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The 10th Muscle Car Masters

The 10th running of the Australian Muscle Car Masters was held on its usual Fathers Day weekend in weather reminiscent of the first MCM back in 2005. Saturday saw sporadic showers over the course of the day, and Sunday had longer breaks of dry weather but the showers were more intense.

The crowds were consistent with past years as many families, some even with strollers, came out to enjoy the wonderful spectacle of the “big banger” muscle cars of both Australian and American origins. Mustangs, Camaros, Pontiacs and Chevys matched it with Monaros and Commodores. Notably this year, John Bowe suited up and was seen driving the old Bob Jane Monaro of yesteryear fame.

There were plenty of great old restored cars on display including original Minis (not the current day re-incarnation) , a superb range of restored Mustangs, Pontiac GTO’s and V8 Commodores as well as a bustling trade show section under the grandstand. Trade displays included the massive semi-trailers with their branded logo wearables, offering all your favourite drivers look-alike gear.
Touring Car Masters had their custom t-shirts van, and Custom Karts had a wonderful display of very cool looking SuperKarts, They did a great job of giving advice to anyone who was interested in finding out how to get a grass roots start in motorsport, or just wanted to have a really fun time and enjoy the karting experience. The Telcalemet V8 race car simulator was a major attraction, and provided an exciting, and dry, simulation of the power and feel of a true V8 supercar experience. One customer was heard to say it wasn’t for the faint-hearted.
Over on the Figure 8 were the Historic Rally car demonstrations, in the capable hands of veteran rally drivers Neal Bates, Cody Crocker, Dave Thompson and Stewart Reid. Spending the day with these experienced chaps was Molly Taylor, the number one lady rally driver in the world. She was great to watch as she threw a big XY GTHO around the tight figure eight shaped track with consummate ease.

During the middle of the day, a one hour legends lunchtime autograph signing took place up in the Hinxman Room. With a line that was out the door it was a popular event and it was a great opportunity for fans to meet their racing hero’s of the past. It was a very special time for both kids and their dads as well. Names like Alan Grice, John Bowe, Jim Richards and and John Harvey were there in person giving of their time and offering friendly banter with both fans and their fellow driver alike. It was a wonderful session and the fans loved it.

Words by Rob Annesley
look@shotbyrob.com.au

 

Muscle Car Masters announces Bathurst Grid Spectacular

The glory days of the Bathurst 1000’s colourful pre-race build-up will be recreated at the 2013 Australian Muscle Car Masters at Sydney Motorsport Park, Eastern Creek this Father’s Day, September 1.
The ‘Bathurst Grid Spectacular’ is a new addition to this year’s Masters; the annual celebration of Australia’s unique muscle car and motorsport heritage. The showpiece event is set to be the centrepiece of the biggest ever gathering of former Great Race machines in period livery.
Each car will be given its due as it forms up on the Brabham Straight grid, and the famous machinery will be joined by some of the legends who drove them. The massive grid will then set off on a series of demonstration laps.
“Many long-time race fans have fond memories of the traditional Bathurst pre-race spectacle of the 1970s and ‘80s,” said Glenn Matthews, CEO of the Australian Racing Drivers’ Club at Sydney Motorsport Park.
“This was a time of pipe bands, baton-twirlers, corny mascots, best-presented car awards and grand marshals commanding drivers to ‘start their engines’. So we’re bringing this spectacle back to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the first Great Race at Bathurst, the 1963 Armstrong 500, and the 75th anniversary of the Mount Panorama circuit’s opening.”
The hour-long grid spectacular will effectively be the half-time entertainment between morning and afternoon sessions of racing on Father’s Day.
The midday activity is open to all cars that competed in the Bathurst 500 or 1000 between 1963 and 2012. Owners of genuine cars – covering the Series Production, Group C, Group A, Super Touring and V8 Supercar eras – in period livery are encouraged to participate. There will be a dedicated static display area to show off these historically-significant vehicles before the Spectacular commences.
To be a part of the action, you can download the Application Form HERE (via Dropbox).
More information on the 2013 Australian Muscle Car Masters, including the full line-up of race categories and road car anniversaries, can be found at musclecarmasters.com.au.