Classic motor racing action at Teretonga Park
Rare, historic and exotic race cars, piloted by drivers from around the world, come together at the Evolution Motorsport Classic SpeedFest at Teretonga Park, Invercargill over the weekend of 16/17 February.
SpeedFest is one of the most popular events of the season at Teretonga and when one looks at the entry list it is little wonder.
The Formula Libre field will be a highlight for southern motor race fans with the entry of LeRoy Stevenson, now based in Queenstown, driving a Leda LT27.
He will face opposition from former Formula 1600 driver Michael Collins in a similar car, a McRae GM1.
Gary Cooper of Dunedin has a Reynard 92H while Peter Strauss of Melbourne will line up in a Brabham.
The Classic Saloon class features cars such as local driver Bradley Dawson in a Chev Camaro, Jim Wallace of Cairns in a BMW M5 and another Camaro in the hands of Bruce Goodwin of Kimbolton.
The Historic Touring Car Class features a range of cars from various past touring car series from around the world including cars such as Lindsay O’Donnell’s Volvo S40 SuperTourer, Stephen Grellet’s Peugot 406 SuperTourer and local driver Tony Forde’s Walkinshaw
Commodore.
A huge contingent of Formula Junior cars will be present with a large number of drivers from the UK as well as some from Australia with marques from a golden era of motor racing such as Lotus, Lola, Cooper and Brabham on the grid.
The Formula Junior cars were popular features of SpeedFest two years ago.
The Vintage Racing Car class features Ralph Smith of Cromwell and the famous Lycoming Special while Morgan and Chrysler are other marques on the grid.
Chris Glasier has a car probably not seen on Teretonga Park before - a Marcos LM500 - Kerry Anderson has his D Type Jaguar and Lotus and Rhubarb are noted marques while Southland Sports Car Club President Rachael Beck lines up in the Ford GT40 built by her late father in the Sports Car Class.
Lyndon Arnel of Australia drives a Lola T440 in the Formula Ford races while two examples of Southland’s most famous racing brand – Begg – will line up in the hands of Invercargill driver Dave McKenzie and Carl Rabbidge of Timaru.
The programme is rounded out by Pre 65 Saloons and the Noel McIntyre Drainage Clubmans Saloons.
The action starts at 9am on both Saturday and Sunday.
Tickets are available from Auto Centre in Tweed Street, Invercargill, E Hayes & Sons, Dee Street, Invercargill and
Harrisons Supplies, 59 Mersey Street, Gore.
A pre-sale weekend pass is $25 per adult while a weekend pass at the gate is $35. Children 14 & under are free if accompanied by an adult.
Day passes, which are only available at the gate, are $20 each.