Do you remember which Ford won ‘The Gallaher 500’ in ‘63 ‘64 & ‘65? It was none other than the mighty Cortina GT. In 1963 it was piloted by Harry Firth/Bob Jane with a second Cortina GT in third. 1964 saw Bob Jane/George Reynolds cross the line first with Cortina’s in 2nd, 3rd, 5th, 6th & 7th. The GT 500 was the weapon of choice in ’65 driven by Barry Seton/Midge Bosworth followed in by Bruce McPhee/Barry Mulholland in the second car. Barry or Bo Seton, father of Glen still
today drives a very quick Capri GT.
The GT Cortina and latterly the Lotus Cortina were one of the mainstays of motor racing and rallying both here and around the world for many years until development commenced on the Escort. The Escorts with their high powered BDA’s, Twin Cams & 2.0 liter Kent (Pinto) engines were at the pointy end in all facets of motor sport world wide. The Escort morphed into the Sierra
RS500 which as we know in the hands of the Johnson, Bowe, Seton, Brock and many others were unbeatable.
Today these and many other models of Small British Fords are still competing around the world with a significant group here in Western Australia.
These cars, whilst not always the original race cars, are faithfully restored and replicated for a host of motor sports events here in Perth.
Stan Starcevich played an important role in WA motor sport turning his hand to speedway as well as circuit racing. One of the notable cars he campaigned was an Mk1 Lotus Cortina. The car has been restored to its original specification by a local race car builder who, when the opportunity arises uses the car in sprints and regularity events.
Of special interest is the only remaining log booked (CAMS Approved race car) GT500 that lives here in Perth and is regularly on the grid and in the mix at selected events.
Other cars of interest are the Cosworth powered Escorts, Twin Cam/Lotus engine Cortina’s and
Escorts, the giant killing RS1600 & 1800 BDA Escorts, the RS2000 Escorts, whilst not forgetting the Anglia’s, Zephyr’s, Zodiac’s and Capri’s.
Recently in Albany no less than 22 Capri’s, Cortina’s and Escorts competed in the hill climbs and Round-the-Houses regularity events.
The Clem Dwyer Regularity Event being held at Barbagallo Raceway on July 25 will be the place to be to see 50 of these racy little machines on the track at the same time, they will be competing in 4 x 5 lap events held on Saturday.
It will have been many years since 53 cars have been on the track at once let alone all small British Fords.
Come along and meet the drivers and pit crews talk to them about their prides and joys and be witness to the single biggest field of small Fords on a race track in Australia.
This will not be a parade, each driver will be competing against the clock so will be driving competitively to get a win. There will be several trophies and prizes on offer so everyone will be on the money.
You will see two of the fastest Capri GT’s in Australia along with some very quick Escort BDA’s and Lotus Cortina’s mixing it with GT Cortina’s and RS2000 Escorts, just to name a few.
Fast and Furious will be the byword of the day.
See You There Events commence 11am on Saturday 25 July at Barbagallo Raceway Wanneroo and admission is free for all spectators.
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