-
Administrator
Photos: The Bruce Wells Collection - Warwick Farm - Part 1
OK, this is the big one! Warwick Farm no longer exists as a race track, at least, not for race cars. The car race track was built on the site of a horse track, and horse racing still takes place there. But the glorious sounds of high revving race motors haven't been heard at 'The Farm' for nearly 40 years, with the last race having taken place in August, 1973.
But prior to its closure, Warwick Farm was one of the most significant race tracks in Australia, and in its relatively brief career, which began in 1960, played host to the Australian Grand Prix, the single race Australian Touring Car Championship, plus rounds of the Tasman Series, and the ATCC when it became a multi-round championship from 1969. Furthermore, numerous of smaller events also took place there.
Warwick Farm was the premier motor racing venue in New South Wales, alongside Bathurst, although many more events were held at the Farm, with this being a permanent venue. Its eventual closure prompted promotion of other tracks, such as Oran Park, but prior to that happening, it was a place of great significance, in which many of the worlds top racing drivers competed.
Bruce Wells, being a NSW resident, attended many races at the Farm, and his significant photographic collection spans 1964 - 1967, after which he moved away from the area and quit motorsport photography.
I've split Bruce's Warwick Farm photos into several chapters, this first being of a pair of national events held in September and December 1964.
-
Administrator
The term 'rubbin's racing' isn't a new one! Just check the panel damage in this opening shot. I'm pretty certain the leading EH Holden is that of Brian Muir, with Pete Geoghagan giving chase in the Cortina. But who is that in the Cooper S? Also, note the couple of spectators watching the racing without paying the admission charge!
-
Administrator
-
Great pics as usual. I cant wait to see the rest of them!
The pic of the guys in the tree reminds me of a story that dad told me of when he used to watch the races at "The Farm".
He said that there used to be a guy that would ferry people across the Georges River in a small boat for a small fee that would be cheaper than paying to get in through the gate. At some race meetings he would ferry hundreds of people across & they would all climb the trees like you can see in that pic. At one meeting there was so many people in one tree that it couldnt handle the weight & fell over.
-
Administrator
Neale, thats a great story! Glad you're enjoying the pics. Getting to post these amazing Bruce Wells photos on here is a real highlight for me.
-
Administrator
-
Administrator
-
Administrator
-
Administrator
-
Administrator
Bit more touring car action, with the EH Holdens of Norm Beechey and Brian Muir, plus Bob Janes Jag.
-
Administrator
-
Administrator
-
Steve, I hope we have not come to the end of the photos, and the reason for not seeing more is that you are too busy to post them.
Dale.
-
Second that sentiment Dale. Really excellent photos and interesting to see how Bruce seems to favour rear end shots of racing, not all that common. It's very effective in showing styles and lines. Love it Steve, keep them coming!
-
Administrator
Hi guys, yes there are loads more to come. I've not been on here much lately, as our beautiful big 8 year old Rhodesian Ridgeback had been diagnosed with cancer and we'd been trying to have him fixed.
Will be posting more photos today.
-
Administrator
-
Great photos!! Notice, Brian Muir and the bloke in the Lotus formula junior #16 both wearing short sleeved shirts. That's the way it was in the good old days!!! I can remember some drivers racing in singlets.
Dale.
-
Administrator
Yep, amazing isn't it! certainly more casual times.
-
Administrator
-
Administrator
Posting Permissions
- You may not post new threads
- You may not post replies
- You may not post attachments
- You may not edit your posts
-
Forum Rules