On the way to Taupo recently with the "Lads" and after Karapiro noticing the sign to Horahora across the Waikato River reminded me of those early days of watching Jim Palmer, Ross Greenville, Red Dawson, John Riley etc. gather together across the river before powering up the Horahora Hillclimb. I think I went twice in 1960 and 1961. I think Nigel and Rhys must have been there also. Even though it was paved as Nigel states it was a narrow seal and mostly gravel. The cars would park under the trees by the river and I remember wandering through and seeing all these famous drivers up close. (Wish I had had a camera back then.)
I came across some photos that reminded me of those fun days and the smell of racing fuel etc..!
The Horahora gathering area was across this causeway now Maungatautari Road as it looks today.
Jim Palmer. April 1961. Waiting to start in the Horahora Hillclimb in his 1960 Lotus FJ.
This is how the start area looks today. The cars and crews would gather off to the left and there were a lot more trees back then on the left of the first right hand corner as the cars raced away.
Then when things got slow you could relax and just take a swim in the river..fun memories.
(Ken H )
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