Thunder returns to Sandown

The thunder of the spectacular Formula 5000s return to the track this weekend for the annual Sandown Historic Classic. 12 Cars from New Zealand will take on the small Aussie contingent in the 2nd annual Tasman revival classic.

The 5000s were the mainstay of racing in Australia and NZ in the 70's and nothing since has managed to capture the publics imagination like the big stock block V8s.

Also making an appearance will be a classic Can Am McLaren powered by an 8 litre alloy Chev. (For a picture of the McLaren in action last year ar Sandown go to <www.pitlanepr.com/inpitlane> and check out the latest news)

A large field of Group C touring cars will also be taking to the track reviving the bad old days when touring cars were more than just Ford v Holden. RX7's, Nissans, Capris as well as Commodores and Falcons will bring back memories of the great Brock v Johnson v Moffat v Fury days of the early Eighties.

Touring cars of an even earlier vintage will be in action with the Group N Historic Touring Cars as Australia's own GTHO Falcons, Monaro's Torana XU 1's and Valiant Chargers take on the US built Mustangs. Small car battles will see the famous Mini Cooper S in battle with the Lotus Cortina's and Datsun 1600's.

Sports Cars of a more modern era will compete for the Marque Sports Event with the big V12 Jaguar XJS of Mike Roddy taking on the Porsche of John Good and the MGB GTV8s of Trevethen and Fitzgerald.

With the weekend weather forecast predicting heavy rain and even hail on Sunday fans will appreciate the comfort of Sandowns covered grandstands as the fun unfolds on the track.

The Sandown event has quickly developed into one of Australia's top motorsport events and is growing to become this countries answer to the great Goodwood and Donnington events in the UK.

-BM-