HRCC Autumn Historic 2024

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Eight members from the Historic Group N Association of NSW took on Queenslands best in Group N racing at the HRCC Autumn Historic. Unfortunately, an early exit after Friday practice for the Charger of John Bourke with a power steering issue. Saturday and Sunday seen cool conditions early followed by a bright, sunny, warm, days. Practice seen a problem for the refreshed Jerry Lenstra Cortina #41 with a brake gremlin however Jerry got on top of it and had a very good meeting. Three V8 Mustangs in the field Ian Mewett #55 Graeme Wakefield #88 Craig Allan #15 put on a spirted display in each of the races over the weekend the latter starting ROF and finding his way to the pointy end of the field in every event. Both the Torana's of David Streat #202 and Ashley Heffernan #58 kept the Mustangs honest along with the Mazda of Grant Schneider #27. Of the smaller capacity cars Chris Collett #62 Rodney Hansen #76 Francis Meier #188 Geoff Pike #7 and David Roberts #20 all in mini's were very quick all meeting. Bad luck for mini's Brett Eggleston #51 and Brad Seagrove #30 after both suffering mechanical issues and not returning for the Sunday program David Wheatley #61 mini had a broken exhaust in the last race on the Saturday but the mini was back on track sounding 100% better on Sunday. The final results after a great weekend were over 2 ltr Ian Mewett, Graeme Wakefield, Craig Allan, all Mustangs Under 2 ltr Morne Lombard in a very smart Escort #21 Jonh Tupicoff BMW #11 and Brad Seagrove mini #30. Group Nb the very competitive Chris Collett #62 from Francis Meier mini #188 Peter Walsh mini #49. The Bill Campbell was up for grabs at this meeting and was won by Mewett, from Allan, and Wakefield.

Mark Walsh

All pictures by Throttlejamphotography - thanks Mark!

Volunteers for One Raceway

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One Raceway is getting close to completion and has sent out the following message to get some support:

"Do you think the passionate and very capable GEAR team would be interested in chipping in to assist with some various projects at One Raceway. Building tyre bundles, pressure cleaning, planting plants, weeding, general duties, etc? Steve."

We don't have a time frame yet, or whether there might be some possibility of staying at One Raceway for those that live away, but we are looking for expressions of interest from anyone who may be able to assist.

Please contact John Rawle, as soon as possible, on jrawle2@hotmail.com or 0434 081 927, who will make a list of interested parties and coordinate the project with Steve.

VHRR Philip Island Classic 2024

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A strong field of Twenty seven under 2ltr and invited Group N Touring cars took to the track at the VHRR Phillip Island Classic meeting March 8th-10th. Qualifying on Friday morning in bright warm sunny conditions see the super quick Escort of S.A driver Joshua Axford #3 on pole 1.54.4 then David Noakes Escort 1.55.3 Richard Hill Mini #12 1.56.7 Adam Bressington Mini #6 157.2 Anthony Colton Cortina #5 1.59.8 Jim Schilling Volvo #142, 2.01.4 Peter Van Summeren Cortina #7, 2.02.1 Sydney's David Wheatley #161 Mini 2.03.2 Stephen Page #154 BMW 2.03.5 Philip (The Hunter) Barrow #72 FJ 2.03.8 Francis Meier #188 Mini 2.04.3. Race one Friday afternoon was over 4 laps Josh Axford coming out on top from Noakes, Hill , Colton, Van Summeren, an improving Meier, Schilling, and keeping in the top ten Barrow. A DNF for David Wheatley with a CV issue Robert Ingram #42 Escort, and Stewart Barnes #22 Cortina which proved to be troublesome all weekend Adam Bressington #6 withdrew from the meeting after this race with a head gasket issue.

Saturday again very warm conditions for race 2 over 5 laps. Axford again the winner in a very polished drive. Then Noakes, Hill, Dean Mc Laughlan #91 Datsun 1600, Barrow getting the very best out of the FJ still finishing in the top 10 a good dice between the Mini's of Wheatley and David Roberts #20 a bit further back. A few DNF's this time Steven Russell-Clarke Austin A40 #82 and Julian Bingley Cortina #31 from Tasmania. Race three Saturday afternoon in very hot weather Axford dose it again from Noakes, Stephen Page up to third in the BMW, Mc Laughlan Datsun, Barrow, (having a cracker of a meeting) DNF for both David Roberts. Steven Russell Clarke A40, plus the usual bullet proof Citroen of Michael Stupka #61.

Sunday and race 4 over 5 laps. No driver could keep up with the very fast Escort of Axford second again Noakes, Mc Laughlan, Colton, Ian Pringle #23 Mini, Barrow still there, Kim Shern Cortina #58 and bouncing back David Roberts in his Mini. After a very long hot day 14 cars fronted for the last Group N race for the weekend. No Change at the front Axford the winner from Noakes, Mc Laughlan, Page, Colton, Donald Knight #32 Cortina Paul Gilbert #541 Datsun 1600. Unfortunate for Barrow with a disappointing DNF and Russell- Clarke. Brilliant display by all involved but that well driven and prepared Escort of Axford is going to take some beating.

Report from Mark Walsh, Throttle Jam Photography

One Raceway taking shape...

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The former Wakefield track is being rebuild and taking shape to become One Raceway in 2024. Major works are underway and there will be significant changes to the track. Of course all of us are excited to see the new venue soon and to race there in anger.

Jerry Lenstra on his way to VIC has paid a visit to the construction site and is very impressed of the activities going on there. Here some pictures he shared with us

Widening of the entry road to the accommodation units and entry to the "skid pan"

Widening of the entry road to the accommodation units and entry to the "skid pan"

The old trailer park will be the New "skid pan" currently being built

New track lay out in the old Fish hook area

New car park entry to the left of the main entry, and to the left of the scrutineering area

Future car park and track extension area

Jerry, thanks a lot for sharing!!

Please also see One Raceway website with further information and pics: https://www.oneraceway.com.au