Liz with her XU1 Torana at Lang Lang Proving Ground.

Spend a few minutes getting to know Elizabeth Wilks, Historic Group N Association Social Media Officer and the subject of our first HGNA member profile.

How I became interested in classic cars and an active member of HGNA

I have always liked cars, which is probably something that I picked up from my dad, who did some rallying in his younger days and competed in a couple of Redex Trials in the 1950s. As a newborn I was brought home from the hospital in a Holden HD X2, but the first car that I remember was the Holden LJ Torana S that dad bought new when I was still learning to walk.

At Muscle Car Masters 2017, I was wandering through the pit area looking at the historic race cars and Ray Dean, (Club President) called out to me, “Do you want to join our club?” This was the start of my journey with what is now the Historic Group N Association. Those original committee members welcomed me with open arms that day, introducing me to other members and inviting me to stay and watch that day’s trophy presentation. It was like having an instant family of like-minded people who race historic cars.

I decided to attend the general meetings as a way of meeting more members and learning the ins and outs of the Group N racing category. CAMS regulations, engine sealing, substitute car parts, control tyres and safety regulations being some of areas of my newly acquired knowledge.

1965 Mk1 Ford Cortina, currently being built up as a race car.

One year on, the opportunity presented itself to buy a nice little 1965 Mk1 Ford Cortina, which is currently being built as my first track car with the aim of getting myself onto the Group N grid in the not too distant future.

I now hold the position of Social Media Officer on the HGNA committee and am enjoying working with the other club members and supporting our club members at race meetings whilst taking photos and interacting with the general public on our club’s social pages.

Plans for this year include combining some interstate travel whilst attending historic car racing with other HGNA members. I’ll be off to Morgan Park, QLD, for their very popular annual historic event in July and will also attend our Group N cars support races at the V8 Supercars at The Bend, SA in August.

The best thing about being a member of HGNA? It’s the people of course!