VINTAGE AND PVT RACING GROUP:

Pre 1960 racing, sports cars and invited sedans, specifically CAMS Groups J & K, L, M and invited Na and Sa vehicles competed in this category. Marques including Bugatti, Mercedes, Alfa Romeo, Austin-Healey and Lotus certainly made the category very interesting.

REGULARITY RACING GROUP:

This group was at the discretion of the Event Organisers and catered for 'vehicles of a sporting nature' built prior to the early 1980's. Cars were required to be substantially presented in period specification. The Regularity Class included Porsche 356 and 911's, Datsun Z Cars, Ford Mustangs and even a Ford GT40 replica!

TOURING CARS:

The 'Touring Cars' consisted of Groups Nb (Production Touring Cars manufactured before the end of 1964 and Group Nc (Production Touring Cars of a type that were raced in Australia before 1972). Suffice to say with Ford Falcon GT & GTHO, Ford Mustangs, Torana XU-1's and even a Porsche 911, the racing was fantastic especially at the front of the field.

GROUPS M, O, Q & R 'SPORTS':

This group consisted of a wide range of Sports Cars ranging from 1961 to post 1977. Car names including Bolwell, Chevron, Elfin, Lotus, Matich, Porsche and Ralt guaranteed the racing would be competitive.

FORMULA 5000 RACING GROUP:

This group was restricted to racing cars of the type which contested the Tasman Series in the 1970's, (CAMS Group F5000). Suffice to say staggering, the way 'open wheelers' should be. Massive GRUNT and the sound of these machines, truly magnificent. The other magnificent feature is the quality of the machinery, kept in top condition by their owners.

1960's TASMAN REVIVAL FEATURE:

The 'Tasman Revival Feature' included Group M and O Racing Cars. Upwards of twenty Brabham cars of various configurations were entered, competing against equally famous names including Cooper Climax, Ferrari, McLaren, Lotus and Rennmax.

THE TASMAN LEGENDS PARADE:

The 'Tasman Legends Parade' was scheduled for the Sunday of the three day event. The Patron of the event, Sir Jack Brabham AO, OBE took pride of place in the lead car and many of Australia's finest drivers followed, including Colin Bond, Ian Geoghegan, Frank Matich AM and Ron Tauranac.

During my many pit walks I certainly met and chatted with many motor sports personalities. I have included some personalities images after my 'Tasman Legends Parade' coverage.

SIR JACK'S CARS:

There were plenty of vehicles adorned with the name 'Brabham' including Sir Jack's 'NSW 28' Speedcar Midget Racer a BT-11A, BT-23C1, BT-23D1 and a BT-24-1.