8 replies to this topic

[Terry Walker]

Today, November 15 2009, Sir Jack Brabham was on hand for the dedication of the Sir Jack Brabham Reserve, which covers most of the old Caversham "D" Circuit. (Not, unfortunately, the main straight.) The track closed in 1968.

He was looking old and rather frail, and his health is poor, but he was having a good time. He raced at Two Australian GPs at Caversham: 1957 as a newish driver for the Cooper works in an F2 Cooper Climax, and in 1962 in the first ever Grand Prix for a Repco-Brabham car, the Repco-Brabham Climax BT4. He famously DNF'd 1962 while leading, after being shunted by the BRM-Scarab towards the end of the race, leaving Bruce McLaren, his successor at Cooper as No 1 driver, to win.



A huge crowd turned up for the dedication of the reserve, to cruise around the old circuit, and there was a fly-in and flyover of vintage aircraft as well - after all, Caversham was a WW2 RAAF base first! Vintage speedcars lapped an improvised speedway circuit, and at least a dozen car clubs put on displays, as well as Vintage motorcycle boys. Warm, sunny, no wind, a great day! A large number of old Caversham drivers

I'll post a few more pics once I've reduced them to a more manageable size.

[paulhooft]

Great to hear!
Does he still use that walking stick I saw him with at the Dutch Grand Prix in 1966?
He won that race!
Paul

Today, November 15 2009, Sir Jack Brabham was on hand for the dedication of the Sir Jack Brabham Reserve, which covers most of the old Caversham "D" Circuit. (Not, unfortunately, the main straight.) The track closed in 1968.

He was looking old and rather frail, and his health is poor, but he was having a good time. He raced at Two Australian GPs at Caversham: 1957 as a newish driver for the Cooper works in an F2 Cooper Climax, and in 1962 in the first ever Grand Prix for a Repco-Brabham car, the Repco-Brabham Climax BT4. He famously DNF'd 1962 while leading, after being shunted by the BRM-Scarab towards the end of the race, leaving Bruce McLaren, his successor at Cooper as No 1 driver, to win.



A huge crowd turned up for the dedication of the reserve, to cruise around the old circuit, and there was a fly-in and flyover of vintage aircraft as well - after all, Caversham was a WW2 RAAF base first! Vintage speedcars lapped an improvised speedway circuit, and at least a dozen car clubs put on displays, as well as Vintage motorcycle boys. Warm, sunny, no wind, a great day! A large number of old Caversham drivers

I'll post a few more pics once I've reduced them to a more manageable size.

Edited by paulhooft, 15 November 2009 - 12:58.

[Ray Bell]

Don't forget the '62 German GP, Terry...

I believe that was in August.

Edited by Ray Bell, 15 November 2009 - 13:04.

[Terry Walker]

Jack Brabham, 1957 Australian Grand Prix, Caversham: photo by David Van Dal



Jack Brabham, 1962 Australian Grand Prix, Caversham: photo by Milton McCutcheon



Vincent Black Lightning, original Bike Show bike in UK, first owner Bira (yes, that Bira), long history including sidecar racing in Western Australia



The Bugatti T57 TT, raced in Europe, brought to Oz in the late 30s by Duncan Ord, raced at the one-off Applecross Patritotic Grand Prix 1940, the only around-the-houses race in the Perth metropolitan area; cut and shut and turned into an offset monoposto, restored off and on since 1957 by the current owner to original appearahnce and specs. Not finished yet, but a runner.



The motto of the local vintage bike racing boys is "Back in Black". Some old-time leathers and helmets.

Edited by Terry Walker, 15 November 2009 - 13:05.

[Terry Walker]

Jack's still not using a walking stick. Must have thrown that one away, along with the beard! He walked around looking at the cars, including several Repco-Brabhams. By then my camera had a flat battery.

Some more pics of the machinery.



An assortment of historic racers, grouped under the label "formula classic".



Inside the Vintage Sports Car Club of WA tent: in the foreground, 1950s MG racer Ray Davies, who has emerged from a long break, is seen reading the Results printouts from Caversham which I had on show, while in the background Motoring Historians WA member John Napier-Winch, who built race cars in the 60s and is now a historic Film producer, is chatting with Stan Starcevich, a local touring car legend. On the right, in the grey T shirt, is TNFer Terry McGrath, another member of Motoring Historians WA and Jaguar specialist. Just out of sight behind Terry is a stack of Jack Brabham books by a certain D Nye Esq, TNfer of note.

Edited by Terry Walker, 15 November 2009 - 13:19.

[Isetta]

Great Photos.

Re The Vincent: 'Prince Bira who went on to become King of Siam' - er don't tell King Bhumibol Adulyadej, Rama IX, reigning monarch since 1946!

Edited by Isetta, 15 November 2009 - 14:14.

[Terry Walker]

I didn't read the entire notice on the bike, and failed to register that lovely little blooper!!

[Lee Nicolle]

Jack Brabham, 1957 Australian Grand Prix, Caversham: photo by David Van Dal



Jack Brabham, 1962 Australian Grand Prix, Caversham: photo by Milton McCutcheon



Vincent Black Lightning, original Bike Show bike in UK, first owner Bira (yes, that Bira), long history including sidecar racing in Western Australia



The Bugatti T57 TT, raced in Europe, brought to Oz in the late 30s by Duncan Ord, raced at the one-off Applecross Patritotic Grand Prix 1940, the only around-the-houses race in the Perth metropolitan area; cut and shut and turned into an offset monoposto, restored off and on since 1957 by the current owner to original appearahnce and specs. Not finished yet, but a runner.



The motto of the local vintage bike racing boys is "Back in Black". Some old-time leathers and helmets.

I just learnt something. Dean Hogarth roadraced a Vincent sidecar.Dean is well known for many years of competitive speedcar racing from the late 50s until i guess mid90s. As is Gordon Benny who is still playing with Hogarths Sesco in classic speedway.
Dean is dabbling with classic motorcycles just around the corner from Murray Bridge speeedway these days.

[nivola]

A great day was had by all and the evening before had with Sir Jack was amazing

I will have to sort out my images latter tonight.

It is also great to have the essence of Western Australias Second Motorsport track survive for many many years to come.