2019 Phillip Island Classic - March 8 -10

The Victorian Historic Racing Register's Phillip Island Classic is again fast approaching - in a week's time it will be underway for the 30th time. Hundreds of entrants competing in a variety of categories to suit many wnthusiasts tastes. The Island venue has fantastic facilities and more than ample viewing for spectating and photographers alike.

Stephen

Details following are direct from the VHRR website.

https://vhrr.com/wp/

Largest gathering of Bathurst Winners will attend Phillip Island Classic ‘Festival of Motorsport’

Over the long weekend of 8 – 10 March the Phillip Island Classic ‘Festival of Motorsport there will be, what is likely to be, the largest ever gathering of Bathurst Winners at one point.

Twelve legends of the sport will be at Phillip Island to enjoy one of the largest historic motor racing events in the world in the 30^th Anniversary of the Victorian Historic Register (VHRR). They will also celebrate the 50^th Anniversary of the Holden Dealer Team and the 50^th Anniversary of Formula Ford in Australia and witness spectacular racing events throughout the weekend.

The true legends of Australian Motorsport including Kevin Bartlett, John Bowe, John French, Fred Gibson, John Harvey, Dick Johnson, Allan Moffatt, Bob Morris, Larry Perkins, Dave Reynolds, Jim Richards and Brian Sampson, will be on hand Saturday and Sunday for patrons and enthusiasts to take advantage of signing opportunities on posters and memorabilia. Collectively these champions have won 27 Bathurst Races. Dick Johnson, founder of Dick Johnson Racing, is Patron of this year’s event.

Among other legends of motorsport in attendance at the Phillip Island Circuit will be Gold Star winner Alfie Costanzo and Supercar sleuth Aaron Noonan.

This year’s Phillip Island Classic Festival of Motorsport will also witness the largest ever assembly of Holden Dealer Team cars at one time.

Proving that motor racing is not an exclusive man’s domain, six women will be racing including the 2018 winner of the six hour race at the Circuit de-Spa-Francorchamps in Belgium, Rhea Sautter from Germany. Rhea will be driving her lightweight 3.8 E-Type Jaguar.

Other women racing over the weekend will include Samantha Diamond, Joanne Coad, Louise Raper, Jessieca Penn and Gretchen Puccinelli.

Burson Auto Parts are major sponsors of the event with other key sponsors Cooldrive, Shannons, Penrite, General Motors and BP. The Phillip Island ‘Festival of Motorsport’ 2019 is shaping up to be something special with almost 500 entries

ENDS

27 February 2019

For further information:

Ian Tate

Chairman

VHRR Phillip Island Classic Management Committee

Phone: (03) 9877 2317

Graeme McLean

Graeme McLean & Associates Pty Ltd

And... The highlight of the whole weekend.

Marque of the Meeting = the achingly, timelessly gorgeous Bolwell

50 years of the Nagari and the Bolwell Car Club 

(edit) The Nagari (Mk8) debuted at the 1969 International Racing and Sports Car Show held at Melbourne's Royal Exhibition Building, as reported by Modern Motor magazine in August 1969.

Ref; Luck,R. (2016) Bolwell - An Australian Icon. GMM Group. p.65. Gordon, Australia.

The Mk8 was sold from 1970 to 1974.

Edited by Wirra, 28 February 2019 - 20:50.

No John Goss?

I wouldn't think the Nagari is 50 yet, Peter. I don't think they emerged until the mid-seventies at least.

The Mark 7 is truly a contender in the good-looking stakes.

Nearly there though, in the HO down the Hume story they were driving a Nagari to pick up the HO from Ford. That is 70.

Mk 7s go back to around 66.

Edited by Lee Nicolle, 28 February 2019 - 22:10.

I will be going. 5 years since I was last there so seems a good idea. 3 weekends out of the last 4 away

Unfortunatly I cannot find the entry at all. Has anyone else seen it? It always seems to be hidden away.

I do know GpNs have only one race Sunday. Seems a little odd.

Unfortunatly I cannot find the entry at all. Has anyone else seen it? It always seems to be hidden away.

Edited by SJ Lambert, 01 March 2019 - 06:44.

Tis the season to lavish attention on all those historic gems out there - Larners have been giving Black Jack’s BT19 a bit of a fettle in readiness for the GP, not sure if it’s going to the Island as well.

Jack never had all those zip ties. Boo his not original

Event schedule and entry list here:

https://vhrr.com/wp/...ist-2019-RS.pdf

Thanks. But I wish they would put the entry in the categories being raced.

I`m heading up this year to help a mate with his Group Nc Escort 1300. By help I mean stand around giving expert tips on things he`s better at than me (like driving).  I`m looking forward to it.  

Motoring journo, Rob Luck posted this on facebook earlier today.

THE NAGARI is 50 years old and will be the Feature Sportscar at this year's Philip Island Classic - this weekend March 8-10. Bolwell is going to have a HUGE presence with more than 70 display and track cars including every production model ever built and dozens of Nagaris from all over Australia. Bolwell and the Clubs have had a lot of equiries about whether the Bolwell Book will be available. The answer is YES... and Campbell Bolwell, Linley Hughes, authors Rob Luck and Tony Shaw, Bolwell 'originals' such as Ross McConnell, Bolwell Racing Drivers and famous owners will be there Sunday (and some on Saturday) to Autograph Books. The Bolwell Display will be near the Pavilion and the cars will be on the track as well. See you there !

I'm heading to the Island in the morning, so will see this and much, much more.

Stephen

... dozens of Nagaris from all over Australia...

And plenty of the achingly, timelessly gorgeous Mk7s as well.

http://wwwbollyblog....rs-well-on.html

What happened in the Saturday morning group M/O race as several leading cars ,did not complete one lap?  Plus the race only ran for 4 laps?

Some snaps from Friday

Business end of the Globe Elfin 400 minus the special cylinder heads

One owner Bolwell Mk7 that during its racing career ended up with a V8.

The Tait Brabham BT17 sharing display space with James Lambert's Elfin Mono. 

Stephen

What happened in the Saturday morning group M/O race as several leading cars ,did not complete one lap?  Plus the race only ran for 4 laps?

Someone got pushed wide at Siberia (I think), went off, looped it and in slithering back on backwards, got collected nose to nose by another guy....

wonder who caused it ?  The normal suspect  with the fat motor?

Michael O'Shea

The Maserati lump in the O'Shea C T Atkins Cooper Maserati

Stephen

If the Cooper-Maserati (above) looks complicated enough, then roll on a couple of decades for the Porsche 956C comparison

Yes, the wheels are spinning. Taken while the car was getting warmed up.

Stephen

I`m heading up this year to help a mate with his Group Nc Escort 1300. By help I mean stand around giving expert tips on things he`s better at than me (like driving).  I`m looking forward to it.

It went quite well. Until I looked I thought it was a twincam.

That Cooper Maserati is superb.

I got the impression that it was being treated very gently. Pretty car though.

And what are those tailights. 3 cheers for the correct answer.

Edited by Lee Nicolle, 11 March 2019 - 08:50.

Mk1 Ford Cortina

And yes I did get there this year. Weather was kind, just! Venue top class and better every time. 

Since I was primarily there as a spectator I spent most of my time down at Honda which is a great viewing spot.

Program was tight, probably just a little too tight as on Fri a couple of categories did not do well for qualifying. Over 3litre GpN  was one as before anyone really got stuck in Les Walmeslys Charger blew up extensively  at turn 1 and a couple of others joined him in the gravel. Red flagged and many were lucky to get another decent lap in. Some did ok, Andy Williams in the Cyan blue Torana a 1 49.5, first Torana under 1 50.

A Lotus Clubman coming back through the pits caught fire nearly opposite Stuckeys tyre truck. A few scarey moments as the driver struggled to get out and then not enough extinguishers in the first instance. Then one of Stuckeys blokes got cleaned up by an incident vehicle running with another extinguisher. A banjo bolt on the Webers had backed out so causing the fire then and continuing it until the isolater was turned off.

One crispy little car that will take a lot of TLC to repair.

First GpN race had Daryl Hansen [again] come unstuck in the 68 Mustang and was hit hard by the red ACT XY GT. Both cars driven back one to the truck and the Falcon stretched back into shape with the aid of a Landcruiser, snatch strap and a good panel beater.

And my mate Mark Blyfield  in his orange LJ Torana had a serious engine explosion crossing the finish  line. A one meeting old expensive engine and he is not happy!!

On Saturday the Cobra imported from England threw a wheel off, broke a hub I feel. And had not been running very well before.

One of the Porsches had gone missing at the front of the Sports/Racing field but Tom Tweedie in the MS7 was simply too good for the rest. Mentions to Kevin West who seemed to have a good run in the Norax, being hounded by Doig in a couple of races. And 2bob Collinson playing with the Sports Racing 2000s. Until he broke a rocker post on Sunday.

As was [name?] in the Ferrari F1 who simply ran away and hid in the Racing cars.

GpS was quite interesting though with different cars right at the front, Vettes,big and small block, Porsches and a Pantera. One Porsche near ran out of fuel while leading and the big block Vette broke an engine while in the lead in another race. And the Pantera tested the grass on an occasion.Some excellent racing and down the field as well.

The blue highboy hotrod in the older cars race grenaded an engine as well. Not the fastest but the coolest in that category. And does it sound strong down the straight!

I should have got a program,,, then I could give names.

I met up over the weekend briefly with James Lambert and Paul Hamilton in serious discussion re historic cars at James very pretty Elfin Mono. And Richard Carter as well.

Our roving photographer Lynton Hemmings was  taking pics as well as a gopher on the two South Oz sports cars. I hope he has some for us here.

On the subject of pics have a look at Speed Cafe, they have several excellent pics by John Lemm who I did not see all weekend but did see brother Phil. Who is one of said pics.

Mk1 Ford Cortina

Correct,, hip hip hooray,, hip hip Hooray hip hip Hooray.

I wonder how many race cars used those lights, quite a lot. As were EJ Holden as well. As in the Milano that seemed to disapear on Sunday.

If the Cooper-Maserati (above) looks complicated enough, then roll on a couple of decades for the Porsche 956C comparison

 

 

Yes, the wheels are spinning. Taken while the car was getting warmed up.

 

Stephen

Oh shock oh horror. Just think of the children!

Edited by lyntonh, 11 March 2019 - 11:11.

It went quite well. Until I looked I thought it was a twincam.

Yep, the little Escort surprised quite a few. Its a great little car. Its been developed for a few years now and driven extremely well by a true enthusiast and genuine talent. It spanks the twin cams when they come to Baskerville. I`ll definitely be back to PI next year, hopefully with my car. I loved the place, so many great viewing spots, such a wonderful atmosphere. Its an impressive facility, and everyone was extremely helpful and friendly.  

Edited by stuartbrs, 11 March 2019 - 11:49.

Yep, the little Escort surprised quite a few. Its a great little car. Its been developed for a few years now and driven extremely well by a true enthusiast and genuine talent. It spanks the twin cams when they come to Baskerville. I`ll definitely be back to PI next year, hopefully with my car. I loved the place, so many great viewing spots, such a wonderful atmosphere. Its an impressive facility, and everyone was extremely helpful and friendly.  

It really is a great 'must do' event.  Had a great time even with missing last race because ofa  broken rocker shaft.  If you like PI circuit then come to Tailem Bend, another great flowing track! 

Oh, and Lee, the Lotus Seven is actually a one owner (Trevor Booth) 1965 Nota Sunbeam Clubman.  When I asked him if he would be at Winton in May he said yes but then added next year probably!  His brother, pit crew and whatever, said that at least they would have something to keep them off the streets (as will the other Nota they are restoring).

The blue highboy hotrod in the older cars race grenaded an engine as well. Not the fastest but the coolest in that category. And does it sound strong down the straight!
I should have got a program,,, then I could give names.

My name is Hemer, Mind you, I’d love to be Hemming(s), because I might own some nice Elfins with a name like that!! And yes, when I’ve settled in back home, I’ll throw up some of my pictures, for perusal, with pleasure.

Senility is setting in! I do know that. Power of suggestion from reading Elfins!

Yep, the little Escort surprised quite a few. Its a great little car. Its been developed for a few years now and driven extremely well by a true enthusiast and genuine talent. It spanks the twin cams when they come to Baskerville. I`ll definitely be back to PI next year, hopefully with my car. I loved the place, so many great viewing spots, such a wonderful atmosphere. Its an impressive facility, and everyone was extremely helpful and friendly.  

A long way off of spanking Josh Axford, but yes a good little car. And well driven.

Edited by Lee Nicolle, 12 March 2019 - 10:08.

It really is a great 'must do' event.  Had a great time even with missing last race because ofa  broken rocker shaft.  If you like PI circuit then come to Tailem Bend, another great flowing track! 

 

Oh, and Lee, the Lotus Seven is actually a one owner (Trevor Booth) 1965 Nota Sunbeam Clubman.  When I asked him if he would be at Winton in May he said yes but then added next year probably!  His brother, pit crew and whatever, said that at least they would have something to keep them off the streets (as will the other Nota they are restoring).

It was a little barbecued after the fire. Bit hard to tell.Someone else said it was a Lotus.

I saw them with the pressure washer afterwards cleaning all the powder and general burn off of it. While all fairly superficial a lot of work to make it look pretty again. Even the guages were damaged, yet the carbs looked ok. That foam makes a helluva mess,,, though the fire makes a bigger mess.

Aussie touring car legend, Norm Beechey.

He's still enjoying US muscle. Turning up to PI with his bright yellow 3 yo Corvette

Stephen

Y'all wanna see some photos?

 

Aussie touring car legend, Norm Beechey.

 
He's still enjoying US muscle. Turning up to PI with his bright yellow 3 yo Corvette
 
Stephen