The classic days of the Tasman motor racing series are set to be re-lived in Sydney this weekend as historic motor racing enthusiasts from around the world gather at the Sydney Motorsport Park (nee Eastern Creek) for Australia’s biennial Tasman Revival meeting.
Well over 300 entries have been received for the meeting with a strong New Zealand presence spearheaded by seven local MSC New Zealand F5000 Tasman Cup Revival Series regulars, Stan Redmond, Ian Clements, Russell Greer (Lola T332), Chris Lambden (McRae GM1), Lindsay O’Donnell (Begg FM5), David Abbott (Lola T430) and Alan Dunkley (Lola T140).
Formula 5000 is one of the feature classes on the programme at the meeting with four races planned, the first six-lapper on Friday afternoon, two more on Saturday and a 12-lap feature final on Sunday.
Joining the seven Kiwis on the grid will be eight Australians, Jay Bondini, Paul Zazryn, Andrew Robson (Lola T332), Tom Tweedie (Chevron B24), Bill Hemming (Elfin MR8), Aaron Lewis (Matich A50), Bruce Leeson (McLaren M10B) and Rod Carroll (Lola T140), one American, Eric Haga (Lola T190) and one Englishman, Greg Thornton (McRae GM1).
Also expected to join the F5000 cars in their races is MSC series regular Phil Mauger in his ex Denny Hulme McLaren M23 Formula 1 car, and there is a strong possibility that top former category driver Richard Davison (father of V8 Supercar drivers Will and Alex) will appear in the family-owed Lola T332.
After two points rounds of this season’s MSC F5000 Tasman Cup Revival Series defending champion Steve Ross from Dunedin holds a 33 point lead over fellow McRae GM1 driver Aaron Burson with former series title holder Ken Smith (Lola T430) third just one point back.
After this weekend’s non-championship round in Sydney the series resumes in January at the two NZ Festival of Motor Racing – Denny Hulme meetings at Hampton Downs in January before heading south for the annual Skope Classic meeting at Christchurch’s Powerbuilt Tools Raceway at Ruapuna Park in February.
The MSC F5000 Tasman Cup Revival Series is organised and run with the support of sponsors MSC, NZ Express Transport, Bonney’s Specialized Bulk Transport, Mobil Lubricants, Pacifica, Avon Tyres and Exide.
