133 replies to this topic

[Lee Nicolle]

Duncan Fox, on 12 Sept 2013 - 01:00, said:

I will be very interested to see if the official outright lap record  of  1.08.33 set by Roger Williams in 2003 is toppled this weekend, I suspect that it will be and by some margin .I know Andrew Robson has been close in the past and Rogers GM1 was schd K compliant with around 560hp. Darren Hossack in the Audi sports sedan has been tantilisingly close on many occasions also.(1.08.56)

Richard Davis qualified in a 1 06.9. So your prophesy so far is very good.

[Jerry Entin]

 Davison takes pole and smashes lap record!

Not V8 Supercar stars Will or Alex Davison, but their father Richard has stunned the Formula 5000 field with an outright lap-record pole position performance leading into the weekend’s second round of the Formula 5000 Australia Cup, one of the supporting events to this weekend’s V8 Supercar Wilson Security Sandown 500.

Davison, an Australian F2 champion back in 1980, who only debuted in the popular 5-litre V8 historic open-wheleer category with his ex-Alan Jones Lola T332 less than a year ago, overcame some morning practice issues to string together a series of hot laps during the short 10-minute session, going faster and faster until, on the very last lap, he became the first driver ever to dip under the 1min 07 seconds barrier, with a scintillating 1min 06.9824s lap.

It breaks the existing outright lap record for the modern-day Sandown circuit, which stood at 1m 7.86 seconds – also set by a Formula 5000 car (Andrew Robson), in 2012.

“I’m speechless,” a clearly astounded Davison said, once he had pitted and been made aware of his time.

“When I ran here before, I was in the 1m09s, and I hoped to get into the eights to match what the boys will probably do in their V8 Supercars, but I had no concept that the time was that good until I stopped.

“Now all I want to do is break the bogey from the opening round, where I went out on the opening lap ...”

The qualifying performance comes as a great filip for his team, who have worked night and day to rebuild the 550 horsepower V8 engine which failed so early in the event just two weeks ago.

Sharing the front row for tomorrow’s opening heat (of two) will be Aucklander Andrew Higgins (Lola T400), whose 1m08.0920s lap just shaded series leader Tom Tweedie (Chervron B24/28). Tweedie suffered some fuel injection problem at the critical point in qualifying and should proivide a strong challenge over the weekend.

Melbournians Bryan Sala (Matich A50) and Andrew Robson (Lola T332) filled out the top five.

Missing from qualifying was ageless kiwi star Ken Smith, whose Lola broke a crown-wheel and pinion in practice. He expects to join the field at the back of the grid tomorrow.

Formula 5000s will contest two qualifying heats on Saturday, with a feature event at 10.15am Sunday, preceding the opening round of the 2013 V8 Supercar Pirtek Enduro Cup.


Pi: Richard Davison – Sandown pole-sitter and lap record breaker Image: John Morris/Mpix


Further information:

 

  Chris Lambden
  Mob: +61 418 580 700
  CinchMedia
  Secretary, F5000 Australia
 

Edited by Jerry Entin, 13 September 2013 - 11:51.

[timbo]

Tom Tweedie has smashed the lap record. Its somewhat funny to think that the Outright lap record is held by a car that is nearly 40 years old.

[Jerry Entin]

 

Tom Tweedie (Chevron B24/28) – first ever below 1m06s at Sandown.

 

Tom Tweedie wins both races on Saturday and breaks lap record.

Here in Tom's words is what happened.:

1st in both races today, also set new circuit record 1:05.7 which is the fastest ever time a car has done around this configuration of Sandown raceway ... F5000 still faster than modern technology, got to love that!

 

photo: John Morris/Mpix

Edited by Jerry Entin, 14 September 2013 - 11:35.

[Patrick Fletcher]

timbo, on 14 Sept 2013 - 05:57, said:

Tom Tweedie has smashed the lap record. Its somewhat funny to think that the Outright lap record is held by a car that is nearly 40 years old.

Small calculation on the three second difference would see the 40 year old car catch and lap the new generation car in about 23 laps...... no wonder there has been no mention today during the TV coverage. Although they did have a smiling Richard Davison watching his son winning the 20 lap sprint race late this afternoon.

[Jerry Entin]

DAY 1 REPORT

 

WINS GIVE TWEEDIE POLE FOR SUNDAY SANDOWN F5000 FEATURE

Sydney youngster Tom Tweedie has annexed pole position for Sunday’s Formula 5000 Australia Cup feature after two commanding wins in Saturday’s qualifying heats.

Tweedie’s Chevron, which won the Tasman series in 1974 in the hands of British racer Peter Gethin, was uncatchable, lowering the Formula 5000 (and outright) Sandown lap record twice, to eventually leave it at a scintillating1m 05.76s.

The main excitement for the large Sandown crowd centred around a pair of nose-to-tail dices for second between pole man Richard Davison (Lola T332) and Kiwi Andrew Higgins (Lola T400) in the opening heat, joined in the second by veteran Ken Smith (Lola T332) who had battled through from the back of the grid after missing qualifying.

In the end, Higgins took both runner-up spots, with Davison and Smith sharing a podium each. They will thus also share the second row for Sunday’s 12-lap feature, with Higgins joining Tweedie on the front row.

Melbournians Bryan Sala (Matich A50) and Tony Floreani (Elfin MR5) will share the third row.

The historic Formula 5000 category is appearing on the V8 Supercar programme for the first time, supporting the opening round of the 2013 Pirtek Endurance Cup – the Wilson Security Sandown 500.

Having taken a sensational F5000 pole yesterday, Richard Davison was able to watch as son Will did the same for Ford Performance Racing, emerging on top after the main event’s two qualifying ‘sprint’ races today.
The Formula 5000 Australia Cup is supported by Gibson Freight and MSC.

 

Report written by: Chris Lambden

sent site: Ross MacKay/Fast Company

Edited by Jerry Entin, 14 September 2013 - 13:58.

[Lee Nicolle]

Patrick Fletcher, on 14 Sept 2013 - 09:49, said:

Small calculation on the three second difference would see the 40 year old car catch and lap the new generation car in about 23 laps...... no wonder there has been no mention today during the TV coverage. Although they did have a smiling Richard Davison watching his son winning the 20 lap sprint race late this afternoon.

Actually 4 second difference, Race times are a low 1.09 and the 5000 a low 1.05.
Though a 40 y/old specialist single seater should be faster than a modern obese Sports Sedan. It will be interesting to see how fast a real Sports Sedan goes on the new track improvements. Which to me is where the speed improvements has come from. Big bad Sandown is not as bumpy at the moment, though I am sure it will be quite soon.

[timbo]

Patrick Fletcher, on 14 Sept 2013 - 09:49, said:

Small calculation on the three second difference would see the 40 year old car catch and lap the new generation car in about 23 laps...... no wonder there has been no mention today during the TV coverage. Although they did have a smiling Richard Davison watching his son winning the 20 lap sprint race late this afternoon.

If the new generation car was, say for instance, a V8 supercar, the safety car would have been deployed because a piece of paper wandered on to the track and so the old F5000 would never be able to lap the new generation car. funny how that happens. Especially at Bathurst.

[timbo]

Just thinking about my previous post, I remember when the Calder Park Thunderdome first opened, and the Nascars were the lead catagory on the program. The organisers were struggling for support classes to fill the program, and so called on the speedway Grand National catagory (loosely Sprintcars in sedan form). The Grand National cars lapped the Thunderdome faster than the much hyped Nascars, and were never invited back again.

[Lee Nicolle]

timbo, on 15 Sept 2013 - 06:20, said:

Just thinking about my previous post, I remember when the Calder Park Thunderdome first opened, and the Nascars were the lead catagory on the program. The organisers were struggling for support classes to fill the program, and so called on the speedway Grand National catagory (loosely Sprintcars in sedan form). The Grand National cars lapped the Thunderdome faster than the much hyped Nascars, and were never invited back again.

A Grand National was a SEDAN style vehicle. Left hand drive and more engine freedoms and very ugly wedge bodys. Tatnell made mention in one his magazine columns they were Garden Sheds!! He was quite right actually.The Late Model class racing these days is really just a more modern version of those cars.
Yes they were a LOT faster than a Nascar, They were a lot lighter with a whole lot more power. Though really only a Dirt track car.All the panels flapping in the breeze proved that. Aussie Nascars were never really very fast. But quite a few people spent a lot of money on them for a few years.

We did a mobile display at AIR one year, early 2000s? with our old Supermodifieds. Dave Germein upset John Faulkner when he told him that his Modified [In Bob Aylesburys hands] was 4 seconds faster around they 1/2 mile 25 years earlier!
The Dirt sedans were faster than the Nascars too in the mid 70s, though probably no where near consistant. The purpose built bitumen sedans were even faster. And a WHOLE lot more expensive to run too. Which is the main reason bitumen speedway died. As did Nascar events.

[Jerry Entin]

Kiwi Andrew Higgins (ex-Mario Andretti Lola T400) led eventual winner Tom Tweedie, Ken Smith and Richard Davison out of the opening corner at Sandown, but the youngster was soon past and recorded his seond feature win.

TOM TWEEDIE EXTENDS F5000 SERIES LEAD

Sydneysider Tom Tweedie has consolidated his lead in the 2013/14 Formula 5000 Australia Cup with an almost all-the-way win in the weekend’s feature event, run as a curtain-raiser to Sunday’s V8 Supercar Sandown 500.

Tweedie’s Chevron B24 was beaten away from the rolling start by Kiwi Andrew Higgins (Lola T400), but burst through to lead half-way round the opening lap and was never challenged.

A potential three-way scrap for second between Higgins, Kiwi legend Ken Smith (Lola T332) and Richard Davison (Lola T332), became a two-way one after two laps when Higgins’ brake pedal went to the floor at the end of Sandown’s long start-finish straight and he spun.

Fortunately, following cars avoided the stationary car and he was able to rejoin, albeit with reduced braking capacity, and charge back through to an eventual fourth-placed finish.

To his delight, Davison – son of the great former AGP-winner Lex Davison and father of V8 Supercar stars Will and Alex – was able to see off the challenge from Smith and earn a well-deserved second place:

“I’ve ticked off one of my Bucket List items this weekend – racing on the same track as the great Ken Smith,” he beamed.

Melbournians Bryan Sala (Matich A50) and Andrew Robson (Lola T332) completed the top six.

Formula 5000 Australia Cup points after two rounds: Tweedie 110; Smith 83; Higgins 79; Sala 61; Aaron Lewis 45; Davison 41; John Bryant 31; Tim Rush 30; Darcy Russell 23; Andrew Robson 19; Tony Floriani, Rod Carroll 14; Clark Proctor 12.

The Formula 5000 Australia Cup is supported by Gibson Freight and MSC.

report: Chris Lambden
sent site: Ross MacKay/Fast Company
photo: John Morris/Mpix

Edited by Jerry Entin, 18 September 2013 - 09:52.

[Jerry Entin]

Tom Tweedie's thoughts on the weekend: Fantastic way to finish the weekend with another win. Highlight has to be getting the outright Sandown lap record yesterday, will take a few days to sink in. Huge thanks to everyone involved in our little team and F5000 category organisers/officials for putting on a great event

[Tappets]

JERRY ENTIN provides a very concise and accurate record of the F5000 events aided by John Morris whose pics have always been good over the years ... even back in Tom's F3 days so both please keep up the good work both of you.

Well another good weekend for our Chevron and Tom ... no secrets and we were puffed (capacity checked) = 100% OK and our troublesome rev limiter was avoided by overgearing the car at some expense to yours truly which didn't seemingly slow it down at all.

Great weekend for "father" Davison (congrats) plus a few others who did their PB's (I hate that phrase) and F5000 generally did a bloody good job at selling itself thanks to Chris Lambden's efforts but we are NOT THERE YET and we need a series sponsor so we can buy TV time etc.

Whilst cars also are left in garages for various reasons we will never get growth in the category and don't believe from my observations we can rely on the Kiwi's for ever especially if we start accusing them of naughty things that may or may not be true ... Proctor was beatable and all you need is a good car and driver .... not rocket science!

Rule making without CAMS sanctioning behind the scenes has it's good points to keep costs down but motor racing will never be cheap at this sort of level but please be careful or our category will become a parade of old men in their shiny nice cars ... excluding a couple of exceptions of course.

We have not spent an arm and a leg as some might imagine but I am proud to say we have rebuilt a good car into a great car using our experience in FF/F3 and elsewhere over the years and that plus Tom is why it works well .... not just $$$'s.

So gents PLEASE leave the rule book alone ... OK once again I talk too much so if you are planning on burying me in a cement box can you do it in Sydney Harbour not Port Phillip bay as the water is clearer and the fish are friendly.

Cheers

TAPPETS

[GMACKIE]

Tappets, on 17 Sept 2013 - 01:41, said:

... OK once again I talk too much
Cheers

TAPPETS

That's being a bit hard on yourself, Bob........but who am I to argue...

[NZALPA]

Tappets, on 17 Sept 2013 - 01:41, said:

Well another good weekend for our Chevron and Tom ... no secrets and we were puffed (capacity checked) = 100% OK and our troublesome rev limiter was avoided by overgearing the car at some expense to yours truly which didn't seemingly slow it down at all.
 

 

So gents PLEASE leave the rule book alone ... OK once again I talk too much so if you are planning on burying me in a cement box can you do it in Sydney Harbour not Port Phillip bay as the water is clearer and the fish are friendly.

Cheers

TAPPETS

 Told you so.  Higher gear and less revs and you go quicker.  Messers Brown and Smith were right (again)

 

You cannot limit tallent which was the real reason the car was fast of course.

 

By the way Bob, the Kiwis have been doing TV for the F5000's for 10 years.  It works and you get the payback but is costly in the first instance.

 

Well done again for putting the class where it should be (again).

[275 GTB-4]

NZALPA, on 18 Sept 2013 - 05:32, said:

 Told you so.  Higher gear and less revs and you go quicker.  Messer's Brown and Smith were right (again)

 

You cannot limit talent which was the real reason the car was fast of course.

 

By the way Bob, the Kiwis have been doing TV for the F5000's for 10 years.  It works and you get the payback but is costly in the first instance.

 

Well done again for putting the class where it should be (again).

 

Maybe you should buy Bob and Warwick (well raise a glass) a drink Alpa

 

[Catalina Park]

Someone's pinched the front steps.

[Tappets]

WELL someone has done some homework and I am flattered ... yes in the 1980's I bought a de licensed old Balmain Pub (see pic) that was flat out selling 3 middies a week and featured in the "Roadshow" movie Caddie starring Jack Thompson/Helen Morse and of course Jackie Weaver who has been everywhere. I re-licensed the premisis under a restaurant permit which required us to serve food as well and re-named it from the Kent Hotel to Caddies Place after the movie.

We opened with a bang with all the stars and Sydney's "A" list of professional party goers and media but also Mike Willesee the then leading political and talk show newsman brough his camera's and we certainly were noticed. Roadshow kindly footed the bill as they had been using my registered name for their film and I will let you work the rest out.

So I then spent a year renovating and opened to full houses thanks to Willesee and Co and some of our patrons over the years included Dame Edna (wearing pants) and many other celebrities plus the F5000 night we put on for motor racing including Warwick Brown et al which was a great success.

Now the building has been tastelessly converted into a residence and I moved on ... always being involved in motor racing since I started in 1968 in a Cooper S at Warwick Farm built by none other than Don Holland and helped by Mal Brewster who also went onto to an open wheeler career... see www.ibcholdings.com.au/cars

Don now runs his son in Historic Formula Ford and Mal has retired to his farm but my Caddie's days leave me with fond memories and the motor racing fraternity supported me well in those days ... memories.

TAPPETS

[275 GTB-4]

Tappets, on 20 Sept 2013 - 00:02, said:

WELL someone has done some homework and I am flattered ... yes in the 1980's I bought a de licensed old Balmain Pub (see pic) that was flat out selling 3 middies a week and featured in the "Roadshow" movie Caddie starring Jack Thompson/Helen Morse and of course Jackie Weaver who has been everywhere. I re-licensed the premisis under a restaurant permit which required us to serve food as well and re-named it from the Kent Hotel to Caddies Place after the movie.

We opened with a bang with all the stars and Sydney's "A" list of professional party goers and media but also Mike Willesee the then leading political and talk show newsman brough his camera's and we certainly were noticed. Roadshow kindly footed the bill as they had been using my registered name for their film and I will let you work the rest out.

So I then spent a year renovating and opened to full houses thanks to Willesee and Co and some of our patrons over the years included Dame Edna (wearing pants) and many other celebrities plus the F5000 night we put on for motor racing including Warwick Brown et al which was a great success.

Now the building has been tastelessly converted into a residence and I moved on ... always being involved in motor racing since I started in 1968 in a Cooper S at Warwick Farm built by none other than Don Holland and helped by Mal Brewster who also went onto to an open wheeler career... see www.ibcholdings.com.au/cars

Don now runs his son in Historic Formula Ford and Mal has retired to his farm but my Caddie's days leave me with fond memories and the motor racing fraternity supported me well in those days ... memories.

TAPPETS

 

Robt, no need to be flattered, have a look around TNF and you will find many, many similar examples of nostalgia and reminiscence....no homework involved...thumbing through old magazines and reminiscing about one of my old stomping grounds...I recalled both you and Warwick's name on the advert.

 

Think I might have wandered into Caddies once or twice...then there was this Moroccan place where we all sat on cushions on the floor around low tables and raved about the food....

 

Good times

 

[edit: believe Mal has sold the farm and moved into town]

Edited by 275 GTB-4, 20 September 2013 - 23:18.

[275 GTB-4]

Catalina Park, on 19 Sept 2013 - 07:22, said:

Someone's pinched the front steps.

 

 

I'd be looking in the boot (trunk) of the old dunny door first  

[Tappets]

TALKING about Don Holland again .... at 72 years of age, last Saturday at Wakefield Park Historic he announced his retirement as a driver (for the third time) as he wasn't "having a good weekend". Now Don is a great stager and mate from way back with a very good motor racing pedigree and has been involved as a driver and with his son David (in his early 40's) for some time in historic Formula Fords so anyway on Saturday he approached Tom (that is our Formula 5000 Tom) and offered him a drive of his unfamiliar car on Sunday from the back of the 20+ car grid against some hard chargers who were racing at lap record speeds up the front.

Well do bears poo in the forests, are the Kennedy's gun-shy etc ... no prompting required so we chased around for some gear and Tom who was sanctioned by the CofC was on the grid Sunday morning which also included some quick M&O cars plus some other sports car jiggers including Sports 2000's etc.

Now here is one for our friendly F5000 committee ... no titanium rods/no "big" engine/car was overweight etc ... Tom ended up 3rd outright in the main FFord race passing a few cars every lap about half a second behind the winner in a lap shortened race so fellah's it is not always the car and I am a happy old tappet .... albeit a bit noisy sometimes but very proud.

And the Caddie's steps referred to above were removed by the new owners ... and the dunny door reference has no bearing ... gotta do better than that to get a laugh!

BON BON TAPPETS

[GMACKIE]

Until a Winton historic meeting, a while back, I wasn't feeling all that old. As I walked past Don Holland's pit, he yelled [for all to hear] "There's Greg Mackie....I thought I was the oldest bloke here".

[seldo]

Tappets, on 03 Oct 2013 - 07:33, said:

TALKING about Don Holland again .... at 72 years of age, last Saturday at Wakefield Park Historic he announced his retirement as a driver (for the third time) as he wasn't "having a good weekend". Now Don is a great stager and mate from way back with a very good motor racing pedigree and has been involved as a driver and with his son David (in his early 40's) for some time in historic Formula Fords so anyway on Saturday he approached Tom (that is our Formula 5000 Tom) and offered him a drive of his unfamiliar car on Sunday from the back of the 20+ car grid against some hard chargers who were racing at lap record speeds up the front.

Well do bears poo in the forests, are the Kennedy's gun-shy etc ... no prompting required so we chased around for some gear and Tom who was sanctioned by the CofC was on the grid Sunday morning which also included some quick M&O cars plus some other sports car jiggers including Sports 2000's etc.

Now here is one for our friendly F5000 committee ... no titanium rods/no "big" engine/car was overweight etc ... Tom ended up 3rd outright in the main FFord race passing a few cars every lap about half a second behind the winner in a lap shortened race so fellah's it is not always the car and I am a happy old tappet .... albeit a bit noisy sometimes but very proud.

And the Caddie's steps referred to above were removed by the new owners ... and the dunny door reference has no bearing ... gotta do better than that to get a laugh!

BON BON TAPPETS

Good to see you on board here Bob.
Cheers
Seldo

[Jerry Entin]

 

    * 2013/14 MSC New Zealand F5000 Tasman Cup Revival Series

       Season Preview # 2

       Rnd 1

       The Sound MG Classic meeting

       Manfeild

       Sat-Sun

       Nov 9-10

       2013

 

 
 

Three-time former MSC NZ F5000 Tasman Cup Revival Series champion (and now five-time Lady Wigram Trophy winner) Ken Smith.

 

SMITH SET TO MARK ANOTHER MILESTONE AT  MANFEILD

 

New Zealand motor racing's evergreen 'super-veteran,' Ken Smith, will mark another milestone at the opening round of this seasons' MSC New Zealand F5000 Tasman Cup Revival Series at Manfeild this weekend.

 

This year marks the 40th anniversary of the opening of the 3.0km Feilding circuit and Smith will be the only competitor at The Sound MG Classic meeting who has competed there every year since 1973.

 

"I didn't do the very first meeting they had there, but I did the big one that summer and I've been going back ever since," said the 72-year-old about to embark on his 56th consecutive national motor racing season.

 

Smith rates the Feilding circuit as one of his favourites, despite a serious accident at the start of the first MSC F5000 race the last time (two years ago) the series visited the circuit.

 

"It's like a second home to me," he said. "The original promoters, Rob and Wendy Lester, were always very good with the drivers plus its good for the spectators because they can see all of the track rather than just one little bit of it, from the grandstands."

 

Smith, a three-time former MSC series champion who drives a Lola T332 similar to the one he raced here and in Australia in the 1970s, heads a 13-strong Tasman Cup Revival Series entry at this weekend's two-day The Sound MG Classic classic and historic motor racing meeting at Manfeild.

 

An unfortunate date clash with the inaugural Highlands 101 endurance race at the new Highlands Motorsport Park in Central Otago means that both defending MSC series champion Steve Ross (McRae GM1) and 2012/13 series race winner Clark Proctor (March 73A) will not be on the grid at Manfeild this weekend (the pair are sharing a Mosler sportscar at the Highlands event) though Smith will not exactly be lacking for competition.

 

Series young gun Andrew Higgins (Lola T400) has impressed at the two rounds of the Formula 5000 Australia Cup series already held, and former MSC series champion Ian Clements from Christchurch (Lola T332) is more than capable of taking the battle to the Auckland pair.

 

Also entered this weekend are 2011/12 series runner-up Aaron Burson and his father Peter (both McRae GM1), former Lady Wigram Trophy winner Roger Williams (Lola T332) and Talon  MR1 driver David Banks (all from Auckland), 2011/12 series third placeman Brett Willis (Lola T330) from Rotorua, series returnees Sefton Gibb from the Hawke's Bay and Tony Richards from Christchurch (both Lola T332), as well as longtime classic and historic event supporter Russell Greer (Lola T332) from Blenheim, local driver Tim Rush (McLaren M22) and Class A (for older cars) standout Alan Dunkley.

 

Dunkley is a real crowd-pleaser in the only high-wing car (a 1968 Lola T140) in the MSC field and Smith, for one, rates him highly.

 

"They're certainly aren't many people who can push one of those old cars round like he can. He always gives 110%," says Smith.

 

report sent site: Ross MacKay/Fast Company

photo: Fast Company/Alex Mitchell

Edited by Jerry Entin, 06 November 2013 - 22:10.

[Jerry Entin]

Lola T400 - Andrew Higgins

 

At 32-years-of-age Andrew Higgins missed out on the thrill of watching the V8-powered Formula 5000 single-seaters thundering round local tracks first time around. But having watched the resurgence of interest in the cars thanks to the MSC NZ F5000 Tasman Cup Revival series he resolved not to miss out on the action a second time.

 

Impressed by the speed and style of visiting British driver Michael Lyons in his Lola T400, Andrew and his father Paul went looking for one of their own. As luck would have it they managed to turn up the sister car to Lyon's in Germany.

 

The two cars were originally bought in 1975 by the US-based Vel's Parnelli Jones racing team. When they proved no quicker (not to mention harder to set up) than the Lola T332s the team was already running, the two T400s were consigned to a back corner of the team's garage and used for spares.

 

Team driver Al Unser did race the Higgins car at Mosport in Canada once - albeit only after crashing his T332 - but that was it and the two team T400s were eventually sold to an American enthusiast in 1989 with the Higgins' car being on-sold to German man Peter Kormann in 1998, in whose hands it stayed until Higgins made an offer on it.

 

"It was probably the most original, low-mileage 5000 for sale at that time," says Higgins. "It had done three race meetings in its life when we bought it.'

 

Since then the self-employed Auckland sign-writer has spent the past three years developing it into a race-winning car, enjoying success with it here, in Australia and the UK.

 

Though teams at the time felt the advances over the T332 model (in particular to the suspension geometry) were a bridge too far, Higgins - who has raced Formula Fords, Formula Pacifics and Toyota Racing Series single-seaters - says that once unlocked there is a lot of potential in the car.

 

"They've got some downforce, but not a huge amount, and they stop and corner well."

 

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, Webdesign and Exide.

report sent site: Ross MacKay/.Fast Company

photo: Fast Company/Alex Mitchell

Edited by Jerry Entin, 07 November 2013 - 01:19.

[Jerry Entin]

 

    * 2013/14 MSC New Zealand F5000 Tasman Cup Revival Series

       Season Preview # 2

       Rnd 1

       The Sound MG Classic meeting

       Manfeild

       Sat-Sun

       Nov 9-10

       2013

 

 

DAY 1 REPORT

Fastest qualifier and race 1 winner Ken Smith (Lola T332)

SMITH ALL THE WAY AT MANFEILD

 

Series supervet Ken Smith (Lola T332) got his campaign to claim a fourth MSC NZ F5000 Tasman Cup Revival title off to the best possible start with pole and a runaway first race win at the opening round of the 2013/14 series at Manfeild today.

 

Fresh from claiming a record fifth Lady Wigram Trophy at Christchurch's Powerbuilt Tools Raceway last weekend, Smith, now 72 and in his 56th consecutive season of national level single seater motor racing in this country, was a cut above the rest of the 13-strong MSC F500 Tasman Cup Revival Series field on the first day of competition at the annual The Sound MG Classic motor racing meeting, qualifying almost two-and-a half seconds quicker than fellow front row starter Andrew Higgins (Lola T400) and leading the first 8 lap race of the weekend from start to finish.

 

Aucklander Higgins, one of the many young drivers Smith has assisted over the years, maintained second place to the flag but it was clearly mentor's day, the margin at the flag 9.7 seconds.

 

Behind him it was closer with former Lady Wigram Trophy winner Roger Williams (Lola T332) snatching third place from former MSC series champion Ian Clements (Lola T332) on the first lap but chased hard to the flag by Clements and Brett Willis (Lola T330).

 

After one of his best qualifying efforts since joining the MSC series, Russell Greer (driving the ex Graeme Lawrence Lola T332) was part of this chase pack early on, only to be forced out by a gear selection issue on the fourth lap.

 

That left Clements and Willis to fight amongst themselves (Willis setting the third fastest race lap as he closed on Clements) and allowed Aaron Burson (McRae GM1) some clear track on his way to sixth place.

 

Seventh was Alan Dunkley in the Class A high-wing Lola T140, eighth Sefton Gibb (Lola T332). Dunkley arrived at the track on Friday with his car fully rebuilt but spent most of Friday afternoon and evening repairing cracks and bracing its bellhousing.

 

Gibb, meanwhile, was looking for a top six lap in qualifying, only to break a half shaft before he could get into his stride, and had to work his way through the field in the race after starting from the back row of the grid.

 

With local man Tim Rush pulling out on the first lap with ignition issues, David Banks (Talon MR1) and Peter Burson (McRae GM1) rounded out the field in ninth and tenth places respectively.

 

Today's race was the first for the MSC series drivers since the death, due to injuries suffered in an accident at Invercargill's Teretonga Park, of class stalwart Stan Redmond and a minute's silence was observed by those at the track today before the warm up lap.

 

MSC NZ F5000 Tasman Cup Revival Series action continues at the Manfeild circuit tomorrow with two more race, another 8 lapper in the morning and a 12 lap feature in the afternoon. There is then a break of  a month and a half before the second and third rounds, run over consecutive weekends in late January at the New Zeaalnd Festival of Motor Racing meetings at Hampton Downs.

 

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, Webdesign and Exide.

Report sent site: Ross MacKay/Fast Company

photo: Fast Company/Lyall Chinnery

Edited by Jerry Entin, 09 November 2013 - 09:43.

[Jerry Entin]

2013/14 MSC New Zealand F5000 Tasman Cup Revival Series Rnd 1  The Sound MG Classic meeting Manfeild Sat-Sun Nov 9-10 2013

Qualifying
1. Ken Smith (Lola T332) 1.01.54
2. Andrw Higgins (Lola T400) 1.04.37
3. Ian Clements (Lola T332) 1.05.08
4. Roger Williams (Lola T332) 1.05.89
5. Russell Greer (Lola T332) 1.05.99
6. Aaron Burson (McRae GM1) 1.06.07
7. Brett Willis (Lola T330) 1.07.06
8. Alan Dunkley (Lola T140)1.08.05
9. Dave Banks (Talon MR1) 1.08.86
10. Tim Rush  (McLaren M22) 1.09.11
11. Peter Burson (McRae GM1) 1.10.38
12. Sefton Gibb (Lola T332) 1.10.62

The MSC NZ F5000 Tasman Ciup Revival Series field on the warm-up lap

Race 1 (8 laps)

1. Ken Smith 8.36.03

2. Andrew Higgins + 9.7
3. Roger Williams + 19.67
4. Ian Clements +20.10
5. Brett Willis +20.64
6. Aaron Burson +24.42
7. Alan Dunkley +24.71
8. Sefton Gibb +35.24
9. David Banks +43.19
10. Peter Burson +52.09
dnf. Russell Greer Tim Rush

 

results sent site: Ross MacKay/Fast Company

photo: Fast Compan/Lyall Chinnery

Edited by Jerry Entin, 09 November 2013 - 09:45.

[NZALPA]

Is Ken Smiths pole time almost the fastest F5000 ever around Manfeild?  This track is the same as it was when opened 40 years ago so gives a a reasonable comparison.

 

1.01.54 is very fast.

[Lee Nicolle]

Off this subject but Sandown historics. What has happened with the 5000s? They qualified yesterday morning and with Natsoft have not appeared since. 14 cars with Tom Tweedie on pole from Richard Davison. What has happened?

[NZALPA]

Lee Nicolle, on 10 Nov 2013 - 04:42, said:

Off this subject but Sandown historics. What has happened with the 5000s? They qualified yesterday morning and with Natsoft have not appeared since. 14 cars with Tom Tweedie on pole from Richard Davison. What has happened?

 

Quite  bit I hear!!

[xj13v12]

Andrew took out Zaz in the first race and it was red flagged in the first lap. This morning Alfie ran off at the top of the back straight so another car badly damaged but no injuries. That race was in the 4th lap so they declared it a no race therefore no times on Natsoft. I am waiting now to hear what happens in the final race. Not much track time at all for the weekend and some nasty damage.

[xj13v12]

6 finishers out of 8 starters. Tom Tweedie clear first from Tony Floriani and Bill Hemming. Bryan Sala went out after 6 laps having done a 1:09. At least they got 7 laps in.

[Lee Nicolle]

Oops, this is starting to sound like 5000 in its heyday. Not good.
Looking at the times though it looks like Sports Sedans in 2000. I did 12s then and was 4 seconds off the pace.
Though looking at Sports Sedan times they too are way off the pace. And Nc cars are faster than GpC. Roger Oliver did 21s all weekend. And is my age... I went to school with him!

[xj13v12]

I am told the track was slow which makes Tom's times pretty damn impressive. GroupA/C times slower today too.

[David McKinney]

I think the point needs to be made that the posts from 79 on have nothing to do with the topic of this thread

[Jerry Entin]

 

 

    * 2013/14 MSC New Zealand F5000 Tasman Cup Revival Series

       Season Preview # 2

       Rnd 1

       The Sound MG Classic meeting

       Manfeild

       Sat-Sun

       Nov 9-10

       2013

Ken Smith accepting the trophy and champagne after winning the feature race

  

NEW RECORD BUT SMITH RECKONS HE CAN GO FASTER YET

 

With pole, three race wins from three starts and a new category track lap record you'd think Kiwi supervet Ken Smith (Lola T332) would be satisfied with his performance at the opening round of the 2013/14 MSC New Zealand F5000 Tasman Cup Revival Series at Manfeild this weekend.

 

But now that he has finally beaten the time life-long friend and first-time-around rival Graeme Lawrence set back in 1976, the 72-year-old in his 56th consecutive season of national-level single-seater motor racing reckons if and when the conditions are right again be can go even quicker.

 

According to Smith, Lawrence's original F5000 category benchmark - a 1.01.900 - was set in his then new Lola T332 at the third Manfeild International meeting (a round of the Peter Stuyvesant Series Smith went on to win) in 1976 and was the benchmark for all classes at the 3.033km Feilding circuit until Simon Wills bettered it (1.01.457) in a Reynard Formula Holden in 2000.

 

Though both Smith and Jonny Reid have gone considerably quicker during demo runs (Smith has done a 57 second lap in the Leyton House March Formula 1 car he owned for some time and Reid went under the minute in a demo behind the wheel of A1 Team New Zealand's A1GP car) neither time has been recognised meaning Wills' ultimate record is safe for now.

 

By recording a 1.01.770 in the second MSC Series race of the weekend on Sunday morning, however, Smith finally bettered Lawrence's long-standing category benchmark and was bullish about his prospects of going even quicker.

 

"I said last night (at the Manfeild 40th year anniversary dinner) that I could beat the record and now that I have," Smith said on Sunday afternoon, "I think there is a minute flat in that car. It was just magic today and the track was nice and grippy this morning. If it has stayed that way we might have been able to do it in the afternoon, but it didn't so that's a job for another day,"

 

Smith and the ex Danny Ongais Lola T332, rebuilt and run by a crew headed by Smith's long-time crew chief Barry Miller, was the class of the 13-strong MSC NZ F5000 Tasman Cup Revival Series field this weekend with Andrew Higgins qualifying second quickest and following his mentor home in each race in his ex Vel's Parnelli Jones team-owned  Lola T400.

 

Each race followed a broadly similar pattern with Smith getting the jump on Higgins before establishing then maintaining a sizable gap. Higgins, who at early rounds of the Australian series this year has matched and at times been able to better Smith's race pace, in turn had the edge over third quickest qualifier Ian Clements and his fellow Lola T332 drivers Roger Williams and Russell Greer.

 

In the first two races Williams got the jump on Clements with the order at the flag Smith, Higgins, Williams, Clements and Brett Willis (Lola T330).

 

Russell Greer, driving the Lola T332 that Graeme Lawrence set the original class lap record in back in 1976, was running with Williams and Clememts early in the first race before stopping with gear selection issues while Sefton Gibb (Lola T332) had to work his way from the back row of the grid in the first race after breaking a half shaft in qualifying.

 

Gibb then worked his way from the back row of the grid to eighth place in the first race, finished seventh in the second then parlayed a strong start in the 12-lap feature final to cross the line in a weekend best fourth place behind Smith, Higgins and Roger Williams.

 

The feature race was arguably the best from a spectator's point of view with Williams, Gibb, Ian Clements and Russell Greer battling for third through seventh places until the final lap when, as Clements tried to find a way past Gibb for fourth, Greer ran into the back of Clements' car at the hairpin as he made a bid for fifth.

 

That put Clements' car off the track where it stayed, but Greer was able to continue and take the flag half a lap later, albeit back in seventh place behind Gibb, Brett Willis and Aaron Burson.

 

After problems with his McLaren M22 on Saturday, local driver Tim Rush did not make the grid for Sunday's races, while after welding up and strengthening the bellhousing on his Class A high-wing Lola T140 on Friday and finishing seventh in Saturday's race Alan Dunkley suffered a weekend-ending engine blow early in the second race of the weekend on Sunday morning.

 

Also in the wars was Talon MR1 driver David Banks who was forced to stop when the visor on his new helmet misted up in the race in Sunday morning and was forced out of the feature race in the afternoon when he ran out of brakes.

 

After a break of a month and a half MSC NZ F5000 Tasman Cup Revival Series action returns at the two New Zealand Festival of Motor Racing meetings at Hampton Downs over consecutive weekends in late 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, Webdesign and Exide

report sent site: Ross MacKay/Fast Company

photo:Fast Company/Lyall Chinnery

Edited by Jerry Entin, 10 November 2013 - 13:02.

[Jerry Entin]

Ken Smith leading Andrew Higgins
 

Race 2 (8 laps Sun)
1. Ken Smith 8.21.35
2. Andrew Higgins +16.51
3. Roger Williams +28.16
4. Ian Clements +28.79
5. Brett Willis +29.73
6. Russell Greer +31.09
7. Sefton Gibb +37.27
8. Aaron Burson +38.40
9. dnf Peter Burson, David Banks

 

Brett Willis leading Aaron Burson and Sefton Gibb

Race 3 12 laps (Sun)
1. Ken Smith 12.44.48
2. Andrew Higgins +18.07
3. Roger Wiliams +29.33
4. Sefton Gibb +30.05
5. Brett Willis +32.06
6. Aaron Burson +33.53
7. Russell Greer +34.74
dnf Ian Clements, David Banks

 

photos:Fast Company/ Lyall Chinnery

Edited by Jerry Entin, 10 November 2013 - 13:27.

[Jerry Entin]

2013/14 MSC New Zealand F5000 Tasman Cup Revival Series
Calendar
Rnd 1: Nov 8-10 2013 'The Sound' MG Classic Manfeild Feilding
Rnd 2: Jan 17-19 2014 NZFMR Ferrari Festival - 1 Hampton Downs Nth Waikato
Rnd 3:  Jan 24-16 2014 NZFMR Ferrari Festival - 2 Hampton Downs Nth Waikato
Rnd 4: Feb 01-02 2014 Skope Classic Powerbuilt Tools Raceway @ Ruapuna Park Christchurch

[Jerry Entin]

David McKinney if anyone has posted things that don't belong under this topic, it is my fault for not calling this thread the Australian F-5000 and Tasman thread. As a very nice group of New Zealand drivers went to Australia to contest the earlier races and I have reported that in this thread, it is me who has not properly titled the thread..

[Jerry Entin]

Tom Tweedie winning the last Australian F-5000 event of the year

 

Here are Tom Tweedie's thoughts on the crash fest he just took part in:

 

"After two races being red flagged and aborted due to crashes great to get a full race. Race 3 lead from flag to flag and won by a comfortable margin. No more events in the F5000 this year however can't wait for Phillip Island in March! Expecting some top speeds close to 300kph so will be a pretty wild ride."

 

photo: Team Tom collection

Edited by Jerry Entin, 10 November 2013 - 14:26.

[Jerry Entin]

2013/14 Formula 5000 Australia Cup Series (invitational rounds)
Rnd 1: Aug 31-Sept 01 2013 Muscle Car Masters meeting Sydney
Rnd 2: Sept 13-15 2013 Sandown 500 meeting (V8 Supercars) SMotorsport Park Sydneyandown Melbourne
Rnd 3: Nov 08-10 2013 Sandown Historics meeting Sandown Melbourne
Rnd 4: March 07-09 2014 Phillip Island Classic meeting Phillip Island Melbourne
Rnd 5: (provisional yet to be confirmed) March 14-16 2014 Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix meeting Albert Park Melbourne

[Tappets]

PHEW ... hard to keep a secret as F5000 driver Tom Tweedie again had a field day at SMP (Eastern Creek)last weekend in the families Van Diemen RF86 Formula Ford at the HSRCA end of year Historic meeting.

Pole and 3 x wins out of 4 (race 4 was a muffed gearchange and beaten by a bees "whatsit" right on the line) so my lad is in a green patch ... and there were no politics either.

This category has been fabulous over the years and the "old" historic FF's are now lapping the GP circuit around the 1m 40sec mark which is incredible with around 112 bhp and 5.5 inch wheels ... a far cry from F5000 specs and a great training ground for all drivers. The knowledge we have gained from FF and F3 has been passed onto the Chevron which really is just a slightly larger and more powerful version of both ... believe me and I am not kidding ... same basic principles and not rocket science plus a few more horses etc.

Anyway it doesn't hurt to spread the news unless someone considers it bad taste in which case they are probably right but who cares ... we had a good weekend and yours truly also had a win in my Elfin MS7 big banger and was only beaten by 4 x Ralt RT4's in the combined field races all with F1 pilots so I am happy vegemiter too!

So more useless information but we enjoy ourselves and like to share it with others ... all details on www.ibcholdings.com.au/cars

Cheers

TAPPETS

[Tappets]

PHEW ... hard to keep a secret as F5000 driver Tom Tweedie again had a field day at SMP (Eastern Creek)last weekend in the families Van Diemen RF86 Formula Ford at the HSRCA end of year Historic meeting.

Pole and 3 x wins out of 4 (race 4 was a muffed gearchange and beaten by a bees "whatsit" right on the line) so my lad is in a green patch ... and there were no politics either.

This category has been fabulous over the years and the "old" historic FF's are now lapping the GP circuit around the 1m 40sec mark which is incredible with around 112 bhp and 5.5 inch wheels ... a far cry from F5000 specs and a great training ground for all drivers. The knowledge we have gained from FF and F3 has been passed onto the Chevron which really is just a slightly larger and more powerful version of both ... believe me and I am not kidding ... same basic principles and not rocket science plus a few more horses etc.

Anyway it doesn't hurt to spread the news unless someone considers it bad taste in which case they are probably right but who cares ... we had a good weekend and yours truly also had a win in my Elfin MS7 big banger and was only beaten by 4 x Ralt RT4's in the combined field races all with F1 pilots so I am happy vegemiter too!

So more useless information but we enjoy ourselves and like to share it with others ... all details on http://www.ibcholdings.com.au/cars

Cheers

TAPPETS

[seldo]

Congratulations Bob - good work

[timbo]

Agreed with seldo, its just great to see the Elfin MS7 out and about at a rapid rate of knots.

[Wirra]

Not to drag this thread any further off topic here is Tappets and the MS7 at Eastern Creek or whatever it is now called.

http://forums.autosp...otos/?p=6521828

[Jerry Entin]

 

Linda Stoddart-Whatley with the new Stan Redmond Memorial Trophy

  

UK SERIES REGULARS RETURN WITH SPECIAL TROPHY

 

When regular MSC New Zealand F5000 Tasman Cup Revival Series visitors Mike Whatley and Linda Stoddart-Whatley fly in from the UK this week for the New Zealand Festival of Motor Racing meetings at Hampton Downs which start in a week's time they will have a special trophy with them.

 

The Stan Redmond Memorial Trophy celebrates the life of series' original Stan Redmond who died as a result of injuries sustained in an accident at the final round of the 2012/13 MSC series at Invercargill's Teretonga Park last February.

 

As well as being both a competitor and strong supporter of the MSC Tasman Cup Revival Series here and across the Tasman, Redmond made several trips to the UK to race and the Trophy has been put up by a group of drivers and family members from there in consultation with the Redmond family in Christchurch and the New Zealand Formula 5000 Association.

 

It will be presented - by Redmond's long-time crew chief and engine man Steve Weeber -  to the driver who puts on 'The Most Spirited Drive' at the final round of this season's MSC series at the annual Skope Classic meeting at Redmond's home circuit, Mike Pero Motorsport Park (Ruapuna), over the February 01/02 weekend. 

 

The two Hampton Downs meetings which precede the Christchurch final have attracted a 20-strong grid for the MSC series races led by emphatic first 2013/14 series round winner Ken Smith (Lola T332) and including a five-strong UK contingent made up of Mike Whatley (Surtees TS8B) and Greg Thornton (March 76B), husband and wife Frank (Eagle FA74) and Judy (Lola T332) Lyons, and their son Michael (Lola T400).

 

Photo: Fast Company/Mike Whatley

 

 

 

 

2013/14 MSC New Zealand F5000 Tasman Cup Revival Series
Calendar
Rnd 1: Nov 8-10 2013 'The Sound' MG Classic Manfeild Feilding
Rnd 2: Jan 17-19 2014 NZFMR Ferrari Festival - 1 Hampton Downs Nth Waikato
Rnd 3:  Jan 24-26 2014 NZFMR Ferrari Festival - 2 Hampton Downs Nth Waikato
Rnd 4: Feb 01-02 2014 Skope Classic Powerbuilt Tools Raceway @ Ruapuna Park Christchurch

 

2013/14 Formula 5000 Australia Cup Series (invitational rounds)
Rnd 1: Aug 31-Sept 01 2013 Muscle Car Masters meeting Sydney Motorsport Park Sydney
Rnd 2: Sept 13-15 2013 Sandown 500 meeting (V8 Supercars) Sandown Melbourne
Rnd 3: Nov 08-10 2013 Sandown Historics meeting Sandown Melbourne
Rnd 4: March 07-09 2014 Phillip Island Classic meeting Phillip Island Melbourne
Rnd 5: (provisional yet to be confirmed) March 14-16 2014 Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix meeting Albert Park Melbourne

 

Prepared by FAST COMPANY of behalf of the New Zealand Formula 5000 Association www.F5000.co.nz

Edited by Jerry Entin, 15 January 2014 - 15:06.

[Jerry Entin]

British young gun Michael Lyons leading top Kiwi MSC NZ F5000 Tasman Cup Revival Series drivers Clark Proctor, Steve Ross and Ken Smith at Hampton Downs two years ago  

 

YOUNG GUN BACK TO GIVE KIWI SUPER-VET SOME COMPETITION AT HAMPTON DOWNS THIS WEEKEND

 

Kiwi Super-vet Ken Smith (Lola T332) showed a stunning turn of speed to dominate the opening round of the 2013/14 MSC New Zealand F5000 Tasman Cup Revival Series at Manfeild late last year. But the evergreen 72-year-old will have his work cut out to repeat the feat at the second and third rounds this and next weekend at the two New Zealand Festival of Motor Racing meetings at Hampton Downs.

 

The reason is the return, after a season's absence, of  young UK gun Michael Lyons (Lola T400). 

 

The last time Lyons was here (for three rounds of the 2011/12 MSC series) the 23-year-old second-generation racer from Falsted in Essex set a new outright circuit lap record (59.840) as he completed a rare clean sweep of the (six) MSC F5000 races at the two New Zealand Festival of Motor Racing meetings. And he returns on a high after multiple wins in the 2013 FIA Historic Formula 1 championship and finishing sixth in class in the International GT Open European sportscar series behind the wheel of a semi-works Ferrari 458.

 

"Michael will be the one to beat, that's for sure," admitted Smith this week. "He's very quick and he's got a lot of experience for his age. I rate him very highly."

 

With his father Frank (Eagle FA74), mother Judy (Lola T332) and fellow UK Historic Racing series regulars Mike Whatley (Surtees TS8B) and Greg Thornton (March 75A) Michael Lyons will be one of four MSC visitors to take on top locals Smith, Andrew Higgins (Lola T400) and Clark Proctor (March 73A) from Auckland and defending and now two-time series champion Steve Ross (McRae GM1) from Dunedin.

 

Lyons Jnr is not the only member of the visiting UK contingent with serious recent Northern Hemisphere historic racing credentials either. Greg Thornton is the current FIA Masters Formula 1 Champion in the Post-1978 class! 

 

It's three-time former series champion Smith who heads into the Hampton Downs double-header with the lead in the series points standings however, with fellow Manfeild podium finishers Andrew Higgins and Roger Williams (Lola T332) second and third respectively.

 

Neither Steve Ross nor Clark Proctor were at that meeting, though, and Smith says both also have the ability to take the battle to young gun Lyons this and next weekend, making for what could well be a four-car battle for supremacy - and a new outright track lap record which Smith says could well end up in the high 57/low 58 second bracket.

 

There will be at least 20 Formula 5000 cars on the grid at each event over the next two weeks which see the return to the MSC series of former Truck racer Calven Bonney in the ex Jim Murdoch Begg 018 and the debut in the Lola T400 initially driven by former Mini and Shellsport ace Reg Cook of car owner Glenn Richards.

 

Joining Richards on the grid will be his Christchurch-based brother, Tony Richards, and fellow Lola drivers Ian Clements from Christchurch, Sefton Gibb from Napier and Russell Greer from Blenheim (all Lola T332) and Brett Willis (Lola T330) from Rotorua.

 

Lola will be the best represented marque with 10 cars entered with McRae (Steve Ross, father and son Peter & Aaron Burson, and Alastair Russell in their GM1s) next with four followed by Surtees (Mike Whatley and local man Warwick Mortimer) and March (Greg Thornton and local man Clark Proctor) on two and the New Zealand-made Begg (Calven Bonney) and the US-made Talon (David Banks from Auckland) and Eagle (Frank Lyons) one each.

 

This year Ferrari is the featured marque at the two New Zealand Festival of Motor Racing meetings with more than 130 examples - including three Formula 1 cars. The trio will be demonstrated on both days and though he hasn't - so far - been asked, Ken Smith says he'd be happy to put one through its paces.

 

"Nobody's said anything about it so far," says Smith, the original ultimate lap record holder at the track,"but yes, if they were handing out rides it would be nice to have a steer."

 

There will be three MSC NZ F5000 Tasman Cup Revival Series races at each New Zealand Festival of Motor Racing rounds at Hampton Downs with qualifying sessions on Friday afternoon and Saturday morning, the first race on Saturday afternoon and two more races on Sunday, one in the morning and the weekend feature in the afternoon.

 

More information and on-line ticket sales are available on the Festival website http://www.nzfmr.co.nz

photo: Fast Company/Alex Mitchell

Edited by Jerry Entin, 15 January 2014 - 15:23.

[Jerry Entin]

David Banks Talon MR1

 

It's been a case of 'better-late-than-never' for Talon MR1 owner/driver David Banks, the 50-year-old Auckland businessman who joined the MSC NZ F5000 Tasman Cup Revival Series three seasons ago in the ex-Jon Woodner Talon MR1.

 

There's a strong 'Kiwi' connection to the American Talon marque, legendary New Zealand driver/constructor Graham McRae licensing the rights to his successful GM2 design to the man behind it, American Jack McCormack.

 

According to Banks, five Talons were built, three MR1s and two MR1As. The car Banks bought is the original, chassis 74-07-1 and is now the only MR1 in existence.

 

"They changed the configuration slightly when they were building the MR1As and converted two of the three MR1s to the new specification at the same time."

 

Why they didn't convert the original one is open to conjecture but Banks thinks it might be because that car was 'down under' being used by Kiwi F1 great Chris Amon in 1975 Tasman Series.

 

"There are no guarantees (as to authenticity) but ours was never converted and the only thing we can pin it down to to is that it wasn't around when they were building the MR1As because it was down here doing the Tasman Series."

 

Banks credits good friend and fellow MSC series regular Peter Burson for his decision to buy a car - in particular a Talon - and get behind the wheel himself.

 

"I remember the cars from the first time around but not even in my wildest dreams did I ever think I'd own let alone drive one but Peter and I have been mates for many, many years and he kept saying to me, 'I'll give you a drive one day in my car. Of course, I was always saying yeah, yeah, yeah....come on come on come, then one day he did and if you ask my wife Brenda the smile didn't leave my face for a week."

 

The car that Peter drove was the Talon MR1A originally imported by local class and historic racing identity Tony Roberts and subsequently bought by the Burson family for son Aaron to drive.  

 

It obviously made quite an impression on David because that was what he went looking for when he decided to buy a car of his own and that's what he found - thanks again to Peter Burson - for sale in the United States.

 

"Peter turned up one night," says David, " and said, 'you're not going to believe this but I've just found the only other Talon which is running in the world...'" 

 

Soon after that car was on its way to New Zealand and now David is not only one of the category regulars, he has had a best finish of fifth (in a Lady Wigram Trophy race no less) and last season finished fifth in the series points standings.

 

Though business (he owns automotive parts supplier SAS) and family remain his main priorities David says that buying a car and joining the MSC series is one of the best things he has ever done.

 

"What do I like about? Everything! I love hanging on and focusing on what I am doing when I am out on the track, I love the camaraderie with the other drivers on and off the track, and I've got a great young guy in Steve Webster who helps me, so between he and I we do pretty much do the whole thing." 

 

photo: Fast Company/Alex Mitchell

Edited by Jerry Entin, 15 January 2014 - 07:26.

[timbo]

Its interesting that there will be at least 20 F5000's compteting at the NZFMR. It was only a year or two ago that there were at least 30plus cars competing. I suppose that reality, budgets, work schedules etc come in to play, and life balances itself out.

I hope all that are competing have a great and safe time, and stories will be told (at least with a slight element of truth) for years to come.