run second here today which is no mean feat.”

“He (Ross) had too much horsepower and I was losing brakes so I had to back off for the last six laps or so. The pedal was going flat to the floor and I had to pump it.”


Ross's winning run began with a lights-to-flag victory in the weekend's first MSC series race on Saturday afternoon. Clark Proctor joined Ross on the front row of the grid after beating Ken Smith to the second quickest qualifying time, but like Smith - who started from P3 on the second row of the grid - he was no match for Ross who set the fastest race lap - a 1:18:533 - as he edged away to cross the finish line just over 10 seconds ahead of Proctor with Smith a further three-quarters of a second back in third.


Fourth was Brett Willis (Lola T330) from Rotorua, fifth, former MSC series champion Ian Clements from Christchurch and sixth Chris Lambden.



Alan Dunkley showed signs on Saturday of what was to come with a qualifying lap which put him on the fourth row of the grid and early pace in the opening race which saw him up to sixth place. A spin put him back down the field though and he crossed the line back where he started - in eighth place.



Ross also won the weekend's second MSC race on Sunday morning, this time by just over 17 seconds with Ken Smith this time pipping Clark Proctor for second. Smith didn't get the best of starts and after being swamped in the run to the first corner found himself with some work to do.



“Steve (Ross) eased off at the line which was unfortunate," said Smith. " He should have kept it going as everybody had to back out and that’s when everyone jumped me.'



That dropped Smith from third to fifth after the first corner with Chris Lambden emerging in third place behind Ross - who was already pulling away - and Proctor.


It wasn't long before Smith was making progress, however, the determined veteran catching and passing Brett Willis by the end of the first lap then Chris Lambden a lap later.


By this time Ross had a six second gap on Proctor with Smith a further three seconds back and catching. Smith then caught Proctor after six laps, passing him coming out of turn one. This was the order they finished.

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

Edited by Jerry Entin, 28 October 2012 - 10:34.


#21 Jerry Entin

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Posted 28 October 2012 - 10:00

Race 2 (8 laps Sun am)
1. Steve Ross 10:32.175
2. Ken Smith +17.811
3. Clark Proctor +17.940
4. Brett Willis +25.331
5. Ian Clements 11 +32.078
6. Chris Lambden +33.846
7. Aaron Burson +34.199
8. Alan Dunkley +35.383
9. David Abbott +39.343
10. Russell Greer +41.900
11. David Banks +45.225
12. Stan Redmond +53.470
13. Phil Mauger +53.486
14. Lindsay O'Donnell +55.101
dnf: Peter Burson
Fastest lap: Steve Ross 1.18.279

Posted Image
Steve Ross with the Lady Wigram Trophy

Race 3 Lady Wigram Trophy Race (Sun pm 15 laps)
1. Steve Ross 19:53.634

2. Ken Smith +20:24.787

3. Alan Dunkley +20:56.515

4. Aaron Burson +21:01.308

5. David Banks +21:06.773

6. Russell Greer +1 Lap 1:23.520

7. David Abbott + 1 Lap

8. Peter Burson + 1 Lap

dnf Phil Mauger, Clark Proctor, Chris Lambden, Ian Clements, Stanley Redmond,g/box Brett Willis, g/box Lindsay O'Donnell wing support
Fastest lap; Steve Ross 1:18.961

results sent site: David Abbott
photo: Fast Company/Alex Mitchell

Edited by Jerry Entin, 28 October 2012 - 10:14.


#22 Jerry Entin

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Posted 17 December 2012 - 01:05

STRONG AUSSIE ENTRY BOOSTS MSC FESTIVAL FIELD

A strong Australian entry has boosted the MSC NZ F5000 Tasman Cup Revival Series field for the two NZ Festival of Motor Racing - celebrating Denny Hulme meetings at Hampton Downs in the New Year.

Six Australian drivers are crossing the Tasman for the two meetings, taking the number of entries for the MSC NZ F5000 Tasman Cup Revival Series races at the Jan 18-20 and 25-27 2013 meetings to 35.

Heading the Aussie squad is 2012/13 MSC series round one race winner Bryan Sala from Melbourne who will drive a Matich A50/51. He will be joined at the two meetings here by fellow Victorians Paul Zazryn (Lola T332), and Bill Hemming (Elfin MR8), South Australian John Bryant (Lola T140), and Rod Carroll (Lola T140) and Aaron Lewis (Matich A50) from New South Wales.

The two mid-summer meetings at Hampton Downs have traditionally attracted a number of drivers from around the world and the 2013 ones are no different.

Local MSC series regulars continue to make up the bulk of the field. But their numbers will be supplemented this year by the six entries from across the Tasman, three - Mike Whatley (Lola T300 & Surtees TS8), Greg Thornton (McRae GM1) and Mark Dwyer (Lola T400) - from the UK, two - Bruce Leeson (McLaren M10B) and Eric Haga (Lola T190) - from the United States, and one - expat Brit Peter Dunn (March 73A) - from Monaco.

After two points rounds - one in Australia and one here - so far this season, defending MSC series title holder Steve Ross holds a 33 point lead over Auckland driver Aaron Burson (McRae GM1 with Ken Smith just a point behind in third place with class newcomer David Banks (Talon MR1A) fourth and David Abbott (Lola T430) from Christchurch fifth.

Ross and Bryan Sala shared wins at the opening round of the 2012/13 MSC series at the big Muscle Car Masters meeting in Sydney in September but Ross staged an impressive clean sweep to claim the prestigious Lady Wigram Trophy at the second, in Christchurch, a month later.

Dark horse at the two NZ Festival meetings, however, could well be regular UK visitor Greg Thornton. At the recent non-championship MSC series round at Australia's biennial Tasman Revival meeting in Sydney he won two of the four races in his newly acquired ex Stuart Lush McRae GM1.

The two NZ Festival of Motor Racing - celebrating Denny Hulme meetings are again expected to attract large crowds with cars either once driven by or associated with New Zealand's only Formula 1 World Champion being shipped in from all over the world for display and/or demonstration.

After the two rounds at the NZ Festival meetings at Hampton Downs the MSC series title chase heads south for the penultimate round at the annual Skope Classic meeting at Christchurch's Powerbuilt Tools Raceway at Ruapuna Park over the Febnruary 02-03 weekend and the final at Invercargill's Teretonga Park a fortnight later.



Here are the dates for the 2013 Races
Rnd 4: Jan 18-20 2013 NZ Festival of Motor Racing - Denny Hulme meeting x 1 Hampton Downs Auckland
Rnd 5: Jan 25-27 2013 NZ Festival of Motor Racing - Denny Hulme meeting x 2 Hampton Downs Auckland
Rnd 6: Feb 01-03 2013 Skope Classic meeting Powerbuilt Tools Raceway @ Ruapuna Park Christchurch (provisional)
Rnd 7: Feb 15-17 2013 Classic Speedfest meeting Teretonga Park Invercargill (provisional)


Report sent site; Ross MacKay/Fast Company

#23 Jerry Entin

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Posted 15 January 2013 - 00:22

Posted Image
Kiwi 'super-veteran' Ken Smith putting the ex Danny Ongais Lola T332 through its paces
before the accident at Manfeild 14 months ago.

The car has been re-built and Smith is set to get back behind the wheel at the first of two NZ Festival of Motor Racing celebrating Denny Hulme meetings at Hampton Downs this weekend.

WE'LL BE THERE' SAYS SUPER-VET SMITH

Though work on it is not - quite - complete yet, New Zealand motor racing's ageless super-veteran, Ken Smith, says he will be back behind the wheel of his ex Danny Ongais Lola T332 Formula 5000 car at the first of two NZ Festival of Motor Racing - celebrating Denny Hulme meetings at Hampton Downs this weekend.

Smith and long-time crew members Barry Miller and Phil Richardson bought the car from a museum in Los Angeles three years ago and Miller had just completed a ground-up rebuild when a differential malfunction pitched Smith and car into a concrete pitwall at high speed at the second round of the 2011/12 MSC NZ F5000 Tasman Cup Revival Series at Manfeild 14 months ago.

Smith, now 71, and contesting his 55th consecutive New Zealand motor racing season, broke a bone in his left ankle and the beautifully rebuilt and finished car - painted and trimmed in the bright red La Valise travel agency colours Smith's original T332 wore in the early 1970s - was for all intents and purposes a write-of.

Despite the injury and damage Smith completed the 2011/12 season in the Lola T430 he had driven previously and Miller began the mammoth task of stripping and re-building the T332 for a second time.

It's that job he has all but completed, Smith confident enough to confirm that it will indeed be ready by Friday....or Saturday!

"We'll be there don't you worry about that," he said on Monday. "It's almost finished as we speak but, you know, these jobs always take longer than you think. We'll be right by the weekend though. "

There was considerable interest in the new car when Smith gave it its original New Zealand debut at the Lady Wigram Trophy Race meeting at Christchurch's Powerbuilt Tools Raceway at Ruapuna Park in November 2011.

Smith a three-time winner of the New Zealand Grand Prix, and four-time winner of the Lady Wigram trophy, enjoyed some of his greatest early career successes behind the wheel of his original Lola T332. But though he knows where that car is, its Melbourne owner Andrew Robson has made it clear it is not for sale, even to the man who enjoyed so much success in it first time round.

Smith, of course, has enjoyed even more success second time around in a later model Lola T430, winning the MSC NZ F5000 Tasman Cup Revival Series title three years in a row from 2009 to 2011. That's not stopped him keeping his eye out for a T332 to buy, however, and he says that after a second rebuild in as many years the ex Ongais Lola is a tribute to the man responsible for both, Barry Miller.

"Just about everything's new, from the tub to the suspension uprights and wheels, as well as the bodywork which we had to get out of England. It's looking brilliant, Barry has made a magic job of it."

The NZ Festival meetings have always attracted a strong field of Formula 5000 single-seaters and this year's are no different with 32 entries over the two weekends.

After two championship rounds of this season's MSC series - one in Australia, one here - defending title holder Steve Ross (McRae GM1) from Dunedin leads the points standings from Aucklanders Aaron Burson (McRae GM1), Ken Smith, and David Banks (Talon MR1A). Leading the Class A (for very early series cars) standings, meanwhile, is Alan Dunkley, also from Auckland, who drives a distinctive high-wing Lola T140.

The two NZ Festival meeting rounds of the MSC series have attracted a number of Formula 5000 drivers from overseas with six coming from Australia, three from the United Kingdom, two from the United States, and one from Monaco.

Heading the Australian squad is 2012/13 MSC series round one race winner Bryan Sala from Melbourne who will drive a Matich A50/51. Joining him are fellow Victorians Paul Zazryn (Lola T332), and Bill Hemming (Elfin MR8), South Australian John Bryant (Lola T140), and Rod Carroll (Lola T140) and Aaron Lewis (Matich A50) from New South Wales.

The UK will again be represented by regular MSC series visitors Mike Whatley (Lola T300 & Surtees TS8), Greg Thornton (McRae GM1) and Mark Dwyer (Lola T400), the United States by US-based Australian Bruce Leeson (McLaren M10B) and category original Eric Haga (Lola T190), and the Republic of Monaco by expat Brit Peter Dunn (March 73A) - from Monaco.

There will be a total of three MSC NZ F5000 Tasman Cup Revival Series races at Hampton Downs this weekend, with qualifying and the first eight lap race on Saturday then a second eight-lap race on Sunday morning before a 15-lap final in the afternoon.

The two NZ Festival of Motor Racing - celebrating Denny Hulme meetings are again expected to attract large crowds with cars either once driven by or associated with Hulme, New Zealand's only Formula 1 World Champion, being shipped in from all over the world for display and/or demonstration.

After the two rounds at the NZ Festival meetings at Hampton Downs the MSC series title chase heads south for the penultimate round at the annual Skope Classic meeting at Christchurch's Powerbuilt Tools Raceway at Ruapuna Park over the February 02-03 weekend and the final at Invercargill's Teretonga Park a fortnight later.

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

Edited by Jerry Entin, 15 January 2013 - 07:35.


#24 NZALPA

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Posted 15 January 2013 - 04:40

Thanks Jerry.

A total of 28 F5000 cars at this weekends round then 29 the following weekend and the same for the third weekend in the South Island at Chrictchurchs Powerbuilt Raceway at Ruapuna. About 20 are entered at Teretonga, Invercargill two weekends later

A total of 12 F5000 races in all over the next 4 weeks.

Should be good.

#25 Jerry Entin

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Posted 19 January 2013 - 13:47

2012/13 MSC New Zealand F5000 Tasman Cup Revival Series
NZ Festival of Motor Racing - celebrating Denny Hulme meetings

Hampton Downs -Northern Waikato
Fri-Sun
Jan 18-20 2013
DAY 1 REPORT
Posted Image
Kiwi 'super-veteran' Ken Smith leading Clark Proctor and Steve Ross early in the first MSC F5000 Tasman Cup Revival Series race of the weekend at Hampton Downs
DEBUT VICTORY FOR SMITH AND REBUILT LOLA

It was touch and go whether it would be ready in time. But ready it was and not only did New Zealand motor racing great Ken Smith get to debut his freshly rebuilt Lola T332 on the first day of competition at the first of two NZ Festival of Motor Racing - celebrating Denny Hulme meetings at Hampton Downs today, he also won the weekend's first MSC F5000 Tasman Cup Revival Series race.

The win was not the first one for the car since the 71-year-old three-time New Zealand Grand Prix and four-time Lady Wigram Trophy race winner bought it in partnership with crew members Barry Miller and Phil Richardson. That was on the first day of competition at the second round of the 2011/12 series. But the next day a diff malfunction saw the car all but written off against the Manfeild circuit's pit wall and Miller and Richardson have spent the past 14 months rebuilding it for a second time.

It wasn't quite the perfect 'second-time-around' debut for the ex Danny Ongais car, Smith was pipped for pole position in qualifying earlier in the day by the March 73A-1 of fellow Aucklander Clark Proctor. But it was close.

Proctor just edged an aggressive Smith out on the run through the first turn after the rolling start but Smith found a way past on the third lap and started edging away from Proctor and defending MSC series champion Steve Ross as Proctor struggled with a gear selection issue.

That allowed Ross to close on Proctor and when Proctor lost the use of third gear, Ross set the fastest race as he tried to close the gap on Smith. When the flag came out though Smith was still almost a second in front with Proctor third, Brett Willis (Lola T330) fourth and the first of the visiting contingent of overseas drivers, Greg Thornton (McRae GM1) fifth.

After the race Smith dedicated the win to his long-time crew chief Barry Miller saying; " All credit to Barry, he built that car from scratch and it's nice to be able to reward his dedication with a win. I'm so lucky I've got guys like him and Phil and Doug working on the car, it was magic today, just magic. When we first got it here the car was quite nervous in the tail but once we did some adjustments to the suspension it was better and now it's brilliant. I've driven a fair few of these old 5000s now and man does this one get some traction."

For Clark Proctor it was a case of what might have been, the former Speedway hardman having experienced similar problems at the Lady Wigram Trophy meeting late last year.

"As you probably noticed," he said," I had trouble getting away at the start and I was having trouble changing gear before I lost third. What happened at Ruapuna (the second round of the 2012/13 MSC series) was that the bush that holds the spigot bearing moved back on the crankshaft and was jamming the front clutch plate so I'm pretty sure that's what's happened again."

That said Proctor was impressed with Smith's pace and said he was happy to let him take the lead of the race early on.

"I had the measure of him under brakes and through all the windy stuff but he was better through the last two turns so I didn't really mind him taking the lead. But when I lost third gear he got away and I had my hands full with Steve, who I managed to hold out for another couple of laps before I thought, nah, let him go and concentrate on bringing her home."

Early on in the eight lap race the interest behind Smith, Proctor and Ross was in the battle between fast-starting Australian visitor Paul Zazryn in his T332 Lola and Rotorua man Brett Willis in his earlier model Lola T330. Zazryn made the early running but Willis wore him down and went on to cross the line in fourth place.

Also impressing was regular British visitor Greg Thornton, driving the former MSC series-winning McRae GM1 he has recently acquired from Kiwi series stalwart Stu Lush. After issues in qualifying which saw him start the race from P16 on the grid Thornton stormed through the field to cross the line in fifth place between Willis and Zazryn.

Monaco-based compatriot Peter Dunn was the best of the Northern Hemisphere visitors in qualifying, setting the fourth quickest time in his March 73A/05, but it was actually Class A (for older cars) pace-setter Michael Whatley (Surtees TS8) who got the best start and spent the early laps in sixth place ahead of Dunn and Mark Dwyer (Lola T400). Dunn eventually got past, as later on did Thornton, but Dwyer ended up slipping back down the field after losing second gear and eventually pulling in with two laps to go.

Having a second car, meanwhile, paid off for last year's MSC series runner-up Aaron Burson of Auckland. After setting the tenth quickest lap time in qualifying Burson returned to the pits with water pouring from his McRae GM1's engine, the problem, a cracked cylinder head. Fortunately Burson's original series car, a Talon MR1/A, was sitting in t his workshop back in Auckland, prepared and ready to go.

Because he elected to swap cars Burson had to start the race from the back row of the grid but by the flag he had made up nine places, crossing the finish line 14th, one place ahead of his father Peter who drives his own McRae GM1.

A little further up the field another worthy performance was put in by former saloon car star Peter Sundberg was qualified his Lola T332 12th and finished tenth.

Today's was the first of three MSC F5000 Tasman Cup Revival Series races at the NZ Festival meeting this weekend with a second eight-lapper tomorrow (Sunday) morning and a 15-lap feature final in the afternoon.

repot sent site: Ross MacKay/Fast Company
photo: Fast Company/Ground Sky Photography

Edited by Jerry Entin, 19 January 2013 - 15:05.


#26 Jerry Entin

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Posted 19 January 2013 - 13:50

2012/13 MSC New Zealand F5000 Tasman Cup Revival Series Rnd 4 NZ Festival of Motor Racing - celebrating Denny Hulme meeting Hampton Downs Northern Waikato Fri-Sun Jan 18-20 2013

Qualifying

1. Clark Proctor (March 73A-1) 1:00.331

2. Ken Smith (Lola T332) 1:00.366

3. Steve Ross (McRae GM1) 1:00.807

4. Peter Dunn (March 73A/05 1:02.117

5. Michael Whatley (Surtees TS8) 1:02.488

6. Brett Willis (Lola T300) 1:02.637

7. Paul Zazryn (Lola T332) 1:02.945

8. David Abbott (Lola T430) 1:03.219

9. Mark Dwyer (Lola T400) 1:03.401

10. Aaron Burson (McRae GM1) 1:03.424

11. Alan Dunley (Lola T140) 1:03.751

12. Peter Sundberg (Lola T332) 1:03.923

13. Bryan Sala (Matich A50/51) 1.1:03.988

14. David Banks (Talon MR1) 1:04.273

15. Shayne Windelburn (Lola T400) 1:04.490

16. Greg Thornton (McRae GM1) 1:04.920

17. Peter Burson (McRae GM1) 1:05.192

18. Bill Hemming (Elfin MR8 AC) 1:06.182

19. Stan Redmond (Lola T332) 1:06.388

20. Philip Mauger (McLaren M23 F1) 1:06.846

21. Lindsay O'Donnell (Begg FM2) 1.07.830

22. Rod Carroll (Lola T140) 1:09.045

23. Warwick Mortimer (Surtees TS5) 1:09.459

24. Poul Christie (McLaren M10B) 1:09.617

25. Aaron Lewis (Matich A50) 1:13.341

Race 1

1. Ken Smith 8:15.270

2. Steve Ross +0.768

3. Clark Proctor +7.520

4. Brett Willis +16430

5. Greg Thornton +16.560

6. Paul Zazryn +18.462

7. Peter Dunn +18.605

8. Michael Whatley +20.198

9. David Abbott +30.045

10. Peter Sundberg +32.540

11. David Banks +36.081

12. Shayne Windelburn +36.080

13. Bill Hemming +45.893

14. Aaron Burson +56.852

15. Peter Burson +58.439

16. Ian Clements +58.936

17. Philip Mauger +1:03.797

18. Rod Carroll + 1 lap

19. Stan Redmond +1 lap

20 Warwick Mortimer +1 lap

21. Poul Christie +1 lap

22. Alan Dunkley +2 laps

DNF Mark Dwyer, Bryan Sala. DNS Aaron Lewis, Eric Haga.

results sent site: Ross MacKay/Fast Company

#27 Jerry Entin

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Posted 20 January 2013 - 08:44

* 2012/13 MSC New Zealand F5000 Tasman Cup Revival Series
Rnds 4
NZ Festival of Motor Racing - celebrating Denny Hulme meetings

Hampton Downs - Northern Waikato

Fri-Sun Jan 18-20 -2013

Posted Image
Kiwi racing great Ken Smith won all three MSC NZ F5000 Tasman Cup Revival series races at Hampton Downs over the weekend in his freshly rebuilt Lola T332

SMITH COMPLETES WINNING MSC F5000 SERIES TRIFECTA AT HAMPTON DOWNS

Kiwi racing great Ken Smith (Lola T332) was the toast of the large crowd at the first NZ Festival of Motor Racing - celebrating Denny Hulme meeting at Hampton Downs today, the 71-year-old in his 55th year of competition at a national level completing a winning MSC NZ F5000 Tasman Revival Series trifecta with a lights-to-flag win in the final 15-lap feature.

Defending MSC series champion Steve Ross (McRae GM1) ran the wily veteran close - the margin at the chequered flag just 0.139 of a second - and fastest qualifier Clark Proctor (March 73A-1) made up time on both over the last three laps but as was the case in the other two MSC series races over the weekend Smith was in front when it counted.

"Clark actually said to me before the race that if I got alongside him he would let me go because he reckoned he'd sooner hunt me down for 15 laps rather than have me hunt him down and I was fine with that, " chuckled Smith. "And Steve Ross?
" He did get alongside me at one stage with both of us sliding around a bit but I knew I could get four or five car lengths on him coming out of that final corner but wether I could have held him out for another one lap or 10 I don't know."

Smith and Proctor got the better of Ross off the rolling start but Ross had muscled his way past Proctor by the second lap and was ahead of the first of the UK visitors, Greg Thornton (McRae GM1), fast-starting Australian Paul Zazryn (Lola T332) and fellow visitors Peter Dunn (March 73A/05), Michael Whatley (Surtees TS8) and Mark Dwyer (Lola T400) when the yellow flag came out while safety workers retrieved Bill Hemming's stranded Elfin MR8.

After two laps under the yellow flag Smith got the best of the re-start with Ross and Proctor tucking in behind and easing away from Thornton, Zazryn, Whatley, Dwyer, Dunn and Brett Willis (Lola T330).

As the race progressed Thornton retained a lonely fourth place, Zazryn, Wrigley and Dwyer remained close and category young gun Alan Dunkley (Lola T142) started making his presence felt. Brett Willis was also moving forward, catching and passing Dwyer and closing on Whatley. On the last lap Dunn managed to find a way past Paul Zazryn as did Alan Dunkley on Mark Dwyer.

Zazryn was again the first of the Australian drivers home and expressed himself very happy with his progress. "To come over here, learn the track, make a few changes to the car and do what we've done, it's been fantastic," he said. "I like to have a go and that's exactly what I've been able to do this weekend."
Dunkley expressed similar sentiments after his successful last lap ambush on Mark Dwyer. "I wasn't dead set on passing him," said the 24-year-old who drives the oldest car in the field, "but when I saw an opportunity I pulled out one of my old karting moves, parked myself where he wanted to be mid-corner then kicked the clutch so I could get the jump on him down the straight."

Veteran Michael Whatley had a similar tale to tell, despite losing fourth gear - and with it a couple of hard-won places - over the last two laps. "I've always been good on cold tyres at the beginning of a race," he explained. "My car slides all over the place anyway so I guess I'm used to it."

Happy, meanwhile, just to be back on the grid at the meeting was former New Zealand saloon car ace, Peter Sundberg who joined the MSC F5000 series three years ago but did not run last season. "I've had some health issues, which are now resolved fortunately, so yesterday was my first time back in the car in two years," he said."It's great to be back too, and the car is fantastic, though to be fair I have spent most of the time this weekend running round on my own. It would have been nice to have been able to follow someone around and learn something but when I was out there there was no way I was going to let anyone catch me up!"


report sent site: Ross MacKay/Fast Company
photo: Fast Company / Ground Sky Photography

Edited by Jerry Entin, 20 January 2013 - 09:10.


#28 Jerry Entin

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Posted 20 January 2013 - 08:48

Posted Image
Also impressing at the meeting was fastest qualifier Clark Proctor (March 73A-1) and Peter Sundberg (Lola T332).
Race 2 (Sun 8 laps)

Earlier in the day Smith won the second MSC race of the weekend after getting the better of early race leader Clark Proctor as the pair began lapping the tail-enders on the penultimate lap. At that stage of the day the track was damp with the lightest of rain showers drifting across the circuit as the race progressed.

Off the rolling start the order was Proctor, Smith, Ross and Thornton but the later spun exiting Turn 7 elevating Class 2 pace-setter Michael Whatley to tuck in behind Ross and in front of Brett Willis, and Peter Dunn and category young gun Alan Dunkley to catch up.

A lap later Dunkley had got by Dunn and Willis and he and Whatley quickly closed on Steve Ross. Willis stayed in front of Dunn for one more lap before spinning exited the first turn and losing two places.. While Proctor and Smith battled for the lead, Whatley and Dunkley continued to dispute fourth and fifth with Dunkley finally getting past on the fifth lap.

Whatley was back in front a lap later but the pair remained close and afterwards said that the changing track conditions actually played into their hands "My car has got little or no grip on a good day anyway so it really wasn't that much different for me," joked Whatley. "

"Yeah, we had an awesome race," agreed Dunkley."I love it when the conditions are tricky 'coz I can really take advantage of them in the old car. Michael had more speed through Turn 1 and down the straight but I was hustling him like you wouldn't believe through the infield, and when I got past him it was after getting a better drive on the inside out of Turn 8 then getting a better run out of Turn 9."

After Willis spun Peter Dunn inherited sixth place with Paul Zazryn seventh, Willis recovering to claim eighth, Ian Clements driving Lindsay O'Donnell's Begg FM5 ninth and Shayne Windelburn 10th. Windelburn was on a charge though, working his way from 14th place on the grid to ninth at the flag.

David Abbott had started from P 9 on the grid but was a casualty of the slippery track conditions, grazing the armco exiting the downhill Turn 9 hairpin on the second lap. "I was behind Peter Sundberg," he explained. "Peter lost it in front of me and veered off to to the right very close to the armco on the outside of the circuit. I got round him but as I accelerated it was very similar to Ken's crash (at Manfeild 14 months ago). One wheel got grip, the other didn't and I was just a passenger. When I hit the wet grass on the inside the car seemed to accelerate and luckily I only grazed the armco, to the point where I was surprised when I stopped to see that the front left wheel was still attached to the car."

Qualifying

1. Clark Proctor (March 73A-1) 1:00.331

2. Ken Smith (Lola T332) 1:00.366

3. Steve Ross (McRae GM1) 1:00.807

4. Peter Dunn (March 73A/05 1:02.117

5. Michael Whatley (Surtees TS8) 1:02.488

6. Brett Willis (Lola T300) 1:02.637

7. Paul Zazryn (Lola T332) 1:02.945

8. David Abbott (Lola T430) 1:03.219

9. Mark Dwyer (Lola T400) 1:03.401

10. Aaron Burson (McRae GM1) 1:03.424

11. Alan Dunkley (Lola T140) 1:03.751

12. Peter Sundberg (Lola T332) 1:03.923

13. Bryan Sala (Matich A50/51) 1.1:03.988

14. David Banks (Talon MR1) 1:04.273

15. Shayne Windelburn (Lola T400) 1:04.490

16. Greg Thornton (McRae GM1) 1:04.920

17. Peter Burson (McRae GM1) 1:05.192

18. Bill Hemming (Elfin MR8 AC) 1:06.182

19. Stan Redmond (Lola T332) 1:06.388

20. Philip Mauger (McLaren M23 F1) 1:06.846

21. Lindsay O'Donnell (Begg FM2) 1.07.830

22. Rod Carroll (Lola T140) 1:09.045

23. Warwick Mortimer (Surtees TS5) 1:09.459

24. Poul Christie (McLaren M10B) 1:09.617

25. Aaron Lewis (Matich A50) 1:13.341

photo: Fast Company/Ground Sky Photofraphy

Edited by Jerry Entin, 20 January 2013 - 09:19.


#29 Jerry Entin

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Posted 20 January 2013 - 08:50

Posted Image
One new car debuted over the weekend was Auckland series stalwart Poul Christie's ex Peter Gethin McLaren M10B

Race resilts:

Race 1 (8 laps)

1. Ken Smith 8:15.270

2. Steve Ross +0.768

3. Clark Proctor +7.520

4. Brett Willis +16430

5. Greg Thornton +16.560

6. Paul Zazryn +18.462

7. Peter Dunn +18.605

8. Michael Whatley +20.198

9. David Abbott +30.045

10. Peter Sundberg +32.540

11. David Banks +36.081

12. Shayne Windelburn +36.080

13. Bill Hemming +45.893

14. Aaron Burson +56.852

15. Peter Burson +58.439

16. Ian Clements +58.936

17. Philip Mauger +1:03.797

18. Rod Carroll + 1 lap

19. Stan Redmond +1 lap

20 Warwick Mortimer +1 lap

21. Poul Christie +1 lap

22. Alan Dunkley +2 laps

DNF Mark Dwyer, Bryan Sala. DNS Aaron Lewis, Eric Haga

Fastest lap: Ken Smith 1:00.859



Race 2 (8 laps)

1. Ken Smith 08:51.596
2. Clark Proctor +00.056
3. Steve Ross +12.539
4. Michael Whatley +18.130
5. Alan Dunkley +23.136
6. Peter Dunn +24.944
7. Brett Willis +26.636
8. Paul Zazryn +26.859
9. Shayne Windelburn +39.894
10. Peter Sundberg +52.227
11. Ian Clements +52.828
12. Gregory Thornton +01:01.848
13. Aaron Burson +01:02.274
14. Stan Redmond +01:06.152
15. David Banks +1 Lap
16. Rod Carroll +1 lap
17. Peter Burson +1 lap
18. Bill Hemming +1 lap
19. Poul Christie +1 lap
20. Philip Mauger +1 lap
21. Warwick Mortimer +1 lap
DNF Aaron Lewis, Bryan Sala, David Abbott. DNS: Mark Dwyer, Eric Haga
Fastest lap: Ken Smith 1:02.301



Race 3 (15 laps)

1. Ken Smith 17:15.361
2. Steve Ross +00.139
3. Clark Proctor +02.663
4. Gregory Thornton +06.626
5. Peter Dunn +22.083
6. Paul Zazryn +22.695
7. Michael Whatley +26.198
8. Brett Willis +26.329
9. Alan Dunkley +34.215
10. Mark Dwyer +35.171
11. Bryan Sala +40.787
12. Peter Sundberg +42.541
13. David Abbott +:47.774
14. Aaron Burson +54.909
15. David Banks +56.120
16. Peter Burson +1 lap
17. Ian Clements +1 lap
18. Rod Carroll +1 lap
19. Poul Christie +1 lap
20. Warwick Mortimer +1lap
DNF. Philip Mauger, Shayne Windelburn, Stan Redmond, Aaron Lewis, Bill Hemming
DNS. Eric Haga
Fastest lap: Ken Smith (Lola T332) 1:00.949

photo: Fast Company/Ground Sky Photography

Edited by Jerry Entin, 20 January 2013 - 09:27.


#30 Jerry Entin

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Posted 20 January 2013 - 08:53

Rnd 5: Jan 25-27 2013 NZ Festival of Motor Racing - Denny Hulme meeting x 2 Hampton Downs Auckland
Rnd 6: Feb 01-03 2013 Skope Classic meeting Powerbuilt Tools Raceway @ Ruapuna Park Christchurch
Rnd 7: Feb 15-17 2013 Classic Speedfest meeting Teretonga Park Invercargill

Prepared by FAST COMPANY of behalf of the New Zealand Formula 5000 Association

www.F5000.co.nz


#31 Giraffe

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Posted 20 January 2013 - 19:57

One new car debuted over the weekend was Auckland series stalwart Poul Christie's ex Peter Gethin McLaren M10B



Posted Image

Howden Ganley and Sid Taylor (pictured here with Poul) were present at Hampton Downs on Sunday to see the McLaren run.

Posted Image

Jan McLaren, Poul Christie, Sid Taylor's old motorhome driver with Theodore GP, Warren Hammond & Sid himself.

Edited by Giraffe, 10 February 2013 - 10:48.


#32 Giraffe

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Posted 20 January 2013 - 20:15

Posted Image

The Hulme / McLaren clan at Hampton Downs on Sunday.

Edited by Giraffe, 10 February 2013 - 10:50.


#33 raceannouncer2003

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Posted 21 January 2013 - 06:48

Is that Chris Amon at right rear?

Vince H.

#34 Macca

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Posted 21 January 2013 - 10:40

Eoin Young next to Howden, and is that Phil Kerr 3rd from left back row?

Paul M

#35 Jerry Entin

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Posted 21 January 2013 - 12:12

Front row Adele Hulme, Dennys daughter and Jan McLaren, Bruces sister, and Amanda McLaren, Bruce McLaren's daughter, Howden Ganley who worked with Bruce and Eoin Young who also worked with Bruce and Sid Taylor, who helped Denis Hulme with his racing and was friends with Bruce McLaren.

Back row: Jim Murdoch and Cary Taylor who worked with Bruce and Denny at Team McLaren and Phil Kerr friend of Bruce McLaren and was part of Team McLaren and Phil Sharp, who worked with Denis at McLaren and John Steenson and Michael Clark and Anita Hulme, Denis's sister and Greeta Hulme, Denis's wife and Chris Amon.

identification of members: Howden Ganley

Edited by Jerry Entin, 21 January 2013 - 23:35.


#36 Jerry Entin

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Posted 22 January 2013 - 12:15

Posted Image
Sid Taylor and Ken Smith
Sid Taylor entered many great drivers in F-5000 events. In the states he helped Brian Rednman and Peter Gethin and Derek Bell in 1972 and Jody Scheckter and Sam Posey and Steve Durst in 1973 and Vern Shuppan in 1974 and Tony Brise in 1975 and Alan Jones and Patrick Tambay in 1976.


photo: Tony Gallagher

Edited by Jerry Entin, 22 January 2013 - 12:21.


#37 Jerry Entin

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Posted 24 January 2013 - 13:16



ROUND 4 PREVIEW

SMITH'S WINNING RETURN MOTIVATES RIVALS

By winning all three MSC New Zealand F5000 Tasman Cup Revival Series races at the first NZ Festival of Motor Racing meeting - celebrating Denny Hulme meeting at Hampton Downs last weekend former champion Ken Smith (Lola T332) could hardly have wished for a better return to the MSC New Zealand F5000 Tasman Cup Revival Series.

But if anything the wily veteran's performance in his freshly rebuilt Lola has served only to increase the motivation for closest rivals Steve Ross, the McRae GM1-driving defending MSC series champion from Dunedin, and former Speedway champion and NZV8s front-runner Clark Proctor who was the quickest qualifier at last weekend's meeting in his March 73A-1.

"He (Smith) was good in the real tight stuff and a wee bit at the beginning of the loop but in a straight line I've probably got a smidgeon him so we'll just have to see what happens this weekend," said Ross, who qualified third but twice finished second to Smith in the MSC races.

In only his second season in the MSC series Proctor was the one who put the cat amongst the pigeons on Saturday, pipping both Smith and Ross for pole position. And though it was Smith who won the races Proctor - aka The Metalman - was happy both with the pace of his March and his ability to take the battle to the considerably more experienced Smith and Ross.

"My plan (in the 15-lap feature final) was to let them both go because I wanted to learn my car a bit more and we had purposefully set our tyre pressures down quite a bit figuring that we'd be pretty much on the money later on which we were because we managed to pull them back in pretty quickly, so a couple of more laps and it would have been an interesting scenario."

With 25 cars qualifying and close, exciting racing throughout the field the three MSC NZ F5000 Tasman Cup Revival Series races were some of the best on the packed NZ Festival of Motor Racing - celebrating Denny Hulme programme last weekend.

This weekend there are three more with only slight changes to the field.

Back on the grid after missing last weekend's races will be David Arrowsmith (Lotus 70) from Christchurch, Russell Greer (Lola T32) from Blenheim, and Bruce Leeson (McLaren M10B) from the United States. While after running his Lola T332-based Frisbee Can-Am car last weekend former series champion Ian Clements from Christchurch will be back behind the wheel of his Lola T332 single-seater 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, Avon Tyres and Exide. It continues at the annual Skope Classic meeting at Christchurch's Powerbuilt Tools Raceway at Ruapuna Park next weekend.

report sent site: Ross MacKay/Fast Company

#38 Jerry Entin

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Posted 26 January 2013 - 05:39

Posted Image
Steve Ross (McRae GM1) leading the 27-strong MSC F5000 Tasman Cup Revival Series race at Hampton Downs today

ROSS BACK IN FRONT AT SECOND HAMPTON DOWNS MEETING

Day 1 Report
Defending MSC NZ F5000 Tasman Cup Revival Series champion Steve Ross (McRae GM1) was back on the top step of the podium on the first day of competition at the second NZ Festival of Motor Racing - celebrating Denny Hulme at Hampton Downs this afternoon.

After pipping first round race winner Ken Smith (Lola T332) in qualifying in the morning Ross got the jump on Smith and series returnee Andrew Higgins (Lola T400) in the weekend's first MSC series race and was never headed, setting the fastest race lap on his way to crossing the finish line after eight scintillating laps just under a half a second ahead of Smith and just over five seconds in front of Higgins with first NZ Festival round fast man Clark Proctor (March 73A-1) fourth, and the first of the visiting contingent of British drivers, Greg Thornton (McRae GM1), fifth.

Ross twice finished second to Smith at the first NZ Festival round at Hampton Downs last weekend and made no secret of his disappointment both in not qualifying better - he ended up third behind Proctor and Smith - and having to play second fiddle to Smith in the races. This time there was no holding the Dunedin man and after the race a frown had been replaced with a wide smile.
"Yes," he grinned,"there was a bit of a point to prove after last weekend. This time though we had a really good qualifying session this and we did enough to stay in front in the race. It's always good to beat Kenny of course, particularly on his home turf!'

Smith, the 71-year-old veteran now back behind the wheel of the Lola T332 he co-owns with crew members Barry Miller and Phil Richardson, was able to bridge the gap when the pair caught the tail-enders of the 27-strong field but the flag came out before he could get within striking distance.

Smith was not exactly disappointed with second place though, reckoning that in Sunday's longer feature he will have a better chance.

"Steve had the same sort of pace last weekend, it's just that this time he got off the line better. He's got some wicked straight line speed but I think my car is working better than his and over 15 laps I think I could hunt him down."

And Proctor?

After beating both Ross and Smith to pole position at the first NZ Festival meeting last weekend the popular Auckland all-rounder experimented with a new nosecone this weekend, and reaped the reward or paid the price, depending on your perspective.

"As a team we decided this weekend to use the meeting as a test weekend to try and learn a bit more about our car. So we fitted a new Formula 1 nose cone that came with the car. Like everyone this weekend we've been struggling with front end grip and we knew it was a big call but we put it on for qualifying, changed springs and a few other things and sure enough we picked up a huge amount of front grip. The problem was that we lost rear grip and the car was so unstable I couldn't use full throttle."

That meant Proctor lined up in fifth place on the grid. An aggressive start saw him make up two places on the first lap, but entering the second he ran wide exiting the first turn and promptly lost those places back, but he persevered and made one back to cross the finish line in fourth place.

Behind Ross, Smith and Higgins, Proctor spent the race working his way back past Greg Thornton (McRae GM1) and Mark Dwyer (Lola T400) while Melbourne's Paul Zazryn (Lola T332) found himself following the high-wing Class A Lola T140 of category young gun Alan Dunkley.

Dunkley went even quicker in qualifying at this weekend's meeting and forced his way through to seventh on the first lap. Early on he easily led Zazryn who in turn had an advantage over Brett Willis (Lola T330), and Australian Aaron Lewis (Matich A50) but towards the end of the race Zazryn found a way past Dunkley to cross the line in seventh position.

An early casualty was British visitor Michael Whatley (Lola T300) who pitted when he lost oil pressure. Local class stalwart Poul Christie (McLaren M10B) also pulled into the pits, but in his case it was because of his concerns with the low grip levels off the racing line on a couple of corners resealed overnight after the track surface broke up on Friday.

Making history for the second weekend in a row, meanwhile, were Talon drivers David Banks and Aaron Burson. Only five Talons were made and at the moment only two are in race-ready condition - and those two are being raced at Hampton Downs this weekend.

"It's amazing isn't it," said Banks who finished 16th in today's race." It's probably been 30 years since there have been two Talons on the same track at the same time."

Finally, enjoying a better run this weekend was American veteran Eric Haga. Last weekend the 72-year-old F5000 series original struggled with fuel and handling issues and didn't finish a race. This weekend he qualified in 25rd place and ran a strong race to finish 23th.

"It was a clogged pressure relief valve in fuel injection system," explained Haga. "But everything is fine now."

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

Edited by Jerry Entin, 26 January 2013 - 05:55.


#39 Jerry Entin

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Posted 26 January 2013 - 05:43

2012/13 MSC New Zealand F5000 Tasman Cup Revival Series Rnd 5 NZ Festival of Motor Racing - celebrating Denny Hulme meetings Hampton Downs Northern Waikato Fri-Sun Jan 25-27 2013

Posted Image
The two Talons of David Banks and Aaron Burson.

Qualifying

1. Steve Ross (McRae GM1) 1.00.004

2. Ken Smith (Lola T332) 1.00.716

3. Andrew Higgins (Lola T400) 1.01.255

4. Greg Thornton (McRae GM1) 1.01.847

5. Clark Proctor (March 73A-1) 1.02.200

6. Mark Dwyer (Lola T400) 1.02.223

7. Peter Dunn (March 73A/05) 1.02.389

8. Michael Whatley (Lola T300) 1.02.741

9. Chris Lambden (McRae GM1) 1.02.880

10. Alan Dunkley (Lola T140) 1.03.081

11. Paul Zazryn (Lola T332) 1.03.183

12. Brett Willis (Lola T330) 1.03.563

13. Aaron Lewis (Matich A50)1.04.106

14. Russell Greer (Lola T332) 1.04.662

15. Aaron Burson (Talon MR1) 1.04.671

16. Peter Sundberg (Lola T332) 1.04.794

17. Shayne Windelburn (Lola T400) 1.04.970

18. Bryan Sala (Matich A50/51) 1.05.293

19. Bruce Leeson (McLaren M10B) 1.05.408

20. David Banks (Talon MR1) 1.06.464

21. Peter Burson (McRae GM1) 1.06.771

22. Warwick Mortimer (Surtees TS5) 1.07.801

23. Rod Carroll (Lola T140) 1.07.923

24. Bill Hemming (Elfin MR8AC) 1.10.469

25. Eric Haga (Lola T190) 1.12.918

26. Poul Christie (McLaren M10B) 1.15.354

27. John Bryant (Lola T140) 1.17.897

Posted Image
Andrew Higgins (Lola T400) finished third on his return to the MSC Series.

Race 1 (8 laps)

1. Steve Ross 8:19.255

2. Ken Smith +0.426

3. Andrew Higgins +5.385

4. Clark Proctor +8.520

5. Greg Thornton +20.852

6. Mark Dwyer +20.974

7. Paul Zazryn +24.819

8. Alan Dunkley +26.237

9. Brett Wilis +28.804

10. Peter Dunn +34.846

11. Chris Lambden +42.610

12. Aaron Burson +47.281

13. Russell Greer +48.308

14. Peter Sundberg 49.187

15. Shayne Windelburn +50.040

16. David Banks +55.509

17. Aaron Lewis +55.984

18. Bryan Sala +1.00.559

19. Warwick Mortimer +1 lap

20. Rod Carroll +1 lap

21. Peter Burson +1 lap

22. Bill Hemming +1 lap

23. Eric Haga +1 lap

24. John Bryant +1 lap

dnf Poul Christie, Bruce Leeson, Michael Whatley.

Fastest lap. Steve Ross (McRae GM1) 1:00.813

qualifying and race results sent site: David Abbott
photos: Fast Company/Alex Mitchell

Edited by Jerry Entin, 26 January 2013 - 06:11.


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#40 Jerry Entin

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Posted 26 January 2013 - 06:14

Posted Image
Paul Zazryn and Alan Dunkley were this close all race long.

photo: Fast Company/Alex Mitchell

Edited by Jerry Entin, 26 January 2013 - 06:16.


#41 Jerry Entin

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Posted 27 January 2013 - 09:15

Posted Image
Clark Proctor finally breaking through for a win


CLARK PROCTOR IS LATEST MSC F5000 SERIES RACE WINNER

High-profile Auckland all-rounder Clark Proctor (March 73A-1) is the latest MSC NZ F5000 Tasman Cup Revival Series race winner after a popular lights-to-flag win in the feature 15-lap final at the second NZ Festival of Motor Racing - celebrating Denny Hulme at Hampton Downs today.

Defending series champion and current series points leader Steve Ross (McRae GM1) beat Proctor and first NZ Festival meeting race winner Ken Smith (Lola T332) to the top spot in qualifying on Saturday and to the finish line in the eight lap preliminary races on Saturday and Sunday morning - but the afternoon's race was a Proctor benefit from start to finish.

"I knew my car could turn in nice and tight at Turn 1 on cold tyre and I knew Steve (Ross) would diamond the corner as he always does and that that would probably catch Kenny out and that's exactly what happened," said the former Speedway, NZV8s and Targa front-runner. "It was great to see that chequered flag and great to get a win in this series."

With Proctor forcing his way into the lead through the first corner and series returnee Andrew Higgins (Lola T400) following him through the first lap of the feature looked very different to those of the two preliminaries. Ross initially held third place from Smith and visiting British drivers Greg Thornton (McRae GM1), Mark Dwyer (Lola T400) and Peter Dunn but Higgins pulled out after only three laps and Ross overcooked it heading into the first turn on the fourth lap, spinning and losing several places as he scrambled to get back onto the track.

"I was trying to get past somebody and I went in a bit hot," he explained.

That gave both Proctor and Smith some breathing space as the pair eased away from Thornton, Dwyer, a recovering Ross, Brett Willis (Lola T330), Paul Zazryn (Lola T332), Peter Dunn (March 73A)and young gun Alan Dunkley in the first of the older Class A cars, a high-wing Lola T140.

For the next six laps Smith was never more than two or three car lengths behind Proctor with Ross getting past Thornton but too far behind the make any real impression on the front pair.

Then there was Proctor and a big gap to Smith, the ageless veteran having survived a wild ride through the gravel trap on the outside of the downhill Turn 9 after having being forced wide as he was working his way through lapped traffic.

Like Ross, Smith was able to rejoin the track, in this case without losing a place, but the pressure was off Proctor and by the time the chequered flag came out he was just over eight seconds ahead of Smith with Ross third a further four seconds down the track, Thornton, Dwyer and Brett Willis making up the top six and Alan Dunkley again the first of the Class A runners home in seventh.

Earlier, Australian Paul Zazryn (Lola T332) had led Monaco-based Brit Peter Dunn (March 73A), Dunkley and the Matich A50s of Australians Aaron Lewis and Bryan Sala but by race end Dunkley had found a way past both Dunn and Zazryn and Sala had worked his way Lewis and Dunn to cross the line in ninth place.


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

Edited by Jerry Entin, 27 January 2013 - 09:44.


#42 Jerry Entin

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Posted 27 January 2013 - 09:18



Race 1 (Sat 8 laps)

After pipping first round race winner Ken Smith in qualifying in the morning Steve Ross got the jump on Smith and Higgins in the weekend's first MSC series race setting the fastest race lap on his way to crossing the finish line just under a half a second ahead of Smith and just over five seconds in front of Higgins.

Behind Ross, Smith and Higgins, Clark Proctor spent the race working his way back past Greg Thornton and Mark Dwyer while Paul Zazryn found himself following category young gun Alan Dunkley.

Dunkley went even quicker in qualifying at this weekend's meeting and forced his way through to seventh on the first lap. Early on he easily led Zazryn who in turn had an advantage over Brett Willis and Aaron Lewis but towards the end of the race Zazryn found a way past Dunkley to cross the line in seventh position.

An early casualty was British visitor Michael Whatley (Lola T300) who pitted when he lost oil pressure. Local class stalwart Poul Christie (McLaren M10B) also pulled into the pits, but in his case it was because of his concerns with the low grip levels off the racing line on a couple of corners resealed overnight after the track surface broke up on Friday.

Making history for the second weekend in a row, meanwhile, were Talon drivers David Banks and Aaron Burson. Only five Talons were made and at the moment only two are in race-ready condition - and those two are being raced at Hampton Downs this weekend.


#43 Jerry Entin

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Posted 27 January 2013 - 09:24

2012/13 MSC New Zealand F5000 Tasman Cup Revival Series Rnd 5 NZ Festival of Motor Racing - celebrating Denny Hulme meetings Hampton Downs Northern Waikato Fri-Sun Jan 25-27 2013

Qualifying

1. Steve Ross (McRae GM1) 1.00.004

2. Ken Smith (Lola T332) 1.00.716

3. Andrew Higgins (Lola T400) 1.01.255

4. Greg Thornton (McRae GM1) 1.01.847

5. Clark Proctor (March 73A-1) 1.02.200

6. Mark Dwyer (Lola T400) 1.02.223

7. Peter Dunn (March 73A/05) 1.02.389

8. Michael Whatley (Lola T300) 1.02.741

9. Chris Lambden (McRae GM1) 1.02.880

10. Alan Dunkley (Lola T140) 1.03.081

11. Paul Zazryn (Lola T332) 1.03.183

12. Brett Willis (Lola T330) 1.03.563

13. Aaron Lewis (Matich A50)1.04.106

14. Russell Greer (Lola T332) 1.04.662

15. Aaron Burson (Talon MR1) 1.04.671

16. Peter Sundberg (Lola T332) 1.04.794

17. Shayne Windelburn (Lola T400) 1.04.970

18. Bryan Sala (Matich A50/51) 1.05.293

19. Bruce Leeson (McLaren M10B) 1.05.408

20. David Banks (Talon MR1) 1.06.464

21. Peter Burson (McRae GM1) 1.06.771

22. Warwick Mortimer (Surtees TS5) 1.07.801

23. Rod Carroll (Lola T140) 1.07.923

24. Bill Hemming (Elfin MR8AC) 1.10.469

25. Eric Haga (Lola T190) 1.12.918

26. Poul Christie (McLaren M10B) 1.15.354

27. John Bryant (Lola T140) 1.17.897



Race 1 (8 laps)

1. Steve Ross 8:19.255

2. Ken Smith +0.426

3. Andrew Higgins +5.385

4. Clark Proctor +8.520

5. Greg Thornton +20.852

6. Mark Dwyer +20.974

7. Paul Zazryn +24.819

8. Alan Dunkley +26.237

9. Brett Wilis +28.804

10. Peter Dunn +34.846

11. Chris Lambden +42.610

12. Aaron Burson +47.281

13. Russell Greer +48.308

14. Peter Sundberg 49.187

15. Shayne Windelburn +50.040

16. David Banks +55.509

17. Aaron Lewis +55.984

18. Bryan Sala +1.00.559

19. Warwick Mortimer +1 lap

20. Rod Carroll +1 lap

21. Peter Burson +1 lap

22. Bill Hemming +1 lap

23. Eric Haga +1 lap

24. John Bryant +1 lap

dnf Poul Christie, Bruce Leeson, Michael Whatley.

Fastest lap. Steve Ross (McRae GM1) 1:00.813



Race 2 (8 laps)

1. Steve Ross 10.38.893

2. Ken Smith +0.467

3. Mark Dwyer +9.066

4. Chris Lambden +15.492

5. Brett Willis +16.006

6. Paul Zazryn +16.387

7. Aaron Lewis +20.843

8. Greg Thornton +23.669

9. Peter Sundberg +23.674

10. Shayne Windelburn +24.501

11. Russell Greer +32.250

12. Clark Proctor +33.206

13. David Banks +36.639

14. Peter Burson +37.994

15. Bryan Sala +40.283

16. Warwick Mortimer +43.122

17. Bill Hemming +45.025

18. Poul Christie +1.04.755

19. John Bryant +1 lap

20. Andrew Higgins +1 lap

21. Eric Haga +1 lap

22. Alan Dunkley +1 lap

dnf Peter Dunn, Rod Carroll, Aaron Burson

Fastest race lap: Ken Smith Lola T332) 1.00.026

report sent site: Ross MacKay/Fast Company

Edited by Jerry Entin, 27 January 2013 - 09:58.


#44 Jerry Entin

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Posted 27 January 2013 - 09:26

Posted Image
Winner of the feature 15-lap MSC NZ F5000 Tasman Cup Revival Series race at Hampton Downs on Sunday was Aucklander Clark Proctor seen here leading Andrew Higgins, Steve Ross and Ken Smith,
Race 3 (15 laps)

1. Clark Proctor 15.93.213

2. Ken Smith +8.362

3. Steve Ross +12.434

4. Greg Thornton +24.559

5. Mark Dwyer +26.022

6. Brett Willis +31.200

7. Alan Dunkley +37.413

8. Paul Zazryn +44.821

9. Bryan Sala +54.085

10. Peter Dunn +57.575

11. Aaron Lewis +1.01.497

12. Peter Sundberg +1 lap

13. Russell Greer +1 lap

14. David Banks +1 lap

15. Aaron Burson +1 lap

16. Warwick Mortimer +2 laps

17. Poul Christie +2 laps

18. Eric Haga +3 laps

19. John Bryant +3 laps

dnf Chris Lambden, Shayne Windelburn, Bill Hemming, Andrew Higgins

Fastest race llap: Ken Smith (Lola T332) 1.01.155

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

Edited by Jerry Entin, 27 January 2013 - 09:38.


#45 Jerry Entin

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Posted 27 January 2013 - 09:48

Posted Image
Australian visitor Aaron Lewis (#44) ended up 11th in his Matich A50/51.

Posted Image
A late retirement, meanwhile, was Melbourne-based expat Kiwi Chris Lambden, (#27) seen here leading Russell Greer (#14) and Aaron Burson (#4)


photos: Fast Company/Alex Mitchell

Edited by Jerry Entin, 27 January 2013 - 09:56.


#46 Jerry Entin

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Posted 27 January 2013 - 09:50

Remaining Events:

Rnd 6: Feb 01-03 2013 Skope Classic meeting Powerbuilt Tools Raceway @ Ruapuna Park Christchurch

Rnd 7: Feb 15-17 2013 Classic Speedfest meeting Teretonga Park Invercargill

#47 Peter Leversedge

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Posted 27 January 2013 - 19:34

Looking forward to racing my Stuart V8 Special in the Vintage Racing Car races and catching up with old friends at the Skope Classic meeting next weekend

#48 Jerry Entin

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Posted 31 January 2013 - 01:31

Skope Classic meeting
Powerbuilt Tools Raceway at Ruapuna Park
Christchurch
Fri-Sun
Feb 01-03
2013

EVENT PREVIEW

STRENGTH OF MSC F5000 SERIES SEEN IN NUMBERS

Ten years ago nine members of the newly-formed New Zealand Formula 5000 Association lined up on the grid at Pukekohe Park Raceway for the inaugural Tasman Cup Revival Series round.

Ten years on the series is not only one of the country's biggest and best supported classic and historic racing categories it is also one of the most popular categories across the whole motorsport spectrum, here and increasingly, in Australia as well.

Since an unusually early start to the 2012/13 season at the big Muscle Car Masters meeting at the Sydney Motorsport Park in September last year fields of as many as 27 cars have been entertaining fans on both sides of the Tasman.

This weekend the series returns to Christchurch's Powerbuilt Tools Raceway at Ruapuna Park with defending MSC title holder and current Lady Wigram Trophy holder Steve Ross (McRae GM1) from Dunedin heading the points standings after five of the seven rounds from former series champ Ken Smith (Lola T332) and last season's series runner-up Aaron Burson (McRae GM1/Talon MR1-A).

With Smith a late withdrawal from this weekend's meeting and Ross the dominant figure the last time the MSC series visited Powerbuilt Tools Raceway the Dunedin man is the obvious favourite this weekend.

A sign of the true quality of the MSC field, however, is that so far this year there have been six different race winners, and four of those six - Ross, Aucklander Clark Proctor (March 73A), visiting British driver Greg Thornton and Melbourne man Bryan Sala (Matich A50/51) - will be facing the starter's lights at Powerbuilt Tools Raceway this weekend.

Sala struggled with minor mechanical issues at both NZ Festival of Motor Racing - celebrating Denny Hulme meetings at Hampton Downs earlier this month but at the opening series round in Sydney in September he qualified quickest and beat both Smith and Ross to the line in the first race.

Proctor, meanwhile, qualified quickest at the first NZ Festival meeting and after running both Smith and Ross close claimed his first series race win in the final 15-lap feature at the second meeting last weekend.

And Greg Thornton? He claimed his first and second MSC race wins at the non-championship round at Australia's Tasman Cup Revival Series meeting back at the Sydney Motorsport Park in November.

And that's just race winners.

Aaron Burson (McRae GM1/Talon MR1-A) and fellow Talon MR1 driver David Banks (it was Burson and his father Peter who persuaded Banks to buy a Formula 5000 car and join the MSC series) are currently running third and fourth in the points standings thanks to a combination of speed and consistency.

Greg Thornton is not the only quick British visitor either. Mark Dwyer (Lola T400) and peter Dunn (March 73A) are also capable of challenging for a place on the podium.

A strong mid-field is also a feature of the MSC series with the likes of Rotorua driver Brett Willis (Lola T330, Napier's Sefton Gibb (Lola T332), Blenheim man Russell Greer (Lola T332), Christchurch category stalwarts David Abbott (Lola T430 and Stan Redmond (Lola T333CS), Christchurch-born long-time Melbourne resident Chris Lambden (McRae GM1), and former saloon series ace Peter Sundberg (Lola T332) from Auckland supplemented this weekend by Australian visitors Sala, Aaron Lewis (Matich A50), Paul Zazryn (Lola T332) and Bill Hemming (Elfin MR8A-C).

Then there is category young gun Alan Dunkley in one of the oldest cars in the MSC field, a high-wing 1968 Lola T140. Aucklander Dunkley, 23, currently heads the Class A category for older cars by a decent margin but his real focus is seeing how far up the main field he can qualify then finish in every race.

So far this season that has netted him a third place finish in the Lady Wigram Trophy race and second behind Greg Thornton in the second race at the Tasman Revival meeting in Sydney last November.

The Class A category has also blossomed this season with Dunkley set to be joined this weekend by fellow Kiwi Warwick Mortimer (Surtees TS5), fellow Lola drivers John Bryant and Rod Carroll from Australia, category original Eric Haga from the United States and Christchurch man David Arrowsmith (Lotus 70).

This weekend there will be three NZ Express-backed MSC F5000 series races on Skope Classic programme with qualifying on Saturday morning and the first 8 lap race in the afternoon.

There will then be two more races on Sunday, another eight lapper in the morning and a 12 lap feature (set to start at 3.30pm) in the afternoon.

preview sent site: Ross MacKay/Fast Company

#49 Jerry Entin

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Posted 31 January 2013 - 01:34



2012/13 MSC New Zealand F5000 Tasman Cup Revival Series
Points after Rnd 6 of 7
OVERALL:
1. Steve Ross (McRae GM1) 406 points
2. Ken Smith (Lola T430/T332) 377
3. Aaron Burson (McRae GM1/Talon MR1-A) 267
4. David Banks (Talon MR1) 254
5. Clark Proctor (March 73A) 238
6. Alan Dunkley (Lola T140) 215
7. Brett Willis (Lola T330) 211
8. David Abbott (Lola T430) 194
9. Russell Greer (Lola T332) 179
10. Greg Thornton (McRae GM1) 170
11. Bryan Sala (Matich A50/51) 166
12. Paul Zazryn (Lola T332) 161
13. Chris Lambden (McRae GM1) 150
14. Peter Dunn (March 73A) 142
15. Mark Dwyer (Lola T400) 129
16. Peter Sundberg (Lola T332) 125
17 Shayne Windelburn (Lola T400) 118
18. Peter Burson (McRae GM1) 116
19. Bill Hemming (Elfin MR8A-C) 116
20. Rod Carroll (Lola T140) 107
21. Stan Redmond (Lola T333CS) 101
22. Ian Clements (Lola T332) 93
23. D'arcy Russell (Lola T332) 87
24. Michael Whatley (Surtees TS8/Lola T300) 83
25. Warwick Mortimer (Surtees TS5) 68
26. Aaron Lewis (Matich A50) 66
27. Poul Christie (McLaren M10B) 60
28. Phil Mauger (McLaren M23 F1) 60
29. Roger Williams (Lola T332) 51
30. Jay Bondini (Lola T332) 42
31. Andrew Higgins (Lola T400) 33
32. Eric Haga (Lola T192) 32
33. John Bryant (Lola T140) 31
34. Lindsay O'Donnell (Begg FM5) 31
35. Bruce Leeson (McLaren M10B) 1

Class A
1. Alan Dunkley (Lola T140) 301
2. Rod Carroll (Lola T140) 226
3. Warwick Mortimer (Surtees TS5) 191
4. Poul Christie (McLaren M10B) 166
5. Michael Whatley (Surtees TS8)105
6. Eric Haga (Lola T192) 94
7. John Bryant (Lola T140) 91
8. Bruce Leeson (McLaren M10B)1

current point standings sent site: Ross MacKay/Fast Company

#50 timbo

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Posted 31 January 2013 - 07:19

Kenny did have a rare "off" in the main race,

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But he wasn't the only one to have problems with the tricky corner.
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Edited by timbo, 31 January 2013 - 08:04.