The rumble and roar of classic motor racing is set to return to Levels Motor Raceway next weekend.
The Classic Motor Racing Club of New Zealand will again be hosting its annual Southern Classic in Timaru from February 7 to 9.
The event marks a very special milestone for the club, as it will be the 20th anniversary of the event.
Southern Classic committee member Steve Keene said the club would be marking the occasion with some special features.
‘‘[It is] possibly one of its biggest ever fields of entries we’ve had.
‘‘The essence of the meeting will be celebrating our motorsport history with cars from the 1950s through to today.
‘‘Fans will be able to enjoy nine top quality racing grids, comprised of over 180 of New Zealand’s most beautiful competition vehicles.
‘‘2025 will also mark the second time a full grid of historic sports sedans, and invited allcomers from the North Island will join similar cars from the South. Angus Fogg will also be joining the OSCA field in his Mustang.’’
Joining Fogg will be a contingent of over 20 cars and competitors coming from the North Island throughout the fields — 10 of those belonging to the popular Historic Sports Sedans and Allcomers group,
Mr Keene said the thundering V8s promised to evoke memories of the North v South OSCA racing days.
‘‘One of the stars of this field will be the recently restored Barry Algie Monaro driven by Gordon Burr.
‘‘There will also be full fields from the Pre78, HVRA, Classic Allcomers, Historic Formula Ford, Formula Libre, and the ever-popular Pre65 group.’’
He said Timaru’s rich motorsport history would be well represented over the course of the event.
‘‘Talents such as Grant Sprague, Kevin Pateman, Brent Findlay, Wayne Hull, Stephen Parker, Neville Stowell, David Wood, Kris Brown and Garry Duncan will all be taking on the visitors throughout the various fields.’’
As well as the races there will be a number of competition cars on display, notably Rod McElrea’s legendary V8 Cortina sports sedan which has just undergone complete restoration by racer Anthony Prendergast.
Mr Keene said the meeting would also mark the 15th anniversary of the death of Dave Brown.
‘‘He was a very special racing legend, a true gentleman, and friend to many.
‘‘Dave passed away doing what he loved most — racing his ultra rare and rapid Datsun Cherry, at the Classic 15 years ago.
‘‘To commemorate his passing, the Datsun club will be putting together a Datsun car show, then a special memorial parade at lunchtime.’’
There will be free admission to the Friday practice session which will run from 12pm-5pm.
For the Saturday and Sunday races, adults cost $20 and under 16s are free.
A $30 weekend pass is also available.
