Round Report: The HSRCA's 2022 Summer Festival

Normally I would start with a report on a great historic race meeting in some fantastic weather that we have not seen for such a long time, but I am compelled to question the importance of racetrack safety. Due to the pandemic, in recent years we have not had the usual drivers briefing ahead of competition, relying on the written sub regulations to relay messages instead.

Showing my ignorance over the past few meetings I did not notice the absence of the usual volunteer fire marshals missing from flag points and that the responsibility for this operation is now contracted to an outside organisation. I was involved in an incident resulting in my car catching fire at the bridge behind Corporate Hill, being on the opposite side of the track to the flag point meant that I did not have access to a fire extinguisher or the assistance of a fire marshal.

Once the session was red flagged, I had to sprint across to the flag point, get a fire extinguisher, run back to my car and extinguish the fire myself. I just wish to highlight the fact that this is now the case and that each driver needs to plan ahead in case of a fire situation.

Some action as a driver that can be adopted, in case of a mechanical failure and possible fire get your car as close to a flag point as possible for access to a fire extinguisher, next ensure that your car is equipped with a suitable in date fire extinguisher, arrange your own fire fighting training or at least carry out your own training with all those out of date fire extinguishers we all have at home, appropriately dressed of course.

Stephen Pitman, image thanks to Mark Walsh

My suggestion to the organisers is to review this incident in light of improving the rapid response to a fire situation, can the fire vehicles be placed more strategically to address on track fire occurrences. Can the communications between race control and fire services providers be improved to make race meetings a lot safer for all participants. In addition auditing and monitoring of the compulsory competitor fire extinguishers for pit refueling.

This meeting displayed a number of outstanding individual driving performances, mainly the efforts of Chris Thomas in his rapid Holden Torana XU1, winning most races except for a mechanical failure in race 2. Starting off the rear of the grid in race 3, including a safety car session and taking the lead later in the race only to receive a 30 second penalty for a safety car infringement relegating him to sixth place.

Race 4 Chris continued his exceptional performance with another excellent win in the last race to complete a successful weekend.

Graham Russell, Mini Cooper S - Mark Walsh Image

Other worthy mentions, Graeme Russell piloting his Mini Cooper S well up in the field and challenging many larger capacity cars to gain several respectable finishing positions over the weekend of racing.

Paul Tierney, Torana XU1

The Torana XU1 of Paul Tierney also achieved some very respectable placings over the four races. John Battersby in his Mini Cooper S had solid outing, reliability allowing John to finish all races in reasonable positions.

Ross Muller in the Hillman Hunter - A Mark Walsh Image

Improving with every race event, Loris Mariotto in his well-presented Volvo won the battle at the back end of the field, finishing in front of the Toyota Corolla of Graham Loughnan, Ross Muller in his newly constructed Hillman Hunter and the Torana XU1 of Rodney Wallace. These four gentlemen put on an interesting racing display that was well worth viewing.

Finally a mention of the interstate competitors who attended and added to the atmosphere of the occasion. Ian Mewett Ford Mustang, Craig Allan Ford Rallye Sprint, Craig Robertson Valiant Charger and Peter O’Brien Ford GT Falcon.

Well known Ford Mustang competitor David Stone provided some excellent commentary, keeping the spectators well informed of Group N activities over the weekend.

As usual the Historic Group N members strongly promoted the club brand acknowledging our generous sponsors, displaying our club logo. It was also pleasing to see the majority of members wearing the multi coloured club shirts and thoroughly enjoying a fantastic weekend of historic motor racing.

Steve Pitman