Images From My Past - Nigel Watts Collection [Archive] - Page 2

Steve Holmes

08-29-2011, 02:45 AM

Thanks Nigel, I know its going to haunt me for the rest of the day. Bob Holden, Michael Stillwell, Bill Fanning, and Allan Moffat all raced very quick Escorts during this time, but I don't think that is any of those cars, although a part of me thinks it could be Bob Holden. But I thought his car was red and gold. The Warwick Park round of the 72 ATCC only shows the results of Holden and Stillwell.

nigel watts

08-29-2011, 06:56 AM

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Oldfart

08-29-2011, 07:24 AM

Those black and white images just do something very special for me! The colour is just not quite right!
Must buy a scanner!

bob homewood

08-29-2011, 08:01 AM

nigel watts

08-29-2011, 10:39 AM

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Steve Holmes

08-29-2011, 09:19 PM

Steve got a date for the Warwick farm meeting I might be able to help !

I believe it was 9 July 1972 Bob.

nigel watts

08-29-2011, 11:07 PM

Frank Matich - Matich A50

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John McCormick - Elfin

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nigel watts

08-29-2011, 11:09 PM

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nigel watts

08-29-2011, 11:16 PM

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Shortly after I took this shot I moved down to the hairpin to watch the action [no photos so must have run out of film!]
Anyway, for some reason a cop on a police bike would ride around the circuit between races. He must have fancied himself as a racer as he got faster and faster. He'd come screaming down the straight, do some racing downshifts, around the hairpin and away.
Finally he managed to overcook it, as we all knew he would, and he almost shot off the end of the track. Well you can imagine the roar of the crowd, the catcalls and insults were really flying around.
He never came back!! Wonder why?

Steve Holmes

08-30-2011, 03:56 AM

Why is it I get such satisfaction hearing stories like that Nigel???

nigel watts

08-31-2011, 07:00 AM

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nigel watts

08-31-2011, 07:02 AM

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nigel watts

08-31-2011, 07:04 AM

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Steve Holmes

09-01-2011, 05:21 AM

Any more to come from Warwick Farm Nigel? Am really enjoying those. Whose is the McLaren #34 in post #265? Is that Teddy Pilette? The air box from this angle looks like the twin snorkel version that appeared on Frank Gardners T300.

nigel watts

09-01-2011, 06:39 AM

No more Warwick Farm shots Steve. I used to have some slides from Catalina Park in Katoomba but haven't been able to locate them yet.
Yes, I'm pretty sure that No 34 is Teddy Pilette.

Steve Holmes

09-01-2011, 09:03 AM

Thanks Nigel.

nigel watts

09-02-2011, 09:04 AM

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nigel watts

09-04-2011, 01:24 AM

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nigel watts

09-04-2011, 01:25 AM

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Steve Holmes

09-04-2011, 09:57 PM

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I love the B&H series pics Nigel. This must be from the first year they ran the new NZ built SS Commodores.

nigel watts

09-05-2011, 08:44 AM

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nigel watts

09-05-2011, 08:44 AM

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kiwi285

09-05-2011, 08:59 PM

Again - thanks for sharing all of these photos. There are some really great shots of really great cars.

Steve Holmes

09-05-2011, 09:06 PM

Congratulations Nigel. This is the first thread on The Roaring Season to hit 10,000 views!

nigel watts

09-07-2011, 10:52 AM

Thanks kiwi285 & Steve. As I've mentioned before I'm enjoying the memories that finding, processing & posting these images brings back to me and it's nice to know that others are having a squizz too.

nigel watts

09-07-2011, 10:55 AM

Here's a few more

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nigel watts

09-07-2011, 10:59 AM

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nigel watts

09-10-2011, 11:54 PM

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nigel watts

09-10-2011, 11:56 PM

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nigel watts

09-17-2011, 10:31 PM

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nigel watts

09-17-2011, 10:34 PM

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kiwi285

09-18-2011, 05:00 AM

Nigel, once again a big thanks for sharing your marvellous collection of photos with all of us. They truly have brought back some great memories. Cheers Mike

nigel watts

09-18-2011, 07:27 AM

Cheers Mike.
My only regret is that I didn't take more back in the 70's & 80's!!
But I will be going to classic car racing events so will post some shots from those meetings. People based overseas will no doubt be interested in 'our' classic & historic cars.

nigel watts

09-22-2011, 10:07 AM

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nigel watts

09-27-2011, 09:26 AM

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nigel watts

09-27-2011, 09:29 AM

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Formula Junior

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RogerH

09-27-2011, 07:50 PM

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Thanks for posting photos of my Formula Junior - its a 1959 Taraschi built by Berardo Taraschi in Teramo, Italy. It has a works Fiat 103 based engine of 1089cc with an 8 port head and twin Weber DCOE carbs. It went to the US in 1960 and I bought it to NZ in 2001. In 1962 it was owned and raced by Brock Yates who was a longtime editor of "Car and Driver", initiator of the Cannonball Run and writer of the movie "Smokey and the Bandit". Brock contacted me a few years ago wanting to buy the car back as it was his favourite race car. He blamed it for making him deaf in his right ear.

pallmall

09-29-2011, 03:13 AM

Apologies for butting in on Nigel's amazing photographs, but I want to ask RogerH if it may have been his Taraschi that was featured in the April 1960 issue of 'Sports Car Graphic' ?

RogerH

09-29-2011, 04:41 AM

Apologies for butting in on Nigel's amazing photographs, but I want to ask RogerH if it may have been his Taraschi that was featured in the April 1960 issue of 'Sports Car Graphic' ?

I was advised by a previous US owner of the Taraschi that it was the car that appeared on pages 24 - 25 of the April 1960 issue of "Sports Car Graphic". The colour scheme in the article seems the same as on the original build sheet (Brock Yates subsequently painted it black). The car was evidently the US "works" (Biener Pontiac) car for most of 1960 and it says in the article that they provided the car to the magazine - presumably for publicity purposes.

pallmall

09-29-2011, 08:01 AM

I was advised by a previous US owner of the Taraschi that it was the car that appeared on pages 24 - 25 of the April 1960 issue of "Sports Car Graphic". The colour scheme in the article seems the same as on the original build sheet (Brock Yates subsequently painted it black). The car was evidently the US "works" (Biener Pontiac) car for most of 1960 and it says in the article that they provided the car to the magazine - presumably for publicity purposes.

Cool, thankyou.

nigel watts

10-03-2011, 09:34 AM

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nigel watts

10-03-2011, 09:38 AM

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GeebeeNZ

10-03-2011, 10:46 AM

Great Photos Nigel. The little two seater sports car is I believe the Cooper MG. I havent seen it out for some time. Lovely little car it has that Etceterini look of an Italian Fiat Special of the fifties.

nigel watts

10-04-2011, 09:42 AM

Thanls GeeBeeNZ
Here's a few more shots of the Central Muscle Cars at Taupo last
Easter

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nigel watts

10-04-2011, 09:45 AM

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nigel watts

10-04-2011, 09:49 AM

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nigel watts

10-04-2011, 09:51 AM

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nigel watts

10-20-2011, 09:37 PM

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nigel watts

11-01-2011, 09:22 AM

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Steve Holmes

11-01-2011, 08:36 PM

Nigel, these are fantastic! Oran Park was considered the birthplace of Sports Sedans, and raced here for many years before they were officially recognised by CAMS for 1973. I think they went by the name Sports Racing Closed or something similar before the Sports Sedan tag was applied. By 1973, Sports Sedans were the biggest thing in Aussie motorsport. more popular than both Touring Cars and F5000. Grace Bros and Marlboro waded in with huge prize money for Sports Sedan series' at both Oran Park and Calder Park. But it was these cars which started it all. They were cheap and exciting.

The mobile dunny is priceless! I guess he had to corner gently, or else a turd may break loose!

Rod Grimwood

11-02-2011, 12:29 AM

Steve, you may find it was jammed in turd gear on the dunny grid so thats why it was slow away.

Murray Maunder

11-02-2011, 06:07 AM

Bogged on the startline with a dodgy crutch.

thunder427

11-02-2011, 06:57 AM

....I heard they couldn't sell the dam thing till the 'paper work' was done!!!!!!.....

AMCO72

11-02-2011, 07:49 AM

Pretty sure post 306 shows Les Parkinson in the C type replica. Used to race round a bit with Les in the good old days of the Jaguar Drivers Club. He hasn't been well for some time but think he still owns the car.

TonyG

11-06-2011, 01:31 AM

awesome shots that bring back many memories. The mobile throne may be Rod Hatfield from the Castlemaine Rod Shop. I vaguely remember reading somewhere that he built one back in the day.
Those shots from Pukekohe at the 85 Nissan Mobil are remarkable as I have almost identically placed shots of some of the same cars lol We must have been so close to meeting way back then.

Steve Holmes

11-08-2011, 12:36 AM

Tony, that was the era of the wild and whacky show cars, inspired by the earlier works of Ed Roth. The cars usually weren't even usable, they were just rolled in and out of trailers at car shows around the country. It reached its peak in the late '60s and early '70s and some of the creations did appear to be inspired by some of the drugs that were available at the time!

TonyG

11-10-2011, 03:51 AM

Not wrong. Seen a few starting to creep back in here now. Rod is still at it as well.

Tony, that was the era of the wild and whacky show cars, inspired by the earlier works of Ed Roth. The cars usually weren't even usable, they were just rolled in and out of trailers at car shows around the country. It reached its peak in the late '60s and early '70s and some of the creations did appear to be inspired by some of the drugs that were available at the time!

Steve Holmes

11-10-2011, 11:42 PM

Yep thats true, he is too.

nigel watts

12-10-2011, 09:48 AM

The first shot was taken at Oran Park in the early 70's and all the others were taken at Pukekohe

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lisian_1275

12-10-2011, 10:31 PM

Nigel
This has probably been said before, but I am new to this site, this has got to be the best collection of Motor Racing photos I have ever seen.
For you to share them is just awesome.
By chance you wouldn't have any from Oran Park or Amaroo Park of the Mini Sports Sedan Series ?

Thanks Again

Ian :D

Murray Maunder

12-11-2011, 09:48 AM

Lovely shot of John Surtees. Thanks for the great memories Nigel.

Oldfart

12-11-2011, 07:07 PM

Lovely shot of John Surtees. Thanks for the great memories Nigel.

+ lots!

nigel watts

01-02-2012, 10:44 PM

Thanks Guys
Just a few more images then I'm all up to date

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nigel watts

01-02-2012, 10:46 PM

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nigel watts

01-02-2012, 10:47 PM

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nigel watts

01-03-2012, 10:09 PM

Success - having a clean out in my garage yesterday & found the long lost boxes of slides

Allan Moffat
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Pete Geoghegan
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Bob Jane
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Jim McKeown
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Allan Moffat chasing Pete Geoghegan
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Bob Jane spins as Norm Beechey disappears down conrod
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nigel watts

01-03-2012, 10:12 PM

Chris Brauer
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Brian Foley
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Stormin' Norman
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Rod Grimwood

01-03-2012, 11:18 PM

That is a brilliant find Nigel, great pictures as is the norm.

kiwi285

01-04-2012, 12:03 AM

I'll bet you are pleased that you found that box. Some really great historic shots there - worth a mint. Thanks for posting.

aussiemonza

01-04-2012, 12:14 AM

Shano

01-04-2012, 09:11 AM

Stunners.

Steve Holmes

01-05-2012, 12:05 AM

Wow, Nigel, these Bathurst shots are awesome! This was Beecheys first win of the 1970 season, and he'd go on to win two more races and take out the 1970 ATCC. Too bad your photos don't come with sound-o-vision. I bet these cars sounded amazing as they blasted down Conrod.

nigel watts

01-05-2012, 10:39 PM

Thanks Guys. It was all pretty exciting stuff for a young kiwi guy to see Mustangs, Camaros, Porsches & Beecheys Monaro all going at it hammer & tongs.

nigel watts

01-05-2012, 10:47 PM

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Geoghegan's car yard - Paramatta Road I think
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nigel watts

01-05-2012, 10:55 PM

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nigel watts

01-22-2012, 12:43 AM

Only had a modest point & shoot on this day so images not the best

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jim short

01-22-2012, 04:06 AM

Yes amco I understand he had a great collection of Jaguar spares some quite pricless!!!!

jim short

01-22-2012, 04:13 AM

The above was related to the C type photo,, has a very special Distributor!!!

jim short

01-22-2012, 10:19 AM

Rod just found these pages what great photos I dont think I have seen better the Jag was Clive Gott I think bought up from Balcluther drove on the road then proceded to make faster by removing half the rear to compete but was to heavy still

jim short

01-22-2012, 11:03 AM

David ,, Stirling Moss, I was behind him on the dummy grid one race we were waiting and waiting ,he got out abused the marshals and walked off!!!,at the evening function one chat was so excited to be with Moss all he had to autogralf? was a fifty dollar note!!

jim short

01-22-2012, 11:06 AM

IThis forum is not used to me yet the above {Moss} relates to the Hyslop ,conway cooper

jim short

01-26-2012, 05:07 AM

Hi I love these photos .Brian Friend strange not alot about him sofar.you certanly new he was about,,the Hux shot great is it possible to purchase any of them still Nigel???money is no object!!! thanks

nigel watts

01-26-2012, 05:54 AM

jim short

01-27-2012, 12:51 AM

The ones of the Porsche ahead of the rotary mazdas ,,or call me 078864084 there so many, thanks Jim

Mike Price

02-08-2012, 02:44 AM

Nigel. You have an amazing personal collection of photos there. Thanks for putting them up. There are some of my Commodore there too that I would never have seen!! (VH SS B&H - Hulme/Janson 1982. 1983 Midgley's B&H and '84 ANZ Series)

rogered

02-08-2012, 03:13 AM

Mike Price

02-08-2012, 10:10 AM

Then to belbins as their yellow car?????????
Yes Belbin was the 3rd owner. I have no history or pics of it when it was owned by them though. Can you help???

Mike Price

02-08-2012, 10:19 AM

I think Belbin also had the Neville Crichton, ex-Bruce Fowler car too. Not sure. Rumor was they had an RX7 as well. Hope someone can fill me in. I was owned by a finance company and rego no. changed after that so.....

rogered

02-08-2012, 10:38 AM

Correct
RX7 was green and owned new by a local hamilton Dr before them.

Correct belbins had 2 and im pretty sure they had the black fowler car also. at one point they had both cars at once but think they had the yellow one first.
I think the black car then went to wayne parry. (pretty sure the car rod Grimwood drove at nissan mobil, but rod will confirm im sure) Then to Hastings (bristow)and i have never seen it again.
Something like that anyway

Mike Price

02-08-2012, 11:14 AM

Bristow still owns the car. I did the Te Onepu hillclimb against him in the car back in '07 I think. Spoke to him about it not long ago when he rang me regarding Steve's Australian Muscle car article on the cars.
My car was painted half yellow for the Midgley's so would have been easy to cover completely in yellow.
I wonder if anyone has any picture or further info. Might have to start a thread.. Cheers

Rod Grimwood

02-09-2012, 02:00 AM

Rod Grimwood

02-09-2012, 08:26 AM

Rod Downs at Manfield before my drive.

Rod Grimwood

02-09-2012, 08:26 AM

That Capri of McFarlanes was quick

Mike Price

02-09-2012, 10:05 AM

Rod,I'll have a dig through my photos and see if I can get one of it as it is today.

rogered

02-09-2012, 10:11 AM

I tend to think it was "VK" ed.
and i recall he towed it with another road going VHSS.

Mike Price

02-09-2012, 10:18 AM

Yes it is now a VK Group A. It was never an NZ VH SS 1- 0f- 30. It was an Ozzy SS imported for the B&H. Dont know how Mr Fowler managed to pull that off

rogered

02-09-2012, 10:30 AM

Now you got me.
I thought it was the ex crighton Radio I car?

Mike Price

02-09-2012, 11:12 AM

I'll have to get my photos back from Steve Holmes

Mike Price

02-09-2012, 11:19 AM

Cant remember the sponsor, was the only black one racing at the time.

SPS

02-09-2012, 11:53 AM

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02-09-2012, 11:58 AM

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SPS

02-09-2012, 12:00 PM

Hi Mike

Throught these shots would be of interest.Does Dennis Bristow still own the car today.

Regards
Warren

Rod Grimwood

02-09-2012, 11:47 PM

Note John Caultons name on screen, he had the mid engined Marina Sports sedan for awhile, last i heard he had a gym and was raffling the car back in early 90s when i visited on a work trip passing through. What ever happened to the car and Mr Caulton

jim short

02-10-2012, 07:22 AM

He had Graham Parkes Marina changed the motor ..was in the 87 north island team north v south never seen again !!

jim short

02-10-2012, 07:25 AM

Hey Rod when you gone stop off .have a spare lazeboy and over 100 vidios to sort..

Mike Price

02-10-2012, 10:32 AM

Yes Warren he does. I have his phone number in my dairy. I'll give him a buzz and send them on to him. He still does the odd race event in it too.

QUOTE=SPS;9961]Hi Mike

Throught these shots would be of interest.Does Dennis Bristow still own the car today.

Regards
Warren[/QUOTE]

SPS

02-11-2012, 01:05 AM

Would he sell it??

Mike Price

02-11-2012, 04:33 AM

Apparently not. We've left our number with him though.

Rod Grimwood

02-13-2012, 12:23 AM

I will catch up Jim, and look forward to a cuppa

Jizim

02-15-2012, 02:13 PM

Think that is Mr Bromley in the Bandag Falcon. He had a very quick Forrest Green (i think) XCGT Falcon before this car. And i think a purple XBGT before that. This car did not perform as well as the XB or XC.

Yep I think you right Rod....he was the Andersons brother in law by memory. The purple XB he crashed and thrashed it but it came to every meeting looking immaculate. Had a sun roof in it as well. The car following George Sheweiry is Veen Smith in the Torana L34 prior to him racing the Commodore that was ex Wellington winner....(Francevic/Morton?) I see the late Trevor McLean in this set of pix as well......these pictures are a credit to you. Thank you very much for sharing....Kind regards, Tony Rutherford.

Jizim

02-15-2012, 02:38 PM

Nigel I would just like to add to the thanks for some amazing photos and they sure jolt the memory.
The Jag is the ex Silcock-Millen car, I can not recall the guy's name it was driven very well by him.
Monaro is John Learmonth i think.
Note the Aquajets on the Commodore they were the trick back then, shave them and go.

Ok here we go....the Capri number 23 behind George Sheweiry is none other than Terry O'Brien. 302 V8 that hoisted the front wheels on the tight corners. The ex Millen Jag is driven by Clive Gott of Birkenhead. (he lived next door to me in Chatswood Auckland three doors down from John Morton...) Correct that is John Learmonths Monaro....John gave me this car to drive at Taupo to try and cohearse me into a V8.....(thanks John)....it worked a couple of years later....the Commodore is the same car that Veen Smith owns now. Ex Francevic/Morton. And a bit further back is Chris Toms rapid Turboed Ford Laser. Prior to Driving his imported red Postal Group A XR3 Rouse car.....He later moved on to Tranzam Camaro until a back marker that he was lapping made the cardinal sin by not staying in the same position as Chris was overtaking him at warp 9. The front of that car just clipped Chris's Camaro and barrel rolled him out of motorsport. Hope this help i.d. some of these. Kindest regards, Tony Rutherford.

Jizim

02-15-2012, 03:12 PM

Yep I think you right Rod....he was the Andersons brother in law by memory. The purple XB he crashed and thrashed it but it came to every meeting looking immaculate. Had a sun roof in it as well. The car following George Sheweiry is Veen Smith in the Torana L34 prior to him racing the Commodore that was ex Wellington winner....(Francevic/Morton?) I see the late Trevor McLean in this set of pix as well......these pictures are a credit to you. Thank you very much for sharing....Kind regards, Tony Rutherford.
OOPs ......Bromley wasnt related to the Andersons....it was Midgley.....(sorry...)

Jizim

02-15-2012, 03:18 PM

Yor are right Rogered, it was the black car and it was raced before me by a mate Rod Downs ( he organized my drive) and Trevor McLean. Rod Downs and Wayne Thompson had North Shore Engine Reconditioners in Wairau Rd back then and did a lot of race work.
If you want to know what the rear looked like maybe Tony could tell you, he saw it a couple of times. (good bet that one).
The car did go to Bristow, and last time I saw it was at old Taupo track and I was having a good look and think the guy's must have wondered what is this nosey bugger up to, as funny looks so I just wondered off. Glad to hear it is still around and hopefully will see it one day.

I ran into Rod Downs at the festival and he finally paid up the bet we had from way back there.....the bet was who ever finished in front of the other won the prize and I have it in writing and signed. However I cant devulge the prize as it may offend some folk!! So Rod take ya hand off it and go and sit with the Vee Dub Coupe dreamer and try as you may....alter any pictures or videos you like...but remember the truth all ways prevails. Wanna come round and polish my trophys after you finished polishing your wands. With respect to my elders....Tony Rutherford.

Rod Grimwood

02-16-2012, 12:15 AM

Come on it was "you will not lap me" not finish. Now about polishing things, start with your act fella and show respect to young Jim.
(might catch you next week, down for a meeting)

seaqnmac27

09-30-2014, 07:27 AM

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The Yellow Celica following the Williams Alfetta would that be the Bellis/Coppins Celica?

seaqnmac27

09-30-2014, 01:22 PM

Barry Sharp Falcon

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Barry Sharp Falcon, the last 2 years at Lakeside

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nigel watts

03-24-2015, 05:20 AM

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George Sheweiry

03-24-2015, 09:43 AM

Wow as usual Nigel a beautiful clear photo, almost makes me feel like I am there on the day. George.

nigel watts

03-31-2015, 06:08 AM

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nigel watts

03-31-2015, 06:10 AM

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nigel watts

03-31-2015, 06:12 AM

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nigel watts

03-31-2015, 11:08 AM

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nigel watts

03-31-2015, 11:11 AM

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nigel watts

03-31-2015, 11:13 AM

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Steve Holmes

03-31-2015, 11:43 PM

Hi Nigel, I noticed you had posted some of your images in the thread covering Ray Green's extensive photo collection. So I moved your pics into your thread, and renamed both yours and Ray's threads to prevent any confusion. And best of all, it gave me an excuse to bring your thread back to the first page of the forum, for those who hadn't yet seen your photos.

ERC

04-01-2015, 01:08 AM

Thanks Steve. Nigel's pics are too good to be dispersed willy-nilly.

Thanks Nigel for great pics and the PM!

Shoreboy57

04-01-2015, 03:49 AM

These pics are fantastic Nigel, especially the UK stuff. Is that an Aston Martin Project 212?

Great idea - it gave me the excuse to go right back to #1 of this new thread - those winged BMWs on the charge at Silverstone are something else

ERC

04-01-2015, 05:40 AM

I hadn't seen the stuff at the beginning of the thread either, so I too am enjoying the older pics and several cars I recognise.

nigel watts

04-01-2015, 06:59 AM

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nigel watts

04-01-2015, 07:02 AM

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nigel watts

04-01-2015, 07:04 AM

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nigel watts

04-01-2015, 07:06 AM

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nigel watts

04-01-2015, 09:48 AM

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nigel watts

04-01-2015, 09:55 AM

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nigel watts

04-01-2015, 09:57 AM

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04-01-2015, 10:01 AM

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04-03-2015, 03:18 AM

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04-03-2015, 03:20 AM

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04-03-2015, 03:23 AM

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nigel watts

04-03-2015, 03:25 AM

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Roger Dowding

04-03-2015, 03:35 AM

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Nigel, great shots, love the Rob Williams Ford V8 Coupe, he had that back in 1967 when I got my first car a 1960 Austin Seven-Mini, the Coupe has a one piece front windscreen, I think from a Morris Minor 1000, one piece back window similar source !! and Peugeot 203 tail lights, from memory, Rob ran it at Western Springs during one of the Heatway Rally's back in 1970's, they let guys run between the rally cars arriving at the stadium. there was so much mud that the boys had to drive with there heads out the drivers side window while drifting the corners.

nigel watts

04-03-2015, 04:06 AM

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04-03-2015, 04:10 AM

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04-03-2015, 04:13 AM

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04-03-2015, 05:13 AM

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04-03-2015, 05:16 AM

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04-03-2015, 05:19 AM

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04-03-2015, 05:48 AM

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nigel watts

04-04-2015, 12:40 PM

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Terry S

04-05-2015, 12:36 AM

Jim Palmer
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Just catching up with these terrific photos over the Easter break.

Is the Brabham BT11 in post 199 the ex Rorstan Racing car?

If so what has happened to it since their time as I thought it had been written off by them.

nigel watts

04-06-2015, 12:47 AM

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nigel watts

04-06-2015, 12:51 AM

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GD66

04-06-2015, 08:52 AM

Is the Brabham BT11 in post 199 the ex Rorstan Racing car?

If so what has happened to it since their time as I thought it had been written off by them.

If you mean this car that Bolton inserted into the hangar at Wigram, according to Sergent it was a BT19.
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Terry S

04-06-2015, 07:53 PM

If you mean this car that Bolton inserted into the hangar at Wigram, according to Sergent it was a BT19.
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No. The car crashed into Wigram hangar was the second Rorstan Brabham.

The car displayed here was the first bought from Jim Palmer. It was variously described as a 7A, an 11 and a 22.
It was presumed to have been broken up for parts and disappeared.

That is what I am enquiring about, what actually happened to it?

Roger Dowding

04-07-2015, 07:29 AM

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Robs V8 Coupe, I, as in my memory, was wrong about the back window[s]. still the split ones, but the tail-lights I am sure Pug.. love the sideways attitude in one photo.

Oldfart

04-07-2015, 08:06 PM

Roger, not Pug 203 or 403.

Roger Dowding

04-08-2015, 11:57 PM

Oldfart, just had a Google 203 Stationwagon tail lights - mounted vertically in the Pug and horizontally in the V8, tried to attach image but my skills aren't that good.

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Oldfart

04-09-2015, 01:30 AM

Could be right, but as I owned a 203 till very recently, what I looked at on Rob's car looked different. Then again there are different versions of those lights. (Wagon as shown are different to car)

nigel watts

04-09-2015, 05:59 AM

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04-09-2015, 06:01 AM

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nigel watts

04-09-2015, 06:05 AM

1929 Austin 7 Special
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1938 Lagonda V12 Le Mans
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1953 Jaguar C Type replica
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1955 Buckler 90
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nigel watts

04-09-2015, 06:08 AM

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1948 Bugatti Type 35A
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1951 Jowett Jupiter
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1961 Sunbeam Rapier
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1954 Buckler 90
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1958 Lotus 11 Mk2 Replica
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275 GTB

04-09-2015, 06:31 AM

Fabulous pics...wish I knew what some of them are! :-)

nigel watts

04-12-2015, 11:51 PM

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nigel watts

04-12-2015, 11:55 PM

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04-12-2015, 11:59 PM

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04-13-2015, 12:02 AM

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04-13-2015, 12:05 AM

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04-13-2015, 12:07 AM

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Oldfart

04-13-2015, 10:12 PM

I looked at Rb's coupe at Camp Run a muck on Sunday. I was wrong, definitely 203 tail lights. Mea Culpa.

nigel watts

04-18-2015, 01:17 AM

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ERC

04-18-2015, 02:56 AM

That is because he has been driving the microphone... Taken over from Derbs.

George Sheweiry

04-18-2015, 10:24 AM

There should be a prize for the best sounding car of the race meeting as that beautiful Silver Jag had the most awesome sounding bark. In fact it was very reminescent of those V12 F1 cars like the BRM that came along to the festival. I could have listened to that all day!!!

ERC

04-18-2015, 08:29 PM

Agree. With our upcoming awards dinner George, I'll bear that in mind!

Always on the lookout for more chocolate fish type awards anyway. We have always had a range of awards, including our regular 'dark glasses, white stick, collect-your-Labrador-on-the-way- out' for those who miss seeing the flags.

Last year there was the 'ReVolvo - Revolving Jandal' award for Des Redgwell who manage to tip the Volvo over at Pukekohe.

Great pics as always Nigel.

JT2500

04-20-2015, 11:53 AM

The old girl still lives and hopefully will be back on track soon (just doing track days) as Ray says I driving a microphone these days and actually really enjoy doing that rather than racing so if anybody wants to make an offer on her let me know.

nigel watts

05-03-2015, 09:34 AM

Oh boy. Did I make a huge mistake today. I've never photographed truck racing before so thought I might go down to taupo to watch that plus the Pre 65's and Central Muscle Cars. Sounded like it would be a fun day. Up at 5am and on my way at 6 arriving bang on 8am when racing was supposed to start. Paid my $25 entrance fee plus $10 for a programme then went to race control to sign the photographers waiver. They gave me a map of the circuit with specific instructions on where I could and couldn't stand to take photos. All good so far. I photographed the first couple of races at the s bend leading on to the pit straight. So far so good. The n decided to move down to the end of the pit straight but had to be at least 10 metres past the large sign in accordance with the instructions. Ok, so to make sure I was complying I stood at least 15 to 20 metres past the sign. All of a sudden I became aware of a ute approaching at speed. It stopped right by me and out hopped a bloke telling me "you can't stand here or anywhere along the access road". But I've registered and have been given this piece of paper that says I can. No you can't he says. Race control have said out out out. Apparently Motorsport New Zealand officials have said I can't stand there. Nevermind that I've been standing right there over the last 10 years, nevermind that there's a gap of 20-30 metres to the track, nevermind that there's a tyre barrier and armco, nevermind that I stood right there last week, nevermind that on my way to the track I've passed countless cars and trucks going the other way at closing speeds of 200kph with a gap of less than 3 metres. Well all I can say to the Motorsport NZ twerp in race control is, if you were trying to piss off a member of the paying public, who I might add was playing by the rules set down, you certainly succeeded. I left the track then and there in disgust having only been there a couple of hours. I won't make that mistake again. Anything remotely connected to motorsport NZ will be on my boycott list from now on. No wonder the sport is in such a mess.

GD66

05-03-2015, 10:15 AM

They've struck again !

Incredible.

Rod Grimwood

05-04-2015, 08:09 AM

After the service you have provided to NZ motorsport competitors, enthusiasts, and classic owners and all motorsport, at YOUR EXPENSE over a very long time, I would like to think that some one research's these actions and the treatment that you received and an apology is very forth coming. Nigel you have been too just about every meeting held in the North Island since it seems like WW11 and this is how you end up being treated, not a good look. Hopefully some one will realize that they have stuffed up here and sense will prevail with an unreserved apology. We need you and others to capture the brilliant action shots that you unselfishly share with all of us. Some one knows who made the call, so please stand up and apologize to Nigel.
Please Motorsport NZ can you address this.

nigel watts

05-04-2015, 08:24 AM

Thanks Rod. I've calmed down now but I was certainly frothing yesterday. Come to think of it, when I look back on yesterday I don't recall seeing any photographers. Perhaps all the missing ones have received the same treatment!

ERC

05-04-2015, 09:29 AM

Sad.
You signed the disclaimer that effectively says you are there at your own risk.
You had a map.
You stood where you could and I am 100% sure that if you thought that for 1 second that you were in a dangerous position, you would have moved anyway.
You are not a 14 year old with dodgy judgement.

I suggest you investigate and find out exactly WHO made that call (it shouldn't be too difficult) and seek a written response. As a photographer doing the sport a service, had it been our meeting, I would have refunded your entry fee and given you two programmes, one to scribble on and one to keep pristine.

This has to be the saddest post on here for ages (ignoring the obvious ones where drivers have gone to that racetrack in the sky).

Chin up Nigel. You know that HRC and the Hampton Downs crew have never done that.

Tell you what Nigel, if you are free this Saturday night, we'll shout you to the ERC Awards dinner at the CT Club, Remuera (6:30pm) - just as long as you confirm by Wednesday... (Send me a PM) Bring your camera and a memory stick with some of the ERC car pics and we'll leave it running on the screen.

CobraV8

05-04-2015, 09:38 AM

ERC

05-04-2015, 10:28 AM

Was it the truck race? If so, then the instruction should have been "For this race, we suggest you stand in a different place", OR, the issued circuit map with approved points should have stated quite clearly that "for the trucks, such and such points are deemed put of bounds."

I know only too well that the trucks are a different kettle of fish as the first time they raced at Pukekohe, I was flagging and we moved ourselves back 15 metres!

Michael Clark

05-04-2015, 10:45 AM

Does Crunch still look in here from time to time?

nigel watts

05-04-2015, 11:20 AM

Do remember that trucks are big and heavy, and gravel traps and armco don't always stop them. Maybe MNZ can be a bit pedantic and wrapped up in red tape, but the trucks are also big dangerous beasts that shouldn't really race at some of our tracks.

I remember seeing the video of a truck crashing into and over the armco on the hill at Pukekohe a few years ago, If a trucks brakes failed at the end of the pit straight at Taupo it probably wouldn't deviate too much from the straight ahead position so I made sure that I was standing well outside that zone - I'm not crazy.

nigel watts

05-04-2015, 08:46 PM

Thanks for the support guys. It's appreciated. What happened happened. I'm not looking for an apology but rather an undertaking that before they make such arbitrary decisions someone actually goes down to the area and has a think about it. Yes it was the truck race but the laws of physics apply to trucks as well as cars etc. A large heavy truck travelling at speed isn't going to turn as well as a car, so I believe it's possible to stand near a corner and make an informed judgement as to whether you're safe or not, then add a bit more. There are plenty of places in that area where you can stand in absolute safety. Of course there is always a risk, if there wasn't motor racing would be boring wouldn't it. When you look back at the history of motorsport and see the photos that were taken back in the day we appreciate that those photographers got themselves into positions to capture the action up close. When I sign the photographers waiver I know and accept that I am responsible for my own safety. Ray, thanks for the kind offer. I can't attend as my daughter is leaving for her OE next week and we're having a family dinner on Saturday night, but thanks anyway. Finally, to put a smile on your face, I wonder why Motorsport NZ don't sound an air raid siren when a plane takes off and flies over the pits.

ERC

05-04-2015, 10:00 PM

Good post Nigel and I agree 100%... Pics of Klemantanski and even artist Michael Turner and others standing on what would be rumble strips today, with cameras without telephoto lenses were the norm, or in my dad's day, thumping great plate cameras!

You have an invite for the dinner next year then Nigel! We'll need a good photographer on site to record the 30th Season Awards dinner anyway...

rogered

05-04-2015, 10:20 PM

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Good post Nigel.
The best shots are not taken from the back row of the grandstand,

GD66

05-04-2015, 11:25 PM

There we are, now isn't that much safer ?
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It's for your own good, mate...

Kevin Hirst

05-05-2015, 08:34 PM

There we are, now isn't that much safer ?
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It's for your own good, mate...

That's very safe, take all your photo's while there is no racing going on, brilliant.

nigel watts

05-08-2015, 05:42 AM

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05-08-2015, 05:45 AM

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05-08-2015, 05:47 AM

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05-08-2015, 10:14 AM

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05-08-2015, 10:17 AM

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05-08-2015, 10:58 PM

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05-08-2015, 11:01 PM

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05-18-2015, 12:06 AM

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05-18-2015, 12:09 AM

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05-18-2015, 12:12 AM

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05-18-2015, 12:15 AM

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Roger Dowding

05-18-2015, 06:29 AM

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Have seen the FaTaZ cars at Lakeside, on of the groups in Queensland Trans-Am series, both at Lakeside and Queensland Raceway, near Ipswich, great to see and hear.

nigel watts

05-18-2015, 10:08 PM

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05-18-2015, 10:10 PM

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05-18-2015, 10:13 PM

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05-19-2015, 08:09 PM

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05-19-2015, 08:18 PM

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05-19-2015, 09:04 PM

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nigel watts

05-24-2015, 02:27 AM

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05-24-2015, 02:29 AM

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05-24-2015, 02:32 AM

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05-24-2015, 02:35 AM

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05-24-2015, 02:38 AM

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05-24-2015, 02:40 AM

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05-24-2015, 02:43 AM

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05-27-2015, 09:58 AM

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05-27-2015, 10:00 AM

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05-27-2015, 10:06 AM

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05-27-2015, 10:08 AM

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05-27-2015, 10:10 AM

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05-27-2015, 10:12 AM

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05-27-2015, 10:15 AM

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nigel watts

05-27-2015, 10:17 AM

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nigel watts

05-27-2015, 10:21 AM

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That's all folks as I didn't stay for the other CMC races

JohnM575

05-28-2015, 01:36 AM

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That's all folks as I didn't stay for the other CMC races

Hi Nigel, is there any chance I could grab a couple of these shots in hi-res? Specifically of the #19 Ford Falcon. Cheers, John.

nigel watts

06-13-2015, 11:19 AM

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nigel watts

06-13-2015, 11:21 AM

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nigel watts

06-13-2015, 11:23 AM

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Rex Bentham

09-04-2015, 06:44 AM

I have been going back through some of your earlier postings Nigel, a very enjoyable pastime. I have recently bought the ex Mike Westall MK 2 Jaguar and I note that in post #204 the first image shows Mikes car transporter CMS Racing in the background and
a group of guys around the MK1 Jag, one of the guys sitting on the guard looks very much like Mike. Also in post #190 two photos
from Baypark show two MK 2s and a Mini. Do you or anyone else know who the drivers? Any info on the MK 2 would be much appreciated. I have entered the Jag in the Ice Breaker meeting, so if you are there would be great to catch up.

nigel watts

09-16-2015, 09:12 AM

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nigel watts

09-16-2015, 09:22 AM

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nigel watts

09-29-2015, 11:27 AM

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AMCO72

09-29-2015, 08:56 PM

The Prince-Hourigan XJS now racing in classic racing. Recently restored by Angus Fogg and owned by Gary Johnstone in Christchurch. Gary had the car at Highlands Park in February this year where it suffered an 'engine malfunction' !!!!! The engine had not been touched during the restoration as it appeared to be ok. However it clearly wasnt as good as everyone thought, so is now being completely rebuilt and reassembled in the AFR workshop. Striping the engine after so many years, proved to be a character building exercise, with studs frozen in the heads and block.......I think the big hammer came out a few times, accompanied by numerous cans of Lion Red.......not for the studs but for the operator. Before the engine trouble, Angus had driven it at a number of Classic meetings, and described the handling as challenging ! It was also up to its old tricks of overheating, something that hopefully will be addressed during the rebuild. I have to say it has a gorgeous sound........