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21-12-2007, 12:48 PM
80th Anniversary of the Australian Grand Prix
The 100 mile road race, organized by the Victorian Light Car Club, that became the Australian Grand Prix will have its 80th birthday/anniversary in March of 2008, and the Victorian Historic Racing Register is planning to celebrate this occasion suitably.
In 1978 the Vintage Sports Car Club of Australia (Victorian Division) in conjunction with the Phillip Island Auto Racing Club organized, what was then, a massive celebration of the 50th Anniversary on both the old road circuit, and on the Phillip Island track over two days. This event was probably the ‘biggest’ historic motor racing event held in Australia up until that time with over 300 cars of the pre world war 2 period gathered together on Phillip Island/ The then Prime Minister Malcolm Fraser attended, and for the first time overseas cars attended with Bill Morris bringing out his ERA, along with Joel Finn who had ERA R4D, the ex Whitehead AGP winning car competing in a 50 mile race that was televised by Channel 9. Well known gear box identity John Needham effectively ‘starred’ on TV with his dash into the dam to get water for his radiator, and with his dicing with Graeme Steinfort who was driving the ex Les Murphy 1935 AGP winning car.
The event was attended by many of the pre-war drivers who were united with their cars of the period. The turn out of spectators and enthusiasts was spectacular and a plaque was unveiled at ‘Hell Corner’ by the Phillip Island Shire President. There was even a DH Tiger Moth to re-enact the famous photo of the Bugattis dicing with the plane.
Alas, a lot of the original cars are departed from our shores, or otherwise locked up in museums. The old Drivers are departed, but the VHRR has resolved in some way to honour this occasion.
It is early days at present, in the scheme of things, to say what will happen on the Island next march 2008 as the VHRR is yet to meet with the circuit owners to settle the date and the ‘original’ road circuit is beset with a roundabout, and the holiday population at the Island is vastly increased.
A ‘specialist’ committee is investigating ways of celebrating this significant event, which will certainly include a trip round the old road circuit, but under Police Escort, a display in Cowes and a special event at the track itself. As those who attend regularly will know, the Historic Racing event itself is very popular and entries have increased in each year.
All that can be said is ‘watch this space’ as more information will be forthcoming as it comes to hand.
Call Jeff Brown (drjefb@connexus.net.au) for further details 0438 375 332
Graeme Steinfort
The 100 mile road race, organized by the Victorian Light Car Club, that became the Australian Grand Prix will have its 80th birthday/anniversary in March of 2008, and the Victorian Historic Racing Register is planning to celebrate this occasion suitably.
In 1978 the Vintage Sports Car Club of Australia (Victorian Division) in conjunction with the Phillip Island Auto Racing Club organized, what was then, a massive celebration of the 50th Anniversary on both the old road circuit, and on the Phillip Island track over two days. This event was probably the ‘biggest’ historic motor racing event held in Australia up until that time with over 300 cars of the pre world war 2 period gathered together on Phillip Island/ The then Prime Minister Malcolm Fraser attended, and for the first time overseas cars attended with Bill Morris bringing out his ERA, along with Joel Finn who had ERA R4D, the ex Whitehead AGP winning car competing in a 50 mile race that was televised by Channel 9. Well known gear box identity John Needham effectively ‘starred’ on TV with his dash into the dam to get water for his radiator, and with his dicing with Graeme Steinfort who was driving the ex Les Murphy 1935 AGP winning car.
The event was attended by many of the pre-war drivers who were united with their cars of the period. The turn out of spectators and enthusiasts was spectacular and a plaque was unveiled at ‘Hell Corner’ by the Phillip Island Shire President. There was even a DH Tiger Moth to re-enact the famous photo of the Bugattis dicing with the plane.
Alas, a lot of the original cars are departed from our shores, or otherwise locked up in museums. The old Drivers are departed, but the VHRR has resolved in some way to honour this occasion.
It is early days at present, in the scheme of things, to say what will happen on the Island next march 2008 as the VHRR is yet to meet with the circuit owners to settle the date and the ‘original’ road circuit is beset with a roundabout, and the holiday population at the Island is vastly increased.
A ‘specialist’ committee is investigating ways of celebrating this significant event, which will certainly include a trip round the old road circuit, but under Police Escort, a display in Cowes and a special event at the track itself. As those who attend regularly will know, the Historic Racing event itself is very popular and entries have increased in each year.
All that can be said is ‘watch this space’ as more information will be forthcoming as it comes to hand.
Call Jeff Brown (drjefb@connexus.net.au) for further details 0438 375 332
Graeme Steinfort