The Historic Sports and Racing Car Association of NSW will head to Wakefield Park over the weekend of the 29th and 30th of January for the New Year Historics, kicking off 2022’s motor sport with Australia’s first historic meeting of the year.
Featuring the popular BMC Challenge, strong entries of Group N touring cars, Formula Vee and Group S sports cars and a full field from the 1940s all the way through to the ‘90s, it’s set to be two packed days of motor racing and a great start to the year.
The meeting will include the first appearance of Malcolm Oastler’s fabulous Mildren F5000. Malcolm competed in Formula Ford in the early ‘80s before moving to the UK where he forged a career designing race cars. Since moving back to Australia he has competed in hillclimbs and historic racing in an F2 Kaditcha.
The Mildren F5000 was designed by Len Bailey and built by Alan Mann Racing, with input from Frank Gardener. It was purchased by Alec Mildren and raced by Kevin Bartlett in the 1970 Australian Grand Prix, competing in the Tasman Series at the end of that year. It ran infrequently after that and last raced in 1974. Purchased by Matt Veal in 2010 and treated to a comprehensive rebuild, the car is here for its first outing in 47 years and should be a sight to behold in Malcolm’s hands around the twisty Wakefield layout.
Group N is set to turn out in full force and put on a good show as always. Watch David Noakes’ giant-killer Escort take on Joe Calleja’s Mustang – where is John Bowe when you need him? And a gaggle (the correct plural for Minis) of the mighty Cooper S at their perfect track.
In the sports car fields, Ron Goodman has entered three significant Porsches, including the 356 Cabriolet. He will be very busy in the driver’s seats.
All historic sports and racing cars are most welcome, and are sure to be beautifully presented and driven with all the vigor of their glory days. The club is deeply appreciative of the support competitors have shown, coming out in strength as we all continue to endure the daily challenges presented by the prevailing condition.
The motor sport will get under way from around 9am each day. The event follows a full race schedule, kicking off with qualifying on Saturday morning and running races from that afternoon all through Sunday.
Thanks to the persistent efforts of La Niña, the Wakefield Park circuit and surrounds are well watered and lavishly green, making for a picturesque backdrop for the historic meeting. The circuit is also one of the best for spectators, as its open layout allows you to see all of the on-track action from one spot, and it also offers opportunities to get right up close to the racing.
And in a boon unique to the relaxed and social nature of historic racing and particularly Wakefield Park, spectators are able to get in amongst it in the pits and paddock, enjoying the atmosphere, seeing the cars up close and chatting with their drivers and mechanics.
The Spring Festival is a family friendly event and relaxation spaces and food and drink will be available. Spectator tickets will be available at the gate each day. HSRCA members present your membership card for free entry.
The New Year Historics meeting will be held under the prevailing COVID-19 condition and comply with all NSW Health rules and regulations, as well as known best practices. Please be respectful of our situation and each other, social distance wherever possible and wear masks indoors or when social distancing is not possible. If there is a step we can take to improve the safety of our community and allow us to continue driving, let’s take it.
Please also be aware that a complete two-course vaccination is a requirement of entry, as is checking in through the all-too-familiar Service NSW QR code.
We look forward to seeing you at Wakefield Park over the 29th and 30th of January, 2022.