First Tasman Series race - who's left?

[spinner32]

The very first official Tasman Series race was held at Levin on January 4 1964. This is basically 52 years ago, so I thought it might be of interest to list the competitors, and who are still with us.

This listing (in finishing order) is based on info in Sergent’s site.

1..Denny Hulme. (Brabham BT 4 Climax 2.5)...Deceased
2..Timmy Mayer. (Cooper T70 Climax 2.5)...Deceased
3..Bruce McLaren. (Cooper T70 Climax 2.5)...Deceased
4..John Youl. (Cooper T55 Climax 2.5)... Deceased
5..Tony Shelly. (Lotus 21 Climax 2.5)...Deceased
6..Jim Palmer. (Cooper T53 Climax 2.5)...Alive
7..Roly Levis. (Lotus 22 Ford 1.6)...Deceased
8..Rex Flowers. (Lotus 20B Ford1.5)...Alive
9..Neil Whittaker. (Cooper T43 Climax 2.0)...??
10.Andy Buchanan. (Brabham BT6 Ford 1.6)...Alive
11. Peter Slocombe. (Lotus 18 Ford 1.3)...Alive
R..Bruce Abernethy. (Cooper T41 Climax 1.5)...Deceased
R..Chris Amon. (Lola T4 Climax 2.5)...Alive
R..Bill Thomason. (Cooper T51 Climax2.0)...Deceased

Of the 14 starters, 12 were Kiwis and there was one each from Australia and USA
Of the 14 staters, 11 were classified as finishers. This is not remarkable as the race was only of 50 kms. So it was hardly an endurance race.
The youngest drivers appear to be Amon at 20 and Palmer at 21.
The only status I am not sure of is Whittaker. The rest I am reasonably sure of, but stand to be corrected.
There were 7 Coopers in the field (50%). It was like a last hurrah for Coopers.
The crowd was 14,000

Presented for interest.

I was talking to Neil at the Southern Speed fest at Teretonga a couple of weeks ago. He was supporting Bill Pottinger and Bill's excellent new book of Tasman photos. Neil appears to be in very good health.

[Terry S]

I was talking to Neil at the Southern Speed fest at Teretonga a couple of weeks ago. He was supporting Bill Pottinger and Bill's excellent new book of Tasman photos. Neil appears to be in very good health.

Thanks for the advice re Neil Whittaker.
This means there are 6 of the 14 starters still alive, or 43%.
I personally think this is pretty good for after 52 years.
As most drivers were probably in their late twenties or early thirties, this means they would now be in their 70's or 80's.