2007
Festival of Speed on Tweed, 6-9
September
I
will start this article by providing you with a brief personal account
of my experience this year.
Fond
Memory – Personal account
Fortunately, i had organised for a couple of
annual leave days to make the journey to Gold Coast airport on Thursday
morning. Here i became chauffeur to two visiting guests once we hired
a car. None other then Ron TouranacAO and John Cummins, both of whom
i have the utmost of respect for. First, we had to find the car, and
in true spirit Cummo had already forgotten what type of car we were
ooking for – just think about how big the car park of hire cars
is at any airport!
Eventually time passed and in semi wet conditions we found the car
and commenced our journey. I spent the entire 40 minute trip listening,
soaking in the stories and banter coming from the mouths of both these
legends of our sport. Ron mainly talking about overseas, in particular
the UK and Cummo reminiscing about the golden days of Aussie specials.
All of us learnt a lot, particularly Ron who was reminded what a Humpy
Holden is. Technology was a funny point – more dials and gauges
on the dashboard of the Camary then the three of us knew what to do
with, particularly when the interior windows fogged up as the rain
started to pour down.
I soon pulled the chariot into the wonderful Northern Rivers town
of Murwillumbah, our home for the weekend where we were greeted by
the ever enthusiastic Roger Ealand (event founder and spirited historic
racing competitor) and his Event Co-Ordinator Tania at their offices
in the town. Further stories were told before re-commencing my brief
chauffeur career and transporting Ron and Cummo to the Showgrounds
– venue of Speed on Tweed.
Here we caught up with Noela and Tracey – Noela, (who along
with Tania are the real organisers with Roger busy talking!) swept
us away and took us to lunch in Main St. The amazing thing is how
someone with achievements of Ron Touranac can go about his day without
being harassed by admirers. Ron, of course design many of the successful
Cooper cars, then formed MRD with Jack Brabham, which then took them
to two World Championships as constructors. Later he founded RALT,
another true success story.
VIP Cocktail Party
Custom on Thursday night is to thank the many
supporters and sponsors of this event. The cocktail party is held
at the Showgrounds underneath a large marquee. The list of notable
guests was a mile long.
Before i go on i should make note that this year’s Speed on
Tweed celebrated the history of Australian Grand Prix – 1928-present.
John Goss made a non-fashionably late entrance after their afternoon
flight from Sydney was diverted to Ballina airport due to the inclement
conditions at the Gold Coast. John Cummins enlightened us on the history
of the grand prix in Australia before introducing his first guest
Squadron Leader Tony Gaze DFC OAM. Tony and Diana made the journey
from Melbourne and were well received. Tony flew Spitfres during WW2,
most notably flying out of Goodwood Aerodrome and then raced Grand
Prix cars, becoming Australia’s first international Grand Prix
driver. Tony reminisced about these early post war days and his discussions
with the Earl of Richmond, who at the time was researching a suitable
location to replace the pre-war Brooklands circuit. Tony was the one
who said to the Earl that he needn’t look further then his own
estate – Gooswood. Hence, Goodword Circuit was opened.
Other speakers at the cocktail party included former international
driver Tim Schenken and local grand prix winner, John Goss. The evening
was then capped off with the 2007 fashion parade, which showcased
the new merchandise.
The night was overshadowed by numberous periods of heavy showers,
which set the scene for a muddy few days at the showgrounds.
Friday lunchtime parade
Around 60 cars took part in the lunchtime parade
through the streets of downtown Murwillumbah. On their return along
Main St they were flanked by thousands of onlookers, including yours
truly.
Highlight for me was the appearance of the Chamberlain 8, which was
heard for minutes before appearing in sight. The Chamberlain 8 was
ahead of its time when built by the Chamberlain brothers – Bob
and Bill. The powerplant is truly unique, a four cylinder engine running
off eight pistons – four below the crank and four above the
crank. Suspension at the front was nearly 20 years ahead of its time
– wishbone, hand built by the brothers. John Cummons reminisced
later to me how honoured he was to serve his apprenticeship at their
Melbourne workshop, but only worked out years later that he was part
of one of Australia’s great engineering duos.
Friday night street parade
Again, thousands of onlonkers flanked the length
of Main St as completion cars kept the rain away when arriving, and
lining the street with a wonderful display.
My night started with a couple of drinks at the Court House Hotel
with Cummo, Ron, Bruce, Joe and later Duncan – who primarily
came to escort us over to the restaurant where we were to dine. This
process then took awhile, a couple more drinks, and plenty more stories
including Cummo’s experience driving the Chamberlain tractor
across Australia during the Redex trial – not sleeping for 12
days, covering almost twice the distance of competitors, but managing
to stay with the pack.
Then, the 50 metre walk across the street – no traffic as the
road was closed!, eventually took 5 minutes as we stopped and admired
some of the cars including John Lawson’s Amilcar. Dinner was
a relaxed affair amongst friends and legends of our sport. Legends
included the Gaze’s, Vern Schuppan, Kevin Bartlett, Denis Gehry
and John Goss.
Later i had a wonderful conversation with Diana Gaze where we remembered
her many successes as a prominent female driver, particularly in hillclimbs
including Rob Roy in desirable vehicles such as 1750 Alfa Romeo’s
and SSK Mercedes.
As we finished our three-course vegetarian meal (yes, very nice, but
a couple of us had thoughts of grabbing a pizza later!) and a few
glasses of Shiraz the night came to an end as those who drove their
cars in made there way out and back to the track. Fantastic sounds
echoed through the forecourt of the New Leaf Cafe where we dined coming
from the straight-eight engine Bugatti and Roger and Margaret Ealand
and there impressive Alvis Speed 25.
Saturday – competition begins
And as Roger predicted, the skies liefted for competition and provided
us with clear blue shies and a brisk morning – the first time
since arriving that i didn’t wear a jumper!
First car on the track was an Amilcar CC, driven by Joe Wilson (who
regularly competes in a 3-wheeler Morgan). Joe was the first of a
superb collection of Grand Prix cars that took to the track. Next,
and not seen/driven for more then 40 years was the Wanderer –
a famous car of its day and quite a pretty one to look at and ably
driven by third generation owner, Chris Terdich.
The organisers put in measures this year in an attempt to make sure
competitors went the correct way on their first run. The background
is that the startline sits only metres before the first turn –
a left hander. Although we put out numerous calls to rectify this
competitors still managed to confuse themselves and either go straight
through (till there was nowhere to go due to barricades), or turn
right. One competitor got very confused a took some time before working
out where he was.
My advice would be to create a massive arrow pointing to the left
– hopefully this would solve the issue. I actually would’nt
be surprised that Roger Ealand and his quirky British wit would probably
take me up on this offer as it would be very funny!
Particularly funny if a competitor next year doesn’t acknowledge
it!
Joining
me in commentary this year was the high-pitched larrikin voice of
New Zealander come Queenslander Brain Ferrabee and Sydneyside Chris
Smith.
A trailer accident whilst unloading his Bugatti T37A GP broke the
leg of owner Kent Patrick from competing, but fortunately he had former
Sports car driver Phil Moore there, who hoped in and drove a Bug for
the first time - and did a mighty fine job.
A big spectator highlight was brought to us by flathead Ford V8 builder/driver
Dick Vermullen, who stunned all of us with his car control –
right the way around the street circuit. Dick ended up winning a number
of awards for the weekend, including the Chippendall Memorial Award
(for truly capturing the spirit of Speed on Tweed) and fastest pre-war
car – a trophy donated by John Cummins.
Back to competition though, some 200 entrants so i won’t detail
everyone, but lucky they didn’t accept the 450 or so entries
that were received.
What i really like about these early grand prix cars and Aussie built
specials is that you can really see the driver at work, appreciate
the hard work they put into their skill – the emotion that fills
there eyes through the helmet visor.
As we head through the running order cars start to come by that seem
so unconventional in terms of competing at Speed on Tweed, including
the 6.5 litre Pontiac GTO of David Quinn – a car in original
type condition with its high-rude height. Another “unconventional”
is Alec Lowe’s Ctiroen AME – never seen more body roll
in my life!
Saturday night - Venetian Carnival Mystique
The stage was set for a wonderful night as the
skies with clear and the temperature not too cold. Main St was once
again blocked to traffic and the restaurants took their businesses
outdoors and set up in the street. The large stage and lighting was
put together for the evening entertainment – Opera and dancing.
I walked through at 5:15pm to see dozens of local families set their
chairs up in front of the stage - a free night of entertainment!
For the privileged we sat amongst friends in the VIP area dining right
in front of the stage in perfect view of the evenings entertainment.
Earlier i had caught up with Aaron Lewis and requested that he save
me a seat, which i totally forgot about and sat nearby with Tom Roberts
and Jocelyn and Alan Telfer. In what may have seemed rude to one,
but nice to the other i left my table and took up position at Aaron’s
– a much better view of the stage i must ad (sorry Jocelyn and
Alan). I was soon introduced to Aaron’s crew for the weekend,
Geoff and Rod and Pauline Harding. Rod manages the Bathurst Motor
Museum at Mount Panorama. Adrian Brooks and his partner Liz (who brought
up the Bill Pile MG TC Special from Melbourne) joined us, along with
Ian Ross from Sydney.
A great night, my contribution to the organisers being with helping
to dis-mantle the set up.
An unofficial after party was had at a nearby pub where all the event
artwork, including the world-class program is put together by Toni
of Barkin Toad Advertising who let her hair down and was lead singer
in a band performing at the pub.
Sunday - competition continues
A sunny morning geeted us, but with some threatening
cloud cover. Competition was again to dawn on te circuit.
Notably, last year’s winner Ty Hanger was out in force posting
sub-40 second times, some 2 seconds faster then his nearest competitor.
I kept Brian dry throughout several periods of showers – i sat
on the western side of our marquee.
Two cars of interest are ones that have been built in the spirit of
historic motor sport. The first is a self-built Maserati 250F replica,
which has been built from the ground up – chassis, bodywork,
exhaust – all with the insertion of a Nissan Skyline motor.
The exhaust has been mutinously crafted allowing for a typical 250F
scream.
The second is truly unique, and a true piece of workmanship. Australian
and former Indy Car, Champ Car and Formula One designer Malcolm Oastler
has returned home and become a farmer. His spare time for a few years
has been in the creation of an Auto Union replica. Using his skills
and contacts Malcolm has sourced a V12 Jaguar engine (yes, he worked
for Jaguar Racing too) as the powerplant, sitting himself in front
well forward in the design. The gearbox is a Porsche one, which has
been turned upside down and around, thus allowing the rear axle to
sit just above the gearbox and taking the weight of the vehicle –
the gearbox only supports the exhaust pipes. This amazing car with
its period style diamond patterned brand new tyres spun its rear wheels
in literally every gear change, even though Malcolm was driving very
cautiously.
The lunchtime parade will go down in history. After the initial parade
of grand prix cars the track was made into a circuit and kept clear
for one car – the Beatrice Lola F1. Ian Ross brought the car
up from his collection after wanting to bring a suitable car to the
year’s event – a suitable car in terms of the feature
(Grand Prix) and not convention!
Ian continued to do about 5 laps, which took every gaze from the strong
spectator crowd. We estimate he was doing 180 km per hour along the
down slope of the hill, back past the showgrounds entrance –
sparks flying all over the place from the titanium under skirts hitting
the ground on the numerous bumps.
The afternoon continued to provide exciting on track displays, with
numerous fly over’s . the trophy presentation quickly arrived
with the presentation of the winner of the raffle – an original
sculpture of a Lago Talbot to Victorian Tim Pyne. Fastest time of
the weekend indeed went to Ty Hanger.
Speed
on Tweed Photo Gallery - Click here
