The Shannons Phillip Island Classic

Phillip Island, 21 Mar 2010

All cars are 5-litre F5000 unless noted.

Notes on the cars:

1. Lola T430 [HU1] (Ken Smith): VDS for Teddy Pilette US 1976 (6 races; best result 3rd at R3 Mosport Park 20 Jun); used as spare car to Brown's HU2 in Australian Internationals 1977 - Alan Hamilton (Australia): used as spare car; maybe Jon Davison's car Australian Gold Star 1977 (R1 Surfers Paradise 28 Aug 1977 only). Built up after Hamilton's crash at the 1978 Australian GP and raced by Alfredo Costanzo: Australian Gold Star 1978; Australian Internationals 1979 (won at Sandown Park and Adelaide); Australian Gold Star 1979 (won at Sandown 9 Sep); Australian Gold Star 1980 (won at Sandown 14 Sep and Winton 26 Oct); Australian GP 1980 (4th) - Bob Minogue: Australian Gold Star 1981, Arco Graphic 1981/82. Minogue still holds several lap records in Australia, including the Sandown International circuit record for F5000, set on 2 Mar 1986 and the Historic F5000 record at Winton on 30 May 1993. Subsequently sold to Gavin Bain, then to Graham Cameron, who raced it at Historic Sandown in 2000. To David Abbott (Christchurch, NZ) by 2002, and raced in the F5000 Tasman Revival regularly from 2003 to 2008, when Abbott moved over to his newly rebuilt HU2. Then raced by Ken Smith in the series from 2008 to 2010.
2. McRae GM1 [009] (Steve Ross): Built for 1973 season. Quicksilver Racing (Rockville, MD) for Jim and Chuck Sarich: raced in US 1973 (debut Watkins Glen R5 17 Jun 1973), US 1974 (1 race: Laguna Seca); advertised Autoweek 26 Apr 1975 - Ted Wenz and Peter Marcovicci (of Marcovicci-Wenz Engineering) 1986: raced by Wenz in US vintage racing 1986-1998 - Stan Redmond (Christchurch, New Zealand) 2003. Retained 2004 and used in the F5000 Tasman Revival series in 2004 and 2006. To Alistair Hey (Christchurch) 2007, and used by Chris Hyde to win the 2007/08 F5000 Tasman Revival Series. To Steve Ross (Dunedin) 2009, who continued to run it in the F5000 Tasman Revival series (#5 orange).
3. McRae GM1 [015] (Chris Hyde): Longer wheelbase car built for Graham McRae and raced in the 1973 British season. To Ian Ward Racing early 1974 and modified as "Ward KS1" but not raced in this form. It was then sold to Chris Featherstone and raced by him once at the end of 1974, then through the 1975 and 1976 seasons. After a single race at the start of 1977, the car was raced by Keith Holland in four races later in the year, and then by Featherstone in the Australian Rothmans series in February 1978. To Gary Dumbrell (Australia) 1978, then to Bob Tomlinson 1978, and then to Salt Walther 1979 for the 1979 Rothmans series, but it may be that Lee Seaton of Thomson Motor Auctions owned it though this period. Sold to Ray Gibbs (Australia) September 1979 and kept by him until sold to Stuart Lush (Auckland, New Zealand) 2000, and raced at Historic Sandown that year and in 2001. Lush raced it in the Tasman Cup Revival series from 2003 to 2015, during which time it was also raced by Chris Hyde in the 2009/10 season and by Greg Thornton in the 2012/13 season. Lush also raced the car in England during the Kiwis' visits to the UK in 2005 and 2008, and at Road America in 2014. Lush sold it to its former driver Garry Dumbrell in 2016, and after Dumbrell died in October 2021, it was sold to Peter Brennan (Melbourne, Australia) in December 2021. More information about McRae GM1-015
4. Lola T332 (Ian Clements): A yellow "ex-John Morton" Frissbee Can-Am car bought in 2007 from Chuck Haines (St Louis, MO) by Ian Clements (Christchurch, NZ) and rebuilt as a Lola T332 for the Tasman Revival series. Clements raced this red-and-white #30 Lola T332 in every season of the F5000 Tasman Revival series from 2008/09 to 2017/18. Sold to Kevin Ingram in 2018.
5. Surtees TS11 (Gregory Thornton): A car with Chuck Haines (St Louis, MO) in white livery in 1990 and bearing the chassis plate TS11/04. it is unclear whether this is the original TS11/04 or a rebuild of TS11/04 using a spare monocoque. This would account for Haines having had a damaged tub in Mathews livery as well as a separate complete car. Sold to John Yandell (San Francisco, CA) early 1990's and restored by Tom Fredericks. Later to Scott Drnek (San Francisco, CA) accompanied by spare TS9 tub to John Bladon (Castor, Cambridgeshire) 1998. Raced by Bladon in HSCC events until very heavily damaged at Mallory Park in early 2001. Repaired and sold to Anthony Goddard (Isle Of Wight) for 2003. Part-exchanged back to Bladon for a Merlyn Mk 9 in December 2006. Sold to Greg Thornton in 2008 and raced extensively by him in UK events and in the Tasman Revival series until June 2012 when the car was badly damaged in a fire at Thornton's garage. Completely reconstructed by WDK Motorsport and racing again in 2014.
6. Lola T430 [HU2] (David Abbott): VDS spare car US 1976 (raced by Peter Gethin: 3 races; Warwick Brown: 2 races); VDS for Warwick Brown Australian Internationals 1977 (won at Oran Park and Surfers Paradise, crashed in practice at Sandown Park, second at Adelaide) - Alan Hamilton (Australia): Australian Gold Star 1977 (debut R1 Surfers Paradise 28 Aug 1977); Australian Internationals 1978 (driven by Derek Bell at Oran Park); crashed at Australian GP 1978 and broken in half. All the surviving running gear from the wreck stayed with HU1 through various owners until reaching David Abbott in New Zealand in 2005. Over the next two years David, with Alan Hamilton's agreement, recreated this car and it first ran, with Hamilton driving, at Christchurch in October 2007. Raced by Abbott in the Formula 5000 Tasman Cup Revival at the Australian GP meeting 28 Mar 2009.
7. Chevron B24 [24-73-07] (Aaron Lewis): New to VDS for Chris Craft in 1973 UK series, then for Peter Gethin in 1974 Tasman series. Loaned to Adlards Crowne Racing for Craft UK 1974; returned to VDS, converted to B24/B28 specification and used by Vern Schuppan to win at Brands Hatch October 1974. Sold to Tony Dean for the UK and US series in 1975, but confiscated by UK Customs & Excise on its return from the US. Bought by Don Gray (Sittingbourne, Kent) at auction, and raced in UK 1977. To Keith Holland for 1978 Australian Internationals 1978, and sold there to Barry Singleton 1978, who raced it in Australia in 1978/79. To Jim Lowe 1980/81, but crashed at Surfers Paradise in early 1981 and heavily damaged. Wreck sold to Russel Gomersall, then to Peter Phillips, then Laurie O'Neill, then Dr Bill Marshall sometime around 1985. Run in Australian historic racing 1986-1988. To George Parlby early 1990s. To Aaron Lewis (Cessnock, NSW) late 2005, and raced in the F5000 Tasman Revival series from 2006 to 2010. Robert Tweedie (Sydney, NSW) 2012, and raced by his son Tom Tweedie, in historic racing from 2013 onwards. More information about Chevron B24 B24-73-07
8. Lola T330 [HU1] (Darcy Russell): Works car for Frank Gardner at the end of 1972, then to Max Stewart for the 1973 Tasman series, the 1973 US series, 1973 Australian Gold Star, 1974 Tasman, and 1974 Gold Star. In ecember 1974, Kevin Bartlett used the car to win a New Zealand Gold Star race. Driven by David Oxton in the 1975 New Zealand Tasman races, then by Stewart for last two races of Tasman 1975 after he gave up on his Lola T400. Driven by John Leffler, Stewart and Paul Bernasconi during 1975. To Ian Adams (NSW, Australia) 1976, and raced until 1982. Sold by Adams to Darcy Russell (Moorabbin, Victoria, Australia) in 1988, and raced in historic racing from 1992 onwards. Appeared regularly at the VHRR Phillip Island Classic from 1997 to 2016, and in the Australian GP support races in 2009 and 2010. More information about Lola T330 HU1
9. Lola T332 [HU28] (Russell Greer): Graeme Lawrence (NZ) for Tasman 1974, New Zealand Gold Star 1974; Tasman 1975; Tasman 1976; Gold Star Oct/Nov 1976; Australian Internationals 1977 - Terry Hook (Aus) Australian Internationals 1978, Australian Internationals 1979; heavily crashed at a club event at Lakeside 21 Jun 1981. Rebuilt by March 1982 by Chas Talbot on a new tub. Sold to Bob Minogue and Pete Brennan in the mid-1980s who sold the rear end to Peter Bick to complete his ex-Davison HU34. The ex-Hook car was then built up with other parts and sold to Manuel Jimenez who in turn passed it to Murray Richards (Murrumbeena, Australia). To David Sharp (New Zealand) 1993. To Murray Sinclair (Hong Kong, and Christchurch, New Zealand) 2001, and raced in the F5000 Tasman Revival from 2003 to 2007. To Russell Greer (Blenheim, New Zealand) 2007, who continued to race it in the Revival series. More information about Lola T332 HU28
10. Lola T330 [HU6] (Brett Willis): New to Australian Colin Hyams who raced it in the UK series in early 1973. To Trevor Twaites June 1973, and raced by him in the UK series in 1973, 1974 and 1975. Later to John Jordan (UK), who entered it for Tom Belso in 1977, and raced it himself in libre in 1978. Entered by Jordan for Dave Williams in libre racing 1983, and then for Tony Trimmer in the BRSCC Libre Championship from 1984 to 1989, winning the championship in 1986 and finishing second in 1987 and in 1988. At some point between 1985 and 1988, the T330 was dismantled and parts used by Dave Finnigan (Biggleswade, UK) to construct T332 "HU42" for Jordan's team. The original HU6 chassis remained with Finnigan until early 2000 when sold to Richard Lines (UK), then to Kevan McLurg (UK) 2005 and built into a complete car by McLurg and then by John Crawford's Motorsport Solutions NZ Ltd by July 2009. Owned by this time by Lindsay Willis of Wilco Racing (Rotorua, NZ), and raced by his son Brett Willis (Rotorua, NZ) in the F5000 Tasman Revival series every season from 2010/11 to 2017/18. More information about Lola T330 HU6
11. Lola T332 ['K3'] (Roger Williams): Originally a car built up by Ed O'Brien's team on a new tub prior to the Long Beach Grand Prix in September 1975, for Danny Ongais to race, replacing the kitted T400 he'd used earlier in the season. This Long Beach monocoque was acquired from Ed O'Brien by Shayne Windelburn (Auckland, New Zealand) in 2005, and was reskinned by Windelburn and built up as a complete car. Sold to Roger Williams (Auckland, NZ) in October 2007, and raced by Williams in the 2007/08 Tasman Revival series, the 2008 USA F5000 40th Anniversary Championship, the 2008/09 Tasman Revival and in the F5000 Tasman Revival support race at the Australian GP in March 2009. Raced by Williams in the series from 2009/10 to 2012/13. Sold to Stuart Lush (Auckland, NZ) in 2015. More information about Lola T332 'K3 - the Ongais car'
12. March "72A" (John Mackinlay): Bought as "a basic unrestored tub and some running gear" from Kenny Smith (NZ) by John Mackinlay (Auckland, New Zealand) in 2001. Restored by Bob Needham into the spec of Cannon's 1972 March 72A-Oldsmobile. It was fitted with a 4.4-litre Aluminium Oldsmobile V8 and 721 bodywork. The car was entered by Mackinlay in the 2005/06 New Zealand F5000 Revival Series, starting at Fielding 12-13 Nov 2005, but first raced in the series at Sandown Park Nov 2006. Raced in selected rounds of the Tasman Cup Revival series in 2007/08, 2008/09 and 2009/10 series, then missed 2010/11 and returned for the 2011/12 series. Taken to Shayne Windelburn in 2014, to fit a 1973-style March body with front-mounted radiator. When investigated in 2021, this car was found to be marked 'Marlo 801-1', indicating that it was the March-based Marlo Formula Pacific car raced by Kookie Ramirez in Malaysia in 1981. Its tub is numbered 'AM72/23', which is consistent with it being built from the ex-Chris Cramer March 723-12, which was reported to have been the basis of the Marlo. More information about March 723/72A 'AM72/23'
13. Elfin MR8A-C [8772] (Bill Hemming): New to Vern Schuppan (Adelaide, Australia) and raced as part of Ansett Team Elfin in 1977 Australian Internationals. Converted to Can-Am form, and raced by Schuppan in the Can-Am series in late 1977, and again in 1978 and 1979. Next seen when advertised by Stuart Bradbury (Phoenix, AZ) in July 1984. Advertised by Chuck Haines in 1990. To John Wales and Ron Gouttman (NSW, Australia) in 1990, and raced by Gouttman in Australia in Can-Am form in 1992/93. To Laurie Donaher (NSW) 1998, then to Aaron Lewis (Cessnock, NSW, Australia) in 2001. Restored to F5000 form, and raced in the F5000 Tasman Revival series in 2003/04. To Bill Hemming (Victoria, Australia) 2005, who raced it in the Tasman Revival series from late 2006 onwards.
14. Begg FM5 [2] (Lindsay O'Donnell): Built new in 1973 by Fred McLean for Allan McCully for the 1973/74 New Zealand Gold Star, and regarded by McLean as a FM5, not a Begg FM5. To Graham Baker 1974 and raced in Tasman 1974, the 1974/75 and 1975/76 Gold Star, and the 1976 NZ Internationals. To Charles Talbot (Australia) 1976, and raced by him in the 1977 and 1978 Rothmans Australian Internationals. Presumably the car raced by Allan R. Nitschke in Australia from 1979 to 1982. Then unknown until acquired by Bryan and Graham Sala about 1990. Bought at auction in Australia by Gavin Hicks (Auckland, NZ) about 1991 and sold by him to Lindsay O'Donnell (Christchurch, NZ) 2001. Raced by O'Donnell in the F5000 Tasman Revival from 2003 to the 2012/13 season. Returned two years later for the New Zealand Festival at Hampton Downs in January 2015. More information about Begg FM5/2
15. McLaren M22 [M22-3-72] (Timothy Rush): Bought by Tom Jones in the autumn of 1972 from Fred Opert as a kit, and built up by Jones and his father. Raced in the US series in 1973 and 1974. Sold to the father of Vic Todia (Parma Heights, OH) who raced in SCCA and 'Pro' events in 1976 and then SCCA events in 1977 and 1978. Acquired by Len Arnold (Greeley, Colorado) 1989, who restored the car and sold it to McLaren collector Harry Mathews in November 1990. Sold to Kiwi Tony Roberts (Auckland, New Zealand) to race in the 2007/08 F5000 Tasman Revival series. Sold to Tim Rush (Feilding, NZ), and raced in the 2009/10 Revival series. Later damaged at Hampton Downs in January 2015. More information about McLaren M22 M22-3-72
16. Lola T192 [HU19] (Robert Harborow): New to Roger Penske for Mark Donohue to drive in the 1970 US series, starting at Mosport 13 Sep 1970. To Competition Research & Development (Pomona, CA) for Brett Lunger US 1971, then to Larry McNeil US 1972, US 1973 and then in SCCA Nationals from 1974 to 1978. Via Alan Marvin to Gordon Close (Hinsdale, IL) 1979, and used it for 1979 SCCA drivers school and Regionals. To former racer Don O'Sullivan (Perth, Western Australia) in 1983 but not run by him and sold to Bob Harborow (Camberwell, Victoria, Australia) in 1989. Restored and used in historic racing in Australia, including VHRR Historic Sandown and Phillip Island Classic 1999-2013, and the Australian GP support races in 2009 and 2010. Reappeared in October 2015, when run by Kieran Patel (Victoria, Australia) at the Baskerville Historics. More information about Lola T192 HU19
17. Chevron B32 [32-75-01] (Hamish Paterson): New to John Cussins (Leeds, West Yorkshire) with a 5.7-litre Chevrolet V8 for the British Hill Climb Championship in 1975 and 1976. Then to Noel le Tissier and Tom Coughlan in Guernsey for 1977 and 1978, and raced by Brian Redman in a bike versus car challenge on the Isle of Man in 1979. Then to Andy Sauvarin for Sprints in 1980, then unknown until owned by Roy Lane in 1984, and run in Sprints by Ken Ayers. To Chevron enthusiast Richard Budge (Retford, Notts) by 1990 and driven by Mike Wilds in historic events. To Richard Maurice Jones (Rhyl, North Wales) and was rebuilt in 2002 with a 5-litre Chevrolet V8. Then to Mike Wrigley (Ashbourne, Derbyshire), then to Hamish Paterson (Auckland, New Zealand) in 2008. Raced by Paterson in the Tasman Revival series in 2009, 2010 and 2011, after which it was stored for five years before being sold to Karl Zohs (Rotorua, New Zealand), who raced it in 2016, 2017 and 2018. The car was then for sale until Zohs' death in October 2021. In November 2021 it was sold to Alastair Chalmers (Hastings, New Zealand). More information about the Chevron B32
18. Begg FM2 [1] (Kerry McIntosh): Built for 1969/70 season. Begg Engineering: raced by Graham McRae in 1969/70 Gold Star series (debut Pukekohe Oct 1969) and later Geoff Mardon in New Zealand Tasman rounds. Then sold to Neil Doyle (Ashburton, NZ) and used in New Zealand Gold Star races in 1970/71, 1971/72 and 1972/73. Sold to Peter Rhodes, then bought by George Begg for spares. Chassis sold to John Gobbe (Christchurch, NZ), and history then unknown until acquired by Stuart Lush (Auckland, NZ) in 1993. Fully restored and first seen at a Lady Wigram Trophy memorial meeting in November 1998. Presumably the car raced by Stuart McDonald in the first Tasman Revival race in late 2003. Raced by Judy Lyons in the Tasman Revival series in January 2006. Raced by Kerry McIntosh (Auckland, NZ) at Phillip Island in March 2008, and in the Tasman Revival series in 2008/09, 2009/10, 2010/11, 2011/12, but crashed at Hampton Downs in Jan 2012. Next seen when raced by McIntosh at Taupo Jan 2017, and Pukekohe Nov 2017.
19. Lola T142 [SL142/30] (Kerry Anderson): Unknown in 1969 but maybe the car of Richard Negley (San Antonio, TX). Raced by John Saucier (MidWest City, OK) in 1970, 1971 and 1972. To Brad Blankenship (Indianapolis, IN) 1972, then to Duane Smith (Milwaukee, WI) 1973 and raced to 1975. Then to Dick St John's car owner, converted into a supermodified and raced in 1975 by Dick St John (Milwaukee, WI). Still in his livery when sold by Mike McComas (Pampa, TX) to Earl Zwickey (Amarillo, TX) 1995. Sold to Kerry Anderson (Auckland, New Zealand) late 2004 or early 2005, and raced by in the F5000 Revival Series from 2006 onwards. More information about Lola T142 SL142/30
20. McRae GM1 [003] (Peter Burson): Built for 1972 season as a Leda LT27 and entered by Leda Cars for Trevor Taylor in the UK series until Graham McRae bought the Leda Cars operation. Rebranded as a McRae GM1 (plated "LT27 GM3") and sold to Jock Russell (Midlothian, Scotland) July 1972. Raced by Russell in the 1972 UK series (also raced by Brett Lunger at two races). Raced again by Russell in the UK series in 1973. From Russell to Noel Butler (Birmingham), then to Roy Lane 2000, and restored in Lane's orange colours. To Peter and Aaron Burson (New Zealand) Oct 2006, and raced regularly by Peter in the F5000 Tasman Revival series from 2007/08 onwards. More information about Leda LT27-003/McRae GM1-003
21. Lola T190 [190/F1/5] (Poul Christie): New to John McNicol and raced in the South African series in 1970. To Nolly Limberis and raced in South Africa in 1971 and once in early 1972. To Fred Cowell and raced in 1972 and 1973. To Mike Hearn later in 1973 when Cowell bought a Surtees TS8, but then returned to Cowell when he and Hearn swapped cars prior to the 1974 season. Subsequent history unknown, but in 1984 it was being used in drag racing by Barry Nel (Krugersdorp). According to South African historian Ian Hebblethwaite, this car was exported from South Africa in 1988, when it was sold to David McLaughlin in England. A car with this number and said to be ex-McNicol ended up in England somehow under the ownership of Paul Haywood-Halfpenny. Sold to Poul Christie (Auckland, NZ) early 1990s and shipped to New Zealand. Raced by Christie in the F5000 Tasman Revival series from 2003 to 2011, when Christie moved to a recently-constructed McLaren M10B. Sold to Garry Price (Feilding, NZ) in February 2016. More information about Lola T190 190/F1/5
22. Matich A50 [004] (Philip Lewis): Bought by Johnny Walker, and fitted with the engine and transmission from his Elfin MR5. Raced by Walker in the 1972 Australian Gold Star, 1973 Australian Internationals, then to America for four races in the US series. To Jon Davison for the 1974 Australian Gold Star and 1975 Australian Internationals 1975 Australian Gold Star, 1976 Australian Internationals, 1976 Australian Gold Star, and 1977 Australian Internationals. To Bronwyn Taylor 1977 and raced in 1978 and 1979 - Geoff Munyard 1980 - leased to Kevin Leighton 1982 - Graham Stoll - Peter Brennan (Melbourne, Australia) - Ziggy Schueller 1990 - Ken Smith (NZ) 1992 or 1993 - James Boult (NZ) 1996 - Russell Greer (NZ) 1996 - Richard Bendell (Australia) 2001 - Aaron Lewis (Cessnock, NSW, Australia) 2004 - Philip Lewis 2013.
23. "Lola T332" (Tony Richards): Effectively a brand new car advertised by Michael Sheehan (CA, US) in 2002. This was "a 100% rebuild" of an old, crashed, car but the identity of the crashed car was unknown to Sheehan. According to later owner Marc Rauchfuss, it was built by Mel Spillman (San Antonio, TX) in the late 1990s using T332 parts acquired from Evan Noyes team. Marc saw this car raced for the first time by Spillman at Road America in 1999. The car uses the chassis number "HU 32B" but no connection to HU32 has been demonstrated. To John Mann (New Zealand) 2002 and raced in the Tasman Revival Series. To Tony Richards (Christchurch, NZ) 2005. Raced by Richards in the Formula 5000 Tasman Cup Revival at the Australian GP meeting 28 Mar 2009, and appeared regularly in Tasman Revival races until February 2014. Advertised by Richards as "HU32b, ex Evan Noyes" in 2015, and sold to Marc Rauchfuss (Simi Valley, CA). Repainted in Noyes' livery and advertised by Rauchfuss in February 2016.
24. Begg [018] (Calvin Bonney): First raced by Jim Murdoch in the New Zealand Gold Star in late 1974, then in the 1975 Tasman series, finishing second in the New Zealand Grand Prix, the 1975-76 Gold Star season, and in the 1976 NZ Internationals. The car was then retired to the Queenstown Motor Museum, where it remained when it was sold to Gavin Bain (Christchurch) in the late 1980s. It was later sold to Phil Mauger (Christchurch) and reappeared in 2004 when raced by him in the F5000 Tasman Revival series. Then to Noel Atley (Invercargill) who raced it in the Tasman Revival series from 2005 to 2009. Sold to Calven Bonney for 2010, and raced by him in the Tasman Revival series until sold to Scott O'Donnell (Invercargill) in 2017. The car will be on display on a regular basis at Bill Richardson Transport World in Invercargill.
25. Lola T332 [HU38 (A)] (Sefton Gibb): The original tub from HU38 was repaired and sold as a spare tub at the same time as the complete HU38(B). These were last advertised by Tuck Thomas (Edina, MN) in May 1978. The complete car was sold to Gordy Oftedahl (Minneapolis, MN) but the fate of the repaired tub is unknown. It may have gone with the complete car via Oftedahl and Chris Carrell to Chuck Haines. Believed to be the car sold by Chuck Haines (St Louis, MO) to Ian Clements (Christchurch, New Zealand) in 1999. The car was rebuilt in New Zealand, and raced in the F5000 Tasman Revival series from 2003 to 2007. Then sold to Sefton Gibb (Napier, New Zealand), who continued to race it in the Tasman Revival series from 2007/08 to 2016/17. Sold to Tony Galbraith (Te Kauwhata, NZ) and raced in the 2017/18 Tasman Cup Revival, at Monterey in August 2018, then in the 2018/19 Tasman Cup Revival, but was crashed badly in the Skope Classic in February 2019, putting Galbraith in hospital. Car and driver both returned for the 2020/21 season and raced again in 2021/22. More information about Lola T332 HU38(A)
26. March 73A (Graham Smith): Reported to have been bought from Jock Topin's Ecurie Santos (Watford, UK) and imported to Australia by Ray Gibbs (East Malvern, Victoria, Australia) in 1978. Entered by Gibbs for Russell Davidson in the Australian ARCO Graphite series in 1980. To Ron Cullen (Sydney, NSW) about 1996 and restored, then to Graham Smith (Bellbrae, Victoria) late 2000/early 2001. Raced by Smith in F5000 Revival Series races in early 2006, and in Australian historic races including the Australian Grand Prix support races in 2009 and 2010. Sold by Smith to an unknown owner in Victoria in 2014. Sold at auction in April 2016 to Rob Splatt. More information about March 732/73A 'the second Gibbs car'
27. Talon MR-1A (Aaron Burson): Michael Brayton (Newport Beach, CA) acquired a Talon Formula 5000 car for 1977, but previous history of the car is unknown. During 1977, he rebodied the car for SCCA A Sports Racing, and then raced the car, as the "Wolf-Brayton 001" in Can-Am from 1978 to 1981. The car was later acquired by Mike McComas, who was then under the impression it was the Wolf-Dallara WD1. He sold it to Tony Roberts and Duncan Fox in New Zealand in 2003, where it was restored to F5000 specification. Raced by Roberts in the F5000 Tasman Revival from 2003 to 2005, when it was sold to Aaron Burson, then raced by him from 2005 onwards.
28. Surtees TS8B ["014"] (Mike Whatley): New to John Campbell for 1973, and after a couple of early-season libre races he only appeared at one F5000 race where he failed to start. Sold to Nick Overall (Midhurst, West Sussex) for libre racing in 1974 but crashed at Copse corner at Silverstone. Rebuilt and sold to Alan Shaw (Monmouth) for sprints and libre but rarely seen. Then to Jim West who ran it in sprints and hill climbs in 1976. To Ian Higgins (Boston, Lincolnshire) 1986 and then to Rick Hall of Hall & Fowler (Folkingham, Lincolnshire) 1989 and raced in HSCC events in 1990 and 1991. Sold to Mike Whatley (Holmfirth, West Yorkshire) about 1992 for historic racing. Mike still owned the car in July 2013 though it was then based in New Zealand where he had raced it for the previous four seasons. Sold in December 2016 to Jolyon Harrison (York).
29. Elfin MR5 [5724] (Tony Floreani): New to John Walker 1972, but he quickly replaced it with a Matich A50. Sold to Stan Keen and fitted with a Ford V8 later in the 1972 season, but not raced after October 1973. Sold to Peter "Chris" Middleton 1977, and raced in the 1978 Australian Internationals, and in the 1978 and 1979 Australian national seasons. Sold to Tony Parkinson 1979, then to Mike Adams 1981. It was then rebodied by Elfin, renamed 815, and raced by Mike Trengove and by Adams in 1981 and 1982. Sold to Paul Trevethan, then to Peter Brennan (Melbourne, Victoria) in the mid-1980s who restored it to original specification, and fitted a flat plane crank Repco Holden engine. To David Doubtfire in 1991, then to Max Floreani in 1996, and raced by Tony Floreani in historics up to 2013.

Sources

Note that the identification of individual cars in these results is based on the material presented elsewhere in this site and may in some cases contradict the organisers' published results.

All comments, clarifications, corrections and additions are most welcome. Please email Allen (allen@oldracingcars.com) if you can help in any way with our research.

Individual sources for this event

Main details from email from Ross MacKay of FAST COMPANY of behalf of the New Zealand Formula 5000 Association, dated Sunday, 21 March 2010 8:20 p.m. Additional data from Natsoft (http://racing.natsoft.com.au/).