It’s incredible how the passage of a week and a rogue virus can change the world.
Today we have no Grand Prix or major events and just about everything is shut down; however only a few short days ago the Phillip Island Festival of Motorsport was in full swing.
The Festival is a historic race meeting conducted annually by the Victorian Historic Racing register and an absolute must on my calendar. Over four hundred cars of all descriptions competing in events from Friday to Sunday cannot be missed.
This year l enjoyed the company of Steve Peterson, my son Justin with both his boys along with our friend and fellow enthusiast John.
Major attractions included a full grid of Group A and C touring cars, Group N touring cars, Formula 5000s, sports cars and Formula Ford with our own Phil Marinon in the thick of things. Off track the pits are open and accessible whilst the car park is also awash with interesting cars and displays.
As we strolled the pits my grandsons were both invited to sit in various cars including an awesome Chevron B23 Formula 5000. I wrangled a ride around the track in a Detomaso Pantera on Saturday and later managed a couple of display laps in my HK Monaro.
Racing personalities were to be found at almost every turn, happy to sign an autograph or have a chat. I spotted Dave Reynolds, John Bowe, Allan Moffat, Larry and Jack Perkins, Norm Beechey, John French, Murray Carter and the great Captain Peter Janson amongst others.
Cowes was the place to be each evening with car displays at various times, a bustling night market, hot pizzas overlooking Western Port and a big crowd in a holiday mood.
I highly recommend the 2021 Phillip Island Festival of Motorsport to everyone, virus permitting of course.