grand prix

[chups]

i was looking around when i stumbled on this site http://cfm.globalf1.net/history/archive/index.htm
and as i was reading it and saw that WA held a number of F1 races. i knew we held one at wanneroo in 1979 (won by john walker) but it also says that in 1951, Warwick Pratley won it when it was held at NARROGIN! and in 1957 and 1962 it was held at caversham, is caversham what wanneroo (barbagello) was called in the early days? also, it says that a Matich Repco Holden won it on numerous occasions, is this the holden we love or some sort of other car with the same name? i would love to find out more about these cars.

[normbeechey]

Yes, The Matich was powered by a Repco modified 5 litre Holden V8.

Wanneroo (Barbagello) was built in 1968/9 to replace the Caversham track which had to close when reclaimed by the armed forces.

Chris.
www.MotorsportArchive.com

[ferrari fan]

Caversham is almost right next to whiteman park and is used by police in drivertraining sometimes.
Normaly cannot be accessed but sometimes carclubs do get access.
The Narrogin GP had a couple of years ago the 50th anniversary race and a poster was issued
there is a book available with a lot of history about the motorsport events of yesteryear and without the Conspiracy Against Motor Sport canceling all these great events because of insurance etc.
The Vintage Sporting Club used to hold meeting all over the place with a great time to be had by everybody ,spectators and participants ,but no more.
There was even once a G.P. held in Joondalup ,I took part:D

[timbo333]

Wow Ferrari Fan, what were you driving?

Not one of your tractors i hope:D

Great story.

Cheers,

Timbo.

[ferrari fan]

1998 Joondalup speed classic ; entrant "ferrari fan" Williams Fv3:confused:
We/I even got a day permit to drive it around on the streets of joondalup(licence for a day!) to promote the event,great fun!!
the amount of spectators that day was absolutly increadible
sadly got canned because of safety concerns:mad:

[timbo333]

Bert, do you have any pics of the car or of you in the car?

Would love to see?

Again a great story. Thanks for sharing.

Timbo.

[jager]

Here is a reference to all the old circuits in Western Australia. Did you know for example they held a Gran Prix in 1940 through the streets of Applecross and around the river.

http://www.racingcircuits.net/Australia/_wa.html

The Website of the W.A. Sporting Car Club also has some interesting reading on these historic events from the 1930's & 1940's.

http://www.wascc.com.au/cgi-bin/ib3/ikonboard.cgi?;act=ST;f=6;t=3