The Wedge returns for Lakeside
One of the most recognisable racing outfits of the ‘seventies, the “Chesterfield Wedge”, has been recreated by its original pilot, Bob Levy, and will take to the track for demonstration runs at the Shannons Australian Historic Road Racing Championships to be held at Lakeside Park, Queensland, from September 25-28, 2014. Levy himself, now a spritely 77 years of age, will ride the Wedge, with original passenger Mal Byrne in the chair. “Mal is serious about this. He has already shed 8 kilos, “said Levy, who is putting the finishing touches to the chassis. “The fairing has been remade by Bob Howle, who did the original fibreglass, and we have just found the moulds for the sidecar mudguard, so it will look 100% authentic.” For a period, the Wedge was raced with a F1-style rear wing, which was probably more useful as a marketing ploy than as a performance enhancement. The outfit was made around 1974 by the late Brian Payne, using his successful kneeler design, with a Kawasaki Z1 engine. Levy and Byrne finished third in the Senior Sidecar Grand Prix at Bathurst in 1974, but the Wedge had an even more famous role in the iconic Australian movie Stone. In that film, the outfit was ridden down the Pacific Highway north of Sydney by Castrol Six Hour Race organiser Vincent Tesoriero as part of a “funeral” procession. Organisers of the Lakeside event, the Queensland Early Motorcycle Sports Club, say they have been overwhelmed with interest from competitors. “Because Lakeside has been closed to motorcycle racing for so long, many have never had the opportunity to compete on this historic circuit, which is sweeping and fast in the traditional style,” said spokesman Gene Lopeman. “Now with the improvements being made, safety will be much improved as well.” As well as the packed program of practice, qualifying and racing which commences on Thursday 25th September, a welcome dinner will be held on the Saturday evening with several guest speakers attending. Shannons Insurance has been announced as the major sponsor for what is shaping up to be the biggest Historic racing event in ages. “Shannons have been an enthusiastic backer in all forms of historic motorcycling and we are delighted to welcome them aboard, “said event co-ordinator Keiron Rees. “I am confident the title event will deliver great value to Shannons, as well as put Historic Racing firmly back on the map in Queensland.”