Sitting on the grid awaiting the start of another race for historic race
cars - the ultimate, eclipsed only by the fun of the races themselves and
the satisfaction of participating. This is a class of racing where as much
of the enjoyment comes from researching the history and preparing the cars
as there is from racing them. In the recent past we have seen an increasing
number of cars joining the regulars on the grid, and there are plenty more
to come.
 The Historic Racing Register was formed by a group of enthusiasts
in 1986, and was set up very much along the lines of TACCOC. The HRR attracted
members from throughout New Zealand and provided one of the main support
events at the Wellington Street Race for three of the years this major
international meeting was run. A number of Historic racing cars from overseas
came to New Zealand to join in this event, like Alan de Cadenet with his
B-type Connaught, Soames Langton in the Lister Jaguar, Richard Pilkington
and his Lago Talbot, Martin Morris with the D-type Jaguar, and Roddy McPherson
with his Cooper Bristol. In addition we have had participants like Bill Morris
with his famous ERA R12B, and Mac Archer with his McLaren M8C CanAm car.
In more recent times, the HRR has merged with TACCOC, a natural progression,
which has seen this organisation continue to develop as the major promoter
of Classic & Historic Motor Sport in the North Island.
 These days, Rodin Wootton sets the standards of consistency
and speed in his ex Roly Levis Brabham BT18. Ken Williams with
his supercharged BBM Mercedes special has plenty of speed and
the reliability is improving as he attempts to keep up. An ever
growing bunch of Historic Formula Fords from the 1970s era run
in hot pursuit of Rodin's tracks. Behind them a number of Historic
Sports Racing cars including Brian Grant's 1959 Lotus Consul,
John Courtney's 1954 Kato Special, the ex-Graham McRae U2 of
Alan Service and the ex Morrie Hogan U2 of Chris Havill always
have fun. The smaller-engined Formula Juniors form the rear
of the grid including regular racer John Holmes in his 1960
Lotus 18, Jim Barclay in the 1961 Gemini Mk3A, Ian Garmey in
the 1960 Cooper T56, Roger Herrick in the 1959 Taraschi and
Rob Williams in the 1959 Elva. Great racing within races and
all this fun and enjoyment for a relatively low cost.
Some interesting cars are being prepared to join the grid for the coming
season, including Keith and Craig Abbott's ex Jim Palmer Lotus 18 FJ, Brian
Grant's Begg-Daimler and Roger Slee's Dulon Formula Ford to name a few.
Call on by the pits and talk with any of the owners of these interesting
old cars. Better still, find yourself a car and join in the fun of Historic
racing with TACCOC. |
