August 2009 In the day, Beechey and Geoghegan, Catalina Park ‘66 · 2012. 2. 13. · Winton Historics May 30 - 31 Golden Oldie Austin 7 Club ... in the House. So why do we keep

Next General Meeting8pm Wed 26 August 2009Bells Hotel, Moray St, Sth Melbourne

August 2009

In the day, Beechey and Geoghegan,

Catalina Park ‘66

Inside:• Phillip Island 6 Hour • Targa Breakthrough! • And other nonsense Pic 1966 Racing Car News

Torquing Heads 2008/2009 Work Ph Home Ph Fax Mobile Email

President Dean Bryant 0417 012 526 0417 012 526 9551 5859 0417 012 526 [email protected] President Jervis Ward 9690 4321 9690 4338 9690 4323 0409 137 629 [email protected] Gordon Cox 9467 8900 9435 5235 9467 4590 0418 506 650 [email protected] David Floyd 9574 8333 9877 2243 9574 8388 0402 257 541 [email protected] Russell Pilven 9379 2616 9337 7017 9379 0669 0419 527 188 [email protected] Paul Cruse 9345 1611 9337 1310 0414 937 710 [email protected] Jervis Ward 9690 4321 9690 4338 9690 4323 0409 137 629 [email protected] Michael Hibbert 9379 2018 9379 2018 0418 354 364 [email protected] David Twigg 0414 875 922 9466 9737 9702 9635 0414 875 922 [email protected] Len Read 5977 8771 5977 8771 0408 548 133 [email protected] Sealing Ken Zinner 9568 0363 9568 0363 0412 171 603 Are you joking.com.au AHTCA Mat Jager 9627 3386 9682 6999 0418 360 686 [email protected] Chris Ralph 9696 5800 9596 3143 9696 0507 0418 318 934 [email protected] Dean Bryant 9588 2566 9931 0333 9588 2577 0417 012 526 [email protected]

Page 2 August 2009 Historic Touring Torque

2009 Race CalendarTrack Date Type ClubPhillip Island Classic March 13 - 15 Golden Oldie VHRRPhillip Island April 25 - 26 State Series PIARCWinton Historics May 30 - 31 Golden Oldie Austin 7 ClubSandown July 18 - 19 State Series Sports Sedan Association Winton (Long Track) Aug. 29 - 30 State Series AASAPhillip Island Sept. 26 - 27 State Series Mini Car ClubSandown Historics Nov. 7 - 8 Golden Oldie MG Car ClubPhillip Island Nov 21-22 Special PIARC

You need it?Call Coxys!

& great Club pricingCoxy’s Revolution Racegear. Whatever you need he can get it and at great Club pricing.

31B Clements Ave, BundooraPh 9467 8900 or 0418 506 650

Pic RalphE

Hubert’s racer had spent a year in the carport

Historic Touring Torque August 2009 Page 3

Presidential Prattle PRESIDENTS REPORT AUGUST 2009

Wow, what a month at the HTCAV!

Fortunately we have some very keen, dedicated individuals looking out for us which has assisted us greatly given the dramas off track this month.

Firstly we had our involvement in the Biante – AHTCA misunderstanding which included threats of legal action and the like. The HTCAV were the only state based club to not give support to the AHTCA Cup idea, and yet when the blow torch was on we were the only club to assist the NSW AHTCA President Warren Bossie, in representing Historic Touring Cars on a National level – makes you wonder eh? Speaking of Warren Bossie the AHTCA President and NSW Appendix J President, he is a first rate HTC man of great knowledge and passion for our sport. With someone like him to represent us on the national stage we are indeed in safe hands. We all owe Warren huge thanks for his efforts in this latest issue. Likewise we thank our Historic Commission people, President Bob Cracknell and Bill Cutler for their efforts and support in this important issue.

We also need to thank the Biante representatives Chris Stillwell and Drew Marget for their considerations, understanding and spirit of fairness in the recent round table discussion at Cams headquarters which involved those guys, Warren and I, Cams CEO Graham Fountain, Rebecca Drummond and Michael Masi.

The outcome was a joint agreement by all parties involved with each party now recognizing the real issues involved along with our joint responsibilities involved moving forward. The details of which have been published on our own

website, the forum and is also available on the Cams website.

From my view point at least the outcome was a win-win-win. A win for Cams as now they more fully understand the intricacies of the Biante – HTC history, and also the vital and significant importance of clear communication between categories.

A win for the Biante guys as now their concerns have been both noted and heard by all involved parties – this is something that may well have never occurred without them taking the action they did. As odd as it may sound, I believe they acted appropriately in this instance. To hear why you will have to come to Bells on Wednesday and I’ll explain it more fully for everyone.

A win for the AHTCA as now no one is under legal threat, the AHTCA Cup will go on with limited and sensible guidelines in place, and the AHTCA has earned much respect with all parties involved by its actions and representation in this issue.

Secondly we had some misunderstanding and misinformation come to light regarding the Historic Sandown event. Let me clear this up once and for all as follows;

The HTCAV have given its approval for the Biante guys to compete at the event this year as a representation was made to us by the VHRR for this to occur given the fact they needed a strong category to replace one of the poorer performing categories from previous years. It was a commercial issue and one that as a sound Victorian club we decided was in the best interest of all concerned. If the promoters have successful meetings in a fiscal sense then we continue to enjoy the racing we have come to love – it’s really that simple.

The provisos included the fact we remained in our usual besides marshalling area paddock position behind the catering stands etc – This in fact is what will happen contrary to recent rumors.

We also enjoy top billing along with the F5000 cars in the promotion of the event – this will also continue contrary to rumors.

This is our opportunity to compete on the same bill as our former race mates, (many of whom are still HTCAV members be reminded) and it also gives they and us the same opportunity

to put on the best show of our respective brands of racing yet. I would hope that the HTC can put on huge grids and strong racing for all to witness – bring it on!

Speaking of historic Sandown, if you want a marquee spot simply apply with your entry form to the VHRR and they have assured us they will group us all together as in previous years. This year we will have refreshments as normal and also this year we will have some live music after racing on Saturday for the first time ever – it just gets better each year.

I’ve heard from my NSW mates that there is plenty of em coming this year so it will be a great event on and off the track. The music will come from Brashy and his band that are absolutely fantastic – what a treat this will be.

Winton long track is looming and numbers are very strong (more than 21 so far!) for this inaugural event – fantastic! The Edward’s are arranging refreshments and it should be a great weekend – even if you are not competing why not join me and a hoard of others going up to support our mates.

I thank those who assisted me this month as it was a tough one and none more so than your president of Vice – Jervis. We don’t always see eye to eye but his passion and commitment to this club is amazing – thanks buddy.

Thanks also to last months guest speaker Bill Santuccione who was very interesting indeed – it won’t be the last time we hear from Bill fortunately so watch this space.

The Escort is now sold and living in Maitland NSW and at its first outing for its new owner it did over 100 fault free racing laps at Phillip Island and was part of the 2nd placed team – how fitting. The new one’s on the way!

Don’t forget to look elsewhere in the mag for our inaugural car rally coming up along with the kids Xmas party just prior to our awards night later in the year. This club now offers its members the most varied array of opportunities in its history thus far – great stuff!

I look forward to seeing plenty of you at Bells on Wednesday,

Yours in racing,

Deano

Don’t Forget The Club Discounts!DON’T FORGET THE CLUB DISCOUNTS!

As Club members you are entitled to massive discounts on a range of vehicles and parts at Booran Motors and entry fees for tarmac rallies run in Tasmania through Octagon Motorsport.

Please see elsewhere in the magazine for the details.

We get ’em, please use ’em!

See pages 5, 18 & 23 for full details!!

Historic Touring TorqueAugust 2009Page 4

Slim pickin’s this month folks, it’s one of those periods when the competition event falls after the editorial deadline, and as a result we have no report and no exciting photos.

So what does an enterprising young cadet reporter do? Go back into the archives to see what can be found. A few weeks ago the 1999 Sandown Historics program turned up at home and it was interesting to see who was entered and what they were driving. So I scanned the pages and then searched for the results of the last race, courtesy of Natsoft. Note that the times, ten years ago, are more or less what they are today with more or less the same cars in the same positions, often with the same drivers.

So is this progress? Of course not. This is a historic category – if there had been vast amounts of progress questions would be asked in the House. So why do we keep doing the same old thing year after year and decade after decade? Because we love it, we love our cars, driving them, competing with our mates and having a beer afterwards. Importantly, punters and promoters seem to enjoy it too.

Who cares if it’s a timewarp… well, some do. After 26 years in the Club I’ve seen a number of people come, sharpen their skills and egos on the Club and its competitors, then move on. It’s a well-worn path. They bounce in, full of hubris and intent on changing things: “Youse blokes are mad. Yer gotta have advertising. Yer gotta use this part, mate.” Then

they crack it when they can’t, a few toys come flying out of the pram and they toddle off.

Sometimes it’s politics. The last thing a politician wants is an absence of politics. Even a look down the list of past Presidents and office bearers will furnish names of those who burned brightly in the firmament and then shuffled off into the gloom, often cursing the Club, the sport, CAMS, competitors – but never themselves. Some moved on to other areas of the sport, others left it entirely.

I hope I don’t put the mockers on the status quo by writing this but for the past few years our Club has been relatively free of the stress-inducing, time-wasting and soul-destroying infighting that can populate some clubs and categories. That has a lot do with the sane and mature management of the recent executive groups who have all been clear on the objective: more historic touring car fun for everyone, please. Result? Growing numbers, more meetings, more opportunities – and more fun.

Our cousins in the Biante series love the cars and the racing but wanted to do it their way; they moved on and got commercial running with big boys, (as we all used to do regularly before the split) and now it’s big business and growing. Good luck to them, I say. Some of them may one day want to return and that’ll be good too, assuming their re-acceptance of historic life. (Sort of makes me feel like one of those old blokes in the village

pub who’s still propping up the bar when the young whippersnappers who left years ago return, amazed to find him still there: “G’day. Must be your shout.”)

There’s room in the playpen for both, given a sensible attitude. We don’t want to take them over or steal any of their thunder. Conversely, they have no real desire to own or control us – just as long as we don’t get in their mighty muscle car way. We will be sharing the bill and the pits at Historic Sandown which is going to be confusing for the punters and it’s to be hoped that the authorities make it very clear who’s who and what’s what. And let’s hope there’s no attitude from a group who found themselves restrained by historic rules and now come back to star at historic meetings, and, let it be said, no snide asides or egg-throwing from our lot…let’s be big about this.

Also from the archives you’ll find a couple of old ads from 1966 Racing Car News, plus the great cover shot from their Year Book of Beechey and Geoghegan at Catalina.

The Webmaster shot out invitations for Bathurst and New Zealand races in 2010 and got a salty reply from the Western Districts Humpy Heroes who are venturing across the seas to Tassie next month for the Baskerville Historics – Mick Stupka in the Imp and I will be glad to have their company! (Late mail: that bloody Pilven has seen through my sneaky attempt to get some points from down south and he’s going as well. Damn, I was hoping to do well…at least the bugger might bring some tyres with him to supply the Great Flatspotter….)

Thanks to those who have stoically sent in stuff (including the aforementioned R. Pilven for his lengthy competition/Six Hour Relay report) for this, HTCAV’s token nod to saving the world by running a thin mag…

And before I forget, an erratum. Last month we ran a picture purporting to be Stephen White at Sandown, under the heading “the grey ghost ran steadily” or somesuch. Mr White (Stephen, Senior) was soon on the blower, saying the while he was grey and ghostly, ’twas Mr White (Timothy, Jnr) at the wheel and that actually Snr was quicker than Jnr and watch out at the Historic meeting. Hmm, like to be at that family dinner table after this is published!)

See y’all at Winton long track…

RalphE

Editoro


Winton DVDs for sale

Don’t miss the Fun!

Full length Winton DVD available from sdpics

Our very supportive mate Steve Duggan from sdpics is producing for the first time a feature length DVD of an event - 2009 Historic Winton

To view a short promo video go to his Blog at www.sdpics.com

Pic sdpics.comIt was on from the start.

Don’t Miss the HTCAV Car Rally!Our Club’s social car rally will take place on Sunday 18

October from 10 am. It will be held around Melbourne and comprise questions to be answered, clues to be found and the tricky business of finding your way to a meeting point for food and refreshments.

This will be fun for the whole family - so mark the date in your calendars! And watch this space for the final details. And you don’t have to drive a pre 73 car to be in it!

And don’t miss the Crankshaft Rebuilders Tour!Just 5 days earlier on October 13th it’s the Cranky’s Tour –

we’d like expressions of interest please! People would meet at Crankshaft Rebuilders Pty Ltd 31-35 Cottage St. Blackburn at approx 6.30 – 6.45pm. There would be a sausage sizzle & refreshments at the start then a brief into etc before we then split into groups be taken on the “20 cent” tour of the shop.

Please let Michael Hibbert or Dean Bryant know if you’re interested – we will be combining with a couple of other clubs to get the required 20-30 heads to make it a starter…

By the time you read this we will be well on our way to Winton for the penultimate round of our ‘09 State Championship. The competition has been hard fought all year and this round will be no exception. At time of penning this report we had 20 entries with the promise of more to come. As mentioned at the last general meeting we have secured the first six V8 garages at Winton for this round and there are a couple of spots still available (call me to book on 0419 527 188).

Of course, following on from Winton is our VSCRC Grand Final at Philip Island on the 26th & 27th of September. Entries are open and out for this event now and close on the 12th of Sept. The finally is being held under the watchful eye of our very own Senior Inspector Wally and the other Wallys from the Mini Car Club (See 6 hour article). Entry forms are available from the Mini Car Club web site and via the link on our site. If that’s all a bit too hard call Janis Holloway on 9390 2191 for details.

Also don’t forget about our Tasmania

chapter, it’s not too late to attend the Historic Baskerville Raceway to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the MG Car Club of Tasmania. Terry Atkinson the meeting organizer has confirmed they will accept entries up until the 10th of September from the mainland without the $50 late entry fee. Any questions please call Terry on 0418 303 995.

For all those who are electronically savvy and enrolled into the magic world of email you will already know that there are two new events on the horizon for 2010 (for the rest read below).

2 Events coming up people might want to know about, the first is Bathurst as a support the 12 Hour Relay on 19th -21st Feb 2010. (WARNINIG!! There is a chance that this may be the same weekend as the Philip Is. Classic next year or maybe only one week either side of it!! Please consider this before you send off your $1,100 non refundable registration). The 2nd option is the two historic meetings in New Zealand detailed below. Please see the separate article.

See ya at the trackRuss

Upcoming Winton Event Historic Touring competitors for August 29th & 30th.

Garry EdwardsTony HubbardJervis WardLeo TobinScott SlaterRodney HotchkinDavid MoranJohn SmallmanIan CromartyJohn LuxmooreNick CasconeMichael MiceliAndy ClempsonAngelo TarantoPeter OwenChris RalphDarrin CollinsRussell PilvenMathew JagerBradley Westaway

Competition Report

31 Hours at the Phillip Island 6-Hour Regulation Relay!

This was meant to be a race report. However as this was not a race I will reveal the events (as best as I recall them). It all started with a conversation with a new customer to the motorsport division of Essendon Tyrepower. So you’re doing the six hour are you? (under my breath) “Lucky bastard”, he must have got his paperwork in on time. Oh, it was your brother who is the lucky owner of the most photogenic Escort Henry ever breathed life into. Well, best we give you a hand to take that Datsun to the top. (Not really, this car is a real gem), we just need Derek to change the engine and gearbox and it will be a great Group N 1600. Oh maybe….. Twiggy we could just allow the 2lt. 5sp. Option? What da ya say, pleeese!!!!.

I arrived on Saturday morning just after the drivers briefing to see the smiles of a motley crew coming back from the muster shed (Flanelette is the new Nomex!). As I walked along the back of the pits I spied an assortment of cars that I thought must have been derived from a late night at the Village Green hotel in the 90s. To my surprise there was exhaustive supply of cars that bought joy to such a broad bunch of people I realised that I had arrived at the Bathurst for club cars.

There were Mini sports sedans doing low 1:50’s Ford Cortinas doing way over the 2 min mark but still bringing a large smile to the drivers; XD Falcons (and friends) made a team of their own, and Team Excelrally (5 Hyundai Excels) - what chance??? And teams made up of cars with a mean average price tag of over $100,000. What was evident was that this was an event that everybody wanted to a be a part of! This event is so popular that Winton have now decided to run a 24-Hour relay in April next year. Contact Adam Ronke if you’re

interested in this challenge.Now getting back to my weekend…

I arrived just in time to sign on so that I could sit in the silly seat next to Derek in the 1600. We were released onto the track during practice to see what we could do in the newly re-aligned 1600. Derek proved a good steerer with reasonable feel for the car (through his oversized wool padded visit-the-North-Pole hiking boots). However might I say (and don’t tell the Ed.) I didn’t feel quite at home in the silly seat. Derek quickly showed he had control of the car and we just needed to work on a few basic issues (like not using neutral in the corners).

After a few laps with Derek and a bit of a chat, I made my way up the pits to say g’day to the other lucky Group N steerers who had found a home for the weekend. I hooked up with Hollywood in the “Wide Stripes & Loud Pipes” team. I was then suddenly in a Mustang with another Mussy steerer who asked for a guide around our lovely P.I. track. This was again a test of my heart as we dropped a wheel off around Hayshed, due to the noise and the smoke in the car I could only give hand signals as

to where the track was when I last saw it! As it turned out Jonathan was equal to the task and we made it back to the pits without a problem.

There were many other Group N drivers within the field “Intrepid Racing Team Holloway” (now know as team WALLY- see the hats) had Michael, James & Sarah of the Holloway breed. Team Roofless Racing had our own Simon Browning. Team “Classic not Plastic” had Bobby Lorich (Husband to Bubbles)

and Robert Tucket aka “Charlie Chapman” (OK Robbie, not a member yet if you know him ask him to do the Charlie Chapman impersonation and we will shame him into it). Hollywood was in the “Wide Stripes & Loud Pipes” team (What a team! If what you drank and the race you talked counted they would be unbeatable). The last team I greeted with a HTCAV member was team #48 Maserati Red with Steve Coad.

Well I guess at this point you want to know what happened. We finished the practice on Saturday and proceeded back into Cowes. On the way back to Cowes we stopped at a motel at which we engaged in a further medicinal beverage an analysed Hollywood’s attempt to out brake the Lotus Elise into Honda on an out-lap in the Mussy….. While waiting for Hollywood to re-join the track it seemed that Robbie Tucket was sad and missed his play mate. They again got back on the track and returned to the pits to work this mystery out. The in-lap to Cowes is probably best not published.

So let’s just start with Sunday morning. As I was not required in any official form I


31 hours at the Phillip Island 6 hour Regulation Relay

Pic courtesy RussCarol & Hollywood

thought I would have a lazy morning and head out to the track around flag fall. (Note to self: Don’t sleep next to the shower if you want to sleep in on Sunday of a race day).

Race day saw all the nerves grow and butterflies take flight for the entrants just like a P.I. classic. The sheep stations were certainly on the board.

Hollywood had been elevated from reserve to P1 on the grid, it just so happens that he was next to a friend of mine from Deniliquin by the name of Peter Short. “Shorty” was in another of the many bargain racers of the weekend - a $6000 Datsun Stanza with all the good bits already completed by somebody else. Of course it was on from the drop of the flag with Shorty taking the honours until the in-lap when Hollywood just had to show Shorty would he really had up his sleeve. During this opening stint a mild mannered Angelo Taranto though he could sneak up on the Mustang/Datto contest and have some fun but Andy was awake to this ploy and quickly there was a three way on. All ended with smiles and good times for all, Wide Stripes & Loud Pipes finished in P1 after the first hour.

As we have learnt from this event there

is no easy ride through the hours. Hour 2 came along and team Wide Stripes & Loud Pipes had copped a penalty and dropped down the standings.

As I type this we don’t yet have results so I refer to the provisional results given at the track.

What I do know is that Team #23 MLC Racing, Took 2nd Outright. That is team that has the ever photogenic (ex Prez’s) Escort, the next NC Datsun 1600 (I hope), two Fiat X19s and a Datsun 1200 Coupe, who had a great Excel program to track their team progress. Third was Team PIARC and fourth was the Mini works team. Team Roofless Racing with our own Simon Browning and Shorty took 9th. Team Wide Stripes & Loud Pipes took 11th, Team Intrepid (Wally) took 15th, Team Classic not Plastic took 17th and Team Maserati Red took 23rd.

BUT the winner you ask??? Team #32 Excelrally.com.au! El Presidente was right - we should hire five Hyundais for the weekend and drive the doors off ‘em. But if we did that I’m sure we would find a way of attracting penalties. I just have that feeling!!!!!

I have to admit that I left about 2:30

pm on Sunday as I could not take spectating any longer. However to complete a true report of the facts I did talk to those who stayed the whole distance (Note to self: You hate being a spectator, get your entry in earlier next year). What I learned from those who went the distance is that they uniformly believe this is a great event. Many teams congratulated the organisers on the ability to do a parade lap at the end without restrictions. Some teams let their crew drive these laps (what a great reward for the down trodden & yelled at!). Well done and thanks you to the huge team that ran this event. And even more specifically that that, THANKS to those marshals on the flag points & spotters. REMEMBER that during a regular race meeting these VOLUNTEERS get a few minutes between races to relax and recover. Many of these posts were manned for six Hours without relief. So next time you meet a flaggie in the bar YOU OWE ‘EM a BEER!

Thanks again to the organizing clubs Victorian Mini Club, Gippsland Car Club & PIARC. It’s a great event for so many people & so many cars. Many it continue forever.

Rusty out. But I’ll be back next year!


Inspector Wally - 6 HourPic courtesy Russ


Historic Sandown - Entry 1999


AND HERE’S HOW THEY FINISHED… Penrite Historic Sandown

SANDOWN INTERNATIONAL MOTOR RACEWAY

Historic Touring Cars

Event E25 8 Laps Scheduled Start 14:20

Page# 1 Issue# 1 Start Sun Oct 24 14:42 Elapsed Time 11:28

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Pos Car Driver Entrant Vehicle Cap Laps Race.Time Fastest Lap 1 131 Paul Stubber Chevrolet Camaro 5000 8 11:28.5948 3 1:23.3271* 2 8 Chris Stephen Ford Mustang 4942 8 11:36.9897 4 1:25.7750 3 85 Tino Leo Holden Monaro 5740 8 11:45.9109 7 1:25.8052 4 28 Wayne Purdon Ford Falcon XY 5800 8 11:49.3906 7 1:26.3458 5 86 Ian Jones Holden Torana XU-1 3310 8 11:50.0624 2 1:26.7632 6 75 Les Dole Holden Torana XU1 3310 8 11:53.0874 7 1:25.8915 7 55 Greg McPherson Ford Mustang 4790 8 11:58.8927 2 1:26.1468 8 96 Raymond Challis Holden Torana XUI 3300 8 11:59.8499 2 1:27.4969 9 95 Chris Ralph Chris Ralph Creative P/L Ford Mustang 4800 8 12:01.5393 5 1:27.6105 10 17 Drew Marget Marget Engineering P/L Mustang Trans Am 4960 8 12:15.3718 6 1:25.5894 11 35 Mark Brewster Holden Torana XU1 3310 8 12:21.1558 3 1:29.7722 12 22 Steve Coad Holden Torana XU1 3300 8 12:23.3898 5 1:27.7851 13 37 Dylan Innes Holden Torana XU1 3300 8 12:26.2897 6 1:29.8764 14 2 Paul Trevethan Ford Galaxie 7000 8 12:34.0201 6 1:31.6035 15 42 Ted Brewster Morris Cooper S 1293 8 12:46.9619 5 1:33.7863 16 31 Cameron Spence Morris Cooper S 1293 8 12:48.8940 4 1:33.3134 17 46 Nick Stillwell Morris Cooper S 1293 8 12:50.1704 7 1:33.5041 18 221 Doug Juniper Holden EH 2999 8 12:54.3182 7 1:33.7048 19 47 Graham Slater Holden Torana XU1 3300 8 12:56.4492 8 1:33.7723 20 64 Bill Trengrove Barwon Timber Holden EH 2990 8 12:57.5535 4 1:34.1733 21 34 Richard Fairlam Holden EH 2998 8 12:57.9627 4 1:34.0316 22 56 Daniel Read Morris Cooper S 1293 8 13:04.8432 6 1:35.2733 23 97 Jim Collins Ford Cortina GT 1592 7 11:32.3505 4 1:35.4634 24 188 Andrew Tickner Ford Cortina GT 1598 7 11:32.6062 7 1:35.4542 25 128 Andrew Cannon Ford Mustang 4700 7 11:36.8856 3 1:28.0430 26 32 Don Knight Ford Cortina GT 1598 7 11:49.7175 6 1:38.2990 27 70 Michael Wilson Ford Escort RS 1600 1588 7 11:52.9457 4 1:37.9364 28 45 Robert Butt Ford MK1 Cortina 1598 7 11:53.1008 5 1:38.5205 29 164 Jeff Morris Holden EH 2998 7 12:22.1428 7 1:42.5448 30 19 Ian Watt Triumph 2000 2000 7 12:28.6505 4 1:42.6674 31 65 Brian Beasy Ford Capri 3000 7 12:34.8990 2 1:43.7551 32 63 John Luxmore Ford Cortina GT 1546 6 11:40.7626 2 1:53.0256 DNF 99 Les Walmsley Chev Nova 5350 6 8:56.6371 5 1:27.2980 DNF 6 Chris Stillwell Ford Cortina 1500 3 5:04.8171 2 1:36.7459 DNF 38 Anthony Ramadge Austin Cooper S 1296 3 5:11.5765 2 1:37.3577 DNF 138 Michael Lemmens Holden Torana LJ XU1 3300 2 3:41.2326 2 1:40.5261 DNF 173 Michael Erwin Ford Falcon XYGT 5768 DNF 5 Len Read Morris Cooper S 1299

And the Results

August 2009Page 10 Historic Touring Torque

Targa Classic Breakthrough!Motorsport is not renowned for event

organisers who are responsive to competitor demand. In fact, intransigence and stubborn self interest are more commonly found. But in a truly exciting announcement last week, Targa Tasmania organiser Octagon has announced some dramatic changes to the Classic event and policies governing media reporting as well as an exciting new award perfectly suited to many HTCAV members.

In recent reports we whinged about many things, putting down in Torque similar thoughts to what many had said and written. We complained about how old touring cars had to compete against cars from the late 80s and early 90s. How the Classic cars were ignored by the media reports, even Targa’s own website. And we pointed out how the V8s and other Classic cars were the crowds favourites but given few rewards in the design of the event.

Octagon responded by shifting Category 7 (cars from the 80s up to 1990) out of ‘Classic’ and into ‘Early Modern’ where they can go play with cars enjoying similar technology.

That puts the age ceiling for Classic back to 1980, when in theory you can find an early Urquattro or 928 but any that have appeared over the years have been slow. Next they dropped the distinction between early and late Classic, which was created to make the handicap work but no one ever understood what it meant. Finally they re-created two parallel Classic competitions for cars from 1947 to 1980 - in practice mainly 20 years from early 60s to late 70s, truly the Classic era - calling the scratch event just Shannon’s Classic with the handicap event branded the Shannon’s Classic Overall. Everyone is automatically in both, with some - such as Henry Draper in his tiny Mini watching the handicap - and others, such as Steve Coad watching the outright scores. Apart from the under whelming title (‘Overall” can be confusing - why not call it ‘Handicap’?), this fixes many of the structural issues.

For HTCAV it is good news - no longer are the LC and LJ Toranas in different Categories and the V8s get rid of many modern pseudo-classic competition. But the Batten’s old Volvo would only move up one spot this year - to 4th - with only one Category 7 car ahead of them, a Skyline GTS-t. The two ‘74 911 RS and the ‘77 Carrera 3 ahead will still be Classics.

But what about the media coverage and actually promoting the Classics? This is what Octagon said:

“We can assure you that the two Classic competitions will share equal billing on next year’s TV show and we do sincerely apologise for the unequal coverage of Classic this year. It is normally out by now but we felt that we just had to send it back to the editor’s suite to add another chapter after it was overlooked in the

TV show. The chapter added is on none other than Paul & Mike Batten in their Volvo PV544 who turned on a rare display and one that will go down in Targa folklore as one of the greatest performances ever seen at the event.

For a start, they won Early Classic by a country mile but it was their 5th Outright that really should have made us take more notice. Added to that, how’s 37th in the entire field sound? Absolutely amazing and all we can do now is sincerely apologise to Mike & Paul for an oversight whilst being out of our control, should have received far more coverage in the actual show and we should have made sure it did. Likewise, we also apologise to all classic competitors for not giving Classic the sort of coverage it deserves and we have briefed our media team and producers to ensure that this doesn’t happen again.”

Wow!! Can anyone ever remember such a heartfelt acknowledgement before? The usual practice is to abuse competitors who make complaints but Mark Perry has really brought a new style to the job. Not surprisingly, his events are oversubscribed and we should thank him warmly for such a public and not cost free correction of a wrong.

But wait, there’s more. What about the crowd favourites, the Classic V8s ? Here’s Octagon again:

“... we felt that there exists great interest ... in the whole muscle car scene. To better serve this interest and to encourage owners of these cars to compete we thought that it was time to acknowledge the battle and its winners and who better to support such an award than Shannon’s. Whilst it is called the V8 Challenge, we simply could not ignore history and have included both the XU-1 Torana and E49 Charger to the list of eligible vehicles. Just to add some interest! The winners will be presented at the Presentation function.”

So for those in the HTCAV who want to rally as well as race, the Targa events are now even better suited. The annoying and ugly modern cars have gone from Classic, we look like we’ll get recognition for a good effort and we’ll get a ‘Muscle Car’ award.

It remains to be seen if the CAMS events, such as Classic Adelaide, will be as responsive.

INVERTED TORANAS

I had a call from Wayne Pfingst, he of the 4-door Torana rally car in metallic khaki. It appears that Linda and I in 403 were not the only Torana to finish Targa on the roof. Wayne did too, meaning that 66% of the Toranas in the event finished upside down. My God Wayne I had no idea - what did you do? On Gunn’s Plains, about halfway through a terrific stage in northern Tas, there is a series of very fast 8s and 9s down a hill into a very tight 3 right.

On the approach you’re hard on it, with

lots of side g and then a big tread on the brakes to slow enough to make the corner. As Wayne turned in, the steering sheared. So now he’s got no steering, but still going too fast for the corner. On the outside of the bend is a steep bank and followed by another right. As the car hit the bank it was flipped upside down like a pancake in a pan and slithered along the bank on the roof panel, the only panel to suffer any damage, but the screen did not break. Huh?

Everyone reading this has hung onto the grippy grip of modern semi slicks on our old cars and wondered what would happen if something broke. The forces are huge - coming down the Gorge in Adelaide well over 100 mph the grip and strength needed to hold the line makes you grunt and puff. Coming round McPhillamy Park is much the same but it’s over quicker. The nolathane bush in Wayne’s Torana’s steering just broke - the column parted.

Thanks to a soft landing, Wayne was able to share his fix with Torque. Call up your friendly Rare Spares bloke and order the much stronger LH parts - steering joint is 9941075 and the cotter pins 91107960K. And paint the car bright yellow too - a change of personality is called for.

DIPPING A TOE

It’s great for us old rally people to see fresh young souls trying the thrills of tarmac rallying. The Clempson Mustang and Ralph Bimmer will be warmly welcomed to Targa Wrest Point, the midsummer weekend of tarmac wizardry down the Huon Valley south of Hobart.

The Editor reports that he is readying himself for his toe-in-the-water tarmac rally experience. His silver BMW 2002 with a torquey rally type motor (purloined from a previous rally car) and medium spec suspension, gearbox etc will be a track ready Group N car that runs on PULP and carries none of the allowable upgrades for a tarmac car. Novice Group N car and novice rally driver - this will be an interesting yardstick for other Club members who may want to have a go in their track cars as well. His co-driver Russell Pilven has heaps of dirt rally experience, and was leading the Novice section of Targa in 2008 before a prang, but will be sitting alongside Chris holding his breath and issuing curt commands. In the other Club novice assault Andy “Hollywood” Clempson with Jervis Ward as co-driver will enter Andy’s second Mustang which he has piloted in various Clipsal Rallies. Both teams are now hunting for the extra rally paraphernalia such as trip meters and intercoms, but these can sometimes be borrowed or begged and various websites carry low cost used items.

Both entrants are running a log of their preparation experiences and will go a long way to bringing the rally and racing aspects of historic touring cars together.

Brian Dermott


Speed Champs

ANNOUNCING THE 2009 TRIDENT CUP SERIESThe Victorian Historic Racing Register’s a new series for 2009.Sunday 3 May – ROB ROY hillclimb Sunday 16 August – HEATHCOTE sprint Sunday 4 October – HAUNTED HILLS hillclimbEntry forms & supp regs on www.vhrr.comOr contact the series Event Secretary, David FloydAH 9574 8333 or [email protected] them in your diary now.See you there!

QUICK! - Advertise at old rates!These rates haven’t changed in years. But the magazine has…Full page, incl inside rear and rear pag $ 600.00Half page $ 350.00Quarter pag $ 200.00Sixth page $ 150.00Business card $ 75.00

The HTCAV Speed Championships are in their second year – half way through it in fact. Don’t let the astro-turf grow under your feet, it’s time to have a crack at a sprint, track day or hillclimb in your race car, or perhaps that ‘second’ car that might not quite be log book kosher, or let your partner, best mate, son or daughter have a bit of a steer, or dig out that historic tourer that’s malingering in the shed and just needs a few brake seals and a set of plugs and points to get it back to driveable. Don’t have a trailer? Register it on club plates through the HTCAV. See - there’s no excuse, we’ve got you covered, there’s no way out!

For those who have forgotten the rules, that’s not a problem – there aren’t many. 1. Your car must be a pre-73 touring car within the broad Group N

definition (Fastback Mustangs, later year production of pre-73 models are OK)

2. It does not need a logbook nor conform to Group N eligibility criteria

3. It must have an engine of the same marque and run in the capacity class of the engine (ie with a 289, supercharger or turbo in your Cortina you go into the bigger class)

4. If your car is acceptable to the event organiser on the day, it’s acceptable to us

5. You do not need a full CAMS licence – check the event organiser for the licence level required – it could be issue don the day

6. You must be a Club member to score points,7. Points are based on your comparative performance against the

event’s other pre-73 competitors in the same capacity class8. You can score points in both Racing and Speed Championships9. And if you compete interstate you can add the results to your

score.Look up car clubs and circuits on the internet to find the next appropriate event and go for it! There’s a big trophy waiting at the Presentation Night at the end of the year.


The cockeyed view!

GENERAL MEETING MINUTES JULY 2009 At Bells Hotel South Melbourne. Meeting opened @ 8.10pm with about 50 in attendance.Apologies, guests & new members.Scott Slater, Mark Brewster, The Twigg, Rob’s outhouse (apparently at Warwick Farm! Must have been there with Doris Stokes), Justin Brown, Crispy Ralph, Marty Lambert (seen skulking around outside).Guests- Bill and Judy Santuccionne and Greg Miles.No new members present.Meeting suspended to hear from our guest speaker Bill Santuccionne. Bill had some great stories to tell about his early years with the Ford Motor Company and Repco Brabham racing. When Bill was talking about engineering tools and machines to test the durability of parts, I noticed Jerv’s excited look when bill mentioned a machine called the Mechanical Bum. It’s apparently a different take on the old mechanical bull idea!Discussion on previous minutesThe June AGM minutes will be printed in the magazine next year. (Should give me enough time Ralphy?)Secretary’s correspondenceJust a small pile of rubbish really.Treasurers Report. Not much so see the mag. Moved: Kenny, Seconded: Hibbert.Presidents Report:Dean flicked around raffle tickets like confetti! 12 months now and I still haven’t got one! Last months winners Russell Pilven and Sir Bob Cracknell both received the twenty dollar stimulus package. I had the chicken shnitzer and that sure did stimulate me!Dean thanked the returning officer at the AGM, the now infamous Ian Smoked Cromarty. Ian did a sterling job as the returning officer and slurped up to all the members very nicely indeed.The awards night is on the 5th December 2009 at the Watsonia RSL again. Make sure you mark it in your diary if you have one.The Winton long track AASA state race round is in 4 weeks. The club has secured some garages. The Edwards family have loaded the

boot of the red Torrie with Smiths Crisps and Stubbies for a small session after racing Saturday. Thanks Edwardssss.On a sad note, we were all saddened to hear of the untimely passing on the way home from Oran Park, of Graham Grinter, great friend and pit crew of Bill Trengrove. Our condolences to Graham’s family and friends.The decision to reduce the number of point score events on this year’s competition calendar has proven to be successful with good numbers at all events so far. Some interstate events have not received a lot of promotion however you are of course welcome to enter any event you wish. It has been an exercise in building numbers at our bread and butter rounds.The factory tour at Crankshaft Rebuilders, organised by The Mini Club is scheduled for October 13, finishing about 10pm. Put your name down if you want to go.There was a minor incident at the last state round at Sandown involving a couple of our members. It appears that a minor altercation on track continued in the pits.This is not the way to conduct ourselves. The was lots of discussion about Biante, category management agreements and national race series. This will all be covered elsewhere in this magazine.Please don’t withdraw entries for Historic Sandown. This would only damage our relationship with the VHRR. The Biante cars are on the programme to enhance the success of the meeting. Something we should all support.We need two FULL grids of Gp N cars as a show of strength and support to the VHRR.Point score:Elsewhere in this edition. And at this stage it’s TOIGHT!!! (Like a toiger) Just a note Ant Read at Sandown 1.26.61 pretty fast eh?VP reportJervis arrived late as he was attending the CAMS State Council meeting. His report will cover just what was discussed.AHTCA report Mat had very little to report, other than the first round of the AHTCA CUP, formally known as the national series that we can’t or wont or shouldn’t or maybe we will have, was run and won at Morgan Park and from all reports was a great success.The organizers of the Bathurst 12hour race have offered us a spot on the programme.At this stage it looks like $1100 entry and a guarantee of 40 cars. Any interest?Warren Bossie has asked for our support so can we oblige?Mat also stated that he did not want to be sued by anybody or anything so he’s began a period of silence.

Historic Commission Bill Cutler told us there will be a meeting of the Commission in September, aplanning workshop. He is also attending a carbon emissions workshop very soon.FYI, historic racing cars use about 120 thousand litres of AVGAS a year.Competition ReportOnly 6 entries for Winton so far. FIRE UP WILL YA! Some distaste over the tightly packed morning schedule at Sandown.Fast Johnny has enough to contend with in the mornings now! He always has a movement at 8am…….doesn’t get out of bed till 9.MembershipComp 175 Social 32 Life 6 total members 213 A new world record. Up 10%Social Michael Hibbopotomous is working on the car rally as the next social event on the 18th October at 10am (make sure you’ve done your jobs Fast)More info to follow or give Mick a call. The kids Christmas party will be held on the 29th November at a venue to be advised.Magazine Sorry nothing from Ralphy, after all he is on his second?? honeymoon.Jervis added that the magazine had been downloaded 1825 times. What for and by whom? I hear you ask.Eligibility with the TWIGGQuite possibly on his honeymoon as well, with Ralphy?Raffle winners Henry Draper and Mick Stupka. General BusinessEntries open for round 4 of the State Race Series at Phillip Island.26-27th September.Please try and get your entries in early. We have a guarantee that we will not be combined with Saloon Cars.Another sad note, club member and Charger racer Jodie Mason has been battling cancer, after surviving the horrors of Black Saturday. Another Kinglake resident. We wish Jodie a speedy recovery and look forward to his return to the track.Muscle Car Masters, 6 or 7 entries from Vic at this stage.Phillip Island Classic likely to be mid February next year.Many thanks to our guest speaker Bill Santuccionne for his wonderful stories.Meeting closed at 10.25pmGordon Cox



2009 PointyscoreHist SRS Hist SRS SRS SRS Hist Is M Int' Total

NC P.I. P.I. Wtn Sdn Wtn P.I. Sdn P.I. St Over 5000ccMatt Jager 0Darren Collins 33 33Michael Miceli 22 16 27 65Leon Bell 0Karl Wittick 31 21 52Tony Hubbard 25 30 40 95Daryl Duff 0Darren Pearce 33 33Rodney Hotchkin 18 3 213500-5000ccRobert Braune 0Michael Bugelly 0Paul Dobson 0Glenn Miles 0Jody Mason 0Darren Pearce 31 31Geoff Taylor 0Michael Hibbert 32 36 31 99Andrew Whiteside 24 24Gary O’Brien 27 27John Mann 0Bradley Westaway 24 3 27James Frolley 31 31Peter Burchell 0Robert Burns 35 35Ian Cromarty 21 23 443001-3500ccTrevor Talbot 0Mark Brewster 19 19Scott Slater 15 23 39 77Graham Slater 0Leo Tobin 17 22 22 61John Harrison 29 29Peter Sneddon 0Doug Growcott 3 3Gordon Cox 20 20Brian Dermott 0Angelo Taranto 39 30 24 93Garry Edwards 38 32 70Scotty Taylor 0Andrew Williams 44 44Ray Challis 11 11Stuart Brown 0Brett Smith 22 22Laurie Nelson 13 3 16Jon Pillekers 3 17 20Steven Pillekers 3 32001-3000ccIan Watt 27 27Mark Barbour 30 30Timothy White 24 24Ben Read 34 34Brendon Hare 27 27Ant Read 34 37 71Mark Johnson 27 271501-2000ccBill Cutler 0Mark Schatz 0Justin Brown 0Russell Pilven 27 33 60David Noakes 30 0Peter Owen 0Spencer Rice 9 24 33Gary Edwards 0Paul Cruse 0John Smallman 3 22 25 37 87Chris Ralph 32 29 21 82George Opoczynski 0Mick Stupka (COD) 31 26 571101-1500ccDean Bryant 22 22Michael Holloway 29 29Paul Girt 13 13James Holloway 30 30 0

Hist SRS Hist SRS SRS SRS Hist Is M Int' TotalNB P.I. P.I. Wtn Sdn Wtn P.I. Sdn P.I. St Over 3000ccAndrew Cannon 24 24Bill Trengrove 27 30 11 37 105Jervis Ward 36 37 73Rod Evans 0Tino Leo 0Andy Clempson 31 31 30 92Trev Talbot 0David Moran 9 28 24 61Paul Zazryn 26 262601-3000ccRodney Gelston 0Richard Fairlam 0John Bourke 31 31Tony Pejkovic 21 21Brent Trengrove 22 22Roy Wilkinson 31 31

2001-2600ccEddie Dobbs 0Brendon Wilson 0Rob Southouse 31 31

1601-2000ccIan Cuss 13 13Bill Benic 01301-1600cc 0Nick Cascone 36 24 34 34 128Simon Browning 0Brian Deveson 0John Luxmoore 21 29 20 27 97Colin Doolan 29 20 49Rod Evans 0John Bendell 0Paul Watson 0Stuart Barnes 35 351001-1300ccAnthony Ramadge 19 31 50Peter Melick 13 27 40Ted Brewster 0Henry Draper 39 40 79Len Read 3 31 34Colin Taylor 31 31Steven Ginis 23 23Len Nation 19 19James Holloway 19 19Ian Pringle 38 35 73George Ginis 31 31Under 1000ccMichael Stupka 30 30

“That’s Mister Hill to you...”


O H & SullyI accept why we need OHS and

why it’s there, but some times it goes overboard and silly.

I recently had to install 5 x reverse cameras into 5 x trucks for a large transport company, I was on a Saturday, sunny, light breeze and about 15*c. not a cloud insight.

I got to the front gate of the place, the guard/OHS rep gave me the grill, the following is required “no ifs no butts no arguments” safety boots, safety vest, eye protection, ear plugs/muffs, reflec-tive gloves with steel finger protection (what!).

I was asked am I working out side or inside, considering it’s a nice day I’ll work out side. Well working outside in daylight I now need reflective pants and a reflective hard hat or reflective sun screen (I had to ask again), in broad daylight, is there such thing as reflective sunscreen!.

I’m now stunned ‘reflective’ pants, gloves with steel finger protection and reflective hard hat in broad daylight, as for the hat I’ll be under the truck running wires for most of the outside work. As camera wiring is run under the truck.

I have everything except the reflec-tive hard hat, I have normal sunscreen but not the reflective type (where can I by it, I asked with no answer); he hasn’t asked me about insurance or licences, which I thought this would be just as important.

Lets me in, I start working on the 5 trucks, in a safe place away from the main area where there is not much work happening (being a Sat, it’s their day off) with my car parked across the trucks that I’m working on and keys of the 5 trucks in my pocket. He then comes over to me and asks safety cones, well I used the breakdown triangles out

of one of the trucks and got away with it.

Job done and I’m still not asked about insurance and licences. Maybe OHS takes preference over these two, I hope not; it should be combined with OHS regs.

As for the steel finger protection gloves and the reflective sunscreen I haven’t yet found them I don’t think he has either. I have carbon fibre inserts in motorcycle gloves, but the’re not reflec-tive

Mark Sully 08/08/09

VINYL SIGNAGE & STICKERS

Signs and Computer Services

Computer Services

• Back to basics PC tuition & assistance.• PC setup & installation.• MYOB & Quickbooks setup.• All general PC help.• Web site design & maintenance.• Internet & email setup.

Sign Services

• Vinyl lettering.• Magnetic signs.• Car, truck & boat signs.• Banners.• “A” boards.• Logo design.• Safety signs.• Displays.• Window signs.• Layout & design.

Digital Printing

• Gerber Edge thermal printing service.• Vinyl decals & stickers.• Fridge magnets & magnetics.• Promotional Product labels.• Contour cutting.• Full colour printing.• Many material types & colours.• Clear background window stickers.• Business identification stickers.• No minimum number.

Contact : Lindsay Cripps Phone : (03) 9792-3020 Email : [email protected] Dunvegan Cres. Fax : (03) 9792-3060 Web : www.graphtextsigns.com.auDandenong 3175 Mobile : 0407 802 815“That’s Mister Hill to you...”

HTCAV Rally ChampionshipNext round is Targa West - 20-23 August - and final round is Classic Adelaide 18-22 November

Scoring reminders:

1. Position in Outright Classic competition (non handicap): Total entry

number - final classification = points. Rewards relative performance of historic tourers against all other classics

2. Club points for top 7 historic tourers: 28 points to first, 22 points for second etc. Enhances rewards for best performing historic tourers and evokes circuit racing points

3. Competitive mileage multiplier: outright points + Club points x total competitive kilometres of event = final points. Degree of difficulty is linked to length of test - two day events not as hard as 6 day



Good to see a man happy in his work

The invitations roll in… part oneHas Tasmania inviting us to the Baskerville Historics started a trend? Now another overseas trip beckons in the form of a welter of meetings in the very early part of next year across the pond in New Zealand. David Moran, having lived there and being in the handling business (freight, not automotive or self…) can Do Us A Deal & if four intrepid contestants want to band together a very good value and interesting jaunt could be had…Many thanks for this David – take it away from here…The Deal: a) Shipping deal for 40’ FCL is: - Melbourne/Auckland A$4400 - Auckland /Melbourne A$3400This is based on delivering cars to a designated loading area in Melbourne and securing cars into containers ourselves.The price includes the following : - All transport to/from wharf in Melbourne - All customs clearance/AQIS clearance in

Melbourne for import/export. - Seafreight to/from NZ - All transport to/from wharf in Auckland

(transport to Hampton Downs Raceway) - All customs clearance/MAF clearance in NZ

for import/export.b) Entries Fees/Garages etc : - Costs quote above include entry fees for

Bruce McLaren Festival events only. The classic meetings at Hampton Downs and Taupo are NZ$180 per meeting additional.

- Transport from Hampton Downs to

Pukekohe for the Bruce McLaren Festival is also included.

- Transport to/from Taupo Historic is additional. However, I have a friend based at Pukekohe who has three transporters and can help in this regard at nominal cost.

If we get 4 cars to load into 40’ FCL, the total cost will be about A$2400 per car all inclusive of shipping, customs, local transport, race entry fees, garages etc for the four race meetings over 4 consecutive weekends (that’s cheaper than racing in Australia!)Cars would then be shipped back to arrive into Melbourne about 15th - 16rh Feb.The organisers have told me that the grid allocations for 60s/70s touring cars are filling very fast and are as follows: - Hampton Downs: 45 grid slots - Pukekohe: 40 grid slotsTherefore, I would strongly recommend if there are people interested in going to NZ that they make up their mind ASAP. If we are to make a booking, I would think a 50% up front deposit would be reasonable.Other classes eligible are: Formula 5000/and Invited F1 cars, Can-Am and other V8 engined Sports Racing cars, Tasman Formula -1960/70s pre F5000 Tasman Cars, Super Historics – 1970s/80s Formula Pacific/Atlantic/ F2/F3/Invited cars, Formula Junior/early F3 cars, Early Historics –1930s/40s/50s Racing and Sports Racing cars, Invited 1960s Saloon cars, Invited 1970s Saloon cars, Sports and Sports Racing Cars, Formula Fords.The Dates:

16 - 17 Jan: Hampton Downs Historic :15th Jan - Open Practice16th Jan - Qualifying/Race 1/Race 217th Jan - Race 3 + Race 422 - 24 Jan: Bruce McLaren Festival (Hampton Downs) :21st Jan - Documentation/Familiarisation/Practice22nd Jan - Practice/Qualifying23rd Jan - Race 1/Race 224th Jan - Race 3/Race 429 - 31 Jan: Bruce McLaren Festival (Pukekohe Park) :28th Jan - Documentation/Familiarisation/Practice29th Jan - Practice/Qualifying30th Jan - Race 1/Race 231st Jan - Race 3/Race 46 -7 Feb: Taupo Historic :5th Feb - Open Practice6th Feb - Qualifying/Race 1/Race 27th Feb - Race 3 + Race 4Should anyone wish to seek more info, they can go to the website www.tasmanrevivalseries.comDavid can be got at [email protected] The invitations roll in… part twoBATHURST!Registration for running at the 2010 12 hour - link belowWhat you get for $1,100 is 2 x 20 minute practice sessions and 3 by 20 minute races. That gives 7 laps if no one causes any grief. We need another 29 cars. It is a great event at a great track. Hope to see plenty of responses over the next two weeks.http://www.htcav.com.au/2009/Documents/bathurst-deposit-registration.pdf

The Invitations roll


Tech Torque...HTCAV Club Forum

It’s here!The Club’s new website forum is NOW on-line.

www.htcav.com.au/phpbb3/index.phpor just enter the usual way.

Discuss, talk, email, buy and sell, browse...whatever! It’s a facility for you to meet

other like minded Touring Car guys and swap stories, parts, dreams, even sell cars.

It’s free to registered members and we hope it will soon become Australia’s most visited Touring Car website. A truly valuable assets for you and this club. We hope to build a huge “For Sale” area as well as a “help forum”. There’s even a “Members Only Area” – where you can discuss issues you’d

like to raise with CAMS and AASA - which will be forwarded to the committee to discuss and action.

It’s one of the most exciting development in years for the club. And the more people who use it the more valuable it will become.

Huge thanks to Michael Cruse for his effort getting this going.

Deals for HTCAV membersThe HTCAV-Booran deal at a glanceNew cars

- Holden- HSV- Suzuki - Citroen- Peugeot- Fiat

You pay invoice price only and Booran Holden rebates money to OzChild.

Used CarsYou pay cost price after they have prepared them for sale and Booran Holden rebates money to OzChild.

PartsYou pay invoice price only.

What you have to do - Make sure you show your current Club

Membership Card to establish your bona fides.

- Make sure you say the word “Oz Child”.- Thank them very, very much.

Their details

Booran Holden Cheltenham1212 Nepean HighwayCheltenham 3192 Phone: (03) 9584 3333 Fax: (03) 9584 4285

Booran Holden Dandenong25 Lonsdale StreetDandenong 3175 Phone: (03) 9794 5455 Fax: (03) 9792 4871

Booran Holden Caulfield:1234 Glenhuntly Road, Caulfield 3163 Phone: (03) 9571 9313 Fax: (03) 9571 7860

Cranbourne Holden217A South Gippsland Hwy Cranbourne, 3977 Phone: (03) 5995 4555 Fax: (03) 5991 1655www.booranholden.com.auwww.booraneuro.com.au

www.cranbourneholden.com.au

If you have a small business (or a large one) membership of Oz Child Unite could be very beneficial to your bottom line, not to mention your corporate soul. Among other stuff, you’ll get:

1. Invitations to events and information (Corporate, Recreational and Industry Networking Events)

2. The use of Oz Child Unite logo to identify your support

3. Regular updates on the impact Oz Child Unite is having in your community

4. Access to Oz Child Unite website providing business networking opportunities.

Go to www.ozchild.com.au/unite


Thanks to our sponsors

For professional DVDs of the Phillip Island Classic and Winton Historics as well as lots of photos of Group N cars and other Historic vehicles contact Rob Lang on 0412 001 263 or email [email protected]


Torquing ’Em UpGroup A Flyer1992 Ex Glenn Seton “Peter Jackson” Sierra. UK-built chassis no 155 (GSR 1) with up to 585 bhp, Holinger 6 speed g’box, complete spare

engine inc. turbo etc, mountain other spares incl 6 sets wheels, new “wets”, laptop & Autronic engine programs, complete spare cyl head, Cosworth crank, set 4 x Cosworth conrods, brand new YB200 cyl block, pit equipment incl rattle gun etc, numerous straight painted body panels, 2012 dated belts, spare slicks, drive shafts & wheel hubs, diff ratios, as new alloy race radiator and intercooler, useable discs + lots more! WILL NOT SEPARATE SPARES. Totally original with all records, C of D and log book. THREE wins last meeting is probably fastest Group A car in Oz with lap records etc. Go to www.ibcholdings.com.au/cars/ for further info and pics. Maybe consider sensible trade ... PRICE AUD $365,000. ROB TWEEDIE (02) 9817 5654 or 0408 162 762 or email [email protected] (Sydney). NB. Car is reliable and easy to use if run on sensible boost ... will happily assist new owner by arrangement.

Est 1953, over 40 years experience

BRAkE & CluTCH PARTS SuPPliER AND REBuilDER

DiSTRiBuTOR Of fERODO PRODuCTS

• Full range of disc pads to suit cars, 4x4, cabs, club sport & racing cars

• Also carbon kevelar race pads, new & ex-change brake shoes & clultch kits

• Disc & drum fly wheel grinding

• Same day service where possible

• Ex-change re-sleeved brake & clutch cyclinders

• Honing & caliper overhauls on hydraulic master & wheel cyclinders

• Commerical & industrial bonding

• Ceramic car & truck plates made to order

10 Webster Road, Dandenong, Ph 9792 2806 Fax 9794 0095

Bargain !! Qld Torana $25K9/72 build LJ Torana S built as green XU-1. Wellpresented and reliable, Nc Log Book. FIA spec steel cage, fresh 248hp engine with counterbalanced crank, custom billet rods, forged

positions, roller cam , Yella Terra roller rockers. Baffled big sump, finned alloy rocker cover, HM headers, triple 48 Dellortos. Two M20 gearboxes + 3.55 & 3.36 locked diff centres. 10 X 13x7 hotwire mags, 4 X 13 x 6 _ jellybeans, all with used Yokohama A032R or Toyo 888 tyres. Volvo 4-spots on ventilated BMW rotors, X-U1 drums. Koni shocks, King springs, huge alloy custom radiator and heat exchanger. FIA 6 point harness and large suit also included. 1:15 Morgan Park, 1:30 Qld Raceway, 1:05 Lakeside, 1:56 Eastern Creek, 1:25 Oran Park GP, 1:15 at Wakefield, 2:45 at Bathurst - seconds faster with better driver! Spares include bonnets, boot lids, door, windows, suspension arms, rear axle housing, rack, brake pads, bumpers, lights (may sell separately). $25K firm. David Paterson. 0423 392 824 or 07 3886 1195. Car was no 45 at Bathurst, see http://www.marsta.com/gallery/2009/090412_MTP/all/htc/pgs/090410-MTP-1586.html

Come on Cortina punters!Don Knight offers for sale some good bits from his green 1964 Ford Cortina GT, retired hurt Sandown, Nov 2004: Includes big valve head Tate engine (2.58 Bathurst Oct 04), but needs sump; with 45mm Webers, Facey exhaust, Quaife CR gearbox, spare remote shift housing. Tailshaft, diff housing + CIG diff. Alternator, Front struts (R/H damaged) 7 wheels (4 with near new Yoko A048s, 3 with 50% worn Avon 032Rs). Plastic foam filled 40L tank, Holley fuel pump. Four doors, boot lid. GT chrome body strips. GT dash cut from body. Plus many other parts removed from car and collected over the years.Excellent start to building a new car. Lot of the hard work done. FOR SALE AS ONE LOT ONLY – WILL NOT SEPARATE – Best offer over $7,500.00. Plus One Dorian timer (used last in 2008) including charger and under body mount -$275.00. Don Knight 0409 334 550

FOR SALE Sprint Master mag wheels Built to suit Torana XU1. Excellent as new condition, pur-chased new, used half a dozen times. Ideal for Dunlop D 93J’s or for your genuine GTR-XU1 road classic. $550 Graham Slater 0419-202047.


Torquing ’Em Up

48IDA Weber carburettors New. 3 of with air cleaners $2400 will not separate Ring: Lawrie Nelson 03 9710 1091 or 0412 182 848

Is it Weber or Webber?

Well I can tell you that a WEBBER is now an Australian F1 racing driver and also a type of duck (webbed feet?), and a WEBER is one of those Italian made devices a lot of us use on our race cars to mix air with that highly priced and inflammable liquid called petrol. I can help you get the most out of yours at a reasonable cost. If you need help with linkage setup, supply or tuning please call Len Read at Racepoint Developments 59778771 or 0408548133.

Volvo 144 2 litre

Built by Vince Harmer, raced extensively by him in NSW Vic and in NZ by George Opoczynski, always fast and reliable. Just freshened up, strong

engine, new brakes, new tyres. Ready to race 2009 without any further prep. Great entry car, very stable and responsive car, very easy to catch when you over do it and very easy to drive quickly, even has power steering. $18,000 with a spare set of wheels, going to make way for my Nb Volvo. George 0411-899-255

Direct all advertisements to [email protected] Ph 0418 318 934 or go to www.htcav.com.au/phpbb3/index.php and post it there.

1964 Studebaker Lark Group ’N’ racer

Fresh big HP 283 Chev c/w top quality internals & workmanship. Freshly painted,4 spd T10, newish LSD, BGT brakes & many

spares. Bathurst 2.47, Phillip Island 2.00. Strong safe car easily converted for road / tarmac rally. Trade ins possible! Gordon 0418 270 494 (02)60328190 AH.

Fastest Nb car in Australia?

Sandown 1.23.3, Phillip Island 1.52.1, Bathurst 2.37.0. Winton 1.09.7. Lap records Bathurst and Sandown. Proven very reliable car. Ready to race

NOW! Fresh engine and fresh Zinner gearbox. CAMS Victorian Champion 2006. HTCAV Club Champion 2006 & 2004. Floater rear end, special headers C/R & W/R gearboxes. 3.7 (in car) & 3.5 diffs. Many other good bits too. Dyno sheets to buyer! $85,000. Plus spares for $6,000: Car trailer , 4 rims with Yokohama 048’s, 3.9 ring and pinion diff gear, Detroit locker, 2 radiators, plus, plus, plus. Very sad sale - Jervis 0409 137 629

For Sale. Hey Charger

Valiant Charger Grp N Engine Number 265D33IT04659 Log Book # H0542

Built by Lloyd Bax and Log Booked in June 98, competed in 28 race meetings including Australian Grand Prix 1999 Driven by Lloyd Bax and Bathurst 2002 driven by John English. Engine recently rebuilt including new pistons, camshaft, push rods, electronic distributor etc, runs on ULP 98. Invoices can be supplied. Engine bay has undergone a fresh paint job. Car needs to be rewired and requires some reassembly but is basically complete and rolling. Photograph of the car competing can be seen in Gavin Farmer & Gary Bridger book “Hey Charger” plate 49. Car can be viewed in Melbourne $35,000 ONO Jeremy 0418 545185 or [email protected]

Holden HQLogged as HQ since 1979 but could also be logged as Nc. Fresh motor & currently running triple carbs from XU-1 Torana and

four speed box, set up for tarmac rallying. Original manifold carby & 3-speed box as part of spares package which includes 4 spare tyres & wheels & much more. Fitted with in car intercom, safety nets & triangles & ready to race or rally. Truly historic & a very versatile package. Car in Mittagong NSW. Price all inclusive a very cheap $7500.00. Also available: tilt trailer with winch & electric brakes, needs a little work but carries current rego. $2500.00 Contact Denis Sargent 0418627713 or [email protected] for more photos & detail.

Ford Falcon XY roller Ford Falcon XY roller. Mint shell, pedal box, aluminium drop tank, 9” diff with panhard setup, front end set up with all moving parts reconditioned, 7 doors, 4 guards. Shell is not seam welded or caged. Pacemaker extractors, 16.1 steering box, closed chamber 4-valve heads, fully machined 30 up Cleveland block ready to go, bell housing plus a box of other stuff. $12,500 the lot. Please call Wayne Purdon on 0414386391.

For Sale! Group N’s most loved Escort!

Certainly the most photographed and talked about one at least! Team Bryant Racing offers its 1300GT race car for

sale complete with custom trailer, spare rims with wets etc. Comprehensive data and set up information available to purchaser. This car is a class winner in the right hands and boasts arguably the best reliability record going around. The build quality of this car is simply ‘the best’. It is offered in ‘as raced’ condition and comes fully prepped and ready to go. All mechanical components are fresh and car is fully audited etc. Contact Dean Bryant on 0417 012 526

SOLD


We’re artists, we are.The CarMa Report

Normally, such a statement would bring up images of your Renaissance type. The oil-and-brushes, chisel-and-marble characters. Berets and moustaches all ‘round. That’s not actually what I mean here, although we do seem to have a few chaps whose names end in vowels, so you never know. And of course, we all recognise that I myself am an artist, though generally in a slightly less salubrious medium…

No, I refer to the more modern art of steering race cars. And make no mistake; there certainly is room for some natural flair.

Choosing a point in the approximate direction of the horizon and launching one’s self at it with all haste would on the surface appear to be what we’re getting at. But in point of fact this is really – artistically speaking – part of our engine builder’s bag. Not to cheapen the motor man’s contribution, but any driver can hold a throttle wide open in a straight line. And if not, then perhaps they ought to consider a nice neckerchief / lemon cardigan combo, and some snazzy beige corduroy trousers. With this outfit they are now equipped to go chauffeur a stoner and his pet bloodhound around in their clapped out Kombi for kicks.

No, the true art of racing lies - lurks, in fact - in the other bits. The times where the aforementioned bit of horizon at which we were aiming has been shifted off to the side somewhat. In the lingo, these occurrences are known as CORNERS, and it is here

that our prowess is really uncovered.

Corners are the creation of bitter, evil mongrels riding large yellow pieces of construction equipment, and the source of endless strain on all concerned. Though to be fair, a bit of a necessity – without them, a ‘circuit’ would be excessively long, and involve several sections quite seriously affected by water.

Having accepted that they are there, then, these corners must be dealt with if we are to consider ourselves in the league of your Nuvolaris and such. (He was a fellow with a moose-tacker. Bit of an artist with it, too, I hear.)

There are actually two schools of thought when it comes to tackling your common or garden variety bend. There’s the obvious one – driving around it – which we’ll get to in a moment. And then there’s the little known yet much maligned stratagem of ‘Spearing Off’.

The cornerstone of spear theory suggests that at some point, you’ll meet up with the track again: So why bother going through all of the effort of turning? You need to be careful, though, because your average circuit operator, he’s a canny character. Even though you may find the tarmac once more, he’ll put all manner of obstacles in your path. Gravel traps, tyre bundles, earth walls. Even the odd spectator here and there. And of course, there’s the risk of the track seeing that you’re not paying attention and so racking off in the other direction. In short, even if you’re racing a historic Unimog, spearing is a bit like polygamy – the idea sure sounds like fun and would certainly be a bit different, but I’d dare to suggest that it rarely works out too well.

Tried it once, of course. (Spearing that is, not the other. Goodness, I’m a bit mental, but I’m not silly.) The odds were against it working, but I had to know, so at a likely point the mighty Falcon was given its head. Lots of complicated physics stuff then took place, the upshot of which being that we managed to achieve the not inconsiderable feat of coming off the outside of a corner and striking the inside wall.

Upon my alighting from a vehicle that was now firmly wedged in the scenery, one of the assembled group of flaggies was interested to know what had precipitated this calamity. When apprised of what had been attempted and why, this fellow labelled spear theory and all it entailed ‘weapons grade stupidity’. Went on to refer to yours truly as an onanist in a way that made no sense at all. And then for punctuation he spat at his feet, a golly of such dimension and mass as to bring up a modest mushroom cloud in the Phillip Island dust. The Boss was even less polite about it, to be honest. Duly chastened, I haven’t tried it again.

We are therefore left with the conventional wisdom of actually navigating our way around the black tarred portion of roadway, and while at times less interesting, this has actually been proven to be the better way. For the uninitiated, there now follows a brief guide to the successful navigation of angled bits of track.

There are some things you’ll need, first. Such as a good set of functioning brakes (it’s the first lap, then), and some tyres that are warm and grippy without having yet turned to mush (okay, late in the first lap).

First and foremost, approach any corner with caution. You don’t know where they’ve been for a start, and they can be quite poorly tempered. Some corners are so ashamed of themselves that they’ll hide behind a crest, or immediately behind another corner. These ones will jump out of the way with the merest provocation, so once again vigilance is the watchword.

When it is clear that a turn is inevitable, you may find it a good idea to reduce your rate of progress somewhat. Pick a point at which you think you should brake, and then stand on the middle pedal some fifty meters beforehand. There’s no dynamic reason for this, but quite frankly you’ve all been making me look bad, and I think you should stop it. Besides which if you leave it all too late, you my friend are a spearer, whether you like it or not.

Having washed off some of the excess speed, we now attempt to make the car go around the corner. The initial part of this is known as ‘turn in’, which as I


Great NEW Club Apparel available from Coxy! NOW!

Peter Clark Elisabeth Clark2 Carmen CloseDoncaster East Victoria 3109

Telephone 03 9842 8698Mobile 0421 588 [email protected]

comprehend it comes from the Latin term for understeer.

With this part sorted, you would now ordinarily be looking for an apex of some kind, and start aiming for that. Still ‘turning in’, are we? Yes, if your front tyres are howling like banshees and there’s precious little answer to the helm, you simply need to crank on another three or four turns of steering lock and all will be taken care of. This is perfectly normal. Apparently.

While we’re on about the apex, you would of course understand these to be the pointy bit more or less in the middle of the corner – the spot beyond which we start looking for the loud stuff again. But beware! Some turns are ginormous enough to need a couple of them, and we call these ‘double apex’ corners. Not very creative, but functional nonetheless. The thing you need to know is that they’re like waiting for The English Patient to die; bloody interminable. Just when you think it’s all over, they kick on for another half an hour or so.

By now we would anticipate that the majority of actual bend has been dispensed with. Oh, still got the tiller all the way over? Fear not, this part should fix it. Just

mash your Julius Marlow down

on that pedal on the right there. Failing something untoward happening, you may well now be pointing within 90 degrees of the right direction and advancing briskly on the vague bearing you ought to. Consider this to be a victory, unless you enjoy being disappointed regularly. (Which is kind of oxymoronic, when you think about it.) Just enjoy a brief respite before giving the loinal region another solid gird so you may tackle the next one.

Now all you need to do is string a few hundred of those together, and you’ve earned the right to wear horizontal stripes, odd facial hair and have a house full of funny plants. Throw parties where friends engage in reading of pessimistic poetry to the accompaniment of voluminous finger clicking – you are now an artist!

The beret’s actually optional, luckily.

Quick hello to the fallen.

Quite literally, as it happens. Like it says on the tee shirt; Gravity isn’t just a good idea – it’s the law. Ever since Albert Einstein invented gravity sometime in the 1940’s (they needed it so they could drop the atom bomb, apparently) people have been using it to fall off of things. And now it’s claimed another victim.

Some of you may know our team

gopher Dennis, A.K.A. The Boss’ dad. He decided to test his own personal terminal velocity just recently by swan-diving from a rather lofty work structure. A ladder, I believe it was. It should come as no surprise that all the arm-flapping didn’t help him – it didn’t work for Icarus either. You’d think Dennis would remember; I’m pretty sure they went to school together.

Anyway the resulting plummet has broken this and crushed that, resulting in what will from now on be an even shorter wheelbase Dennis. Got this funky bit of body armour going on at the moment, as well. I think he’s lucky that the ground broke his fall, otherwise who knows how serious it could have been? Yet Robocop he ain’t, and he’ll therefore be out of circulation for some short stretch of time. (Yes, ‘short’, and ‘stretch’. I meant the pun. I always do. It’s cheap but I don’t care.)

So for a while now at race meetings we’ll have no-one to helpfully point out the car’s faults and other assorted issues to the scrutineers, which is a bit of a worry. But even worse, we have no caterer – he comes as a job lot with the team chef.

Hurry back Dennis, you clumsy old bugger. I’m starving already.

Matt

HISTORIC TOURING TORqUEAugust 2009Page 24