Taupo Historic Grand Prix. 2018 [Archive]

khyndart in CA

01-06-2018, 11:02 PM

It is time to get ready for Taupo.
Make sure your vehicle is serviced and ready for the trip.
Make sure your significant other knows where you will be that weekend.
Get those hidden funds from under the mattress and head for the track.
This weekend should be a real "ripper."

Bruce McLaren Motorsport Park, 463 Broadlands Rd, Taupo, Lake Taupo
Saturday 20 January 2018 9:30am and Sunday 21 January 2018 10:30am

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John McKechnie

01-07-2018, 12:43 AM

An not forgetting to pass this magic event details onto as many previous competitors as you never know who will appear.
I know I have passed it on to all previous owners of the Monaro and some will be definitely there., Ken

Roger Dowding

01-07-2018, 05:17 AM

Hi Guys feeling guilty as cannot make it.

Ken H,the funds under the mattress or elswhere seem to have evaporated, and I am committed with the " Significant Other " or as said in Minder " Her Indoors " to go to Waiheke to the old family batch, managed to squeeze in a week.

Guys Do enjoy and I will be watching for posts and plenty of pictures.

John Mck - sent you a PM too !!

khyndart in CA

01-07-2018, 09:10 AM

I hope the work conditions have improved for the Camaro and Monaro crews compared to almost 50 years ago at Bay Park when Spinner Black was preparing to meet up against Norm Beechey etc. in his 1967 Chevrolet " Lexington" Camaro # 92. December 1968.
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Ken Smith did not have it much better, working in the fields of Pukekohe, on his Lotus 41. Sept. 1969.
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( Ken Hyndman photos. )

Bruce302

01-07-2018, 06:38 PM

It was all very character building Ken, but things have improved with some nice facilities available.

Bruce.

Ross Hollings

01-07-2018, 09:02 PM

Remember Pukekohe Circuit toilets behind the tote,you could "Hang Out", with all the famous drivers.!!

kiwi285

01-09-2018, 07:49 AM

Here is the PROVISIONAL program for the weekend.

Note that the practice on Friday is unofficial and FREE.

Will see you there.

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4742/38881567334_5d5fc01f16_k.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/22eQcmA)IMG_1739 (https://flic.kr/p/22eQcmA) by Mike Feisst (https://www.flickr.com/photos/150605843@N06/), on Flickr

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4628/38881566074_cac108fe19_k.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/22eQbYS)IMG_1740 (https://flic.kr/p/22eQbYS) by Mike Feisst (https://www.flickr.com/photos/150605843@N06/), on Flickr

khyndart in CA

01-10-2018, 12:22 AM

Thanks for that information Mike, that will be a busy and exciting 3 days.
I am so looking forward to getting away from the mess and sadness here around Santa Barbara. CA.
Last month it was the fires due to no rain and high winds and then last night we had 5 inches of rain
(Average annual rainfall = 15 inches !) The burnt out hillsides then caused all this to take place in Montecito, a very wealthy suburb, about 10 miles south of Goleta where I work at "Moss Motors".
Still more bad weather on the way.
Imagine having this to contend with.
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A local news site;
https://www.noozhawk.com/local_news

(Ken Hyndman )

kiwi285

01-10-2018, 03:46 AM

Thanks for that information Mike, that will be a busy and exciting 3 days.
(Ken Hyndman )

Looking forward to it Ken.

khyndart in CA

01-11-2018, 08:36 AM

Sad to report that a dear friend of ours was one the victims of this horrible event in Montecito, California, as she was swept away from her home and drowned.
Hug your loved ones tonight.

Ken

Paul B

01-11-2018, 08:49 AM

Gee Ken, very sorry to hear that, stay safe! in the atrocious conditions there. I have been looking at the carnage the fires and weather have caused. Get over to NZ, ASAP - summer and safety here. Hopefully you can enjoy and have some time out & relax.
Kindest Regards!
From kiwi land
P

John McKechnie

01-11-2018, 10:46 AM

Heres the field for Historic Sports Sedans and Invited Allcomers-

4- Jamie Coyle- Bennenbroek...........Torana XU1 V8
7- Peter Hooper..............................Toyota Starlet
8- Dennis Running..........................Mazda RX8.
23-Bob Hyslop................................Mazda RX7
34-Murray/ Graeme Park..................Marina V8.
39- Cam Neil..................................Chev Coupe.
40- Adrian Dobbe............................Viva Viva Viva
50- Robert Bartley...........................Custaxie 2
59- John McKechnie.........................Cambridge Monaro
68- Roger Davis..............................Torana SLR 5000
69- Jon Telford................................Mazda RX8
72- Robert Jack...............................Escort V8
77- Neil Deighton.............................Chavenger
83- Bruce Thompson.........................XA Coupe.
96- Richard Quin..............................Starlet V8
118- Graham Barnes.........................Capri V8.
141- Craig Stacey.............................Zephyr Corvette 2
181- Ron Findlay...............................Capri V8
302- Bruce Goodwin..........................MK3 Zephyr V8.

Plus a couple of people yet to confirm.
Hope all the fans enjoy the show.

kiwi285

01-11-2018, 07:02 PM

Here is the link to the Bruce McLaren Park Facebook page for the official program.

https://www.facebook.com/events/155368248424830/permalink/160714151223573/

Spgeti

01-12-2018, 02:41 AM

John McKechnie

01-12-2018, 02:48 AM

Spgeti

01-12-2018, 05:15 AM

Yep, and a big welcome back for Bob Hyslop in his RX7 which is an original Sports Sedan,
He would have been at Manfeild , but let down by the electrics.
Car is as how built it in the late 80s , has a COD and ,of course is a rotary.

Yes John, a car that Bob won the 2000 Kiwi Sports Sedan title. Car is a tri-rotor which Bob built in 1989.

khyndart in CA

01-12-2018, 10:25 PM

Time for a Formula A / 5000 flash back to December 1968 at Bay Park.
The first race of this formula in Australasia.
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Preparing for the race in very basic conditions. " A bit of sand on the throttle linkage. No worries mate !"
Ron Grable's Sceptre HR is closest then the Eisert 67 # 5 driven by Stew McMillen and the LeGrand FA 67 of Rex Ramsey furthest.
(Ken Hyndman photo )

This Ron Grable Collection photo shows the field on the pace lap before coming around to the start/finish line.
Ron leading the pack and would go on to win that day.
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December 1969.
Ron Grable was back at Bay Park and again won the F 5000 race in his very modified McLaren M 10 A. 300/05.
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( Ken Hyndman photo.)
In 2014 I wrote this; "It is ironic that this car was M10 A / 05 and ended up after accident damage as " crushed into a two foot square coffee table ! " Graham McRae's M10 A was / 06 and the " tub ended up in a children's playground and was eventually disposed of." After seeing the work and skills that went into building these cars at Trojan Works, that seemed such a shame."

So lets all be grateful when we see the F5000 and ALL cars and bikes at Taupo that they did nor suffer a similar fate and have been beautifully restored and maintained.
Thanks to everyone involved in bringing this wonderful series back for all of us to enjoy. It is very much appreciated.
(Ken Hyndman)

John McKechnie

01-13-2018, 01:09 AM

Historics are about celebrating those who survived and always remembering those that didnt
The Fat One was always the loudest.

Rod Grimwood

01-13-2018, 10:03 PM

Ken, bring your drinking shorts, as we need a beer together mate. so looking forward to catching up again, when do you arrive.

khyndart in CA

01-14-2018, 04:48 AM

Rod,
I don't think the shorts will work as I would look like a light bulb compared to your Kiwi tan although we might have plenty of beer time if the weather forecast is correct with rain on each of the 3 days !
I arrive on Friday and look forward to seeing you also.
Ken

Rod Grimwood

01-14-2018, 09:53 AM

Na weather will be good, little drizzle Friday then good.
yep gonna be great to
catch up

John McKechnie

01-14-2018, 08:32 PM

In our HSSIA group, Ivan Bevins , who is not racing this weekend , will bringing the ex Criag Pulman XBGT Coupe down to add to the atmosphere.
Thanks Ivan, that car belongs at the racetrack.

Paul B

01-14-2018, 10:09 PM

Na weather will be good, little drizzle Friday then good.
yep gonna be great to
catch up

Would be nice to meet up at Taupo Rod
Cheers
Paul B

khyndart in CA

01-15-2018, 08:28 AM

In our HSSIA group, Ivan Bevins , who is not racing this weekend , will bringing the ex Criag Pulman XBGT Coupe down to add to the atmosphere.
Thanks Ivan, that car belongs at the racetrack.

John,
Perhaps you can locate my old Anglia that I sold to Craig Pulman back in February 1970 and that will certainly bring back mixed memories for me !
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(KJH )

John McKechnie

01-15-2018, 08:40 AM

Craigs XBGT Coupe will be with us for the weekend...we will all talk, as we do.................

Bruce302

01-15-2018, 10:20 AM

I'll be there too Grimee,

Bruce.

Na weather will be good, little drizzle Friday then good.
yep gonna be great to
catch up

khyndart in CA

01-15-2018, 08:09 PM

Craigs XBGT Coupe will be with us for the weekend...we will all talk, as we do.................

I think this Ford Falcon XBGT Coupe would have provided a bit more grunt than the Anglia for Craig !
John Metford's photo of the Craig Pulman Falcon at Pukekohe. Oct. 1988.
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(Ken H)

Steve Holmes

01-15-2018, 09:01 PM

Have a beer in my absence guys, I'm still in Europe. But I'm doing my bit, keeping my hand in, and getting my old car fix wherever I can.

http://i64.tinypic.com/2hx4r4h.jpg

khyndart in CA

01-15-2018, 09:09 PM

Getting closer to D day. Get all your friends and "rellies" to come to Taupo. Should be a memorable weekend.
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khyndart in CA

01-15-2018, 10:56 PM

Rod,
If I had had you prepare my Anglia perhaps I may never have left.
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Cheers "Grimee",
Ken H

ERC

01-16-2018, 03:35 AM

Roger Dowding

01-16-2018, 05:31 AM

If anyone can't make it, there is also a meeting at Hampton Downs - an unfortunate clash really. I might be able to spare 1 day.

• Flemings Trofeo Series (Non Championship round)
• Historic Formula Ford Racing NZ
• NZ Sports Car Racing...
• ERC Classic Race Series (NZ)
• PPG Classic Trials
• Pre 65 Racing
• Classic Touring Cars

That is a pity Ray, as the classes of cars are what i like,cannot make either meeting, Holiday on Waiheke, a nostalgic event in its own right, my Grandmothers Cottage, still in the family, and there is a waiting list at this time of year.. Enjoy !!

Rod Grimwood

01-16-2018, 09:52 AM

Would be nice to meet up at Taupo Rod
Cheers
Paul B

F5000 pits no 16 Brett Willis and team Willis. be great to catch up.

Rod Grimwood

01-16-2018, 09:53 AM

I'll be there too Grimee,

Bruce.

Goody, catch up time

Frosty5

01-19-2018, 09:37 AM

The "MO" has certainly changed colour!!!!

Reeceracer

01-21-2018, 11:13 PM

Well have to say THAT WAS FANTASTIC! First time going to Taupo for over 20 years without a racecar on the back we decided to play "Spectator on the bank". Camped there from Friday right through so it was a different perspective and a little weird...
THAT was what a "Festival" should be - Saturday was the best day in my view - great racing, flowing programme, no "lets get a hotdog" time...bikes where an entertaining if unusual class for a Historic GP meet. Was a shame after a promising qualifying there where so many retirements in the Touring car class but still a good show.
I felt a little for the spectators who only came on Sunday as there where a few "should have been here yesterday"moments.....
If I was being fussy I would have lost the 5 sidecars and the 1 hour bike race on Sunday and had ERC or similar to stay with the theme of the meeting. And bought some Aussie cork hats to deal with the flys in the pits.......Great effort by everyone and well worth missing the H/D meet for.

Bruce302

01-22-2018, 08:18 AM

Travelling with John McKechnie and Ken Hyndman back to Auckland with the Team Cambridge Monaro we decided that it would be nice to drop in on Spencer (Spinner) Black and show him his old car that he had built back in 1969.

He was delighted and very surprised after many years of people claiming to have the car or know where it was. Then it turns up in his town again. We reminisced for some time and all his staff and family were so happy to see the car. It has increased the spectator numbers for the next Taupo meeting in April as they will all be there to see it.

from left to right, Ken Hyndman (who worked for Spinner back in the day) Spencer (Spinner) Black and John McKechnie who rescued the car and restored it so faithfully.

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khyndart in CA

01-24-2018, 05:39 PM

I have been adjusting back to life in California and a bit behind with photos on a truly wonderful 3 days for me at Taupo. I have to admit that Formula 5000 has been in my blood since 1973 !
(many more pics to come. )
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Andy Higgens in his 1974 Lola T332 # 4 about to go out for the first Saturday F5000 practice session ahead of Ken Smith and Grant Martin.
(K H photo)

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Grant Martin - 1974 Talon MR1A # 25

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Ken Smith - 1976 Lola T332 # 11

Paul B

01-24-2018, 08:34 PM

More pis of Ken smith
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Paul B

01-24-2018, 08:36 PM

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Paul B

01-24-2018, 08:39 PM

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khyndart in CA

01-24-2018, 08:47 PM

Ken Smith with his driving instructor, Ken H !
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(Photographer Paul Berkahn aka Paul B)

Paul B

01-24-2018, 08:49 PM

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khyndart in CA

01-24-2018, 09:33 PM

The always friendly Brett Willis, with two TRS members, Mike Feisst (kiwi285) on the left and Paul Berkahn (Paul B ) on the right.
Brett has the favorite team footwear on !
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Note in the next photo of Bruce Thompson, John McKechnie and one of Brett's team members,Rod Grimwood, that Rod has the same footwear as Brett ! Also note the large lump on Bruce's leg caused by a jack handle but it did not slow Bruce down !
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Wilco Racing Team 1973 Lola T330 # 16 got off to a rough start with crown and pinion issues on Friday and a broken right driveshaft on Saturday but Brett had a good drive in the Sunday race.
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Brett Willis accelerating away from turn One. A lovely track to be at even in the rain.

(Ken Hyndman photos)

Paul B

01-24-2018, 10:25 PM

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Paul B

01-24-2018, 10:28 PM

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The Rod Coppins Monaro with a great race history, rescued and faithfully restored back to it's former glory
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The Fleetwood mustang was the very first Mustang to be raced in NZ
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The ex Craig Pullman XB GT Falcon Coupe pumping an astounding 820hp
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The Wiliment Mk1 Escort has a rich history of racing in the UK and NZ, very well preserved
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Paul B

01-24-2018, 10:31 PM

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Paul B

01-24-2018, 10:46 PM

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John McKechnie

01-24-2018, 11:12 PM

Torana number 4..Jamie now owns her Dads old car and we gave her a big welcome her into our class
#45 Distinguished gentleman with the white beard and blue shirtwith me is John Climo.
He built the Zephyr Corvette 2 up for Rod Coppins to race in 1983.
You could say he started this historic saloon car movement.
He was impressed with the following this had .....and the fact the Mk 2 was still going.

Spgeti

01-24-2018, 11:28 PM

khyndart in CA

01-24-2018, 11:34 PM

A bit more F5000.
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Smith # 11 leading Higgins # 4 and the group out.
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David Arrowsmith in his beautiful 1971 Lotus 70B # 67
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Tim Rush in his 1972 McLaren M22 # 20
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Glenn Richards in his 1975 Lola T400 # 99
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Kerry McIntosh in his 1969 Begg FM2 # 39

(Ken Hyndman photos )

John McKechnie

01-24-2018, 11:38 PM

For me #46 first pic is what this meeting was for all of us saloon guys.
A huge thanks to Paul B for having the foresight to capture this memorable moment forever

We have 4 original cars, all with CODs.

Fleetwood Mustang.
Wiliment Escort
Team Cambridge Monaro.-
Pro Action XBGT Coupe.

All going out on the track together

I let Bruce with the Coppins Firebird take the Monaro out so he could enjoy this moment., and it was great for me watching.

Paul B

01-25-2018, 01:32 AM

I could not miss that shot (#46) with the 4 cars together.
I wish I took my big camera to get a better shot.

Bruce302

01-25-2018, 05:39 AM

It was a huge privilege and honour to be allowed to take the Cambridge Monaro out on the track. I last drove that car 40 years ago and it brought back a lot of memories. It was hard to stop the laps, it just wants to keep going.

The car is a delight to drive, though it will get some further tuning.

Thank you John.

For me #46 first pic is what this meeting was for all of us saloon guys.
A huge thanks to Paul B for having the foresight to capture this memorable moment forever

All going out on the track together

I let Bruce with the Coppins Firebird take the Monaro out so he could enjoy this moment., and it was great for me watching.

khyndart in CA

01-25-2018, 03:41 PM

Bruce Thompson driving the Cambridge Monaro during the wonderful demonstration laps. Taupo. Sunday Jan 21 2018.
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( Ken H cheap photography service )

khyndart in CA

01-25-2018, 08:49 PM

Bruce Thompson after his demonstration laps and about to find out that the left rear tyre (tire) had a slow leak and would not go on the track again at Taupo. We were all glad that the problem did not affect Bruce's driving. (Thanks Bruce )
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Hyndman was told if he cleaned the wheels and the windshield he would be allowed to touch the sides !
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John McKechnie

01-25-2018, 09:50 PM

Monaro had slow leak on Saturday,
Repaired the tyre Saturday night at Truck Depot.
Sunday we had a fast leak, lost 20 lb in 30 mins.....discovered this 1 min before race 4.
Should have left it as it was...............

khyndart in CA

01-25-2018, 10:01 PM

Some of the other "Demonstration Lap" cars;
It was neat to see Paul Fahey relaxed and going out in the Tony Mexted PDL 1970 Mustang Fastback # 104.
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It was a memory flashback for my cousin who came to Taupo, as we were both at the Pukekohe 1965 Wills Race when the Fleetwood Mustang was first driven by Ivan Segedin and Dennis Simmons and to see it beautifully restored and driven hard was great.
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Another crowd favorite was to see Ivan Bevins drive the brutish Pro Action Falcon XBGT which had so much power that Ivan was getting crossed up even when accelerating on the front straight !
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Ivan gave me the thumbs up as he waited for the Monaro to go by. He thoroughly enjoyed his time on the track. Imagine this machine on a wet track !

(K H photos )

khyndart in CA

01-25-2018, 10:32 PM

Some more photos of the Bevin's Falcon XBGT Coupe.
Perhaps someone can fill in the engine specs. for this machine. It looks mean from any angle !

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Ivan Bevins, Bruce Thompson and John McKechnie discussing what it would really be like in the rain !

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The "heaps of grunt" department..

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(Ken H photos )

Roger Dowding

01-26-2018, 05:21 AM

Ken, Great Pics and I am so sorry I missed the meeting and catching up you and the others Guys, Grimmie, Mathers, McKechnie and many others..

You guys had a good time as can be seen from the pics ..

Cheers

Roger D.

ERC

01-26-2018, 10:32 AM

The ex Craig Pullman XB GT Falcon Coupe pumping an astounding 820hp
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That is far more horse power that all my vehicles added together...

khyndart in CA

01-26-2018, 09:17 PM

khyndart in CA

01-26-2018, 11:06 PM

I seemed to meet friendly folks where ever I went.
Bruce Dyer (Spgeti ) introduced himself then took me to the Historic Muscle Cars & Historic Saloon Cars Group tent and met Dale Mathers, Mike Feisst, Greg Goudie and Bruce Dyer as shown with me in this photo.
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Kevin Gimblett came over and discussed the Dale Earnhardt type painting and the number 3 on his roof etc. before taking his 1967 Chevrolet Camaro out in rather damp conditions.
A beautiful machine in my eyes. (In fact I was most impressed with all the preparation and presentation of the cars at Taupo. Immaculate. )
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(Ken H photos )

khyndart in CA

01-27-2018, 12:51 AM

Kevin Gimblett had good battles throughout the weekend in his Camaro # 3.
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Getting away to a good start against Roger Williams who is in a 1979 Camaro # 12

Always great to see and hear Trans-Am / Muscle cars on the first few laps.
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(Ken H photos )

Paul B

01-27-2018, 01:07 AM

"Quote Originally Posted by Paul B View Post

The ex Craig Pullman XB GT Falcon Coupe pumping an astounding 820hp"
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No wonder Ivan had a handling issue on acceleration as the diff was only putting all that power to one rear wheel !

Correct, Ivan said it had a Detroit Locker that was damaged and like you say Ken, when Ivan floored it down the front straight the car had an unmistakable noise only pertaining to an engine you would expect would be 820hp and of course the power coupled with the diff tossed the car sideways under the huge acceleration. It certainly was a sight & great show for the crowd.

I would love to see this beast in action getting the power to the ground, it certainly would be a sight

khyndart in CA

01-27-2018, 01:26 AM

Some of the cars in the HMC & HSC Class at Taupo.

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Greg Goudie in his 1972 Ford Capri # 94

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Natalie Campbell in her 1973 Ford Capri # 227

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Glenn Allingham in his 1970 Chev Camaro # 50

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Steve Elliot in his 1968 Chevrolet Camaro # 41.
Steve gets 2 photos because he was friendly to me and lives in the Katikati area where my brother also lives.

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Tony Mexted in the PDL 1970 Ford Mustang Boss 302 fastback # 104 which also took Paul Fahey around on a demonstration lap to celebrate Paul's wonderful career of being the NZ Saloon Car Champion in 1965, 1968, 1969, 1971, 1972 Unlimited Class Champion, 1975 Saloon Car Champion and now such a nice gentleman who also seemed to be smiling all weekend.

(Ken H photos)

khyndart in CA

01-28-2018, 03:58 PM

Some more of the HMC & HSC cars at Taupo.
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Dale Mathers in his 1969 Boss Mustang # 23 making a late arrival on the dummy grid beside Roger Williams Camaro # 12

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This large and varied field led to some exciting racing throughout the races especially in the reverse handicap race with the winner being Greg Goudie in his 1972 Capri. (Which is for sale.)

(Ken H photos )

khyndart in CA

01-28-2018, 05:23 PM

I met up with a possible distant relative, Alan Hyndman, who drove his Triford 6 cylinder Special # 8 in the Formula Junior, Historic Formula 3 and Sports Racing Class and he had a fun weekend getting some 2nd and 3rd place results.
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(Ken Hyndman photos )

nigel watts

01-28-2018, 08:22 PM

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John McKechnie

01-28-2018, 08:51 PM

Nigel- this is a genuine RPO83 XA Coupe, has 81 on the side, and Fat City Racing on the screen.
This would make it Phil Schubert car.
Craig did own this, got it off the first owner, Jim Richards raced it at Manfeild.
Craig sold it to Phil ,who still has it, then got his yellow now black XBGT.

nigel watts

01-28-2018, 08:56 PM

Nigel- this is a genuine RPO83 XA Coupe, has 81 on the side, and Fat City Racing on the screen.
This would make it Phil Schubert car.
Craig did own this, got it off the first owner, Jim Richards raced it at Manfeild.
Craig sold it to Phil who still has it

Yeah it is Phil Schubert - brain fade on my part.

khyndart in CA

01-31-2018, 01:34 AM

Back for some Formula 5000 photos.
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Glenn Richards. 1975 Lola T400 # 99

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Star F5000 driver of the weekend was Andy Higgins in his 1974 Lola T332 # 4

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Mike Creswell from Tauranga was at Taupo for his F 5000 debut in his 1973 March 73A # 139.

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Mike Creswell with his crew.

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Mike Creswell in the white March # 139 getting the feel for it all as Aaron Burson in his blue 1973 McRae GM1 # 29 and Tony Gaibraith in his yellow 1974 Lola T332 # 88 go by as the rain started.

K Hyndman photos.

khyndart in CA

01-31-2018, 08:15 AM

This is one reason I never became a race driver as I would get confused just starting the race car !
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1973 March 73A start up procedure.
(Hyndman photo )

khyndart in CA

02-01-2018, 05:28 PM

The final F5000 race late on Sunday was over 10 laps..
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(Ken H photos )

khyndart in CA

02-01-2018, 10:11 PM

Ken Smith seemed to draw away in the first few laps but Andy Higgens in his Lola T332 # 4 was not letting him get too far ahead.
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There were some good mid field battles throughout the race and at Taupo it is so easy to see most of the track.
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(Ken H photos )

khyndart in CA

02-01-2018, 10:22 PM

Andy Higgens passed Ken Smith and seemed to draw away easily. I am not sure what issues Ken had but it was an exciting race throughout.
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Then after the race it was time to load up and head to Hampton Downs for the next F5000 race.
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Tony Robert's 1969 McLaren M10A # 7

(That's the last of my Taupo pics. A personal fantastic weekend. )
Ken H.

Spgeti

02-01-2018, 10:22 PM

How did you get time to take all these photos and gas bag at the same time ?.

Your still smiling.....

Great line ups on the grid in F5000, HMC/HSC, HSS and FJs

Oldfart

02-01-2018, 10:25 PM

To be honest, when I saw the "Historic Grand Prix" I thought there might be other than F5000 (which I love). What happened to the 1.5 cars of the years gone, Formula Holden, Formula Pacific, et al?

Spgeti

02-01-2018, 10:36 PM

To be honest, when I saw the "Historic Grand Prix" I thought there might be other than F5000 (which I love). What happened to the 1.5 cars of the years gone, Formula Holden, Formula Pacific, et al?

Reece they only invited F5000, Heritage Touring Cars, HMC, HSC, HSS and FJ.
The bikes were a last thought but next year they are looking at vintage bikes in lieu of the modern which was a sponsors request.
The sponsor has a large collection of vintage bikes but were tied up with Phillip Island at the same time.

This was their second year at it and they are looking at expanding the grid for next year to include historic F1.

khyndart in CA

02-01-2018, 10:36 PM

Rhys,
Perhaps they did it for me when they knew I was coming to Taupo as the last time I was around racing was in 1975-76 in F5000 !

Ken H

Oldfart

02-01-2018, 10:56 PM

Probably Ken, all for you!
And of course the bikes were there, as they were back when. I have a pic of , amongst others, Hugh Anderson on the grid at the NZGP.

rf84

02-02-2018, 05:00 AM

Rhys there are so many events on here at present that the various organisers are trying to whip up some enthusiasm by giving their meetings some grandiose titles. The "Tasman Revival" meetings are a good example-there are very few (if any) cars racing that would have competed at a Tasman Cup meeting. This weekend we have Leadfoot, the TRS series at Taupo and the stock car teams champs in Palmerston North. If I had to bet on who will get the greatest number of spectators my money would be on the stockcars. The grandstand and embankment seats (at $65 and $55 respectively) sold out days ago. There will probably be more spectators there than there have been at all the circuits combined in the last month!

ERC

02-02-2018, 07:11 AM

HRC have used the 'Tasman Revival' name for well over a decade. MGCC traditionally had an end January meeting (including Whangarei 2000) and the F5000's, at that stage were very much at the beginning of their own 'revival'. Over time, HRC took over the end January date and instigated the 'Tasman Revival' as a regular name, used at HD, Pukekoke, Taupo and Hampton Downs.

In the same way they created the 'Living Legends' as an ongoing title and trophies bear the names of either past or current legends.

rf84, you are probably right regarding crowd numbers and they generally get good numbers at Western Springs too. It's a bit like 1 day cricket I suppose - action.

It appeals on several fronts and number one is usually track action that can be seen from every part of the stadium. Western Springs races often only last a couple of minutes, but it is a slick show and we were regulars a few years ago. Even between races, there are cars on track getting started ready for the next race, so ALWAYS something to look at. Which is why people go. I suppose this really belongs in the 'What is the answer' thread...

nigel watts

02-02-2018, 08:05 AM

They had jet boats at Baypark Stadium last weekend with a reported 14,000 spectators.

khyndart in CA

02-02-2018, 08:25 AM

It puzzles me how folk are not interested in seeing one of the finest drivers, Ken Smith, drive his F5000 Lola. The magnificent sight and sound of the F5000 field thunder along the front straight was something that I won't forget. Ken will not be doing this for much longer and I am glad I had the opportunity to witness these Taupo events.
Comparing this to a stockcar meet is like watching a Tiger Moth instead of a Spitfire at an airshow !
As Fred Dagg would say " We Don't Know How Lucky We Are."

50650
75 year old Ken Smith leading the field along the front straight at Taupo.

(Ken Hyndman photo )

ERC

02-02-2018, 09:26 AM

True Ken, but the crowds who go to stock cars are not exactly motorsport enthusiasts and wouldn't know the difference between a F5000 and a Formula Ford. It's a totally different sport. Try telling a NZ rugby supporter that they should be watching soccer or a Manchester United supporter they should be watching the Harlequins.

Allan

02-02-2018, 06:55 PM

Very good points Ray and Ken. Our cricket team is about to start a T20 series with Aussie and England. I will be very interested in the crowd numbers, in particular the numbers in Australia as compared to here. I have noticed the crowds at NZ cricket matches have diminished in recent years yet in Aussie those huge stadiums are always at least half full.
As an aside ask a boy racer who Ken Smith is and see what answer you get.

khyndart in CA

02-02-2018, 08:11 PM

Here is a review of the Historic meet at Taupo. Jan 19-20th. 2018.

http://www.driven.co.nz/news/motorsport/duelling-formula-5000-lolas-compete-in-taupo/

Spgeti

02-02-2018, 09:10 PM

Hi guys, Ken had done a great job on this thread about Taupo GP.
You have a thread to discuss the problem of crowds etc, so as a suggestion why don’t you use it in lieu of this thread.

Regards
Bruce

rf84

02-02-2018, 10:05 PM

John McKechnie

02-02-2018, 10:21 PM

Ken will not be doing this for much longer and I am glad I had the opportunity to witness these Taupo events.

Yep, and you came over from USA to see it.

khyndart in CA

02-03-2018, 05:03 AM

How did you get time to take all these photos and gas bag at the same time ?.

Your still smiling.....

Great line ups on the grid in F5000, HMC/HSC, HSS and FJs

I'm still smiling Bruce,
Could you put the correct names to this photo please.
Thank you,
Ken
50671
Ken H photo.

Spgeti

02-03-2018, 05:10 AM

Sean McCaughan, Fleetwood Mustang and 71 Falcon GT, Glenn Allingham, 70 Camaro SS, Ritchie Malam, 67 Mustang Notchback, Brett Pearce, 68 Holden Monaro “Bathurst “. All good guys and really cool cars.

Rod Grimwood

02-10-2018, 03:28 AM

Sorry if I have appeared to "hijack" this Thread. The point I was trying to make is that there is NO history of Grand Prix at the Taupo track (apart from A1). F5000s never raced at Taupo until very recent times. So how can the organisers justify the title "Taupo Historic Grand Prix"?

most probably because it has 'historic' cars as in F5000. they don't have meetings at Puke where original GPs were run. The GP has been all over the place of late. The theme was Historic F5000 which they are. it also comes from last year when the historic formula 1 cars ran in what was a reinactment of days gone by. I beleive we may have them back in numbers next year if things work out. Also it is in Taupo so hence the name. Taupo (were it is) Historic (older cars) Grand Prix ( a name). reckon it is sweet, gives it a stand alone name. cheers.

Oh and was great to catch up with Ken and all you other great people, boys had busy weekend, but thats how it goes sometimes.