HSRCA Summer Festival proves Aus historic racing is world-standard

Over the years, the Historic Sports & Racing Car Association of Australia (HSRCA)’s annual historic racing event has changed name several times, however the basis remains unchanged.

The HSRCA’s Summer Festival, as it is now known, at Sydney Motorsport Park is a celebration of Australia’s rich and diverse motorsport history; showcasing a vast array of racing vehicles ranging from the 1930s to 1990s. Entries are not limited to nationally raced cars either: this year's Nov 11-12 event saw a sprinkling of international examples such as Niki Lauda’s 1973 BRM P160 (now owned and raced by John Gale) in its striking red Marlboro-BRM livery, as well as many famous Repco-Brabham “BT” models.

The Summer Festival creates an assault on the senses: V8 rumbles, aircooled “dak daks”, the mosquito-like buzzing of the open-wheelers all ring out across the racetrack from dusk to dawn. Pair this with an ever-present wafting of race fuel, coffee, hot chips, the odd smoke cloud and the overwhelming visual bombardment and you are left somewhat shell-shocked!

There were eight categories running throughout the weekend, providing well-matched grouping for the vehicles of the ever-popular Formula Ford, Formula Vee, Groups S, N, QR, MOP, Formula Junior and Supersprint categories. “Regularity” was also offered: requiring drivers to nominate a specific lap time, and the further they stray from that time (faster or slower) the less points they receive.

Essentially the slowest car in the field can still win if they consistently hit their chosen lap time: this makes for a very mixed-bag that brings together everything from Valiant Chargers to Porsche 356s, MGs, Ferraris, Holden Toranas, Volvos and everything in between.

Historic racing is alive and well in Australia, with the motorsport community taking its challenges and accolades in their stride.

There were also several static displays showcasing rare gems such as a 1974 Alfa Romeo Montréal, a 1960 Jensen 541R, a 1929 Chrysler “66” Roadster (a one-family car of hill-climb fame), a 1935 Lancia Augusta and even a stray Iso Grifo lurking in the carpark.

Casualties were mostly limited to moderate cases of tyre-wall collisions or minor bumper-kisses between cars, however there was no significant incidents which we can all be grateful for.

Memorable moments were plentiful with the likes of Wayne Seabrook piloting his 1976 Porsche 911 with unparalleled ferocity, sending fear into anyone who dared glance in their rear-view mirror as he proceeded to lap the field.

Also, making their presence known was Mikki Piirlaid in his striking green 1977 Porsche 911 Carrera out for its maiden race, co-driven by Daniel Misdale.

One vehicle with unexpected pace and handling was the 1938 Pontiac Silver Streak driven by Ralph Jones: it’s sinister black exterior brought an ominous presence, whilst its hotrod-esque shape and racing slicks provided surprisingly good handling.

The 1930s may have been the era of The Depression, but rest assured: there was nothing dispiriting about this beast!

It can safely be said that historic racing is alive and well in Australia, with the motorsport community taking its challenges and accolades all in their stride.

Kat Hawke is the internationally published, high-octane woman behind the lens at Kat Hawke Photos.

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What do you think of the HSRCA Summer Festival? Is there a particular car you'd like to race in? Tell us what you think in the comments below.