Round Report: 2023 Masterblast SMSP

Without getting too pessimistic, this years Mastblast event was only a shadow of previous years Muscle Car Masters race meetings which made me question why the entry numbers where well down and the reliability of our vehicles continue contribute to an unacceptable attrition rate that continually stop cars from lining up on the grid.

 Also noticeable was that the field stretches out in every race lap after lap, this indicates that the races are to long creating a lack of on track competition this demoralising for each competitor who is left to race on their own. Don’t get me wrong their were some rare dices over the weekend, for example the healthy rivalry between Alfa Romeo of Spencer Rice and John Burke Valiant Charger but spectators need to see more of this close racing.

Photograph Courtesy Mark Walsh

 Over the weekend I was in consultation with many people in an effort to get some answers to these negative issues affecting historic motor racing.

Some of the issues that were highlighted to me were.

 The affect of the Corona Virus has had over the past few years, the cease of operation of Wakefield Park motor racing circuit.

 The cost of running and maintaining a reliable racecar including entry fees, tyres and fuel to name a few. Then I was alerted to the fact that in other states Group N historic motor racing was alive and well, so in New South Wales were suffering for some reason. In Victoria sponsorship seems to be the key to the support for historic motorsport.

At present compared to Victoria, NSW are experiencing a sponsorship dilemma as now new sponsorship rules are stifling the positive future of Group N.

In our state Motorsport Australia representatives appear to be ignorant to the fact that this is occurring. I had words with David Twigg seeking his advice; unfortunately he did not present any clear-cut solutions to increase the interest in our category.

 Representatives from Queensland have reported to me that although the sponsorship in their state is not as strong as Victoria, they have a single sponsor support that assists with entry rebate and catering at race events.

 Other issues discussed were to allow minor rule changes to make some makes of race cars more reliable and more economical to run, but at every turn there seems to be a barrier preventing the category from moving forward with a positive future. It would also be positive for the race circuits and promoters to be more accommodating and respectful towards competitors in improving communications and making them feel welcome at events.

photograph courtesy Mark walsh

Interstate competitors were Ray Hepburn in his well turned out Ford Mustang unfortunately an on track incident causing considerable body damage hindered his weekend.

Photograph courtesy mark walsh

 Overall on the positive side of the event, at least the weather was kind and those that did compete and those that were lucky enough to finish the event it will serve as a learning curve on how to improve moving forward. The re-uniting of the Group N competitors over the weekend at a trophy presentation and morning tea was a small step towards creating a more positive collective outlook for historic motor racing in NSW.

 Trophies for the feature race were kindly donated by the Historic Touring Car Association of NSW.
Without mentioning all the competitors that were present, I will highlight the drivers that contributed to make the meeting an interesting event.

In the Nc category interstate competitors, Aldo De Paoli in his Camaro as usual put on his usual display of skillful driving, too bad there were limited other racecars there to challenge him. Other competitors featuring at the pointy end of the field were John Burke in his immaculately presented Valiant Charger, Spencer Rice Alfa Romeo, David Noakes Ford Escort.

Photograph courtesy mark walsh

All the way from South Australia the Torana XU1 of Mark Blyfield made up the contingent of participants in this group.

The Torana XU1 of Paul Tierney had issues with a head gasket and was assisted by Ian Johnson to have the car repaired, only to find that a broken rocker shaft would defeat any chances of competing over the weekend.

 Canberra Driver Vince Harmer made a rare appearance only to be plagued with mechanical issues that would sideline him for the weekend.

photograph courtesy mark walsh

Category Nb were represented by a limited field of competitors including Greg Toepfer in the Ford Mustang, Paul Battersby in his yellow Mini Cooper S, Paul displayed some showcase driving starting from the rear of the grid and passing a number of competitors to finish 2nd in category in the trophy race.

 Feature race trophies were awarded to Greg Toepfer Ford Mustang, first in Nb, second place Paul Battersby Mini Cooper S and third place Loris Mariotto in the Volvo.

photograph courtesy mark walsh

John Battersby also piloting a Mini Cooper S struggled all weekend with reliability issues but still managed to start all the events on offer.

photograph courtesy mark walsh

Displaying vehicles that provide the spectrum of eligible vehicles available in the group N category the well-presented Volvo of Loris Mariotto continued to improve on every lap.

photograph courtesy mark walsh

Ross Muller with another challenging choice of vehicle in his Hillman Hunter, continuing to seek further improvements to get amongst the group Nb field.

 Rounding out, just a friendly reminder that the Historic Group N presentation night, Christmas celebration will be held on the 18th November 2023 at the Novatel West HQ Rooty Hill and I urge all group N members and friends to come along and share a great night to reflect on this years race activities.

 Editor

 Steve Pitman

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