Race Report: The HSRCA's 2021 Sydney Classic
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Photographs courtesy of David Roberts, Steve Pitman, Seth Reinhardt and Mark Walsh / Throttle Jam Photography
Over the 12th & 13th of June, 2021, the historic Group N family was presented with excellent weather conditions for historic motorsport on a fast track at the HSRCA’s 2021 Sydney Classic.
The HGNA group set up the corporate marquees as usual on the Sydney Motorsport Park skidpan. COVID restrictions were favourable for NSW drivers, although a lockdown in Victoria made it hard for out of state competitors attending.
Race one saw 23 of the 27 cars entered front up on the grid. There was a small mechanical drama on the starting grid when the Mustang of Michael Rose had the brakes lock on, but the rest of the field were able to head out for a second warm-up lap while it was fetched by the tilt tray. Mustangs dominated the top placings with Brad Tilley leading Adam Walton and Queenslander Ian Mewett coming home third.
Respectful and interesting dices took place right through the field, however towards the rear there was some unwanted enthusiasm that resulted in ambitious braking manoeuvres that raised a few concerns, thankfully without incident.
The night race would be the first for many of us since the night races at Oran Park, with 22 cars setting off for exciting racing under the bright SMSP lights. Positive comments on this included the observation from several drivers that the sound was more concentrated and louder at night.
The lights don’t create glare as previously reported with the temporary lights and the mix of headlights in your rear view mirror made for close racing. Again, the Tilley Mustang had the win from the Mustang of Mewett with Adam Walton in third after a jump-start penalty of five seconds was applied.
Sunday morning witnessed a grid of 20 cars for race three. Tilley again had the honours from the Walton Mustang and on this occasion John Harrison snuck his Mustang into third, as the Mewett Mustang did not start. Unfortunately the Mini Cooper of David Roberts did not finish due to a wheel bearing failure.
The last race on Sunday afternoon was contested by a slightly depleted field of 17 starters. Brad Tilley took the win from John Harrison and Andrew Bergman’s Mini in third. Unfortunately, the Walton Mustang, John Shuttle Jaguar and the Mini Cooper of Francis Meier did not finish.
Paul Tierney, Jerry Lenstra, Chris Collett and Paul Battersby displayed outstanding driving which had these HGNA drivers finish well in the race results.
Congratulations to the trophy winners Paul Tierney, Rod Wallace, Paul Battersby, Jerry Lenstra, Santino Di Carlo, and Francis Meier.
Brett Egleston in his Mini Cooper continues to improve his race skills, recording times that would certainly be competitive in the main game.
An accident-free weekend of racing contributed to a fantastic race meeting for the HGNA group. In an excellent COVID-safe environment, the socialising had everybody smiling in the pits. It was great to see some faces from the past, especially Bruce Smith, Ken McGann and Dominic Truelove all spotted around the pits.
Appreciation to Michelle, Jenny and Liz for adding their special touch to the success of a HGNA meeting to remember. The HGNA team shirts did not get the appropriate exposure due to the cold weather, but it was noticeable that a few members were excited to be wearing them, one member wearing several at once?
Photographs courtesy of David Roberts, Steve Pitman, Seth Reinhardt and Mark Walsh / Throttle Jam Photography
