Image from the Spencer Martin Collection
We are proud to announce that Spencer Martin has agreed to become the Patron of the HSRCA, succeeding Ron Tauranac AO.
Spencer got his start in motor sport as a mechanic. He was able to beat Norm Beechey a series of sedan races and was recruited by David Mackay’s Scuderia Veloce team, going on to win with the Bob Jane team – there is a lot of history in those names!
Among many other accomplishments, Spencer won the Australian Drivers’ Championship (Gold Star) twice in the 1960s, established the flying mile record at Longford in the wonderful Ferrari 250LM, competed in the Bathurst 500 and 1000 and raced historic cars in Europe for many years in the 1980s and ’90s with his mate Kerry Manolas, among many other accomplishments.
Spencer’s last competitive drive was at the 2006 HSRCA Tasman Revival meeting in the Brabham Alfa of Paul Moxham.
Spencer has been providing counsel to our members, particularly those new to racing, for many years and is held in the highest esteem by all involved in historic racing. He even showed this President the fastest way around Wakefield Park – until the brakes boiled!
The following words on the Spencer Martin Perpetual Trophy for Group O Sports Cars sum up how he was seen by his contemporaries: “During Spencer’s racing years, we were treated to the sight of his outwardly smooth yet vigorous driving style.” He still has that smooth style.
Spencer is soon to release his autobiography, which will give us an opportunity to welcome him formally to his new role at a social meeting which is planned for February, 2021. Further details will be provided shortly.
HSRCA Autumn Festival, March 20-21 at Wakefield Park
We will now not clash with the Australian Grand Prix, so please plan a great weekend in Goulburn to celebrate the 40th Anniversary of the founding of the HSRCA.
We will make a special effort to get the Group JKL cars to enter, and hopefully some of our race-starved interstate friends will join us for a weekend in the fresh country air.
Wayne Wilson,
HSRCA President
Great to hear about Spencer! Inspirational
Well done Spencer. Glad you read this update. I knew you in the 1960s.
Congratulations Spencer ! Perhaps a revival of the Advanced Drivers Club … although it could be a little late John Rhodin ✅☘️☘️
Congratulations Spencer, haven’t seen you in a long time ,but often talk about the different trips I did with Gerald to the different circuits you were racing at.
Well deserved, Spencer!