Frank Radisich's 1977/1978 Bathurst Mazda RX3 � info needed

[Dazz]

I'm trying to get as much information as I can on the Mazda RX3 that was owned by Frank Radisich and raced at Bathurst in 1977 with Bill Shiells, and from what I can gather practiced for the 1978 Bathurst race but did not race.

The car was painted blue in 1977, and yellow in 1978 with no apparent sponsorship. From what I understand the car was kept at and prepared by Sydney Rotary specialist Barry Jones of Jonespeed, but there was some chat that the preparation of the car at least for 1978 was less than satisfactory.

The car was later sold and eventually turned into a sports sedan in Australia.

Any pictures or information that anybody might have about this car would be greatly appreciated.

Bathurst 77 Mazda RX3 Coupe (Light Blue) with Bill Shiells


Bathurst 78 Mazda RX3 Coupe (Bright Yellow)

[Ray Bell]

Barry Jones should still be around somewhere...

Failing that, I'd suggest that Chris Dowd would know a bit about it. He sometimes worked with Barry.

[librules]

Barry Jones should still be around somewhere...

Failing that, I'd suggest that Chris Dowd would know a bit about it. He sometimes worked with Barry.

Unfortunately Barry passed away a few years ago.

[Ray Bell]

I kind of feared that...

Back in '86 he'd had a kidney transplant, so he has had problems over the years. He must have died very young, all the same.

[Dazz]

still looking for any pictures or information about this car.

[Chris Radisich]

Those were two different cars. I don't think Dad owned either one, pretty sure both were leased for the race. Pretty sure the blue one was from Barry Jones, but don't think the yellow one for 78 was from him.

Blue one raced in 1977, yellow one was for 1978. Dad and Bill drove the blue car in 77, then they were to drive the yellow car in 78 but I think there was some issue with Bill getting a license to compete, so Robbie Francevic came over at the last minute. They did not start, I can't remember exactly why, but I think they were a reserve and it rained and the field was reduced and they missed out. Paul and I were both there both years, and we talked about how cool it would to race there...

Dad had a picture of the 77 car on his wall in his office for many years. I'll ask Paul, he may remember more of what happened.