TASMAN REVIVIAL RACES (AUSTRALIA) December 1-3, 2006
What a thrill to race at the Tasman Revival Races in Australia and it was "fender to fender" racing for sure (lots of bent doors and fenders). The racing was tight and even the smooth Peter Giddings in his elegant – rare 1952 Talbot Lago was “punted” in the tail by an aggressive local racer with a racing “special”. We had a chance to speak to some of the Legends of Racing in Australia like legendary Frank Gardner and Sir John Whitmore ...and they are nice fellows. Frank Gardner was the “Patron of the 1960s Tasman Revival Meeting races held December 1-2-3, 2006.
Everyone was so helpful during our stay... so it was a wonderful trip. The weather was great and only some rain one day. It was unfortunate that the race cars that were shipped from Europe were delayed in shipping and did not arrive into the Port of Sydney in time for the races. It was absolutely breathtaking to see all the former Tasman race cars racing as listed in the program! The Buick Club of Australia we exceptionally supportive to our team at Eastern Creek Raceway. The race program featured the Old Yeller II (370 race cars) and it was just above the story of legendary driver Sir John Whitmore!
Due to the prior press and program information... we had lots of fans around the car all weekend. Australia and New Zealand had built so many very similar backyard-road "racing specials" as they did not get many race cars imported... Old Yeller II was like a "long lost cousin" to the fans. There were so many fans that remembered the car from long ago ...reading magazines from America in late 50s and early 60s. Elaine was great working the crowds as the fans were the best ever that we have seen.
The rear brakes were locking so quickly (no use of the front brakes at all) causing erratic handling in the rear for 2 days (no more bias adjustment... at very limit) and by Sunday morning before the big race... we cut off over half of the brake linings in the rears and adjusted the cylinders...it worked like magic and it was back to fun racing again. A filming company did an interview on the history of the car.
A special thank you to Jim Russell, Sam Snape, and Tony Gentilcore for allowing me to display their fabulous photographs from the Tasman Revival Races. A BIG THANK YOU TO ALL OF YOU!!!!
1959 Balchowsky Buick Special 
