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Featured Muscle MarquesA new road car display strategy, introduced last year to reduce critical traffic congestion in the pit area, proved successful and will be employed again. To acknowledge the dedication, enthusiasm and passion of muscle car clubs, in 2008 we will again showcase particular makes and models of muscle cars celebrating special anniversaries. Featured Muscle Marque car owners are invited to display their cars in designated areas within the pit area (a site map showing these display areas will be published closer to the event) and take part in a speed-controlled parade lap session around Eastern Creek Raceway during the day. So, if you own one of the cars highlighted below (must be in clean presentable condition to be displayed) and you would like to join us for a great day out, then get your entry in early!
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There is nothing like being
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XT
Falcon GT 40th AnniversaryThe XT Falcon GT is remembered as the great all-rounder of Ford’s local performance breed. Its design brief was to be a star performer not only on the race track but also in local and international rallying. The XT GT certainly delivered, narrowly missing out on a ‘68 Bathurst victory over the new Monaros due to a holed radiator, but scoring a brilliant 3rd/5th/8th finish and Team’s Prize for the three-car works entry in the 1968 London-Sydney Marathon. This is the year we celebrate the XT GT’s unique achievements. And, as it shares an anniversary with the first London-Sydney Marathon, we would also love to see any of the original Marathon cars (or accurate replicas) that took part to make it a dual celebration.
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VL
‘Walkinshaw’ 20th AnniversaryHolden entered a new era of ‘special vehicle’ development in 1988, in the wake of its bust-up with Peter Brock and his HDT operation. The General’s new man was a hard-nosed Scot called Tom Walkinshaw and their first joint effort produced the VL Commodore SS Group A SV. That name was so damn long, it was soon referred to simply as the ‘Walkinshaw’. Although its radical appearance was very controversial at release, this Panorama Silver limited-build ‘SV’ didn’t pretend to be anything other than a wind tunnel-tuned race homologation special with one job in mind. Its Bathurst victory against the turbos in 1990 proved the point and ensured its status as an Aussie muscle classic.
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Falcon
Cobra 30th AnniversaryIn 1978, Edsel Ford (a great grandson of Henry Ford) was the assistant managing director of Ford Australia. In typically brash American fashion, Edsel figured the rub-off from such a revered Ford performance name like ‘Cobra’, as used on the sports cars and Mustangs developed by Carroll Shelby in the 1960s, would be just the thing to inject some excitement into the brand and help clear Ford’s remaining stocks of its slow-selling XC Falcon hardtops. Edsel was right. The limited build of 400 individually- numbered Cobras was a sell-out, which included a batch of 30 cars equipped with various homologation tweaks for Bathurst use. The ’78 Mountain win proved elusive, but the Cobra remains an Aussie favourite and a legacy of Edsel’s in-ya-face approach. A colourful line-up of these iconic Fords at The Creek will be a sight to savour! |
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Monaro
HK GTS 327 40th AnniversaryHolden’s first Monaro was a styling sensation, but what made it a muscle car great was the hot GTS 327 version, built specifically with a Bathurst win in mind. Under the skin were heavy-duty imported Chevrolet engine, gearbox and rear axle components chosen to topple Ford’s Falcon GT at Mount Panorama. The new Monaro delivered of course, claiming a remarkable win on debut in the ’68 Bathurst 500 and planting the seed for the wonderful variety of Monaros that followed. This year we’re throwing a 40th birthday party for the car that started it all, so come one, come all! Come and meet AMC’s ‘team of champions’ |
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PIT STRAIGHT CAR CLUB CORRAL For car clubs and independent (non-club) car owners not participating as a ‘Featured Muscle Marque’ this year, display space will once again be available in the Car Club Corral located on the spacious grass spectator bank right next to the grandstand. Due to increasing demand, we are expanding this display space in 2008 to include the large bitumen-sealed areas directly behind the grandstand. These show cars will gain access to the venue via a special ‘show car only’ express entry gate. These prime viewing/display areas are exclusively for the display of muscle cars relevant to the event and all display areas must be pre-booked. We recommend that clubs interested in reserving a display space should nominate a single representative to deal with event organisers, to help streamline this process. Independent owners are also most welcome and will be grouped together. To add to the unique atmosphere of The Corral, clubs are encouraged to create interesting displays to attract spectator interest and conduct membership drives. Members and friends can use their exclusive reserved area as a convenient day-long base and picnic spot that’s close to all amenities (please note – no portable BBQs allowed due to health and safety regulations).
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Copyright 2008. Australian Racing Drivers Club Limited. Ph: +61 2 9672 1000 |