SpeedFest Set to Thrill with TKR Anniversary and Legends

SpeedFest is gearing up for an exciting weekend at Teretonga Park on March 15-16, 2024, featuring notable motorsport events and iconic vehicles. One of the main attractions will be the Team Kiwi Racing (TKR) 25th Anniversary Tour, showcasing the original TKR All Black V8 Supercar. This Commodore was first raced by Jason Richards and Angus Fogg at Bathurst in 2000, marking a significant milestone in New Zealand’s motorsport history.

As New Zealand’s first V8 Supercar team, TKR captured the attention of motorsport fans as they ventured across the Tasman Sea. The team has had some of the country’s finest drivers behind the wheel over the years, and visitors to SpeedFest will have the opportunity to see this legacy on display in the pits. The Commodore will be on track during lunchtime on both Saturday and Sunday, with merchandise available for fans.

Celebrating Formula Junior’s Legacy

Another highlight of SpeedFest will be the Formula Junior Platinum Jubilee World Tour, commemorating the 70th anniversary of Formula Junior. This racing formula served as a crucial stepping stone to Formula 1 from 1958 to 1963, showcasing many of the best drivers of the era. The event will feature numerous international competitors hailing from the UK, Italy, Australia, and beyond.

Among the distinguished participants is Ray Mallock from the United Kingdom, a highly regarded figure in motor racing as both a driver and engineer. Mallock’s lineage in racing is notable; his father, Major Arthur Mallock, designed the Mallock U2, which Ray drove in various competitions, including Formula Ford and Formula 3 from 1969 to 1972. With a wealth of experience, his career includes titles in the UK Clubman’s Championship and the British Formula Atlantic series.

In addition to his racing accolades, Mallock has contributed significantly to engineering, securing development contracts and competing in prestigious events such as Le Mans. His last professional race was in 1989, driving the works Aston Martin AMR1. Now retired, he enjoys participating in historic and classic racing.

Another noteworthy name in the Formula Junior lineup is Grant Walker, an Australian who began his racing career in New Zealand, winning the Formula Ford Championship in the 1974/75 season. Walker is remembered for driving the ex-Paul Fahey Ford Cologne Capri, which was involved in a dramatic incident at Teretonga Park during the 1970s.

Diverse Racing Classes and Ticket Information

SpeedFest will also feature a variety of racing classes, including HVRA, Classic Saloons, Formula Libre, Vintage Racing Cars, Mini 7 South, and Mazda MX5s, as well as the Noel McIntyre Drainage Club Saloons. This diverse lineup promises to engage motorsport enthusiasts of all ages.

Tickets for the weekend event are available for presale at E Hayes & Sons in Invercargill and Harrisons Supplies in Gore, priced at $40 for a weekend pass, plus any applicable charges. Gate tickets will be $50, while day passes for either Saturday or Sunday can be purchased for $30. Children aged 14 and under can attend for free when accompanied by an adult.

As SpeedFest approaches, anticipation is building for an exhilarating weekend of racing, nostalgia, and celebration of motorsport history.