Memory Lane the Newsletter of The Historic Racing Car Club of Tasmania Inc. Peter Turnbull's Turnham TS8 at the Baskerville Historic Meeting Oct 4- 5 Newsletter th 2014 December 2014 Number Eleven The Historic Racing Car Club of Tasmania Inc. Mailing Address: All correspondence to: HRCCT Inc. P.O. Box 400 Glenorchy TAS 7010 For General and Newsletter enquiries Secretary: Mick Stott [email protected] Mobile: 0424 878 032 Club Website http://www.hrcct.org.au Facebook https://www.facebook.com/HRCCT Patron: - John McCormack President: - Brian Higgins Vice President: - Geoff Munyard Treasurer: - Grant Twining Secretary: - Mick Stott General Committee:- Keryn Gay, Tony Watts, Peter Hansson, Steve Jenkins, Dennis Burgess. Contents Pg. 3 4 5-7 8. 9 -17 18 The Editors Rant! The Presidents Thoughts News For Sale Profiles – Ian Wade, Herby Burgess, Keryn Gay Service Guide Sorry folks but there are no photo galleries with this issue. However you will find many photos of historic interest included in the profiles of club members. The January issue will feature extensive photo galleries including those of a few guest photographers! Page two The Editor's Rant! First off Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to all Club Members. I hope all off you had the time to sit back, open a beer or what ever and enjoy a well earned break. OK – that gets rid of the pleasantries so now down to business! December has been a month in which Mr Murphy – of Murphy's Law fame (or is that infamy) and I have come very close to mortal combat. The month started with my decision to tender my resignation as Club Secretary, Newsletter Editor and Webmaster! I won't go into the reasons now because: – 1. I was told my resignation was unacceptable; 2. The Members of the Committee were very understanding and supportive; 3. Most of my reasons were addressed; 4. Our President and Treasurer can be most persuasive; 5. A Member who shall be known only by the non de plume of the “Hatchet Man” sharpened his axe! (some Members can expect a rather unpleasant visit if they don't front up!). O.K. You say – big deal – it's sorted - so get on with it! Which I tried to do. Then - enter stage left Mr Murphy and his rotten bloody Law – WHAT CAN GO WRONG WILL GO WRONG!!! - and it did!! After all the unpleasantness and the resultant cures I had a few days left to get the club's Newsletter out on time – I'd even be able to squeeze in an update of the Club website as promised. That's right – you guessed it – my faithful, reliable and tirelessly working computer decided to resign! Hmm though I – damn!!! So I prepared to perform surgery. On opening up the patient I found – much to my dismay – that all my best efforts were in vain – said patient was beyond help!! For the technically competent the Mother Board had fried itself and taken a number of other components with it into the the great computer home in the sky. Ummm – OH HELL – I'd just finished a number of changes and additions to the contents of the hard drive and Mr Murphy had chosen the moment I started to back up the files to fry the mother board!! Result – heaps of data lost. Luckily most of that data is contained in emails which are stored off site so I can get it back – but that will take time. So I had a couple of options to sort things out – I could go out and buy a new off the shelf computer – or rebuild my old faithful. No real option really – off the shelf computers just don't work for me because mostly one cannot buy a replacement for your own custom built computer!!! So – buy all the components and rebuild “Old Faithful” myself – which I proceeded to do. Of course bloody Murphy was lurking behind the door. Have you ever tried to buy specific specialised parts over a holiday break?? I remind you that this IS Tasmania and a lot of the bits I needed have to come from the little island off the top end of this fair land – Australia Post? Ha, bloody ha, ha. – next – Couriers – Hmm – QUOTE “I'm sorry Sir but due to our holiday schedule and …..” SO – thanks to the “old boy” network and a special mention to Peter Hansson and Tony Watts who loaned me their computers to cobble together a “Heath Robinson Device” plus the three or four Committee Members who chased up or submitted content I offer for your enjoyment and entertainment the December Special Issue of the Club's Memory Lane Newsletter. Cheers Mick Stott. Editor. Page three The President's Thoughts. The Longford Revival Festival for 2015 has been officially announced, fittingly at the Longford pub on the corner of the circuit. It will be held 20 -22 nd March 2015. The driving force behind the “revival” of the revival Clint Pease and Greg Garwood are to be congratulated for their determination for the success of the event. With the full support of the Northern Midlands Council and local business this weekend will be an absolute must on the motor sport calendar. Friday night will be a social event and provide an opportunity for enthusiasts to meet and mingle. Saturday will be a speed run down the “Flying Mile” in the morning and a street circuit timed run in the Longford Township during the afternoon. Sunday will be a standing ¼ mile on the old “Tannery Straight”. There will also be car club displays, food and wine vendors and many other presentations of interest on the Longford Village Green. There will be night time entertainment on Saturday. Entry fee for the speed events is $395 per entrant and a CAMS level 2 licence is required. An entry fee of $25 applies to those displaying cars for concours judging. Cars of the period are preferred but any car of interest is welcome. Members of the HRCCT are requested to advise the Secretary or another committee member as soon as possible if they are taking their cars either for competition or display. I am hopeful that all members will make it among their new years resolutions to contribute their profiles, captioned photos or articles of general interest to our newsletter. The more published information the better we get to know and understand each other. Any club is only as good as the depth and enthusiasm of it's members. We have wonderful members with a depth of experience and knowledge so share your stories and experiences with us all. It will be greatly appreciated. It would be disappointing that due to lack of member input we had to cut our monthly newsletter to a quarterly. This is usually the case in a large number of smaller clubs and even many of the larger ones. So please support your own publication. I would like to take this opportunity to wish all our members and their families a safe and happy, healthy Christmas and a prosperous New Year. In particular I thank your committee for their efforts and diligence during the year in progressing the purposes of your club. We look forward to your support and involvement into the future. Brian Higgins President Page four News, Views and other Gossip. A Shaggy Dog Story??? During Christmas week an unnamed club member was seen walking through a Toy Store when he is alleged to have noticed a truly superb table top race car set. “Wow! Isn't that great.” He commented to the sales assistant. “I'll have that.” “I'm sure your young Son will love it Sir.” The assistant replies. “You're probably right.” Says the unnamed club member. “In that case I better take two!” REMIND YOU OF ANYONE????? Club Weekend – Devonport. Report by Brian Higgins. For those of us fortunate enough to attend our club weekend at Devonport it required only a one word assessment – FANTASTIC! We had about twenty attendees each day. Roger Richardson gave of his time on Saturday in a most generous manner to take us to the five locations that had most of Wayne Clark's collection. This exotic group of cars contained many Ferrari's, Jaguars and Porsches and a great cross section of mixed marques. Cars ranging from absolutely immaculate to those awaiting restoration, and all stages in between. Wayne and Roger have their own workshop facilities in which to do most of the restoration work, and the quality of the work is first class. With the size of this collection they will be busy for many years to come. There are still more cars yet to join the collection as they go through the the various stages of preparation. Sunday we went to Chas and Robin Kelly's outstanding collection. Presented in immaculate condition in purpose built museum like surroundings it was a remarkable sight. Chas told me some moths ago that we would be welcome to have a look after he had completed his “shed” to house some of the cars. The “shed” is petter presented than some hotels I have stayed in and the cars and Ducati motorcycle group there is a credit to Chas and Robin. The cars in the “home” display would not be better presented by anyone, anywhere in the world! All of this contributed to a most enjoyable day and unforgettable weekend. Chas tells me there are some more historic race cars to join the collection. Can't wait. Over the weekend regardless of one's personal likes there were many cars to appeal to every one. There was an Aston Martin DB6 that particularly took my eye. Perhaps it could be that I am biased. Also a stand out for me was the most wickedly fearsome looking race car I have seen in years. An all black Abarth Fiat Bambino with an Alfa Romeo engine shoe horned into most of the car. With a central seating position for the driver who is (A) agile enough to get in it or (B) sufficiently deranged to want to. With it's very wide wheels this tiny car is close to being as wide as it is long. This machine would provide the driving experience of a life time. I just love it. Our heartfelt thanks to Roger and Wayne, Chas and Robin for allowing us the privilege of visiting their fabulous collections. One disappointing downside of the visit was that neither Roger or Chas offered for us to take home a “sample”. Maybe next time. He, he. Page five An Interesting Idea. A couple of weeks ago another club member and I had reason to call on a plastics distribution business in Moonah. While we were there I noticed a most unusual idea for a trophy. The business has a laser cutting facility and has come up with a novel idea for clock trophies. They cut up old 33rpm records and produce a number of very unique looking themes for trophies. The company is called Associated Plastics Tasmania and can be found at 1 Birdwood Ave, Moonah, Tas 7009. They have a website at www.associatedplastics.com.au or can be phoned on 03 6274 1226. I've attached a couple of photo examples or they tell me they can custom make something to your own design. Worth a look if you want something special or a bit different for your club presentations! New Members. A welcome to new members :Roger Richardson, Ron Lambert, Neville Cherry and Bruce Smart. Page six Birthdays Our Club Members all have Birthdays although there is a rumour that some did not arrive in the usual fashion. I've even heard nasty rumours about being shot up against a brick wall and being left to hatch in the sun. Anyway unfortunately for all I have almost every one's date of birth so expect to be "outed" when your time comes. But don't worry - I'll be gentle with you and not reveal your age. December (seems to be a popular month!) victims ...... errr I mean birthdays are:Armin Baier, Steve Barnard, Noel Challis, David Frost, Richard Gibbs, Bruce Gowans, Kyle Lighten, Tim Norris, John Parr, John Pooley, Peter Richards, Bruce Smart, Glenn Woodcock, Committee Stuff Under the terms of the club constitution the December 2014 Committee Meeting was deferred to mid January 2015. HRCCT Regalia: The committee recently decided to buy the first item of HRCCT regalia which is offered for sale to Club and non club members. If you'd like to be among the first to own something which says HRCCT in a bold and unmistakeable manner check out the for sale page on the website or in this newsletter. Coming Events Family Day February 2015: The Committee has planed a Club Family Day to be held on Sunday 15th February 2015. The venue is Lake Dulverton at Oatlands . Members are encouraged to consider this event as there will be a number of prizes and trophies to be awarded on the day. There will be entertainment for younger children as well as the club barbecue trailer will be in attendance. You might even get to meet Wonder Woman or Superman on the day - NO, NO Gentlemen - Wonder Woman will be there to entertain the KIDS!!! IT IS ESSENTIAL THAT MEMBERS NOTIFY THE CLUB SECRETARY IF THEY INTEND TO BE THERE. This information is required to plan catering and entertainment for children who may attend. Please notify Mick of your intentions and numbers ASAP. April 2015. I know that April 2015 still seems a long way off but some things require a lot of planning. The Club has been invited by the Early Ford Club of Tasmania to the Horsepower Spectacular to be held at Princes Wharf in Late April 2015. Our Club will be allocated it's own area with space for up to 4 cars and a manned booth - an ideal opportunity to promote the club and hopefully attract new members. More details of this event will be provided later in the year but I urge all members of the HRCCT to consider if they might be prepared to put a car on show and/or volunteer to help man the club's Booth. Page seven For Sale. Steve Barnard has for sale:1972 MG B GT 4 litre fuel injected alloy V8 with cross bolted main bearings, 6 inch con rods and short pistons, mild road cam. 160 rear wheel Kw. Custom Aluminium radiator. Borg Warner T5 gearbox. Full coil over front suspension, with long lower control arms to give 2 degrees negative camber. Nissan 300Z front brake rotors with Volvo 4 piston callipers. Nissan R31 Skyline rear end, with Panhard rod, including Borg Warner limited slip diff. and Bilstein gas shocks. This is my daily drive, and is a really good road car. Also a great track car. Ran in the Tasmanian Super series for 4 years, it achieved 126 finishes from 126 starts, and won the championship twice, was second once, and third once. Laps Symmons Plains in 68.0 seconds, Baskerville in 67.3 seconds Price is negotiable around $29,000 Phone Steve Barnard 03 63441193 2. Now available: - HRCCT STUBBY HOLDERS! As shown on the News page $5.00 for club members; $7.50 for non club members. Wanted. The HRCCT is always looking for donations of old photos and memorabilia to add to the Club's Collection. If you have anything that you no longer want, or perhaps would like to see preserved for future generations please contact a committee Member. Even old photos or programs that need restoration are acceptable. The Club will of course acknowledge your donation. Page eight Club Member Profiles Driver Profile – Ian Wade As a lad, I had always had an interest in cars, though it would be many years before I got to really have a play. Looking back, I have fond memories of a 1953 Ford Customline. Sadly this cars relationship with me came to an end when called up for National Service in 1969. Life wandered on as it inevitably does after my short-lived relationship with the military, with me surfacing from day to day life with the purchase of an MGB in 1978. This was a 1963 MGB Mk 1, which was essentially purchased for road use. Shortly after buying it and subsequently joining the MG Car Club, the nostrils flared with the desire to go motor racing. I already knew people like Matt Depaoli, & Brent Willing, plus there were other MG Car Club members at the time already racing, such as the late Kit Ellis. Chasing Kit Ellis 11/10/1981 at Baskerville The new street car category was just starting at the time, and I figured the MGB would be a suitable car to have a crack at racing. Initially there were reservations from the organisers as it was an open car, however fruitful discussions with them eventually freed up my car to run. Page nine Baskerville 28/11/1982 My first race meeting was at Baskerville on the 26 th November 1978, in a pretty much standard car (still on wire wheels). This ended up being the first of many meetings, and as is the way when seeking extra speed, the car over the next few years received a heart and gearbox transplant, improved suspension, better brakes and lots of other bolt on bits. I occasionally shared the car at meetings with Ken Dobbie or Dave Moir, and looking back we had a great finishing record, It was novel racing such a car amongst far more powerful and modern machinery. Baskerville 10/10/1982 Page ten Sometimes we strayed from the street car category, one such example was at Baskerville in April 1979, when I ran in the sports car scratch race, amongst such race cars as Geoff Munyard’s Trowbridge , Geoff Jacobs in the Turnham and Johnnie Walker in the Lotus 23B. Needless to say, I had no chance of scoring a place in that sort of company. Baskerville 11/10/1982 Racing in Tasmania during the late 1970’s to the early 1980’s was very popular, with big fields containing a wide variety of race cars. There was a good sense of camaraderie and was a great period in the history of Tasmanian motorsport. One memory I have in our search to gain extra grunt and good bits, was to fly in a Cessna piloted by Terry Thompson to Victoria to deliver a gearbox to John Needham who was racing at Winton this given weekend, with the intention being for John to adapt my gearbox into a close ration straight cut model. (Indestructible) We set off with the gearbox in the plane, a couple of cartons of beer and a good time was had by all. One factor set my car aside from a number of others in the street car category during the time I was running, in that like the others, my car was registered, however unlike many others, my car was driven to the track and then home again after the racing had finished. I concede we did not do this when racing at Symmons Plains as there was heaps of gear we had to take with us; however, at Baskerville, I drove it there, and back home afterwards. Life moves on and the car was sold in 1984 upon moving into a house that needed a lot of money spent on it. This by no means ended my involvement in motorsport, over the years since I have had much to do with the MG Car Club, attaining life membership in 1984. My family has had an MG of some model in our garage continuously since 1977, the very first one being my wife Victoria’s MGB Mk11, which is still in the garage today after 37 years. Editor: I wish to express my appreciation to Bruce Smart on behalf of Ian and Grant Twining, for providing the digital images displayed in this article from his collection of old motor racing photos. Visit the Kingston Camera Centre via www.kingstoncamera.com.au, to visit Bruce’s vast array of old motor racing photos. Or ring Bruce on 62 297759, or via email [email protected] Page eleven Driver Profile Dennis ‘Herby’ Burgess Another product from the motor sport nursery originating in the Huon Valley. I was born in 1947 at Franklin and attended preschool and Grade one with the one and only Darryl Wilcox. First attended motor sport in the late 60’s where the usual fare during a day spectating on the hill overlooking the track was a Cascade longneck and a mutton bird! After the purchase of a MGA 1600 in early 1968 I joined the MG Car Club and as a result was conned by a mate into attending a race meeting as a flag marshall. This turned my life around and motor sport has been my passion ever since. At Baskerville I worked trackside for over 30 years including carrying out the role of Chief Flag Marshall at Baskerville for over twenty five years (about five years as Chief Flag at Symmons Plains) and later as Clerk of Course intermittently for about 10 years. It’s amusing to note now that one of my first actions as Chief Flag Marshall was to ban the drinking of alcohol at flag points – This got me offside with a number of mates but changing times made the action appropriate. Also interesting to note, given problems with getting enough volunteers these days that I had a strict rule limiting the maximum number of officials in a flag point to four, any others had to sit out events away from the flag points. (Ed : Note no seatbelt or rollbar in 1969, my haven’t things changed !!) Motor sport officiating has been my life and there have been a number of highlights: Winner of the Police Commissioners Trophy for Outstanding Achievement in Motor Sport twice, a rare honour shared with John Bowe and Barry Oliver. The award in 1990 was for my work in training and managing track side officials in Tasmania, The second Award in 2007 was for managing the early years of drifting in Tasmania when working completely outside my comfort zone I ran the first couple of years of the State Drift Series. Page twelve Formula One flag marshall on over 20 occasions including the first modern Grand Prix in 1985 and on one occasion Senior Flag Marshall in charge of Flag Point 1 (just past start/finish line) and the Pit Exit Flag Point at Melbourne. I stopped going to the Grand Prix due to failing eyesight as it is understood that trackside officials at the Australian Grand Prix are the best in the world and that is the standard one must meet. I still consider the 1985 Australian Grand Prix as the greatest event that I ever participated in After the event I even shook hands with Bob Hawke, something my nearest friends would find impossible to believe. The 1985 cars were mobile time bombs during qualification sessions with turbos screwed up as far as possible and tyres good for one qualifying lap only. Senna, Mansell, Prost, Piquet and Rosberg bouncing off the ripple strips and flying through the air – Absolutely sensational for people like us who had never seen them before, let alone at a distance of ten feet! I was Clerk of Course for several major events at Baskerville including the HSCC 50 th Anniversary Race Meeting, The Track 50th Anniversary Meeting, The MGCCT 50th Anniversary Meeting and a Round of the Aussi Racing Cars Championship, the latter event causing me numerous grey hairs trying to keep up with the one and only Phil Ward. I was asked to run stages in the inaugural Targa Tasmania in 1993. With the help of literally hundreds of volunteers we were able to run the Domain and Grass Tree Hill stages successfully. As a result I was asked to take over the role of Area Coordinator for the 1994 event and picked up responsibility for 17 stages in the South of the State. With the other Area Coordinators, our Deputies and the Clerk of Course we developed road side protocols that enable an extremely complex event to take place. Procedures developed by our team are still fundamental to the running of these events. I stayed on as Area Coordinator for another three years. For 10 years I managed Practice Days for the Tasmanian round of the Australian Rally Championship. Each year, in the week leading up to the Tasmanian Round, my team would set up stages using roads similar to those in the actual event. Usually each practice day we would also put on a BBQ lunch and I have great memories of standing with the best Rally Drivers in Australia and their crews around huge fires talking the talk. For me the icing on the cake was that almost inevitably each year I would get a ride in one of the top Australian Rally Cars at Rally Speed over my practice stages. Undoubtedly for myself and my team of officials the practice days were the most enjoyable events we participated in each year. Many years as a Senior Steward including on two occasions as Chief Steward for Supporting Events at the Symmons Plains V8 Round. I was also the Tasmanian representative on the National Officials Panel for several years, a position I held up to my employment with CAMS. Joining the MG Car Club also kindled my competition genes and I competed at MG Car Club events – standing 1/4s, club days, hillclimbs and of course my life long love for motorkhanas. Most of my life my competition car has been my daily transport so competition was usually quite restricted. It is only in recent years that I have had vehicles especially for competition. Nonetheless I have always run motorkhanas often in totally inappropriate cars like EK and EH Holdens but more successfully in Mk I and II Escorts and as an outright contender in a number of Minis. The target to aim for was to beat the late Chris Ellis and I managed to do that a couple of times. Page thirteen When I retired from my ‘real’ job, subsequent to four years with CAMS, I decided to buy another MG and build a club competition car, hence the short arsed Mini Special that I reckon for a couple of years was the most raced vehicle in Australia fronting up almost every second weekend for an event I have one recollection of a Khanacross on the Saturday, Club Day on the Sunday, Hill Climb the next Saturday and a motorkhana the following Sunday – all in the same car but on different wheels and tyres. Page fourteen The MG I brought is a 1974 MGB GT that passed through a conversation process with MG Engineering (Formerly the Costello Company) in England to have a Rover STI V8 motor and gearbox fitted. The V8 is a lovely car to drive on (and off) the track but is probably a bit too good to run in speed events. Solution was recently to buy an ex Tarmac Rally MGB Roadster which shortly after purchase had a massive engine failure during a Symmons Plains event. With a refurbished motor by Graeme Westwell the roadster will be run in the State Regularity Series during 2015. Most of my life I have held positions on car club Committees, particularly the MG Car Club Of Tasmania, Hobart Sporting Car Club and lately the Historic Racing Car Club of Tasmania. With the MG Car Club I held the positions of President, Vice President, Club Captain and Newsletter Editor. I was the Director for the first MG National Meeting held in Tasmania and more recently was again the Director for the last National Meeting held in Tasmania in 2012. Both events were hugely successful demonstrating that with a good team and good management Tasmania can run these events very well. Page fifteen Away from motorsport I started my working career as a Survey Draftsman, later as a Cartographer drawing maps for the Lands and Mines Departments, and finishing my years in the Public Service as Registrar of Mines for a period of 25 years. As Registrar I managed the process to prepare and introduce the Mineral Resources Development Act 1995, the first major Tasmanian mining legislation in 76 years! I developed a close relationship with Ogilvie High School firstly as Chairman of the Parents and Friends Association and then as Initial Chairman of The Ogilvie High School Council, a position I held for some 15 years After my ‘retirement’ I had four very rewarding years with the Confederation of Australian Motor Sports as a Sport and Club Development Officer. I saw my role as dissemination of information to members and as a conduit for members seeking advice. This didn’t always go down well with my masters. The highlight of my period with CAMS was the Fire and Rescue project which I implemented shortly after commencing with CAMS. With a successful $20,000 grant from the State Government the project resulted in purchase and fitting out of two fire and rescue units, the construction of a trailer for trackside equipment and a trailer containing rescue gear to be stationed at Symmons Plains. Our current fire and rescue capacity meets all likely situations at race meetings up to and including the Tasmanian round of the V8 Series. Dennis ‘Herby’ Burgess Member Profile Keryn Gay Motor Racing, in what ever form is exciting and adrenalin pumping. Here is an insite into what I do as an Official. Night before race day-- check all my personal gear is in my bag, that is fluoros, wet weather gear, whites, ID, CAMS Licence, etc. Early morning of race day, usually 3 to 4 hours before Driver Briefing time. Make coffee in thermos, take water out of fridge, snack/ lunch made up etc, etc. Travel to event venue. RALLY, I am in the bush, usually just on Dawn in the middle of Winter, set up Radio Check, and all other equipment needed for SOS/RCA. OFF ROAD RACING, similar to rally but on a circuit, so check Fire Extinguishers, radio etc etc. TARGA-- well this is an anything can happen scenario, from chasing a very mean Ram off Grasstree Hill Rd, to dealing with prangs. Circuits-- TSS, get to circuit 1.5 hours before DB to do what ever needs to be done to set the circuit up for a safe day of racing, Drifting is the same. Out on Flag Point I have to be ears, eyes for Control and be prepared to react to what ever you drivers throw at us. While all the celebrations are going on after a meet has finished, we Officials are still putting equipment away, debriefing etc, In between meets, I have to do theory and practical training. Page sixteen Why do I do it, even put up with the stress etc? Because without myself and all the other Volunteers no one would ever get to race! Cheers Keryn. Editor: What Keryn has to say is very true – without all the volunteer officials we just wouldn't get to put a wheel on the track. The other thing is it is mostly a thankless task – and there are never enough people willing to donate their time and effort – be thankful there are some like Keryn and remember to let them know you do appreciate what they do. If you're not driving and/or you'd like to help out get in contact with Keryn via Facebook or contact myself or CAMS for training opportunities. Next Month – More Profiles Here is a sneak preview of guess who? Page seventeen Service Guide Geoff Harrisson’s photographs from 1966 to 1975 (all meetings at Baskerville, Symmons Plains & Longford) may be seen and ordered from oldracephotos.com along with many others from Tasmanian and Mainland circuits of the 1950's to the 199 Note that only adverts for car and car related products & services will be accepted. All advertising is subject to approval
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