Can Am Brilliance to Phillip Island
Some stunning pieces of motorsport history are in transit from across the ditch, with examples of New Zealand’s finest destined for the Phillip Island Classic Festival of Speed, which is scheduled for March 8-10.
The social post below shows some of the immaculate machines, including Can Am examples, as fitted with massive 8.3-litre Chevrolet powerplants, being loaded up for the journey.
The news follows in the footsteps of confirmation of a one-off Trans-Tasman F5000 Trophy Race, which will see more than 20 of the best of the best open-wheelers from across the region face off on the wide-open sweeps of the Grand Prix Circuit.
From an Aussie perspective, Bryan Sala will be one to watch in his immaculate Matich A50/51 F5000, as powered by a 5-litre Repco V8.
This particular car was utilised by Frank Matich to win the 1971 Australian Grand Prix at Warwick Farm.
Second on that day was Big Rev Kevin Barlett in a McLaren M10B, with multiple examples expected in the incoming NZ fleet.
For instance, one of the vehicles saw significant personal input from Bruce McLaren, while another was raced by Frank Karl in both the UK and South Africa.
Outside of the dedicated race, elsewhere on the program, the F5000s will race shoulder to shoulder with the Groups Q & R racing machines, which typically include a mix of ex-F1 and Indycar machinery.
As always, the Phillip Island Historics will have something for everyone, with 11 categories filled with over 400 entries.
From the Touring Car set are the best of Group A and Group C eras, Le Mans Group C monsters, Formula Fords, Formula Holdens and more.
Set to star once again in the tourers will be Steven Richards, who will take to the wheel of his father Jim’s fire breathing HR31 Skyline, with the Nissan theme continuing with examples of the all-conquering R32 Skyline and Bluebirds from the Group C era.
Outside of Richards, the field will include the likes of Greg Murphy, Jonathon Webb, Andrew and George Miedecke, Tony and Kyle Alford in Nissans, Paul Stubber’s ex-Moffat RX-7, Chris Stillwell’s immaculate Ford Sierra, plus Peter Xibberas aboard a Commodore.
A five-strong contingent of tin tops from New Zealand will make the trip across the Tasman, covering both Group A and Super Touring.
An interesting addition will be Peter Sturgeon’s 1996 Honda Accord Super Tourer, which was originally raced by David Leslie in the 1996 British Championship, before Neil Crompton successfully campaigned the car in North America in 1997, and Graham Dodd raced it in Australia.
The mix will include an ex-Benson and Hedges Sierra, two Super Touring BMWs and a Ford Mondeo.
Meanwhile, Peter Harburg’s priceless 1964 Ferrari 250LM will be a star, as driven in the day by both Jochen Rindt and John Surtees.
Outside of racing, up to 1,100 cars will be corralled in club displays, plus a massive array of merchandise vendors, with the event patron this year being Spencer Martin.
A special celebration will focus on the 50th anniversary of the L34 Torana, which will feature at the Cowes Car Show on Friday night.
Mark Walker (administrator)
A vastly experienced Motorsport Public Relations operator, journalist, commentator and photographer, Mark brings his unique angle to The Race Torque in both words and imagery. As well as serving as our key photographer on the ground at major events around Australia (and overseas), Walker will often chime in with his unique and pin-point sharp viewpoint of the racing world via the keyboard too.
