Historic Sport Sedans

[John McKechnie]

chocolate fish will be provided, but cant get the Jim Boyd article to you .

[Rod Grimwood]

Too all the crew at HD Ice Breaker, thanks for a great show on Saturday, good to meet some new cars and people and look forward to seeing everyone at the Festival, this has the potential to be a really good class and put on a great show. Great to hear those cars again at full noise (impressive). Cars looked great.
Sorry I was not there on Sunday but I had to slip off.

See you ALL at the Festival.

Too the drivers who attended the briefing in shed 1 on Saturday, we had a 'guest' who mentioned about holding your line, to those who did not pick him, was Robbie Francevic who told me these are his favourite cars and he did not want to see any damage.

[ERC]

http://www.theroaringseason.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=25914&d=1410671967

Check out my 'Mix of Pics thread' - bottom of the page.

Due to the demands on my time with handicap calculations and doing the starts with young Carter, I didn't spend too much time out trackside, but was grateful of the shelter afforded by the timing box!

Mind you, some regular poster on here was sitting on HEATED SEATS!

Well done for the drivers who ventured out in appalling conditions at times on the Sunday. By the time I left about 3pm Sunday, I think that panel damage was limited to an innocent BMW who was collected in someone else's spin exiting turn 1 and a Formula Ford.

There may have been other problems after I left, but at least our guys managed to come away unscathed bodily. Mechanically it was a different story...

[John McKechnie]

OK folks, here are the details on Ralfs car, Chev Monte Carlo, he had a ball in our group which always welcomes OSCAs -

Hi John,
I started building this car in 1995 and it was finished in 2000.
I ran it in one S.I. Osca round in 2001.
I used the engine transmission, and rear axle out of the Mazda RX7 that John Telford now has. (the red Fuchs oil machine)
It is a 358 Cheverolet. (around 550 horse power)
A Saenz H pattern 5 speed gear box, a Speedway Engineering quick change rear end.
Brembo front brakes, AP rear brakes, Simmons 5x5 wheels.
It is a basic car, built to South Island Osca specs, as in the year 1995.
Hope this all helps, thanks very much for your phone calls etc,
see you soon,
kind regards
Ralph and Denise Mossman.

[CUSTAXIE50]

Supertourers is that the best they could do this weekend,boring,don't no about you lot out there in little old nz this class is not working.You would get more there with say 5 of the old sport sedans that are out there.it may take sometime but this class will come back, but like most things today you have to have some $s to do this

[Rod Grimwood]

Yep you are right, fire some of those $s my way.

It is great to see the cars that have come out of hiding, and as you say it will get better.

[CUSTAXIE50]

Ok you are in the know,just off the top of your head would you have a list of the cars that are out there that with a bit of work could be made to run again.

[928]

the only good thing about the S/tourers was some of the teams/drivers reading and understanding the rules. those who did so should be rewarded. Well Done

[John McKechnie]

And for Cunningham, having radio contact to be told the race had been declared wet just before the start, really shows the advantage of modern communication.

[928]

I agree with you John, on the ball thinking. but i disagree about communications. driver should know what to do, should not need to be told or have a declaration made

[John McKechnie]

I will be racing at Pukekohe this Saturday in HMC - TACOC meeting - weather permitting.
Owing to sickness, I was not able to have a meeting with the HSS drivers at the Ice Breaker.
If possible would like to have a lunchtime group meeting with as many as possible if you are going out to watch

[John McKechnie]

In relation to the proposed meeting, I will not be at Pukekohe tomorrow, so will catch up with people by phone /email.
Looks real wet for the weekend, and Falcon doesnt have gumboots.

[Rod Grimwood]

hire a jet boat John boy.

[Jac Mac]

Run it on the slicks John & steer with the fingertips ( your a no gloves man:)..) pretend there is a rotten egg between feet & pedals, character building stuff, who am I to argue....:)

[John McKechnie]

Jack- absolutely a hands on, gloves off man, we dont argue on much as AB tells me. We chatted for 2 hours the other night.
My views on Pukekohe with the lack of drainage, and the concrete walls restricting even further drainage and safety ,I have posted here.
At Hampton Downs last year in Dec, it was raining and I went out on my drys-only 4 of us it was so bad- and had a ball ,,steering with the jandal.
Difference- HD drains and has room to fall off. Puke doesnt, and is unsafe -not only my views.

[spinner32]

Run it on the slicks John & steer with the fingertips ( your a no gloves man:)..) pretend there is a rotten egg between feet & pedals, character building stuff, who am I to argue....:)

But you're a tough Southern Man, Jac. And used to racing in the rain, no doubt. LOL

[Nathan Wood]

Hey John, I did a practice day there on Friday (3rd) and it was mostly wet and slippery as hell, had a moment just before the hill, all I could think about was CONCRETE! Castrol was awful as well, even the front wouldn't point where I wanted it too!

[John McKechnie]

The entries are now open for the Ganley Festival, HSS will be one year on, and 4 race weekends run with virtually no hasstles or incidents.
In all, a great start and more cars are being completed.
I will be publishing a list of cars we have available to run and hopefully they will be there.
Also I will be putting up some of the cars that used to run and maybe that will jog a few memories.
In the meantime if you have or know of a Sports Sedan , Osca , Allcomer from that period that would like to be on the grid, please PM me.
It sounds a long time to mid January, but we all know- time is our greatest enemy.

[John McKechnie]

26393
Heres another one that has come out of the woodwork to get people salivating.
Went into storage, then sat waiting all this time for a class to come along.
Owner and I have known each other 5 plus years and now he really wants to come out and enjoy the moment, first run will be January NSS.
Craigys car ran in Sports Sedans and at the end, Tranzam Lites at Baypark (last meeting I think)
This is a genuine XBGT Coupe, same as it ran last, unrestored.....MIGHTY.

[GD66]

Horn !

[Spgeti]

I saw the Falcon at this years Palmy Hot Rod Swap meet and yes John what a cool car and as you say, unrestored.

[John McKechnie]

OK, all those who love our winged wonders, and are waiting for their fix, heres a current update as its getting down to 2 months away for the big one in January.
This is my Invitation list so you can start considering where you want to park yourself around the track.
There will be updates on who will be on the grid-
Robert Jack...Escort V8
Rodney Holland...BuickV8
Anthony Predergast..MK 2.CortinaV8
Garry Haynes...RX8
Adrian Dobbie...Viva.
Ivan Bevins...XB Coupe
Gordon Burr...Alfetta V8
Rodger Davis...Torana.
Graeme Addis.,,Charger.
Richard Quinn ...Starlet.V8
Peter Gunther...Skoda.V8
Ralf Mossman...Chev V9
Craig Stacey...Anglia.
Robert Bartley...Custaxie 2.
John Marslin...Zephyr Corvette
Bob Grove...Capri V8
Ron Findlay...Capri V8
Dennis Running...RX8.
Graham Barnes,,,Capri V8.
Mark Barnes...Viva V8
John Telford...RX8
Bill Dunn...Camaro.
Shane Johnson...Mustang.
Cam Crawford...XA Coupe.
Phil Schubert...XA Coupe.
John Rush...Escort Chev
Barry Algie ...Monaro
Peter Stevens...Cortina V8
Rodger Williams....Geenwood Corvette.
John McKechnie...XA Coupe.
George Shewiery...Sidchrome Mustang

BTW -half of these have been confirmed as starters- including the Friendly Capri

[kiwi285]

That is a great looking list John - to see those cars on the start line would be an eye opener for all 'Allcomers' fans.

[TonyG]

No Monaro John :) Just can't get enough of that ford power can you. lol

[John McKechnie]

Tony G - great to hear from you mate, and hows life in the other kiwi paradise?
Yep - Fords just dont seem to run out of gas on the last lap like brand X.
Will email you an update of the Monaro , any sign of that car club article on it?

[TonyG]

Hi John.
Too bloody hot and muggy - 30/32 and 100% humugity here at the moment. Have had no bloody luck at all tracing that car club article. I have tried all the Qld Holden clubs that I can get contacts for, Muscle Car groups etc and got zip. Put out a shout through the Facebook page for Monaro enthusiasts Australia wide and a few were interested in the car and I steered them here but none had seen the article. Dan Bowden kindly gave me a couple of ideas but nothing came from them either. Still looking though.

[John McKechnie]

Hi Tony-
Shes a hard one to find alright , the guy I sold my HT Monaro to has the article, but he is busy supervising it for Holdens loyalty brand prize- got your entry in yet?
Also dont forget next issue of your Street Machine features Barry Algies Monaro.
Tough on the humidity, worked on a vintage car at Briebie Island 20 years ago, did 6-11 am, 3-6 pm for 3 weeks- owner wanted a Kiwi to do the job.
11 to 3 was spent under 3 ceiling fans. Told you get used to it, first 5 years are the hardest. Yeah, right!!!!!!!!!
Glad you liked the pics, check your email box next week.

[kiwi285]

Here are a few photos to help stir the interest coming up to the Howden Ganley Festival.

http://i60.tinypic.com/24uxrah.jpg

http://i60.tinypic.com/ieqr8l.jpg

http://i57.tinypic.com/2crax3o.jpg

http://i58.tinypic.com/2cdz67o.jpg

http://i57.tinypic.com/zx728g.jpg

[kiwi285]

http://i57.tinypic.com/2d9y6pu.jpg

http://i62.tinypic.com/2cmwp5.jpg

http://i60.tinypic.com/j0waa8.jpg

http://i58.tinypic.com/xp8svq.jpg

http://i62.tinypic.com/29dz2q0.jpg

http://i62.tinypic.com/20apc8y.jpg

[kiwi285]

http://i59.tinypic.com/2gtdr7s.jpg

http://i62.tinypic.com/206m1rl.jpg

http://i58.tinypic.com/2r4prmh.jpg

http://i57.tinypic.com/2n8o19i.jpg

http://i60.tinypic.com/dy7fhl.jpg

[Kiwiboss]

Hi John.
Too bloody hot and muggy - 30/32 and 100% humugity here at the moment. Have had no bloody luck at all tracing that car club article. I have tried all the Qld Holden clubs that I can get contacts for, Muscle Car groups etc and got zip. Put out a shout through the Facebook page for Monaro enthusiasts Australia wide and a few were interested in the car and I steered them here but none had seen the article. Dan Bowden kindly gave me a couple of ideas but nothing came from them either. Still looking though.

Was there on the weekend Tony, over for the Australian Trans Am prize giving/Dinner, was up the back hills inland Lakeside on Saturday and it was 41, i had to get outta there, even at midnight after the dinner it was 26 driving back to my mates house in Wynum, drove to the airport at 9am next morning(Sunday) and it was 31 then, that's just too much for this kiwi, glad to get home!! don't know how you guys do it? though quite a few of the Aussies were complaining so it must have been HOT

Dale M

[TonyG]

Hi Dale
Its the bloody humugity that gets you. This bull...t about acclimatising is just that. I have been here 22 yrs now and this is the worst I have known. It just will not rain where we are living. Drive through it on the highway to and from work but in behind Dreamworld its just dust.

From photos I have seen it looked like the Australian Trans Am prize giving/Dinner was a good one.

Love all the latest photos especially that little 100E. Have a soft spot for them being my first car. Taught me a lot about being gentle on brakes if I wanted to keep them lol. Tened to disappear when got hot.

TonyG

[kiwi285]

http://i59.tinypic.com/287hfk3.jpg

http://i60.tinypic.com/28ix6jc.jpg

http://i62.tinypic.com/1443d5j.jpg

http://i61.tinypic.com/1675qo4.jpg

http://i62.tinypic.com/qnsbj8.jpg

http://i61.tinypic.com/2dwcd3r.jpg

[kiwi285]

http://i59.tinypic.com/2yttlci.jpg

http://i59.tinypic.com/34i5is0.jpg

http://i61.tinypic.com/mu97cm.jpg

http://i61.tinypic.com/2nsmckz.jpg

http://i57.tinypic.com/11qr9lt.jpg

http://i60.tinypic.com/iglqxf.jpg

[John McKechnie]

Update from our most respected leader-
Hi Guys,

I want to let you know about the racing opportunities for you at the forthcoming Gulf Oil Howden Ganley F5000 Festival www.nzfmr.co.nz and to ask that those who have not yet got their entries in and ordered a garage/marquee space if they want one do so as soon as possible, please !

There will be a ‘Invited Allcomers & Historic Sports Sedan’ grid at BOTH WEEKENDS of the Festival.

First Weekend - Frid 16th-Sun 18th Jan (with setup and Drivers documentation/Scrutineering on the afternoon of Thursday 15th Jan and free on track testing). Drivers Brief at 0800 ‘sharp’ on Friday morning – everyone there please ! There will be practice on Frid AM and Qualifying on Frid PM. There will be two 8 lap races per day on Sat & Sun. There will be a ‘Howden Ganley’ themed casual dinner with Teddy Pilette, Tim Schenken and others on Saturday evening after racing – tickets cost $40 to cover food and can be purchased on the www.motorsportentry.com website at the same time you do your entry.

Second Weekend – Frid 23rd – Sun 25th Jan (with setup and Drivers documentation/Scrutineering on the afternoon of Thursday 22nd Jan and free on track testing). Drivers Brief at 0800 ‘sharp’ on Friday morning – everyone there please! There will be a combined practice/qualifying session on Friday morning and a race in the afternoon. Thereafter, two races per day on Sat & Sun. There will be a themed F5000 casual dinner on the Saturday evening with Howden and lots of Aussie former F5000 drivers as guests – Kevin Bartlett, John Walker, Bruce Allison, Vern Schuppan, Warwick Brown etc plus Teddy Pilette from Belgium, and Kiwi former F5000 drivers as well – as above, tickets are $40 each. Don’t forget the prizegiving on Sunday to take place immediately after racing has concluded.

If you intend to enter, please do so right away as this will help me get the programme sorted before Xmas. (note entry fees go up by $30 after the end of the November – the published Closing Date in the Sup Regs). Don’t forget to order a garage/marquee space if you want one – there will be big pressure on available garages and we will put up marquees only for those who order them early enough. If you wish to enter but don’ t want to pay just yet, tick the ‘pay by cheque’ box in the online www.motorsportentry.com website !

In closing, if you have not already done so, please get your entry in right away – for both weekends if you can make it. Don’t forget to order a spot in a garage/marquee if you want one ! If you remember to, please send me jim@nzfmr.co.nz a quick email to say whether or not you are racing - and if ‘yes’ – one weekend or two ?

Let me know if you have any questions.

With kind regards to all,

Jim

[John McKechnie]

Tony - check out this Ford power-
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V-zOT_Pw26k

[TonyG]

Insane stuff isn't it. The guy is definitely a Hoonigan ! lol

[John McKechnie]

26664

[John McKechnie]

26665

[John McKechnie]

Have been going through Barrys photo album, and will put more up here.
First serving is for Bruce and the 105 gang at Manawhatu- Ian Algie standing in front of cars leaving the plant at Turin.
Second pic is the Alfetta- earliest pic-still on the transporter crossing Canada from East to West- just like that

[Spgeti]

Thanks John. Precious photo of the Alfetta. I will send you some of the Autodelta workshop or a link to put up. This year is Autodelta's 50th anniversary.

[John McKechnie]

26689.
The ZF 5 speed gearbox, as used in the Katipo MJ70.
Barry bought this F5000 back- the 2nd time- just for this.
Sports Sedans regulations said you had to use a road car box, and this was from a Ford GT 40.
Yes, pic is upside down.
Barry had to do quite a lot mods to the front to get it to this stage- as in the motor is at front, drive shaft set up etc.
All his own work.
Pic is from Sept 1986.

[John McKechnie]

26691
ok- here we go.
An early race meeting for the Monaro, note the flares.
Not much inner guard left.
McLeans car following- now owned by Tony Boyden.
The air feed to the radiator went via a black steel vent from the pass window to the radiator.

Pic- Linear Photographs.
P.O.Box 139,
Opotiki.
Any clues as to this crowd?
Also has OPOTEX on the back.

[John McKechnie]

Ivan Bevins took the ex Craig Pullmans XBGT Coupe out for its first run at Hampton Downs on the weekend.
Hasnt been on a track since mid 90s, and Ivan said it was an absolute dream to drive- another satisfied Ford owner.
Pumping out the same 730 hp, nothing has been altered since it ran last

[Bailey]

Boyden has the later VK that Trevor built.

[John McKechnie]

26692

26693

[John McKechnie]

26694

[John McKechnie]

26695

[rogered]

Correct, bailey Thats the NZvhss (where are the bones of that car??)

[John McKechnie]

Here are 4 pics which I invite comment on.
Like whose split window Corvette was used for the stock car?
I can see Supertune on the 2nd pic of the speedway car.

[TonyG]

I see Bruce Manons Escort and Jim Shorts Pooch parked on the grass at the entrance to the pits in the Monaro shot. Must have been an disagreement over a parking spot :)

[ERC]

I see Bruce Manons Escort and Jim Shorts Pooch parked on the grass at the entrance to the pits in the Monaro shot. Must have been an disagreement over a parking spot :)

Pooch looks a bit the worse for wear - but just look at the crowds!

[John McKechnie]

Thats Sports Sedans for you, many more pics to follow.........

[ERC]

Just saw Madpete's Skoda on a trailer Glenfield area...

[kiwi285]

Here is a photos sent to me by John to post onto this thread.

Friend chasing Park. The Capri will be at the Festival with Graham Barnes driving.

That will certainly be worth seeing.

http://i61.tinypic.com/4ergn.jpg

[Kiwiboss]

Just helped Richard Quin do his Festival entry today for HSS, so hes another for the class John.

We'll get them one at a time mate

Dale M

[John McKechnie]

Right on Dale, and with #555 (and more pics to follow) - It’s Brian Friend behind the Graham Park pterodactyl at Baypark- anon donors words, Im hoping we will see the Marina soon.
Mark Allen - Viva V8 and Graeme Addis have also got their entries in.
John Rush- Escort Chev- is rebuilding his gearbox after Whittaker.
Gordon Burrs Alfetta gearbox is having some new internals so he can last longer, the gears are soooper heavy duty
Both are working hard to make sure they make it.

[John McKechnie]

26702

this ones for Grimmie -
....and who is the Brit-Euro?
26704

[John McKechnie]

26703

early days at Puke- no overbridge, no concrete barriers- and the sheep get the best view and the ditch is still there.
Ian in the Alfetta.
Whos driving the little yellow Eddie?26705

[John McKechnie]

Youre right, yet they were there 8 minutes ago- like our youth.
Update 10.49- Have reloaded pics Rhys, hope you enjoy them and add any necessary detail.
BTW -anything you can add about the BW Speedway car pics?

[Andrew Metford]

26702

this ones for Grimmie -
....and who is the Brit-Euro?
26704

Brit-Euro is the one and only Mr Bruce Manon, MK2 Escort Pinto turbo. Can't wait to see his new car…..

[Andrew Metford]

John, is Barry going to be able to run his traditional number 78 this year?

[Oldfart]

I have now removed that post. No, I did not get to speedway till the late 60s, and then not often. I reckon that could be a made up Corvette, reason is that the body has dents and mis-shapen panels which would not happen with a fibreglass body which the 'vette was.
I had forgotten how little "background" there was at Puke. That photo has to be 70s (?) which was after I was flagging there, and often at the point in the pic with the Monaro and Alfetta. I think it likely this is a Club event given the lack of spectators. (and cars in the pic)

[John McKechnie]

26725
Pic has April 1985.
Usual suspects- Barry, Graeme Park in a real car, Graeme Addis, Tony Rutherford- can see Autoshift on screen?
Id on the one behind anyone, also on any marshalls or girl in blue bikini top in crowd?

[John McKechnie]

26726
Once upon a time these was a boy called Barry, and he had a girl.......
They were very much in love, like Romeo and Juliet. Unfortunately unlike the previous 2 this couple decided to travel from Canada to LA.
Things were going well until the 383 engine had petrol problems.
Barry, being a likely kiwi lad and very inventiitve strapped a 44 gallon drum to the roof of the car, filled it up and went to get in the car.
The girl in the meantime didnt like the way this was heading, took her gear out, and caught the bus, never to be seen again.
Barry went on and had a wonderful time, no girl, great time getting through US Customs , and spent the time racing Cadillacs on the motorway.
Road trips, you learn a lot about people.

[Bailey]

26725
Pic has April 1985.
Usual suspects- Barry, Graeme Park in a real car, Graeme Addis, Tony Rutherford- can see Autoshift on screen?
Id on the one behind anyone, also on any marshalls or girl in blue bikini top in crowd?

Probably Warwick Gray Viva.

[Oldfart]

She doesn't look anything like that now John :)

[seaqnmac27]

Agreed

[John McKechnie]

26731

[John McKechnie]

26732

[GD66]

Now THAT is timing ! Great pic !

[John McKechnie]

Still more to come..............

[Andrew Metford]

Loving the pictures John, thanks for scanning and posting them :)

[TonyG]

Anyone know who ran the white Capri in these latest photos posted by John. That is one I can not place.
Cheers
Tony

[seaqnmac27]

Terry O'Brien

[John McKechnie]

Thats interesting as Terrys car can be seen in a Puke video being red with a rear spoiler

[Bryan]

Terry's car was discussed in this (http://www.theroaringseason.com/showthread.php?398-1989-NZ-Sports-Sedans/page4) thread. :)

[rogered]

Its terry o brian, was painted white to red

[John McKechnie]

26741

[John McKechnie]

26742

[John McKechnie]

26743

[ERC]

26744

[kiwi285]

Here is a photo I discovered today of Wayne Huxford's Capri in 'Mother' colours at Wellington

http://i60.tinypic.com/2nc2yix.jpg

[kiwi285]

Here are a couple of photos of Ivan Bevin's XBGT Falcon. The car has been entered for both weekends

http://i58.tinypic.com/23s7vc6.jpg

http://i59.tinypic.com/2jethue.jpg

[Kiwiboss]

Here are a couple of photos of Ivan Bevin's XBGT Falcon. The car has been entered for both weekends

http://i58.tinypic.com/23s7vc6.jpg

http://i59.tinypic.com/2jethue.jpg

WOW that's fantastic Mike, these guys are starting to GET it!! take a bow John McKechnie.

Dale M

[kiwi285]

It is great to see these historic cars coming out of the woodwork and again pounding the tarseal. Along with HMC cars these big V8 powered machines are what the punters really want to see in tintop racing.

[John McKechnie]

Yep, Dale, shes a proud addition to the Historic Sports Sedan grid.
Good timing considering Ford is leaving Aussie taxi series.
Conservatively 850 hp at the wheels.
Those who followed Targa in the days when they ran real cars will remember Ivan as a real hard charger in his genuine XY GT.
This aint a trailer queen!!!!!!!!!!!!
Ivan had a lot of fun on Saturday, says a real dream to drive..drive?/? Just point the nos e and floor it.
Its a father and son combo so Jason is one lucky son of a.......Coupe owner.

[ERC]

What pleases me more than ever with the emergence of this class is that now we have options for:

Period special (race) saloons;

COD compliant Muscle cars and U3L cars;

European road cars, standard and modified; (ERC, Alfa Trofeo, BMW E30 and open.)

Japanese classic cars;

Even U2K cup cars;

Classic Trial.

What it now means is that not only do drivers have a choice, but ironically, it means that Series such as ours, can tighten their rules.

We have been accused of allowing in hot rods and cars way outside the original intentions, but we remained pragmatic, as some of the cars we allowed in had nowhere else to run - even though they had a history in NZ. At the time, that included Datsun Z's, thinly disguised race cars, even a Corvette and a Mustang! Although we won't throw anyone out who has supported us in the past, it does mean that in the future, we can point people towards other, more appropriate series.

There are always those who prefer to race with their mates or prefer a different race structure and can exercise options, but I think this class was the last piece of the classic saloon jigsaw puzzle.

Go to it guys! It will always be a favourite with the crowds and a decent saloon car does not have to have a V8 under the bonnet (or in the boot!) to attract attention.

[John McKechnie]

Thats right Ray, rules should be tightened so that cars running at Historic meetings can be more as they were in the period. That aim should never be lost
Those with incorrect engines, gearboxes etc will either see Historics for what they are and represent and conform their cars or end up as CR , club cars.
Historic racing is about accepting and enjoying the technology of the time.
Just look at Ivans XB Coupe #585- last raced 21 years ago,nothing has changed, nothing wrong with the technology then. still great now

[John McKechnie]

An update with one month to go-

Richard Quinn- Starlet-Has finished the winter rebuild , started the engine and gave it a good run yesterday, he is on track for both weekends and is VERY keen. A great combination here for the tight parts of the track

Ivan Bevins- Has hard copied all necessary paperwork for XB Coupe to hace roll cage compliance, COD and logbook. These have been sent to motorsport NZ . This car looks all set to go. Hes not worried about the cornering of his car, just point 850 hp toward the next corner and floor it.

Gordon Burr- Definitely a special mention here. Our Gordy, well known for his stubborness ,overriding suggestions to replace the Alfa box, has located the necessary heavy duty gear set- and I do mean HEAVY DUTY- to fit inside the original casing , thus resolving the well known weak link in the car..These parts have been fitted and car should be rolling soon. Good on yer mate !!!! Alfa guys I were talking to want him to win every race, with Spagetti , Ray, and the 105 brigade cheering him on with their green/ white/red flags.

So Rogerd, -what do you rate his chances here................?

John Rush- has the necessary parts to rebuild the gearbox in his Escort- and is on track to be there 2nd weekend as planned. Hes heard about Hampton Downs and it should really be up the pointy end.

Every driver I have spoken to is so looking forward to this event, and the opportunity to really unleash their cars... I mean ....exercise their historic car with enthusiasm.

I decided a while do do a glossy A2 poster celebrating the continued existence of the Sports Sedans. This will feature pics of our cars doing what they do best, and will be giving these posters to the drivers . They definitely will look handsome in the mancave and workshop walls. Some very kind people are helping with the printing costs and there may also be A4 for general distribution.

[ERC]

Will do a trade John. Swap posters... Great news.

Just to add a note here in support of Gordon Burr. I'll be cheering for him too as not only was the Alfetta the car I admired the most when I first arrived in NZ, but Gordon has also been a tremendous supporter of the ERC series, even though racing with the Historic saloons at this event. A real gent and one of the nicest guys in the sport.

[Grant Sprague]

Like this.Rod, I was going to be at Hampton Downs on 17th & 19th but have now our pickers coming in for avo harvest that weeend , will re book rangariri pub for the following weekend , I am phoning the chap that has Ernie,s rep mk 111 to see if he can bring it up........must let Dale know ....ok mate hope you all good have a good one granteeeeeee

[rogered]

An update with one month to go-

Richard Quinn- Starlet-Has finished the winter rebuild , started the engine and gave it a good run yesterday, he is on track for both weekends and is VERY keen. A great combination here for the tight parts of the track

Ivan Bevins- Has hard copied all necessary paperwork for XB Coupe to hace roll cage compliance, COD and logbook. These have been sent to motorsport NZ . This car looks all set to go. Hes not worried about the cornering of his car, just point 850 hp toward the next corner and floor it.

Gordon Burr- Definitely a special mention here. Our Gordy, well known for his stubborness ,overriding suggestions to replace the Alfa box, has located the necessary heavy duty gear set- and I do mean HEAVY DUTY- to fit inside the original casing , thus resolving the well known weak link in the car..These parts have been fitted and car should be rolling soon. Good on yer mate !!!! Alfa guys I were talking to want him to win every race, with Spagetti , Ray, and the 105 brigade cheering him on with their green/ white/red flags.

So Rodgerd, -what do you rate his chances here................?

John Rush- has the necessary parts to rebuild the gearbox in his Escort- and is on track to be there 2nd weekend as planned. Hes heard about Hampton Downs and it should really be up the pointy end.

Every driver I have spoken to is so looking forward to this event, and the opportunity to really unleash their cars... I mean ....exercise their historic car with enthusiasm.

I decided a while do do a glossy A2 poster celebrating the continued existence of the Sports Sedans. This will feature pics of our cars doing what they do best, and will be giving these posters to the drivers . They definitely will look handsome in the mancave and workshop walls. Some very kind people are helping with the printing costs and there may also be A4 for general distribution.

looking at Ivans falcon, quite honestly Im to scared too comment

[John McKechnie]

Roger- have sent you a pm. Also do you think Ivans Falcon could do 6 laps without refilling the tank?

[Spgeti]

I will bring the flags to wave Gordon on. I believe Phil Hehir with the Alfa Montreal is all set to make the first weekend.....not sure which group he is entered in but I know I am crewing for him. Will chat with him tonight. Sounds like really good fields guy's and looking forward to it. Cheers, Bruce D

[John McKechnie]

Bruce- be great to see some flag wavers there , the red and blue brigade couldnt compete with a worked up Italian frenzy.
Now that might take Rogers mind off Ivans Falcon.
BTW-As well as the Italian flags, any chance you also get bring along some of the grid girls that were at the recent Italian MotoGP ?
Phil is in the Sports, GT class I am pretty sure.

[Frosty5]

Rod, I was going to be at Hampton Downs on 17th & 19th but have now our pickers coming in for avo harvest that weeend , will re book rangariri pub for the following weekend , I am phoning the chap that has Ernie,s rep mk 111 to see if he can bring it up........must let Dale know ....ok mate hope you all good have a good one granteeeeeee

Don't think so unless they have had cancellations for the second weekend. Managed to get the first ok, they said the second weekend was chocka.

Dave Graham

[Rod Grimwood]

Yep it is all looking good, great to see all the Sports Sedans and the crews. Be neat to catch up with Ivan, been about 20 - 24 years, and all the others.

Good ol Gordy he is one out of the good bastards mould and has a real neat support team in his beautiful wife, they are gold.

Roger, harden up fella you are the improver and they gotta get you.

Well done John will contact you soon mate.

I will contact you later Grant, so looking forward to the weekends going to be awesome to catch up with all the boy's and gal's.

[rogered]

Yep it is all looking good, great to see all the Sports Sedans and the crews. Be neat to catch up with Ivan, been about 20 - 24 years, and all the others.

Good ol Gordy he is one out of the good bastards mould and has a real neat support team in his beautiful wife, they are gold.

Roger, harden up fella you are the improver and they gotta get you.

Well done John will contact you soon mate.

I will contact you later Grant, so looking forward to the weekends going to be awesome to catch up with all the boy's and gal's.

will you be bringing your armchair?

[Rod Grimwood]

I will have a chair to keep an eye on things and a big stick, for cheecky young buggers, as I am mobile as well fella. Looking forward to catching up.

[crunch]

I will bring the flags to wave Gordon on. I believe Phil Hehir with the Alfa Montreal is all set to make the first weekend.....not sure which group he is entered in but I know I am crewing for him. Will chat with him tonight. Sounds like really good fields guy's and looking forward to it. Cheers, Bruce D

Small world! I did my Teaching degree with Phil's sister Tammy in 2006? .She is married to Jamie Howe the ex-Black Cap. Strangely; she had no interest in cars!

[John McKechnie]

Happy new year, guys.
I would like to hand out in the new years list a huge thank you to Terry Carkeek and Crunch for the rapid attention to getting a COD, and new log book for Ivan Bevins XA Falcon Coupe. This means that the ex Craig Pullman car IS legal , can run and will be running both weekends in Jan -and subsequent meetings.
Credit where credits due- mighty, and another genuine car joins the grid to satisfy the fans.

[Rod Grimwood]

Be good to see this car again.

[Bailey]

Be good to see this car again.

If you look on the ERC 'mix of pics' page, SPman posted some pictures a day or two ago, and the same John
Windelburn is pictured, driving a model A roadster in about the same spot on the club circuit about 17 years
prior to your picture Rod Model A was powered by a 427 chev, built by he and one Peter Philpott

[John McKechnie]

Bailey- I remember John had the C & J Roadster with Caddy in it in early 70s, did he ever throw that around the track also?

[Rod Grimwood]

He must have a fairly large book of old photos. Love dropping in and chatting, he is a living bit of NZ motorsport History and has many great tails and so much information on "The Old Days'.

[Bailey]

Bailey- I remember John had the C & J Roadster with Caddy in it in early 70s, did he ever throw that around the track also?

John That is the one and only C & J Roadster in the picture by SPman I only ever recall it having the 427 engine
that Colin Prast got new from Tonawanda It ran in the 12s on the quarter, so it had a good amount of power for those
times The 'pace car pilot' from the north shore, could probably tell some stories of this car Hillside road and Porana
road saw plenty of V8 action in those days

[Rod Grimwood]

Was good 'test' road back then, as it was not through road. North Shore Brick and end of road was just passed Johns entrance, with not a real lot of other places down there.

[John McKechnie]

Ivan and Jason Bevins both sat and passed their comp licences today. Thanks Tony R for looking after them. Looks like they are all go.,,,, greatl

[ERC]

Sadly, Peter's ex Trevor Crowe Skoda won't be ready. Still awaiting a spacer of some sort apparently. Shame.

[John McKechnie]

My people went over this morning to see about getting this sorted and having him there.
After all, it is next weekend, and the weekend after.
There is a window of time to get things done.

[TonyG]

Where are the following cars now? (not technically traditional Kiwi sports sedans but they sure fits the bill) Moffat Capri, the Zakspeed Escort , the ex Thomson Merc. They are demonstration runs in all meanings of the word so surely they would be able to join in. I don't remember seeing a couple of the cars that are running before I left NZ in 92 yet the Capri and Merc were certainly around then.

Any updates on the Halliday Capri replica buildup. Last report Steve put up was I think before the last Festival and they were ready to fit suspension? Had been fairly quick progress to that point by all accounts but nothing since.

Add in the Tony Antonevich trailer Queen which would be more HMC but still another car that no one gets to see.

A few years back on here, there was a thread on an Escort that was being restored in Waiuku? I remember the talk about rear suspension mounts and gearboxes. I think a gearbox was hard to find to keep in correct. Was it the AWA escort? Is it still being restored?

Any chance Bobs Escort could be on display, even Grimmies Escort. Would still show the public they still exist and how good the engineering was back in the day. Surely they could have a fenced off area where they could be safely displayed. Add the Crowe Skoda. Doesn't have to run does it. Hell I wish I could see them all again running or not but I guess as my brother once said he ruined me by taking me to the car racing from 3 yrs old and he was sorry for that. Boy did I give him a bollocking for that. Best days of my life.

Anyway, to all who are participating as competitors or spectators, I wish you all glorious mid range temperatures and clear skies and hope to see lots of pictures on and off track - pretty please !!!

Regards
Tony

[John McKechnie]

TonyG- will fill in spaces as I can-

Moffat Capri- Gordon Burr has it. It was running regularly at Historic meets .It is needing some work. It never was a Sports Sedan
Thomson Merc- was entered this time last year, but blew the diff in practice. Roger also races other cars while it is being rebuilt
Zakspeed Escort- I have no details.
Halliday Capri replica- I have no details.
Tony Antonevich- always send him an invitation -like others.
Bobs Escort- he will appear when he is ready.
Grimmies Escort- has had some distractions recently. he correctly feels that Shellsports should be part of Sports Sedans and wants to get his car active again.
Crowe Skoda- we are working to get Peter there. Car is stripped and preference is for racing not display.

Having a car for display is difficult to organize, especially when it is incomplete.
George made a huge effort, and spent a lot of time sitting with his unfinished Mustang for the punters with everyone appreciated this effort.
I also was getting the Monaro ready to bring out for a display, a hernia put a stop to this.
Has anyone out there got some more details for our TonyG ?
Also maybe his comments can bring some cars out for display.

[crunch]

Grimmies Escort- has had some distractions recently. he correctly feels that Shellsports should be part of Sports Sedans and wants to get his car active again.
.

Yep; great idea.
We need to find a place to keep these cars running in original Shellsport spec. Many have just been butchered, or plain lost and they are a big part of our 70's and 80's.

[John McKechnie]

Peter Hooper who was involved with running a Toyota then is running a replica Shellsports Corolla, and will be there for both weekends.
I am keen to get these cars involved again, as I have stated here before- in Historic Sports Sedan class.
The big question I ask the world is did any MK 1 Escorts run YB motors during the Shellsport era, is so then who ?

[crunch]

Peter Hooper who was involved with running a Toyota then is running a replica Shellsports Corolla, and will be there for both weekends.
I am keen to get these cars involved again, as I have stated here before- in Historic Sports Sedan class.
The big question I ask the world is did any MK 1 Escorts run YB motors during the Shellsport era, is so then who ?

Not that I know of.
They were twin Cams or Pinto 2litre or 1600 x-flow as the Shellsport rules stated only two valves per cylinder

[Howard Wood]

Peter Hooper who was involved with running a Toyota then is running a replica Shellsports Corolla, and will be there for both weekends.
I am keen to get these cars involved again, as I have stated here before- in Historic Sports Sedan class.
The big question I ask the world is did any MK 1 Escorts run YB motors during the Shellsport era, is so then who ?

Given that the first YB Cosworth appeared in 1986 in the Sierra RS and ShellSport folded in 1985, I think we can categorically state that no ShellSport Escort Mk 1 ran a YB!

[TonyG]

Thanks guys. I knew the Moffat car was not sports sedan but the kiwis did race against it in period definitely in Aus, can't remember if Alan ever bought it to NZ. Getting old and too lazy to look. lol.

Hope the Hernia is treating you ok John. Nasty buggers in the wrong place.

I can understand the go versus show preference as well as Bob and Grimmies preferences which have been documented in passing by both before. Was just curious if either had had a change of heart :)

Regards
Tony

[John McKechnie]

Howard- thank you for this succinct statement.
Dont suppose you also know if any Sports Sedans ran YBs before they stopped the class?

[rogered]

Howard- thank you for this succinct statement.
Dont suppose you also know if any Sports Sedans ran YBs before they stopped the class?

Of the top of my head, rod briery came out from the uk a did a couple of events with a mitsi starian - cosworth, and terry richardson hadi think a cosworth sierra block etc in his escort turbo.He may be able to confirm this

[4dnut]

Hi I run the Zakspeed Mk1 replica, i am desperately trying to get it going for the festival. Just had to take the engine out again to fix a small issue. Hopefully get it back in tomorrow after work. As for the question on YB engines, it can be a bit grey. What actually is a YB. Is it the turbo engine built by Ford/Cosworth or a you talking about something else. Some of the engines running were not built by Ford or Cosworth they are modern Smith and Jones engines. A S & J engine started as a YB but ended up taller and made of aluminium and with there own cylinder head.

[Howard Wood]

Hi I run the Zakspeed Mk1 replica, i am desperately trying to get it going for the festival. Just had to take the engine out again to fix a small issue. Hopefully get it back in tomorrow after work. As for the question on YB engines, it can be a bit grey. What actually is a YB. Is it the turbo engine built by Ford/Cosworth or a you talking about something else. Some of the engines running were not built by Ford or Cosworth they are modern Smith and Jones engines. A S & J engine started as a YB but ended up taller and made of aluminium and with there own cylinder head.

Exactly, so either way the engine and its derivatives were never available for homologation in the 1968 - 1974 Mk 1 Escort. Therefore a car so fitted will never comply with schedule K and if running in age grouped classes should be running in the period of the engine, ie at least post 1986.

[ERC]

Which is why we don't have an issue in the ERC Series!

What started as a pre 1977 series with run ons has had to morph into a rolling age group, as the number of pre 1977 cars available, shrinks. As pointed out above, the joy of handicap racing is that there is no real advantage, whether running a 1300 Escort or a 2 litre.

We are now running later cars, as even a 1990 cars is now 25 years old. Remember also that under T & C, the 'T' is supposed to be thoroughbred, yet no definition exists! We don't make any pretensions as to 'Historic', therefore run to our own set of rules - which doesn't please some outsiders, but some people seem to overlook the fact that all rules are written for the benefit and/or protection of competitors, not outsiders.

Each series has its own structure and philosophy and there are very few cars that can't slot in somewhere. The advantage is that meeting organisers dealing with group convenors, is far preferable to the days of old, when as a driver, you could be unceremoniously dumped into a totally inappropriate class.

[Habu]

Hi I run the Zakspeed Mk1 replica, i am desperately trying to get it going for the festival. Just had to take the engine out again to fix a small issue. Hopefully get it back in tomorrow after work. As for the question on YB engines, it can be a bit grey. What actually is a YB. Is it the turbo engine built by Ford/Cosworth or a you talking about something else. Some of the engines running were not built by Ford or Cosworth they are modern Smith and Jones engines. A S & J engine started as a YB but ended up taller and made of aluminium and with there own cylinder head.

So if the area of YB into Escort is grey, does this mean that a cast iron block (read Cortina / Sierra) with a "YB" type cylinder head would be acceptable as this is essentially what the Warrior/Connaught/Holbay engine is, which is compliant for classic rallying? Or is this effectively not within the "spirit" of the rules?

Dead keen to see your Zakspeed run again 4dnut as its always a bit of a personal highlight

[4dnut]

I was under the understanding that YB cylinder heads were not eligible for classic rallying overseas, that's why most escorts run BDG or the Connaught/warrior engine(which was deemed a continuation of old period cylinder head, and still available). YB was not in period. It's one of the things how much do you want to deviate, is a 4AGE essentially a BDA and we can use those. I don't buy the argument that people use YB because it's cheaper, it is not ,simple , what it does do is let you use an alloy block of different dimensions that enable engines to become 2.5litre plus. Yes an iron block YB would be more acceptable, but not correct, just less wrong.

[928]

I like your last sentence 4dnut, " more acceptable, but not correct,just less wrong". Can I quote it in debates please?

[Howard Wood]

What class are you running in at the Festival 4dnut? The options seem very limited this year, when the entries were open there was a Pre '78 Saloon box to tick, which I did and I also ticked the box for Heritage touring cars (weekend 1 only) as an extra. Now the race program has been published there is no Pre '78 class and as Dale has a full HMC grid I can't run there either. Unless I am missing something it looks like I will only be running with the Heritage Touring cars. Will definitely be hitting the organisers up for a refund!

[4dnut]

I would have liked to run my car in the Heritage touring cars, but gearbox is wrong. I bought a ZF for it on a punt from overseas before last festival. Cheap but condition commensurated the price. Gerry was happy for me to run there if I could change the gearbox. So given that I will have to run in with the Sport Sedan boys where I have done the last couple of years, not quite right there but cool running with some really neat cars. Also trying to get the Lotus 47 all going as well.

[Rod Grimwood]

I hope (will be) at HD next weekend and catch up with people on this.

I have had a bit of a shake up over the last 4 months with 2 major modifications 1 major rebuild and have just this day got home from another 3 days in the tune up centre and hopefully this is the last major tune up. I now have to run in the gear slowly and once settled will be back at full rev's.
See you then.

I believe it to be a good move to intergrate the Shellsport and other 2lt Sports Sedans in with the group. This is what happened back in mid 80s and it was a good class.

[John McKechnie]

Rod- your post....03-05-2013, 08:32 AM
I better get this thing in the garage together so John can come and run around with me. The more I read the more I wonder were I will run it. 1 roll cage ?. 2 slicks, never had anything else. 3 it has no inside except alloy panels. 4 only glass in windscreen, plastic elsewhere. 5 no muffler. 6 no radio. 7 no heater. 8 owner has no money but has a trailer.


Question answered.

[Kiwiboss]

What class are you running in at the Festival 4dnut? The options seem very limited this year, when the entries were open there was a Pre '78 Saloon box to tick, which I did and I also ticked the box for Heritage touring cars (weekend 1 only) as an extra. Now the race program has been published there is no Pre '78 class and as Dale has a full HMC grid I can't run there either. Unless I am missing something it looks like I will only be running with the Heritage Touring cars. Will definitely be hitting the organisers up for a refund!

Just a quickee guys, busy moving shop along with everything else life can throw at you(that's not motor-sport related) so have had little time recently.

Howard, bit of cock up for HSC for this event, the deal done to entice the Aussies back is they requested HMC and ATA be stand alone. I made this known some 6 months ago once the Aussies confirmed, unfortunately by the time myself, Steve and Tony took over HSC the class's were set for the Festival and there was no room for Historic Saloon Cars(U3L). It is only for this one event that this has happen(unless both groups become to big in the future) luckily for some Rays ERC group has been able to absorb them. For the Legends meeting end of March i expect us to put together a combined 30 car HMC/HSC grid, so aim for that, don't want much larger than this!!(and the weathers is much better in March)

4dnut, its Ray to the rescue your problem is solved, just race with ERC(or go on standby i guess at this stage?)

Dale M

[Howard Wood]

Thanks for the explanation Dale, I was a bit miffed when I saw the program as the 2 weekends of Festival were always planned to be my only racing this season.

Lucky the weather and fishing is good at the moment!

[ERC]

Just to bring you up to date, if you hadn't read it on the other thread.

ERC has never been invited to take part in the Festival as there was a perception in some quarters, that people could see us race at any time and the Festival was supposed to be a bit different. Not being particularly impressed with the size of the grids in 2014, I put forward a proposal to the Festival committee for one grid and my reasons for doing so - but only after canvassing our drivers to see what level of support I would get.

Although there is a large speed differential between the two groups, they can and do drive together without major issues (33 entered for Taupo this weekend and 29 finished the last race).

As usual, quite a few drivers did not adhere to our procedures and clear their entries with me first and we ended up with 59 entered for the Festival, meaning a full grid of 46 cars and 13 reserves!

Although all will in fact run, several have been shifted into other groups and they include John Hudson's BMW 2002 and Zac Lawrence's 635, into the Sports GT grid, which is effectively now a sports, GT and saloons grid, so Howard's BMW would slot in there quite easily.

I say easily, as this was a bone of contention previously for many of the regulars (including myself), with standard road cars thrown in against out and out sports racing cars and full race GTs and sports cars on slicks. Getting lapped within 5 or six laps and just trundling around in scratch races, just meant a lonely race each time and also only getting 7 laps instead of 8 in every race. Others saw it the same way.

Having almost 60 cars entered this year in the ERC grid, there are obviously enough cars to support our two regular grids but it is always the organisers' prerogative to decide what they want at their meetings. If they invite a specific series, whether as a points round or not, it is then normally up to that series committee or convenor as to whether or not they will accept overseas or outsider entrants.

The Festival aims to attract overseas drivers and for that to be successful, there have to be grids to accommodate them. HMC is happy to communicate and get the support of Australia which is great. It may or may not work as well with other grids.

Thankfully, this year's event has a larger field than in any previous year, but it is feedback from spectators and competitors (positive and negative) to the organisers that is important. If people only email or post positive feedback on the social media, then it is easy to believe that all is always well and rosy. Those of us in positions of control or influence also need negative feedback, so that we can assess where there may be a need for change.

Incidentally, 4dnut's car is a full out race car, running on slicks (correct me if I am wrong!) not a trimmed road-going car, therefore is not eligible for the ERC series. There has always been a need for a race saloons class.

[4dnut]

Hi Ray,
Escort doesn't run on slicks(it has done),I use Dot tyres. As for interior, it has door trims, hood lining, a proper dash, rear parcel tray, just doesn't have carpets and only one seat.

[4dnut]

Just a quick note, Escort all going, but alas entry in to Sports Sedans and Allcomers was declined because of the gearbox. So although I think it would have fitted in OK, and runs nice with a few of the V8 cars I won't be running it. I appreciate John M's efforts but organisers say no. I am not sure if I can be bothered to run the Lotus 47 now either.

[ERC]

OK 4dnut. Wouldn't be a problem for the series for the future, but obviously way too late for this year's Festival!

[Kevin Hirst]

OK 4dnut. Wouldn't be a problem for the series for the future, but obviously way too late for this year's Festival!

Can somebody please explain the word allcomer to me , When I raced that class many years ago you could build anvthing you wanted iefiat 500 with ford1500cc engines sitting almost beside the driver now you have to have the right gearbox in an escort to enter? god I would be p---d off, having that sort of machine and not allowed to race,

[Rod Grimwood]

That was along time ago Kevin, and if you had same car/gear ok.

It is 'Historic Sports Sedans'. Ok there are/have been a few other cars previous to help with grid to get class going and interest. These cars have been in the "spirit' of what used to run with Sports Sedans some times back in 80s.
This Escort is a beaut and has been built immaculately with the best gear, and is a rocket ship but unfortunately it is not historic.

Gearbox is not as run by cars back then. We will not start on 'YB' as that is mine field. would be great to have this car running but work needs to be done on how.

[Jac Mac]

Can somebody please explain the word allcomer to me , When I raced that class many years ago you could build anvthing you wanted iefiat 500 with ford1500cc engines sitting almost beside the driver now you have to have the right gearbox in an escort to enter? god I would be p---d off, having that sort of machine and not allowed to race,
Have to agree with you Kevin, there is such a broad spectrum of cars from thoughout at least four decades of NZ motorsport that it seems crazy to bring in rules like this, especially when most of these cars were built and raced when there were very few rules... even more so when the organisers keep repeating that the cars are the stars and rewards are chocolate fish....but that seems to be the avenue that NZ Motorsport is hell bent on travelling down. All I can say to 4dnut is go south young man- SFOS where they still seem to consider a car on the track is better than one in the shed.... although the times are a changing and influences from up north are trying to spread this trend country wide.

[Andrew Metford]

If the grid is fully subscribed with correct-specification cars, then ok, but if not, then it's rather disheartening to have people, who have supported and raced with the classic brigade for many years and are well known as clean respectful racers, with immaculately built and maintained cars, being turned away because they have the wrong gearbox. I know I'd rather be watching cars with the wrong gearbox than empty tarmac. People pay to come and watch cars race. Maybe paying spectators is not a desire of the organisers? Unless you read this forum, Joe Public won't have a clue what gearbox is in any particular car.

I'm coming over from Perth in Western Australia specifically for both weekends of the Festival, so it's a bit of a hike to watch half empty grids. Just saying…...

[ERC]

Have to agree with you Kevin, there is such a broad spectrum of cars from thoughout at least four decades of NZ motorsport that it seems crazy to bring in rules like this, especially when most of these cars were built and raced when there were very few rules... even more so when the organisers keep repeating that the cars are the stars and rewards are chocolate fish....but that seems to be the avenue that NZ Motorsport is hell bent on travelling down. All I can say to 4dnut is go south young man- SFOS where they still seem to consider a car on the track is better than one in the shed.... although the times are a changing and influences from up north are trying to spread this trend country wide.
I'm afraid we are going over old ground here. I don't think there is anything new to add. 4dnut knows well enough that there are not only several convenors' grids with different philosophies, but that MSNZ and the H & C commission's stance doesn't have the full support of all the competitors either.

There are pragmatists and purists at all levels and you throw your lot in one with one or the other. Purists can always race alongside pragmatists and hold their heads up high, but not necessarily vice versa. So yes, the pragmatists can bring their cars out of the shed but their options to race may be a little more restricted.

[Rod Grimwood]

Sorry Jac you got it wrong this time sun shine. Need to know full details not just bits.

You Quote: 'Have to agree with you Kevin, there is such a broad spectrum of cars from thoughout at least four decades of NZ motorsport that it seems crazy to bring in rules like this, especially when most of these cars were built and raced when there were very few rules'

Jac Point being; It is a new car with all the latest in it, built of latest, please it is not historic, has no history, etc etc. Don't forget this is a 'classic/Historic' event and group/class.

I personally love the car, it is a darling, and want to see it going (I have seen car going and up close) He is a bloody good guy and family along with it and very clever fabricator and can peddle a car very well.

If it is a problem in the north then you get the car and fella south and make him at home, and then find somewhere for him to race. Best of luck , You will get same as some with 'classic-historic' cars don't really feel good having pants pulled down by something that is 30 years younger and latest gear, etc etc. The Historic Cars are the stars, don't detract from this as it has taken a lot of work to get these cars dragged out and they are happy with their lot. Some even have the same person behind the wheel that was there 20-30 years ago, so it has got 2 lots of elders out having FUN.

In reality, it is a weapon, and leaves the 'Historic Sports Sedans' and other classics for dead, hence why the poor bugger is finding it hard to get a run at a 'Classic/Historic' meeting. if you can organize similar looking cars that will run with it then please 'fill your boots'

shit it's late nye nye

[Grant Sprague]

Well put Rod as hard as it might be to say these words but facts are facts , simply that..... ps Rod you sound like a box of birds will you on the 2 nd weekend 24th & 25th........ Granteeee

[John McKechnie]

This discussion is centered around one thing- a sequential gearbox.
Jacmac- can you remember Gary Sprague, Crosbie,Lin Neilson- any of those guys running a Quaiffe or Hollinger sequential gearbox or getting the guts and fitting it to their Escorts?
When there are no firm rules for club cars or T/C then of course modern running gear taken from Sierras on will be used.- dont assume it is Historically correct if its modern. It is up to the owner.
Even Central Muscle Cars who do not cap horsepower wont allow sequential gearboxes in.
Historic Escorts are about the likes of John Dennehy, Raydon Smith-for example- who tirelessly campaign their Escorts not needing a sequential gearbox to bring out their best when they race. Nor have they repowered with 2.5 litre Smith and Jones Engines.
Two Escorts here have sequential gearboxes- the other car is removing it and having a normal gearbox fitted .

[4dnut]

I appreciate Ray's comments and his offer of running in his series at other events, many thanks. I have never made any secret about what my car is and what is in it or mislead what is in it(unlike some others). What I thought was that I had run in this class the last couple of years , no real pressure to change the gearbox. When George started to get this grid going I was invited to come and run to help with numbers and once the class was well established and grid was full I would happily bow out. If I had known I was to be excluded because of the gearbox I would have done something about it, my mistake. Not sure if I completely agree with Rod saying latest of everything, engine is period BDG with Lucas injection, been around since 1974? I was always under the understanding that this class was for historic sports sedans and the invited allcomers part was to encompass cars not quite right?

[Kevin Hirst]

That was along time ago Kevin, and if you had same car/gear ok.

It is 'Historic Sports Sedans'. Ok there are/have been a few other cars previous to help with grid to get class going and interest. These cars have been in the "spirit' of what used to run with Sports Sedans some times back in 80s.
This Escort is a beaut and has been built immaculately with the best gear, and is a rocket ship but unfortunately it is not historic.

Gearbox is not as run by cars back then. We will not start on 'YB' as that is mine field. would be great to have this car running but work needs to be done on how.

Rod, you still have not told me what an allcomer is, or the reason why he could not enter sport's sedans & allcomers, see you there.

[Rod Grimwood]

When I said best of every thing it was a broad statement, not intended to offend.

I also wrote this before Jafa and ERC had replied. As ERC says, it is old ground and be good to have it sorted.

As I said, it is a great car, a good guy, and I like seeing the car.

Nothing personal against anybody, but don't shoot in half loaded as it does not help.

Thanks Grant, yes it was/is hard to say, but as above, some are only half loaded. It has been a hard long exercise to get 'Historic Sports Sedans' back out of the sheds and we need to support the people who have done this and the owners/drivers.

I have a hell of a lot of time for the people involved with the car and as stated, it is a credit to them and they are bloody nice people and I hope this can be sorted out in a good way for all, and that includes the general public/motorsport enthusiast.

And a big 'Yes' to feeling better. There this weekend and next can not wait and be great to see you and others.

Kevin, Allcomers was included to cover the likes of the Corvette Zephyr (replica) having a run as it is 'Historic' in its own sense, not to invite everyone to go out and build a Allcomer from NASA left overs. (broad statement) I thinks you know what an Allcomer is and there is not any built after about 68 when MANZ changed the rules. Sport Sedans and Osca actually did have rules also, ok they may have been very broad, but they had rules.

I'm off fishing, hope the fisheries guys don't question me, I think I know the new regulations.

[John McKechnie]

Kevin-
reason-a modern sequential gearbox takes any car out.
what - period or acceptable equipment.
This shows that there are people who have assumed that a modern sequential gearbox is standard fitting to MK1 Escorts and are willing to accept this at a Historic meeting.
Will the true Escort followers please stand up and be counted.

[Jac Mac]

Kevin-
reason-a modern sequential gearbox takes any car out.
what - period or acceptable equipment.

Then it should be - a modern gearbox takes any car out, so that also means Jerico's, T101A, Getrag, Later ZF etc- It is Historic Sport Sedans, some cars ran Hewland Transaxles and conversions with Straight cut gears, Sequential shift and Dog Engagement, think of names like Knight etc who preceeded quaife & others, any clever engineer could build/fabricate a sequential shift system for most conventional transmissions and modify them to dog engagement, was it done in period, yes by some of the more clever and 'silent' guys.

Thing is, I look at your Invitation list in post #522 and see others who probably fall short of some of your criteria, hope you don't find them !!

Bugger, forgot me Ford Blue!!

[Kevin Hirst]

Kevin-
reason-a modern sequential gearbox takes any car out.
what - period or acceptable equipment.
This shows that there are people who have assumed that a modern sequential gearbox is standard fitting to MK1 Escorts and are willing to accept this at a Historic meeting.
Will the true Escort followers please stand up and be counted.

Thanks guys, Iguess that you can only build an allcomer if you want to race with moderns.

[ERC]

Just to clarify, we don't accept sequential gearboxes either and I assumed that 4dnut's gearbox is now a normal H pattern!

We also have a speed bar. That effectively prevents anyone having a car significantly faster than the norm. We would still expect that cars would be effectively be constructed out of components available in period, but we have always reserved the right to refuse to accept any car not deemed in the spirit of the class. Of more importance is that anyone not driving to the spirit of the sport would be more likely to be sidelined.

If cars have sneaked in over the years with more modern technology, then they will of course be the first to be sidelined or asked to correct errors when grids are over full. To date, we have only ever had one over full grid.

Cars banished to sheds are a total waste.

Are shift lights period? If not, then why are they allowed? Not all non-period components are to make the car faster, but are to avoid expensive blow ups, but where do you draw the line? 100% period, or only where it suits? I am pretty sure that there are many cars masquerading as period and accepted by all and sundry, that are made up of anything but 100% period parts. There are many cars out there that are 100% restored and personally, I see no difference whatever between them and a 'new' car built up from identical components. As you can still get a brand new MGB bodyshell, does transferring all the old bits over and retaining the rego suddenly render it illegal?

The difference is that this (HSS) class is primarily aimed at bringing out warriors of old, so it still leaves a class gap for race saloons without an historical provenance, but I fear we have too many classes already. We accepted cars such as John Dennehy's Escort, as at the time, there was nowhere else for it to run, but it does not conform to our rules as closely as 4dnut's car. (No interior trim, no passenger seat etc.) The same applies to one or two others. There were no options at the time, which is why we also accepted Datsun Z's into a Euro series.

We still allow John to run as a) he has run before b) he is an excellent and vastly experienced driver c) there are those who want more than three or 4 races a year.

I believe that under the current regulations, you are allowed to create a period single-seater special, which will be approved by MSNZ as Classic/Historic, but not a period saloon special. Funny that.

It is all very well being exclusive, but somewhere along the line, there also has to be an inclusive policy

[John McKechnie]

The difference is that this (HSS) class is primarily aimed at bringing out warriors of old, so it still leaves a class gap for race saloons without an historical provenance, but I fear we have too many classes already.

Ray- thank you for putting this so clearly.
Also those watching my posts will know that I 100% put out there that if anyone has a car that wants to run with HSS to contact me.
Some have and their cars are discussed and have entered.
I am so against race cars being garaged I want to incorporate Shellsport cars, so we dont have to create a separate class.
Period saloon car creation.... Custaxie 2, and its running this weekend.

[ERC]

Thanks guys, Iguess that you can only build an allcomer if you want to race with moderns.

To quote John Dennehy himself - "If it looks like an Escort, it probably is an Escort". Outsiders and less knowledgeable spectators just see a Ford Escort.

[Howard Wood]

John, we seem to have completely hi-jacked your thread here but this year it seems to me that the Festival promotors have for a variety of reasons ended up with a program which is very heavy on specific classes and short on options for a lot of potential entrants (like myself and 4dnut).

If you look at weekend one, there are 11 classes, of which only 5 are for saloons of any type. Of those 5 classes, two are series specific BMW Open classes, one is Dale's HMC which appears to have had to restrict eligibility to accommodate the Aussies (not unreasonably), one is Heritage Touring Cars which contains some precious and valuable cars who also not unreasonably don't want or need to open their field up to all and sundry. Which leaves Historic Sports Sedans; a class on which John has worked mightily to drag genuine and otherwise un-used and forgotten cars out of retirement and not unreasonably too does not want to be the dumping ground for all and sundry who can't find anywhere else to race.

The situation is similar for weekend two. Of course the saloon guys (and not to put too fine a point on it, most of the crowd) might suggest that some single seater classes could be amalgamated but the fact is the Festival has always been single seater orientated and that should continue as there is precious little opportunity for those guys too.

Ironically this situation has come about to a degree because of falling entries, I guess the picture might change if entries and/ or spectator numbers fall this year. Either way, as a long time entrant at the Festival, I am annoyed enough to seriously wonder if I would ever base my race plans around this one meeting again but view it more as yet another race meeting to consider entering.

[ERC]

Your car is obviously eligible for the ERC Series Howard and also the open BMW - which is two options plus the fact that they have now padded out what was the poorly supported sports GT grid with saloons, making three choices.

We would never have considered approaching the organisers to run, had last year's meeting had full grids and with so many of our regulars obviously refusing to enter, because of the formats and class structures.

I am more than happy spectating just as long as there is something to actually see and the falling entries were a big turn off for a lot of people last year. Many who did come along enjoyed the Ferrari theme and the F1 demos, but that wasn't enough.

[John McKechnie]

Howard- I welcome my thread being used as a discussion ground, and see nothing wrong with anything here.
And love the part about being the dumping ground.................

[grelley]

I dont think I have seen the Escort race, but it is certainly a beautiful car. I am sure if you had a genuine Alan Mann Escort racing with a good driver, it to would blitz the feild. Why not allow the car to run, but start it from pit row 30-40 seconds behind the rest of the feild, so that spectators can see it race. After all we are all told that "winning is not what is important"
Grelley

[Paul Wilkinson]

It is a beautiful car and well driven too. I suppose the concern is that the owner/drivers of the 'period' sports sedans might either object and withdraw, or start to modify their cars with modern components to remain competitive and thereby obliterate the history the class is trying to preserve. No one wants to see these cars put back in mothballs or turn up unrecognisable. However, as Paul has supported the class and been used as 'filler' when numbers were dangerously low, I wonder if the pragmatic approach might have been to repay the favour and give him a 'sunset' date to bring the car into compliance with the class? Give him formal notice and a reasonable period to scratch together the money and do the work - if it isn't done by the date given, then fair enough - he doesn't want to race there.

[John McKechnie]

Grelley- this is an Historic race meeting. He can run this car with this gearbox at what ever T/C or ERC meeting- and he is running at the Leadfoot if you want to see it.
The Historic boys have this meeting , they put a lot into keeping their cars correct ,this car isnt.
End of story- This is an Historic thread, if this car means that much to everyone please go to a Escort, Classic or ERC thread and discuss it there.

Lets focus on the cars that are the stars of the group, entered and running -, and here they are now-
Historic Sports Sedans & Invited Allcomers

No. Firstname Surname Year Make Model CC Colour

6 William Dunn 1968 Chevrolet Camaro 6600 Blue
7 Peter Hooper 1982 Toyota Starlet 1496 White
8 Dennis Running 1979 Mazda RX8 V8 5000 Red
9 Graeme Addis 1972 Chrysler Charger 770 5998 Black/White/Blue
12 Rodney Holland 1993 Oldsmobile Aurora 5800 White/Gold
18 Barry Algie 1970 Holden Monaro 5800 Orange
40 Adrian Dobbe 1969 Vauxhall Viva 3300 Silver/Black
41 Bruce Kett 1968 Chevrolet Camaro 6000 White
49 John Rush 1980 Ford Escort 6000 Red
50 Robert Bartley 1955 Ford Customline 7000 White/Blue/Red
61 Gordon Burr 1977 Alfa Romeo Algie Alfetta 5000 5000 White
68 Roger Davis 1976 Holden Torana SLR5000 5900 Red
69 Jon Telford 1981 Mazda RX8 5800 Red
72 Robert Jack 1979 Ford Escort 5800 White
75 Roger Williams 1974 Chevrolet Corvette 8330 Blue
80 Ivan Bevins 1974 Ford Falcon XBGT 6000 Black
80 Jason Bevins 1974 Ford Falcon XBGT 6000 Black
87 Garry Haynes 1980 Mazda RX7 5700 Grey
93 Ivan Selak 1971 Escort YB Cosworth 2000 Blue
96 Richard Quin 1979 Toyota Starlet V8 3992 White/Grey/Red
98 Ralph Mossman 1995 Chevrolet Monte Carlo 5700 Yellow
103 John Dennehy 1968 Ford Escort Mk1 1975 Red
118 Graham Barnes 1976 Ford Capri 5800 Red/Black
181 Ron Findlay 1970 Ford Capri Perana 5700 Red
193 Mark Allan 1972 Vauxhall Firenza 5300 Orange
302 Bruce Goodwin 1963 Ford Zephyr Mk 3 Chev 302 Aqua

[Shoreboy57]

"Lets focus on the cars that are the stars of the group -, and here they are now"

A wonderful turn-out John. Congratulations. Bring on the weekend

[4dnut]

I appreciate your comments Paul, I guess for me it is just sour grapes not being able to run so close to the actual weekend. Yes as I always said gearbox is wrong, but is a gearbox more wrong than modern brakes or wrong engine. Looking at the list a few cars will fit that bill. I think John has done a fantastic job, but I do feel a bit singled out. I am not sure how a 1999 Chev monte Carlo or 1993 Olds fits as a Historic though John, I pretty confident every bit on my cars was pre those dates.

[grelley]

Yes the car is a wee bit out of place in that group, but surely there must be a group to run in at HD next weekend. A new set of tyres would be of more advantage than a sequential gearbox?

[Rod Grimwood]

Ralph is an original Sports Sedan competitor, and also ran the car in OSCA, He put a heap into Sports Sedans and Osca, and also the cars raced back then in OSCA and are not new. Don't think it is 99 either as he ran it way before this.
Please lets settle down before there is a break out from some people who have taken a lot of convincing to come and have a play and get the cars out, who originally parked the cars years ago because of petty nit picking by other sauces. This is heading in same direction and as stated, IT IS A HISTORIC MEETING, If we loose some of these cars because the guys do not want the poop, we will never see them again in a group like this.

[Spgeti]

That is a great line up John. I am looking forward to seeing the guy's run and enjoy themselves. Yes the cars are the heroes

[John McKechnie]

Rod- Ralfs car is actually 1995 and under Appendix 6, Vehicle catorgorie , period classification - U
Built to OSCA rules.

[John McKechnie]

That is a great line up John. I am looking forward to seeing the guy's run and enjoy themselves. Yes the cars are the heroes
Bruce- was talking to Gordon today and he is all set to go.
Thursday morning- early, he is a cocky,- getting the Alfetta, off to Barrys at 10.00am to get the Monaro- hes got a 3 car transporter - then off to HD for a little bedding in.
Told him that there was a big contingent of 105 fans from Manawatu with Italian flags and grid girls coming so he had to make the car last the two weekends.
do some quiet testing in the afternoon, even said I would put a camera in to show him his gearchanges
Look forward to seeing you and the guys there.

[Rod Grimwood]

Correct about Ralphs wagon.

Sent you email, you done great job and a great field, I know/meet most and it will be good.

Classic video on facebook and some of the cars feature, shows how some changed as time went on. Grew bigger wings and noses along with flares etc. but most stayed same colour.

Right off to pack bag, heading in HD direction, for a weekend of FUN watching. Hope to see you all there at some time. This is a pretty special meeting for me and I am going to enjoy.

[John McKechnie]

Rod- have a Historic Sports Sedan poster with your name on, and it features Ralf in the Viva.
Update from John Rush who blew his gearbox at Whittaker meeting-

Hi, should have gearbox back next week so i got saturday, sunday monday to get it in and then into trailer on tuesday with no testing

Owing to committments, John is running the second weekend. Looking forward to see him hitting the track. He also is on the HSS poster.

[Spgeti]

Grid girls......yeah right !

[John McKechnie]

Just dont tell Gordy, OK.....
Barrys pulse is revving more than his engine, hes so pumped for the weekend, and he is actually going to get there early for once.

[4dnut]

Ralph is an original Sports Sedan competitor, and also ran the car in OSCA, He put a heap into Sports Sedans and Osca, and also the cars raced back then in OSCA and are not new. Don't think it is 99 either as he ran it way before this.
Please lets settle down before there is a break out from some people who have taken a lot of convincing to come and have a play and get the cars out, who originally parked the cars years ago because of petty nit picking by other sauces. This is heading in same direction and as stated, IT IS A HISTORIC MEETING, If we loose some of these cars because the guys do not want the poop, we will never see them again in a group like this.
I get what you are saying Rod, but we keep being told it's not about the people it's about the cars. John has changed year on list to 1995, but if you look at post 504 Ralph says, started building 1995, finished 2000.

[Habu]

Can someone tell a confused spectator what was the story with the "handicapped" final HSS race yesterday afternoon? Also, how is a Toyota Starlet considered a HSS? As a spectator, I'd have rather seen 4dnuts Escort than the Starlet, which was over-enthusiastically driven.....

[4dnut]

Habu, I think they are trying to accommodate old shell sport cars and replicas of them. I quite like Peter's car and it goes real good for a 1500cc car. I think john has done a good job to convince these old fellas to get their cars out. It was quite interesting spectating and it seemed the chatter was people liked Ivan's escort mixing it with the V8 cars. Obviously I would have loved to run and be part of creating some racing. I guess the only thing I would say is more cars needed, 14 cars finishing a race is a bit skinny, which is why previously they have included a few hotrods.

[John McKechnie]

Can someone tell a confused spectator what was the story with the "handicapped" final HSS race yesterday afternoon? Also, how is a Toyota Starlet considered a HSS? As a spectator, I'd have rather seen 4dnuts Escort than the Starlet, which was over-enthusiastically driven.....

Habu-
Peter Hooper was crewing on a Toyota back then .
He built a replica of what was running then, I was working at Wrightcars Toyota and I know what is on his car is acceptable period.
The aim of this class has always been to get the original cars back - Shellsport cars were part of the grid then, and regular readers of this thread will know I have always talked of getting them back.
I personally take my hat off in admiration to Peter for his bravery in happily running his car with HSS- look at the way he and the black XB Coupe were side by side
Ivan in his Escort was highly praised by the starters for controlling the rolling start-I was on the start platform and I totally agree

[Habu]

Habu, I think they are trying to accommodate old shell sport cars and replicas of them. I quite like Peter's car and it goes real good for a 1500cc car. I think john has done a good job to convince these old fellas to get their cars out. It was quite interesting spectating and it seemed the chatter was people liked Ivan's escort mixing it with the V8 cars. Obviously I would have loved to run and be part of creating some racing. I guess the only thing I would say is more cars needed, 14 cars finishing a race is a bit skinny, which is why previously they have included a few hotrods.

Agreed, the car does perform well. Yes, the field was a bit thin at the end, and I'm sure your car would have made for a few epic David vs Goliath battles.

[Habu]

Habu-
Peter Hooper was crewing on a Toyota back then .
He built a replica of what was running then, I was working at Wrightcars Toyota and I know what is on his car is acceptable period.
The aim of this class has always been to get the original cars back - Shellsport cars were part of the grid then, and regular readers of this thread will know I have always talked of getting them back.
I personally take my hat off in admiration to Peter for his bravery in happily running his car with HSS- look at the way he and the black XB Coupe were side by side
Ivan in his Escort was highly praised by the starters for controlling the rolling start

Thanks for the reply John. I guess the best way forward for HSS, is to have a dedicated class for Shellsport / Shellsport style cars to run in, if they have the numbers and wish to have a stand alone class for cars to run in, of similar capacity. Yes, Ivan drove very well considering the physical size of the competitors surrounding him.

[John McKechnie]

Sports Sedans were notorious for never lasting the distance-.
With the handicap race, Safety car picked up wrong car.
Always disappointing when the momentum goes.
Roger Davis -red Torana- has been correctly given first place
Casualties-
Alfetta :gearchange dog broke in first race,and as Gordon is a true supporter he went home and got his V8 Escort which has long racing history.
Richard Quinn- gearchange issues with his gearbox.
John Dennehy- Escort, consistantly didnt appear at the start.
Roger Davis- 1st race- rocker cover gasket broke leaking oil onto manifold. 2nd race incorrectly thought he was black flagged. 4th race- handicap- won !!!
Graeme Barnes- flat tyre race 3.
Barry Algie- finally finished a race .Got rid of the miss, sorted out gearlinkage problem.
Rodney Holland- went to change tyre, wheel damaged during process and had no spare wheels.
Dennis Running- recovering from knee surgery no chance either weekend.
Ralf Mossman- threw a power steering belt in race 3 , race 4 engine seized.
Adrian Dobbe- broke camshaft at beginning.
Peter Gunther- flyweel problems before weekend.
Garry Haynes- RX8, had overheating problems, damaging the engine.
I would like to give a huge thanks to John Telford, Graeme Barnes, Robert Bartley and Mark Allen for coming up to run with us last weekend and put on a show for the crowd.

[John McKechnie]

Just got off the phone to John Dennehy with the NZ Freighters Escort.
There were a series of leaking tyres on Sunday, preventing him from having a clear run.
He will definitely be running again next weekend, and is absolutely rapt that there is finally a class that his genuine car fits into without any modifications.
He also would like to see more Shellsport cars joining the grid.

[Snoozin]

Barry and the Monaro were on fire in Saturdays last race... so great to see the car being given a good strop at last! I'm too young to have seen it in period but I am certainlY. Impressed when it all comes together!

[John McKechnie]

Barry and the Monaro were on fire in Saturdays last race... so great to see the car being given a good strop at last! I'm too young to have seen it in period but I am certainlY. Impressed when it all comes together!

Were you with all of us at the dipper watching he and Gordon flying up and into it side by side, no one backing off., apparently its gone viral.
Thats my number one sight for the weekend.

[CUSTAXIE50]

Sports Sedans were notorious for never lasting the distance-.
With the handicap race, Safety car picked up wrong car.
Always disappointing when the momentum goes.
Roger Davis -red Torana- has been correctly given first place
Casualties-
Alfetta :gearchange dog broke in first race,and as Gordon is a true supporter he went home and got his V8 Escort which has long racing history.
Richard Quinn- gearchange issues with his gearbox.
John Dennehy- Escort, consistantly didnt appear at the start.
Roger Davis- 1st race- rocker cover gasket broke leaking oil onto manifold. 2nd race incorrectly thought he was black flagged. 4th race- handicap- won !!!
Graeme Barnes- flat tyre race 3.
Barry Algie- finally finished a race .Got rid of the miss, sorted out gearlinkage problem.
Rodney Holland- went to change tyre, wheel damaged during process and had no spare wheels.
Dennis Running- recovering from knee surgery no chance either weekend.
Ralf Mossman- threw a power steering belt in race 3 , race 4 engine seized.
Adrian Dobbe- broke camshaft at beginning.
Peter Gunther- flyweel problems before weekend.
Garry Haynes- RX8, had overheating problems, damaging the engine.
I would like to give a huge thanks to John Telford, Graeme Barnes, Robert Bartley and Mark Allen for coming up to run with us last weekend and put on a show for the crowd.Will they be running not weekend.

[John McKechnie]

The Sports Sedans will be running with no Dennis Running.

[Kevin Hirst]

Will they be running not weekend.

Didn't know Barry had a miss or a mrs. but good to get rid of if helps the racing.

[John McKechnie]

Kevin- to cover all bases and the PC crowd, he also got rid of the Ms

[CUSTAXIE50]

The Sports Sedans will be running with no Dennis Running.

So the boys from Feilding along with the Custaxie will be back this coming weekend.

[John McKechnie]

They had their weekend, for them it was not possible to do both weekends.
John Rush is coming up with his Escort V8 to keep the Feilding flag flying

[kiwi285]

Here are a few photos from the first weekend

http://i61.tinypic.com/9hm0so.jpg

http://i60.tinypic.com/30bokjs.jpg

http://i62.tinypic.com/106aidv.jpg

http://i57.tinypic.com/2m34t4k.jpg

http://i59.tinypic.com/28mcjz5.jpg

[kiwi285]

http://i59.tinypic.com/zmeipx.jpg

http://i59.tinypic.com/14iiql4.jpg

http://i62.tinypic.com/3509hlz.jpg

http://i61.tinypic.com/2qrzu3l.jpg

http://i59.tinypic.com/ff1j0l.jpg

[kiwi285]

http://i59.tinypic.com/eovf7.jpg

http://i58.tinypic.com/2yuiyjp.jpg

http://i57.tinypic.com/rkd16r.jpg

http://i62.tinypic.com/yifx4.jpg

http://i60.tinypic.com/2w6wl87.jpg

http://i61.tinypic.com/rby1wz.jpg

[kiwi285]

http://i61.tinypic.com/2yy5fnc.jpg

http://i59.tinypic.com/o59ms2.jpg

http://i59.tinypic.com/rl9v20.jpg

http://i60.tinypic.com/2mpcr68.jpg

http://i59.tinypic.com/r1hrog.jpg

http://i59.tinypic.com/t7n8er.jpg

[Rod Grimwood]

Great supporting words Habu, give it a break. Get the story right before shooting in. If it is not positive, then please keep it out.

I have just got back from HD, and think the Sports Sedans guy's did a good job. My main grip is with the hold up on starts, these cars have to be moving to circulate air, this is why we adopted rolling starts way back in 80s, this is why there was engine problems in later race. I am sure this can be sorted as most things are eventually.

In quick chat with the crews from down south, they were happy and it was great to have them on board, a great group with great attitudes.

In regard to comments about the smaller cars ie Toyota, the original Sports Sedan Ass. had 3 class's all running together, and I believe eventually this will happen with these guys, and as back then separate battles through out the field, and livens up the reverse/handicap runs as well. I think similar as in old days, if it rains then it is interesting watching the smaller cars giving the BIG BOY'S a hurry up.

[Spgeti]

What a fantastic display of cars.....well done John and all of your guy's that put their cars out there. I know the Manawatu guy's were rapt with the meeting and in there words to me would be back. Great to see some different cars. Congratulations to all. Cheers, Bruce D

[rf84]

Is the Vauxhall the ex Russell Due car?

[Spgeti]

Yes it was Russell's car.

[Oldfart]

In my opinion, whether you have a love affair with any of the particular cars or not, the outstanding performance of the weekend was the Starlet, all 1500 pushrod, naturally aspirated cc's of it. When that was announced I simply did not believe it until I looked under the bonnet for myself. So it humbled a number of cars. That is not any kind of reason to exclude it. I saw no "out of period" bits.

[John McKechnie]

Rhys -My sentiments exactly, I worked for the Toyota agents and know its period.
They are quick and light. Its a Shellsport replica and I love having it here.
Its a car that brings out the best I would say.
Lets start getting more Shellsports out

[PhotoSmith]

Sports Sedans & touring cars from Saturday.......

[CUSTAXIE50]

The difference is that this (HSS) class is primarily aimed at bringing out warriors of old, so it still leaves a class gap for race saloons without an historical provenance, but I fear we have too many classes already.

Ray- thank you for putting this so clearly.
Also those watching my posts will know that I 100% put out there that if anyone has a car that wants to run with HSS to contact me.
Some have and their cars are discussed and have entered.
I am so against race cars being garaged I want to incorporate Shellsport cars, so we dont have to create a separate class.
Period saloon car creation.... Custaxie 2, and its running this weekend.

Having looked at all this talk about what is right and what is not right on here,where does Cus 2 fit in.

[CUSTAXIE50]

The difference is that this (HSS) class is primarily aimed at bringing out warriors of old, so it still leaves a class gap for race saloons without an historical provenance, but I fear we have too many classes already.

Ray- thank you for putting this so clearly.
Also those watching my posts will know that I 100% put out there that if anyone has a car that wants to run with HSS to contact me.
Some have and their cars are discussed and have entered.
I am so against race cars being garaged I want to incorporate Shellsport cars, so we dont have to create a separate class.
Period saloon car creation.... Custaxie 2, and its running this weekend. Having looked at all this talk about what is right and what is not right,where does Cus 2 fit in John.

[John McKechnie]

This class is about the old cars and period running gear.
Cus 2 and the Rod Coppins MK2 of John Marslins are 2 examples of tribute cars that show kiwi ingenuity in modifying saloons at that time.
I consider they fit well with the Sports Sedans for that reason.
The Fahey Anglia Fastback has run here for the same reason.
As I always have said- if you have a car that you think will fit this group, please contact me.

[CUSTAXIE50]

This class is about the old cars and period running gear.
Cus 2 and the Rod Coppins MK2 of John Marslins are 2 examples of tribute cars that show kiwi ingenuity in modifying saloons at that time.
I consider they fit well with the Sports Sedans for that reason.
The Fahey Anglia Fastback has run here for the same reason.
As I always have said- if you have a car that you think will fit this group, please contact me. Yes John,we have been down this road before have we not,over Period Running Gear.Dont get me wrong John its great to see these cars out there doing their thing have you had a good look at the cars of John Telford, Graham Barnes, Mark Allen and Robert Bartley with Cus 2.

[Jaydee]

Just for the record John, I didn't "consistently not appear at the start". There were four races, I was there at the start of two and then had a puncture before the third. It was still being cured when the dummy grid formed for the third race and I ran back to the car, jacked it up, got the wheel on, got in, belted up, helmet on and joined halfway through. I was pretty determined to make it out there. Unfortunately the puncture then worsened and I couldn't run in the last race. I've already used the spare and have now got new tyres meant to be arriving at the airport tomorrow night, fingers crossed. JD

[John McKechnie]

Point taken John, and I hope you have a better run with your new tyres
Also Barry wasnt having a problem with a Miss, Mrs or Ms. It was the dynamo not producing enough charge- sorted.
Richard Quinn A has repaired an oil problem and gearbox issues, all set to go.
Peter Hooper A bit more panel damage than they thought, but all done-thanks Richard.
So both the Starlets will be Starring this weekend- Fantastic.

[Rod Grimwood]

Custaxie please find a book to read or something, cheers.

PS yes I have had a good look at these cars along with a heap more.

[CUSTAXIE50]

Custaxie please find a book to read or something, cheers.

PS yes I have had a good look at these cars along with a heap more.I dont recall asking you anything old son.

[CUSTAXIE50]

Custaxie please find a book to read or something, cheers.

PS yes I have had a good look at these cars along with a heap more.PERIOD RUNNING GEAR...Rod thats what its all about is this right.

[George Sheweiry]

PERIOD RUNNING GEAR...Rod thats what its all about is this right.

I think no would be the answer to that Custaxie. This is a class started by John and Rod to give the cars that wanted to have a run in the failed attempt for a class for period correct Allcomers and Sports Sedans, Called "Historic Sports sedans and Allcomers". The name reflecting the type of cars eligible to run in the class. And due to the fact there is a lot of modified cars without a class to run in they have successfully done this. Good on them! But with respect I would ask them to drop the word historic from the class name so as to reflect the type of vehicles that currently run in the class. This would also stop a lot of the confusion about the class. The Americans are very good at this, they always call something exactly what it is. Keep up the good work Boys.

[John McKechnie]

George- thanks for that excellent point and will chew it over.
Used the word Historic as the Historic Club supports us by giving us 4 runs a year

[Paul Wilkinson]

Historic means 'well known or important in history' according to dictionary.com. I think that the term 'Historic' is important here to differentiate the cars with heritage from the newer builds and allcomers. I'd call the Crowe/Freeth Starlet 'Historic' as far as Sports Sedans and NZ Motorsport in general go - using just one car as an example. I don't think the class should be afraid to give themselves that status.

[George Sheweiry]

Well Paul for the small number of us that read this thread we can see that the only period correct cars are Grahams Charger and Barrys Monaro. But for joe public that happens across a meeting where this class is running the name of the class should sum up what is actually running without demeaning the performance of the period correct cars. to quote the only phrase i can think of at the moment, "If it looks like a dog and barks like a dog then surely it is a dog" If you get what I mean.

[ERC]

George is correct. I think the term 'Allcomers' may have confused the issue.

Period correct cars or if you like, genuinely Historic cars can race along with what are effectively recently built race saloons, using a classic bodyshell, period engine and running gear, possibly on slicks - but we still need a class where these cars can run, as they obviously can't run with any of the road-going series'. Better they are incorporated with the genuine cars as at the end of the day, they are all race cars, with different capacities and performance potential anyway - as it was in period.

Allcomers, could therefore mean those that did not conform to a specific set of rules in period and also to a car built last week. The wording or intentions need to be very clear and unambiguous.

I think it is fantastic to see all these cars out on the track being exercised and I for one, take no notice whatever as to either lap times or results. Brilliant job John.

[Paul Wilkinson]

Thanks George. I didn't realise it was as bad as that. However, I think that might make it even more important to differentiate the 'Historic' cars and hopefully encourage people to return their cars to period-spec. Otherwise, mightn't more of the important old cars either return to mothballs, stay in mothballs or turn up with the latest 1000hp Nissan engine?
Personally I'd love to see some sort of 'HSS' banner on the windscreen with a year representing the car's spec. That might add a bit of status to the car and also reduce any competitive ego, eg, people will not expect the guy with '1985' on his windscreen to be cleaning up the guy with '1995' on his. Maybe different colour banners for champion cars running in the same spec as their championship year?
Sorry, I should butt out as I haven't done much in the way of motorsport. By the time I had rebuilt Tony Rutherford's RX2, I couldn't afford to run it and had to sell it. Other than a couple of clubman races and hillclimbs over 20 years ago, I've just been a spectator. My feeling is that the spectator's would love it though.

[George Sheweiry]

No Paul certainly don't butt out, too many people choose to keep quiet which is not the best way at all. How do you know if you have got something right or for that matter wrong if you don't get any feedback. Also now and then you get people saying things that are completely obvious but for one thing or another it just hasn't been seen like what you just said about having the year the car is represented in the case of historic cars and of when built for the later builds or modified Historic cars. That is just brilliant don't you see, lets face it for the likes of the genuine cars unfortunately a lot of the spectators of the era have passed on and 18 year old Johnny Smith will then be able to place the vehicle in time. or to the latest "improvements made to the car. ie lets say My old Sidchrome car would read 1971 but if I had put the latest spec Dodge R5 nascar engine in it that came out say 2006 then it would read 1971/2006. I tell you if somehow I were able to get that HSS class we tried to get going up and running that would definately be the thing to do. It could be in the bottom right or left hand corner of the screen so as not to be in the way of any original sign writing at the top of the screen. Come to think of it why haven't all the historic classes got that on their cars somewhere and the commentators could regularly point it out. Jesus, that's a no brainer isnt it!!! Well done Paul!

[Rod Grimwood]

Sorry Custaxie, did not know i needed to be asked. Can recommend a couple of good books though.

Second, Rod did not start this class.

Third, there are a few more than Barry and Grahams cars being 'original'. In fact one Capri that ran last weekend is older than them all.

Fourth, think it is heading in same direction as before, and honestly i can not be buggered with the bullshit back and forth, it only takes a couple of negatives to bring it down, so i will be putting new line on the rods and back to sea. could be a car for sale soon that will be handy in the Shellsport Class if the class gets going and it is original.

[CUSTAXIE50]

I think no would be the answer to that Custaxie. This is a class started by John and Rod to give the cars that wanted to have a run in the failed attempt for a class for period correct Allcomers and Sports Sedans, Called "Historic Sports sedans and Allcomers". The name reflecting the type of cars eligible to run in the class. And due to the fact there is a lot of modified cars without a class to run in they have successfully done this. Good on them! But with respect I would ask them to drop the word historic from the class name so as to reflect the type of vehicles that currently run in the class. This would also stop a lot of the confusion about the class. The Americans are very good at this, they always call something exactly what it is. Keep up the good work Boys. Yes you are right in what you said George remove that word.

[TonyG]

Sitting over here in Australia I have a couple of questions - I know the answers but I would be interested in other peoples comments.

Are the guys that are putting all the time and effort into getting these cars out on the track, for all of you who are picking the class to bits to watch, racing for money ?

Are they happy with the crowds response to what they are doing ? I know most of them read this so would be interested to see what they themselves have to say.

The majority of people that seem to be commenting on this class are on the negative side which I really do not understand. I am not an ex driver or anything but I grew up looking over Pukekohe Race Track and watching the racing from 3 years old and I would love to see the Custaxie again. I don't give a rats a#*e that it is not period correct. If it was period correct it may as well just be a trailer queen as it would quite possibly be a liability out on the track safety wise by todays standards.

I would rather watch a car that is circulating safely and for the entire 8 laps or whatever than something go out for 1 or 2 laps and clap out like they did in the old days. I don't care that it is not a race - its all about the spectacle and the memories for me and unfortunately the comments here are bringing back bad ones when the class was killed off.

Lets face it people the cars were NOT that reliable in the old days - Unfortunately George, no disrespect but I see the Sidchrome Mustang and I see a spectacular racecar that finished races yet you say you actually preferred it the black with coloured stripes and the ugly wing on the back. I see that car in my photographs and unfortunately more often than not it was on a tow rope - its all in how and what people remember.

Aside from John and Rod has anyone else actually spoken to Graeme Addis or Barry Algie and asked there opinions of the cars they are running with?
The Charger and Monaro are being stated here by George as being the only 2 period correct cars running. What is wrong with the 2 Crowe built Starlets, the Ex Ian Algie Alfetta, the red Capri (Ex Bullivant ? sort of looks like it to me) and certainly the little Ex Halliday Escort.

The Oldsmobiles are heading towards the change over period for me when racing really died in NZ due to all the petty politics and bickering. I remember Don Grindley running one so good enough for me. I never saw the other as I had already left NZ but it looks like it belongs in the photographs posted here.

The Escort with the wheels hanging out the sides of the guards like a rally car without flares (last years event) just looks wrong but maybe it ran like that, I don't know of that particular cars history but to me that would have to be where a line of some sort was drawn as no car I ever saw race as an Allcomer or Sports Sedan looked like that but that is just my opinion and it doesn't count. Apparently the car goes well.

It sounds like there are a number of cars out there that "don't belong" like the little Escort with the gearbox issue. We all have to remember that this has all fallen on John to organize on top of his own rebuild, HMC car to run/maintain and noted health issues beyond his control that have generally screwed things up on a day to day basis. He is not MANZ back in the day with a team of people to field enquiries, entries etc. He is 1 guy and things will get missed, people will unfortunately slip through the cracks like the little escort which with a little notice MAY have been able to rectify the gearbox issue and run like in previous years. I don't know the details of what happened there and don't want to know as it is none of my/your business, that is between he and John and they will sort it out.

The class was always about the diversity with the Minis, Escorts, Datsuns even a Porsche. Add in the Marinas (Parks), Fiats (Hoss), Clyde Collins Falcon, Monaros of several models - where is the problem ?

From the outside looking in I see several cars I recognize but don't relate to as they look nothing like the paintjobs I saw them race in all those years ago yet I still know its them. Some may have run in those colours/sponsors with the original owners after I left, I just don't know but I would certainly rather see the car at the track and running than parked up because it is "Not Period Correct". By period correct are you going to be so petty to take it to the paint job - if so we will never see the Sidchrome Mustang run again as it is NOT period correct with the name down the side - period correct is all bulls##t if you want to run them with a little bit of jandal!

Hell if George wanted to keep that beautiful engine safe I would not care if he dropped a new stock crate Mustang engine in it with a few tweaks just to make it reliable just to see the car out there. They are not racing people so what does it matter if it has an engine in it that is not a race engine or totally different to what it originally had. Keep the bonnet shut and nobody would know, open it and nobody would care !

Please stop the bickering and support these guys or at least try to keep your opinions to yourselves - you have already just seen Rods response to your nitpicking and it is not a knee jerk reaction from him.
I have never seen the replica Custaxie yet I am tired of reading negative comments about how this is not right or that can't be correct because they know where the original component is therefore it is not a Historic car or period correct. Robbie gave it his approval so what else matters.
There are quite a few others with cars that could run but won't because they know that the nitpickers will point out that they have a modern component replacing a weak link in the original. This is what you are doing to the class just like happened in the 80's. Pick pick whinge whinge and everyone walks away.

Sorry for the rant but it is just so disappointing to see this happening again instead of all pulling together to try to improve what John has started. Ask how you can help him! I would if I was home as I loved these cars but I am not, I am here over the ditch so of limited use but I hope like hell that they are still around in a couple of years when I come home again for a visit so I can see, smell and hear them again at the 2017 King Kenny Festival.

Tony Growden

[Allan]

Well put Tony. My take on "period correct" is as close to it as modern regulations and technology will allow.

[TonyG]

Well put Tony. My take on "period correct" is as close to it as modern regulations and technology will allow.

Exactly and the more the better if the original is no longer with us like the Custaxie.

And just to clarify something I said about Georges car - I would rather see it with Georges name on it than not see it at all but I still don't see the problem with keeping a few of the vulnerable hens teeth original parts out of a car like that IF newer replacement parts could bolt straight in. You have less chance of diminishing its true value in the case of an oops which can happen.

Would be great to see a Galaxie one day. Was there not a Zephyr Corvette replica built a couple of years back. Wonder where it is.

[George Sheweiry]

Well hang on a minute Tony, isn't this a race car forum where people can share stories, moments and photos of race cars, people and days gone by and also of current events for these cars. Surely people that comment on here are doing so because they have a passion for it all. I haven't seen any comments on here that criticize any of the organizers like Ray, Dale or John. On the other hand I dont think we should all dance around in a circle and sing koom by ya. There have been a lot of good ideas that have been picked up and used on this Forum and of course the great thing about humans is the way they analyse things, take them apart and look at them from all different angles. Things may not always be as they appear. For instance I am sure that if you actually new me back then,you would have been a bit more charitable with your comments that I was more often on the end of a tow rope, because I was just a broken ass electrician (still am) who bought a race car at 21 (that cost over 1/2 the price of an average house!) with no mechanical or engineering knowledge, on an Electricians wage but just a heap of enthusiasm. The car came with 40 old tires that Jim had used and that is all I used in fact I was so broke that I just had to miss some rounds because I couldn't afford the entry fees or the fuel to run it. Then to top it all off the poor bloody thing had to rely on me to build the engine as I learnt and I had nobody offer to build the engine for me or to show me what to do or people watching in the stands who liked to see the car run instead of watching it come in on a tow rope come over and offer me some financial help to keep me going. You probably also didn't know that I approached Sidchrome just like when I restored the car and got the same answer as then. So I paid all the bills just like I have always done and you know what I thought F--- Sidchrome I own the car so I will put my name on the car. I have 24 V8 cars that I race in different classes and I have never had what you would call a proper sponsor so as far as I am concerned Sponsors can go take a running F-- at themselves. I have been motor racing since I was 17, thats 42 years ago so you see you get a little cynical about things like that. Yep your right I am not one bit PC, but I tell you what I figure is I have earnt my right to make the odd comment on these sort of things! Do you think that's fair?

[CUSTAXIE50]

Well hang on a minute Tony, isn't this a race car forum where people can share stories, moments and photos of race cars, people and days gone by and also of current events for these cars. Surely people that comment on here are doing so because they have a passion for it all. I haven't seen any comments on here that criticize any of the organizers like Ray, Dale or John. On the other hand I dont think we should all dance around in a circle and sing koom by ya. There have been a lot of good ideas that have been picked up and used on this Forum and of course the great thing about humans is the way they analyse things, take them apart and look at them from all different angles. Things may not always be as they appear. For instance I am sure that if you actually new me back then,you would have been a bit more charitable with your comments that I was more often on the end of a tow rope, because I was just a broken ass electrician (still am) who bought a race car at 21 (that cost over 1/2 the price of an average house!) with no mechanical or engineering knowledge, on an Electricians wage but just a heap of enthusiasm. The car came with 40 old tires that Jim had used and that is all I used in fact I was so broke that I just had to miss some rounds because I couldn't afford the entry fees or the fuel to run it. Then to top it all off the poor bloody thing had to rely on me to build the engine as I learnt and I had nobody offer to build the engine for me or to show me what to do or people watching in the stands who liked to see the car run instead of watching it come in on a tow rope come over and offer me some financial help to keep me going. You probably also didn't know that I approached Sidchrome just like when I restored the car and got the same answer as then. So I paid all the bills just like I have always done and you know what I thought F--- Sidchrome I own the car so I will put my name on the car. I have 24 V8 cars that I race in different classes and I have never had what you would call a proper sponsor so as far as I am concerned Sponsors can go take a running F-- at themselves. I have been motor racing since I was 17, thats 42 years ago so you see you get a little cynical about things like that. Yep your right I am not one bit PC, but I tell you what I figure is I have earnt my right to make the odd comment on these sort of things! Do you think that's fair? Well said George,this Tony has been talking to his laptop for too long he needs to go away and read up a little, before he starts to talk about cars like yours and the Custaxie of 1967 and the one we see today,there were too mags that ran storys on Cus 2 Classic Driver and New Zealand Classic Car.We all want to see all these old cars and look alike ones also out there don't we,today most meetings I go to are boring we need to put the class of racing we had back in we had in the so called good old days remove the bullshit wording and lets go racing.

[George Sheweiry]

Well no Custaxie I don't think you need to be that harsh on old Tony, after all I would say he is just as passionate about it all as we are. all I wanted to do there was to remind him a great deal of us have done this out of our own pockets and its easy to pass judgement when you aren't aware of all the comings and goings. As for the period correct class I have no doubt that this is coming just like in the US and England. Look Dale has stood his ground to have a class that replicates the early Trans ams as close as is practical and he has succeeded. John felt that with a lack of period correct sports sedans there should still be an interim class in the meantime and that is what is happening and they are just getting on with it. Because I did such a piss poor job of racing the Mustang back then due to lack of funds and knowledge I rebuilt the car to the standard of preparation it should have had and cant wait for the day to run it up against all the old protagonists to see how it would actually have gone. I just hope that day isn't too far away cause a guy aint gettin any younger. So in the meantime all we can do Custaxie is talk about it,or maybe we've overstayed our welcome!!!!

[CUSTAXIE50]

Well no Custaxie I don't think you need to be that harsh on old Tony, after all I would say he is just as passionate about it all as we are. all I wanted to do there was to remind him a great deal of us have done this out of our own pockets and its easy to pass judgement when you aren't aware of all the comings and goings. As for the period correct class I have no doubt that this is coming just like in the US and England. Look Dale has stood his ground to have a class that replicates the early Trans ams as close as is practical and he has succeeded. John felt that with a lack of period correct sports sedans there should still be an interim class in the meantime and that is what is happening and they are just getting on with it. Because I did such a piss poor job of racing the Mustang back then due to lack of funds and knowledge I rebuilt the car to the standard of preparation it should have had and cant wait for the day to run it up against all the old protagonists to see how it would actually have gone. I just hope that day isn't too far away cause a guy aint gettin any younger. So in the meantime all we can do Custaxie is talk about it,or maybe we've overstayed our welcome!!!! I for one don't think you have done a piss poor job at it George,do we want to fit into what they do in the u.s,uk.So just looking at what you have just said John will be beating that same old road again (period correct) cars that's not going to work is it,just think if someone calls you up and says after all your hard work that you have done you cant race.Maybe some may feel we have overstayed our welcome I don't give a shit do you lol.

[TonyG]

First of all to custaxie50 - we don't know each other and probably never will other than on this forum. I have actually read those articles on the Custaxie and still don't care that it is not period correct as it is the only way that I am ever likely to see it again in my lifetime so what is wrong with that.

George, my apologies if you have taken my comments about the Mustang as a personal attack on you - it was not! What I was saying was people have different memories of different cars like mine of the Mustang. I remember reading magazine articles at the time that mentioned some of the mechanical troubles you had like many others did with their cars.

Until Keiran Wills came along with his setup for the RX8 I would hazard a guess that no one really had the neccessary budget to do the job, some just had a bit more thanks to some sponsors.

People like different things and different colours. It is what makes us different. Hell look at Steve, he raced a "PINK" Escort back in the day. You liked the Mustang in Black , I didn't. Doesn't mean we don't like the same car.
I am and was well aware of your profession then and now and wished I could build and race a car just like a lot of you did but my choices led me in other directions.
As I also stated , I would rather see the Mustang with Sheweiry on the side than not see it at all.

Ok I have said my piece and I have no doubt that unlike Custaxie on the Custaxie I will say no more.

Tony Growden

[CUSTAXIE50]

First of all to custaxie50 - we don't know each other and probably never will other than on this forum. I have actually read those articles on the Custaxie and still don't care that it is not period correct as it is the only way that I am ever likely to see it again in my lifetime so what is wrong with that.

George, my apologies if you have taken my comments about the Mustang as a personal attack on you - it was not! What I was saying was people have different memories of different cars like mine of the Mustang. I remember reading magazine articles at the time that mentioned some of the mechanical troubles you had like many others did with their cars.

Until Keiran Wills came along with his setup for the RX8 I would hazard a guess that no one really had the neccessary budget to do the job, some just had a bit more thanks to some sponsors.

People like different things and different colours. It is what makes us different. Hell look at Steve, he raced a "PINK" Escort back in the day. You liked the Mustang in Black , I didn't. Doesn't mean we don't like the same car.
I am and was well aware of your profession then and now and wished I could build and race a car just like a lot of you did but my choices led me in other directions.
As I also stated , I would rather see the Mustang with Sheweiry on the side than not see it at all.

Ok I have said my piece and I have no doubt that unlike Custaxie on the Custaxie I will say no more.

Tony Growden Your missing the point Tony.

[Jaydee]

Avoiding all the 'issues' being bandied around here, can I just make a general point?

If someone takes the time and trouble to start and run a series, they invite the cars that they want to have on their grids. It's their call, pure and simple. I take my hat off to anyone who does run a series. If they want one of my cars, they'll say or I'd approach them and ask. And if they don't want me, it's their call. Thanks to John, Dale, Ray and all the others who make it possible to put these grids together.

Let's go racing.

JD

[RogerH]

Avoiding all the 'issues' being bandied around here, can I just make a general point?

If someone takes the time and trouble to start and run a series, they invite the cars that they want to have on their grids. It's their call, pure and simple. I take my hat off to anyone who does run a series. If they want one of my cars, they'll say or I'd approach them and ask. And if they don't want me, it's their call. Thanks to John, Dale, Ray and all the others who make it possible to put these grids together.

Let's go racing.

JD

I agree John - it is the prerogative of someone to build a car and it is the prerogative of someone to run a series - if the two can match up then the car runs in the series and everyone is happy.

From reading earlier posts there has been some discussions regarding the "Custaxie". I have previously expressed my view on this and I think the matter is straightforward. The original Custaxie is long gone - the current car referred to as the "Custaxie" has (as far as I'm aware) no components of the original car. It is at best a modern homage to the original car but unfortunately not close to being a replica of it. It is great to see this homage car run but it is important to appreciate what it actually is as I fear that over time it may evolve into being portrayed as either the real thing or a restoration of the real thing when neither is correct .

[CUSTAXIE50]

I agree John - it is the prerogative of someone to build a car and it is the prerogative of someone to run a series - if the two can match up then the car runs in the series and everyone is happy.

From reading earlier posts there has been some discussions regarding the "Custaxie". I have previously expressed my view on this and I think the matter is straightforward. The original Custaxie is long gone - the current car referred to as the "Custaxie" has (as far as I'm aware) no components of the original car. It is at best a modern homage to the original car but unfortunately not close to being a replica of it. It is great to see this homage car run but it is important to appreciate what it actually is as I fear that over time it may evolve into being portrayed as either the real thing or a restoration of the real thing when neither is correct . Well said.

[CUSTAXIE50]

Avoiding all the 'issues' being bandied around here, can I just make a general point?

If someone takes the time and trouble to start and run a series, they invite the cars that they want to have on their grids. It's their call, pure and simple. I take my hat off to anyone who does run a series. If they want one of my cars, they'll say or I'd approach them and ask. And if they don't want me, it's their call. Thanks to John, Dale, Ray and all the others who make it possible to put these grids together.

Let's go racing.

JD What do you have that could run with these boys

[Steve Holmes]

Custaxie, Jaydee owns and races the ex-Don Halliday MkI Escort, among other very nice cars. If you look at the pics posted on this site of John driving the car, you can see he really drives it extremely well. Its even better to watch in the flesh. An excellent driver and a very cool car, and quite spectacular to watch.

[ERC]

We welcomed Jaydee into our series with the Escort a few years ago, even though it was closer to a full race car than a road car. None of our drivers complained anyway, but at that time, there was no suitable grid for it to run exactly as it did in its day. (We have always had a pragmatic policy as by now most of you will be aware). (Plug problems today with the Escort - a bad batch by the sounds of it. Now OK.)

Thanks to Jon McK's sterling efforts, there is now a far more suitable class for this car. As that class doesn't run very often, Jaydee knows that he can always run the car with us again.

Jaydee is also racing that very rare Aston Martin Vantage with us and although it would always be my first choice over the Escort (for obvious reasons) we respect that at times, that may not be possible.

As always, although we all keep saying "it is all about the cars", we have to quantify that, by saying - "but it is even more important that the driver respects the series' philosophies and drives accordingly".

[Paul Wilkinson]

I would have liked to run my car in the Heritage touring cars, but gearbox is wrong. I bought a ZF for it on a punt from overseas before last festival. Cheap but condition commensurated the price. Gerry was happy for me to run there if I could change the gearbox. So given that I will have to run in with the Sport Sedan boys where I have done the last couple of years, not quite right there but cool running with some really neat cars. Also trying to get the Lotus 47 all going as well.

I was stoked to see the 47 there Paul. I was at the festival today (Sat 24th) and you put on a class show. Definately my pick of the day.

[ERC]

Best of luck for tomorrow John. Hope the repairs are successful!

[John McKechnie]

Ray- thanks for the kind thoughts mate.
I would like to thank all the drivers, crews, marshals, flaggies who were involve with the Historic Sports Sedan class that ran over the 2 weekends, fantastic effort.
There were breakdowns and everybody made the effort into keeping their cars going right to the end.
Also there was no contact between any drivers both on and off the track, always looks good for a Historic meeting.
All 250 posters here given away to fans,such was the interest.
Peter Hooper in the Starlet was my hands down choice for the "Best Allrounder' award- did all races, always well turned out, on time ,cheerfully running with everyone ,entertaining the crowds where ever he was. Super effort.

[Paul Wilkinson]

Was that the 1500cc Starlet? There must be some black-magic at play there - jeez it was quick. Having a David among the Goliaths made the racing much more interesting. Especially given the performance he put in.

[Rod Grimwood]

That last race/run with the Escort and the Starlet at it was great to watch. also the guys out front keeping it close, tidy and entertaining. Pity about the drop outs with problems and bits of smoke etc but that does keep it 'authentic' . Well done guy's

[Grant Sprague]

Thanks Guys , from a spectators point of view...... this was a great fun meeting ....I have only visited this beautiful race track a couple of times .....was a very well earned boys weekend away from a few years staying put working & raising a family... I caught up with some old mates & wanted to see how our locals were doing in HMC being Dale , Pete & Gary.....them & the whole deal very professional I thought given the age of most of us you were giving it plenty of stick [well done Dale I take my hat off to you in more ways than one] was great to catch up with local hero Paul F being there this weekend signing posters etc a really nice humble man , he did tell me a little story or two re the lotus Cortina days & the Mk3.......Hey also Kenny wooow 70 plus & did watch younger Clark & Steve hound him, Ken is still way up there no doubt about that , Also John M was good to meet you , we ended up talking more about ever green trees than race cars .........keep cool guys an other day tomorrow ....... Grant

[John McKechnie]

Was that the 1500cc Starlet? There must be some black-magic at play there - jeez it was quick. Having a David among the Goliaths made the racing much more interesting. Especially given the performance he put in.
Paul- that Starlet is a normal single cam 1500 engine with normal gearbox- you can see how effective it is.
For anyone wanting to do the same and build a Shellsport replica, bring a genuine car in, Crunch at MSNZ has given me the 1982 rules for 0-2000 class..please contact me before you come to a meeting with the car.
Lets get some more Davids with the Goliaths

[crunch]

Paul- that Starlet is a normal single cam 1500 engine with normal gearbox- you can see how effective it is.
For anyone wanting to do the same and build a Shellsport replica, bring a genuine car in, Crunch at MSNZ has given me the 1982 rules for 0-2000 class..please contact me before you come to a meeting with the car.
Lets get some more Davids with the Goliaths

Not a lot of black magic Paul.

Back in Shellsport days there were two Starlets that really flew. One belonged to Warren Burt, the other I know a bit more about, cos I was involved with building and maintaining the beast.
It was a 1300 4K with the engine stood up so it could run 4 dellorto carbs off a Ducati? motorbike. It was driven by Malcolm Webb. AT Pukekohe it wasn't competitive, but at Manfield and Bay Park it was very!

[crunch]

Peter's car is a great example of how it can be cost-effective to run in high profile meetings, and should be an encouragement for future entries in the "Shellsport" class of Historic Sports sedans

[nigel watts]

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[timbo61]

Some Sports sedans from weekend two of the Ganley Festival.

http://i1283.photobucket.com/albums/a542/timbo19611/152_zpsahegaowq.jpg (http://s1283.photobucket.com/user/timbo19611/media/152_zpsahegaowq.jpg.html)
http://i1283.photobucket.com/albums/a542/timbo19611/162_zpsj3ecvu3g.jpg (http://s1283.photobucket.com/user/timbo19611/media/162_zpsj3ecvu3g.jpg.html)
http://i1283.photobucket.com/albums/a542/timbo19611/168_zpszortbyqe.jpg (http://s1283.photobucket.com/user/timbo19611/media/168_zpszortbyqe.jpg.html)
http://i1283.photobucket.com/albums/a542/timbo19611/439_zpsmbwnbfrv.jpg (http://s1283.photobucket.com/user/timbo19611/media/439_zpsmbwnbfrv.jpg.html)
http://i1283.photobucket.com/albums/a542/timbo19611/441_zpsdnhhzfep.jpg (http://s1283.photobucket.com/user/timbo19611/media/441_zpsdnhhzfep.jpg.html)

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[John McKechnie]

Absolutely brilliant Nigel- every pic is a gem. I agree with Jaydees comments on your camera- and I see he is cycling as well.
Looking at they way you have captured them, you can almost hear the noise and feel the ground shaking.

[nigel watts]

Absolutely brilliant Nigel- every pic is a gem. I agree with Jaydees comments on your camera- and I see he is cycling as well.
Looking at they way you have captured them, you can almost hear the noise and feel the ground shaking.

Thanks John. I've got a few more from weekend 1 to come