Race Report: The HSRCA's 2019 Spring Festival

HGNA NSW members Paul Tierney, Wayne Rogerson, David Stone and John Battersby charging off the line.

Ideal spring weather produced excellent conditions for a small contingent of Group N racers that travel south to Wakefield Park to compete in a classic historic motorsport event - the HSRCA’s 2019 Spring Festival.

Strong representation from other historic categories including those competing in the Regularity endurance event, Group S and the Australian Historic Sports Sedans in Super Sprint contributed to a successful meeting.

Group N participants completed four race events across the two-day meeting. Participants were David Stone Mustang, Wayne Rogerson Mazda, John Battersby Mini Cooper S, Paul Tierney Torana, Dale Parry Mustang, Peter O’Brien Ford Falcon, Rod Wallace Torana and Stephen Page in the BMW 2002.

Group N at the 2019 HSRCA Spring Festival

Although Group N only managed eight entrants for the weekend, the upside was that all eight finished without mechanical failure, a situation that has not been achieved for such a long time.

However there was still some concern in Group N when the Ford Mustang of Dale Parry came into contact with the rear of Wayne Rogerson’s Mazda RX2, causing some considerable damage. It seems that all the conversation concerning these incidents are falling on deaf ears as this panel damage continues to happen.

Pre-race driver briefings highlighting the no touch policy is a start but assertive follow up is required after incidents occur to ensure the policy is adhered to. Incidents should be investigated thoroughly, not only by the DSA but other competent club members in order to examine the evidence and get the facts to correctly identify who is actually the transgressing driver. The DSA should not only speak with this individual but a brief report of the incident should be published in club reports and placed on the website. I feel this peer pressure is the only way we can address this negative part of our sport.

Paul Tierney pushing the Torana through turn one.

On a positive note the HSRCA need to be commended for such a well-run event, allowing all categories to achieve maximum track time and, with minimal time wasted, both days’ programs to be completed earlier than anticipated. The HSRCA also provided an excellent spread of delicious food during Saturday evening’s get together that was greatly appreciated by drivers, their associated team members and volunteers.

The HSRCA Spring Festival created a relaxed atmosphere reviving memories of Austarlia’s deep motorsport history. Our thanks is due to the many skilled volunteers who dedicate their time to officiate and make these events come to fruition. Without them our motorsport experiences would not exist.

Stephen Pitman,
HGNA NSW Vice President

David Stone put in a great drive to catch the lead pack during Sunday’s mid-morning race.