9 replies to this topic

[layabout]

I just heard that Ross Greenville had passed away & I was hoping this posting might inspire some comments & observations about a person who was part of the fabric of racing for so many years----from the Motordrome Racing Team in his native New Zealand, to Chequered Flag, to running his own Lola T70 in the 1967 Can-Am series. RIP Ross.

 

Let's start with a photo from the early days: The Motordrome Racing Team of: Dennis Marwood (Humber 80), Ross Greenville (Lotus 18 FJ), Howden Ganley (Lotus 11) & Bryan Innes (Ford Zephyr):

 

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[Patrick Fletcher]

God Speed to Ross.

That is a great photo and can remember all of the cars racing at various race meetings in New Zealand.

Edited by Patrick Fletcher, 11 June 2014 - 12:08.

[ErinKondratieff]

Some photos of Ross and friends from the 2011 BRDC New Zealand Luncheon, hosted by Howden Ganley. Photos courtesy of John Fitzpatrick.

 

Glenis Morgan, Dennis Marwood and Ross Greenville

 

Dennis Marwood, Ross Greenville and Howden Ganley - Three of the four Motordrome Racing Team Drivers

Edited by ErinKondratieff, 16 June 2014 - 23:17.

[gnat101]

I knew Ross when working for George Henrotte in the 1960s. I was at Aintree when Ross had a major accident in the F3 Gemini and came close to death saved by a Doctor who went with Ross in the ambulance.

Safety  ( both cars and circuits )   was far down the list in those days and Ross was very lucky and very brave indeed to survive. 

As soon as he was able Ross was back driving again and the last time I saw Ross was at Brands Hatch in about 1964.

I have some photos of Ross which I will post asap. RIP Ros

 

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Edited by gnat101, 09 July 2014 - 18:02.

[layabout]

A few more photos of Ross that might inspire TNFers to provide details...

 

Ross in the Gemini 1963

 

free photo hosting

 

Ross watching Arnold Stafford working on Tony Shelley's Lotus 18

 

 

Ross & George Henrotte at their new garage @ 1964/65:

 

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[toby9980]

Hi all

 

I am trying to track down a car that we believe was taken to NZ in 1966/67 by Ross Greenville. I see that a lot of you had met Ross and shared stories. 

The car is a Piper GT Sports racer that Ross was said to have taken home with him from the uk.

I see he raced for the Gemini F3 team which is where he would have been introduced to Piper as the company was formed by George Henrotte, who also ran the Gemini team.

There were 4 of these cars made and it is believed Ross had the prototype. One of the cars has been known for some time and has been restored and campaigned throughout the UK and Europe. The second has been recently found in Australia. The third was developed into a coupe and was destroyed in an accident so I think that leaves this one remaining.

I would love to hear if Ross ever mentioned this car or if anyone saw or knows what has become of it?

Not sure what colour it would have been though.

Thanks for now

Toby

 

https://postimg.cc/N9dwsNHL

 

 

https://postimg.cc/gLrbnvVs

 

 

https://postimg.cc/pydHGtwj

 

 

https://postimg.cc/NLPwZztz

[opplock]

The Piper isn't listed in Historic Racing Cars of New Zealand (Vercoe 1991) and never appeared in a Levin entry list. If it did get to NZ it seems that it was never used.

[toby9980]

Thanks opplock

 

It would seem so.  Didnt Ross get a drive in can am in the US in 67? that might be why it was never raced.

 

Still keen to know if there is any information on it or if it ever popped up in conversation.  One of those mysteries currently.

 

Thanks

[opplock]

Sorry I can't help. I started going to Levin in 1964 by which time Ross Greenville was UK based so not someone I'd ever seen race. 

[GregThomas]

I would doubt it ever got to NZ.  A lot of the old race cars imported, used and parked have passed through Christchurch where I am, either to be restored or sold overseas.

I've never heard of it here.

I do remember seeing the Motordrome team when they came south for Wigram.

 

I remember leaving a Wigram meeting by motorcycle,passing a long line of stationary traffic. Among them was the Tony Shelly Lotus on a trailer.

There was a small crowd gathered with Shelly's crew leaning on the trailer and Tony shaping up for a fight with the punter who'd run into the back

of the trailer.

He'd already had a bad day with the Lotus - and looking at the guy he was facing, it wasn't going to get any better.