Brendan Lines

November 5, 2015

Motorsport

The first time Adelaide heard the the screech and shrill sounds of Formula 1 was in 1985. Thirty years later the original bespoke turbo charged machinery of the era has returned to Victoria Park.

In conjunction with the return of the Classic Adelaide Rally and the Victoria Park sprint event. Both have combined to create the S.A Motorsport Festival. A three day event that sees racing drawing upon South Australia’s rich motor sport history.

The event saw reportedly 20,000 fans attend over the three days taking in a variety of cars racing in various categories.

But the events biggest draw card, was of course the presence of the legendary Formula 1 turbo era cars. Which originally competed in the first Australian Formula Grand Prix for world championship points.

These included three time world champion Ayrton Senna’s Lotus 97T, the car which secured the first ever pole position at the Adelaide circuit. Also appearing was the car of Australia’s 1980 F1 world champion Alan Jones, the Lola TLH1. Which was the first F1 car to lap the Adelaide Street Circuit.

Above: Ayrton Senna’s Lotus 1985 97T

Above: Alan Jone’s Lola Hart TLH1

Other notable entries were the 1986 Benetton B186 which was brought to the event by Australian owner Les Wright. Just one of the many local and interstate owners of classic racing cars brought to the event.

Above: Les Wright’s Benetton B186 pursued by the Lola HartTLH1

Event organiser Tim Possingham from the Sporting Car Club of S.A said that the “Highest ownership of classic cars is here in Adelaide.” Commending the enthusiasm of classic car owners support of this event.

Participants not only raced at the various venues across the state holding stages of the rally. But also did bring their machines to display at the unique city side hub at Victoria Park.

The Victoria Park site made the city side event unique to anywhere else in the world just as it did in 1985 combining tight city streets and parkland section.

Given this years success Mr. Possingham has already expressed that next years event will aim to have up to twenty F1 cars that have previously raced at the Adelaide Circuit over the period of 1985 to 1995. This will also be coupled by celebrity drivers whom have previously raced them.

Mr. Possingham also confirmed Classic Team Lotus International who brought Ayrton Senna’s cars to the event. Have committed two cars next year – however it is yet to be confirmed what models they will be.