https://www.northernmusclecars.co.nz en-nz Northern Muscle Cars 30 Tue, 24 Oct 2023 11:51:44 +1300 daily 1 https://www.website.world https://www.northernmusclecars.co.nz/blog/955986 It was a fine Saturday at Pukekohe for our second to last round at the famous old track, the day was not without its difficulties as because of horse training we could not get on the track until 10 and parts of the in-field area we not available for parking. Wed, 19 Oct 2022 00:00:00 +1300 https://www.northernmusclecars.co.nz/blog/955986 https://www.northernmusclecars.co.nz/blog/955301 Electric hydraulic tilt ,3 x under floor storage bins , 3 way fridge etc as seen in pics. Asking price 25k Steve Swann 021 274 383 Fri, 14 Oct 2022 00:00:00 +1300 https://www.northernmusclecars.co.nz/blog/955301 https://www.northernmusclecars.co.nz/blog/955343 Genuine 1969 GTHO that raced at Bathurst in 1969 Fri, 14 Oct 2022 00:00:00 +1300 https://www.northernmusclecars.co.nz/blog/955343 https://www.northernmusclecars.co.nz/blog/953503 A slightly overcast, decidedly cool and a damp track greeted NMC and the Racing Saloons who were unlucky enough to be first up. Qualifying went without incident however with all driver successfully coping with the tricky conditions. It was great to see Ross Golding back in his Marlboro Commodore and Troy Guise in his Dick Johnson Falcon after a long absence. Fastest NMC car as Kayton is his silver HQ 4 door Monaro followed by Tony in his Charger and then Paul who was running his Group A Mustang to sort out a few handling issues. Mon, 19 Sep 2022 00:00:00 +1200 https://www.northernmusclecars.co.nz/blog/953503 https://www.northernmusclecars.co.nz/blog/933479 Round 8 Taupo 29 May 2022 Not surprisingly the temperature was cold, even for those of us that were lucky enough to get a garage as these were in short supply due to the GTRNZ guys racing at this meeting as well. There were only three of us at Taupo, being Craig Horn in the ex Veen Smith Commodore, Chris Anderson in the JPS Mustang and myself in Pinky. As usual we were combined with the Racing Saloons along with 4 RX7s from NZRRE. Pinky managed to spin at turn two of lap 1 on brand new tyres in the very cold conditions but in the end was the fastest NMC car with a relatively slow time of 1:43.8. Thu, 2 Jun 2022 00:00:00 +1200 https://www.northernmusclecars.co.nz/blog/933479 https://www.northernmusclecars.co.nz/blog/931662 Again the weather was perfect with possible showers later in the day which never affected us fortunately. Numbers we again very modest as were the numbers of racing saloons that were combined with us. We had Michael Bristow driving Cam Crawford’s Mercury Cyclone which after some enhancements was achieved a pole time of 1:08.0 followed by Craig Horn in the ex Veen Smith Commodore then the Paul in the pink Torana. Mon, 2 May 2022 00:00:00 +1200 https://www.northernmusclecars.co.nz/blog/931662 https://www.northernmusclecars.co.nz/blog/926224 Although it is listed as round 4 it was really Round 1 for NMC, the other 3 races being cancelled due to COVID. A small but dedicated number turned on a very pleasant weekend in Taupo, unusually not too hot and not too cold. We had new member Rhys Gould running his South Island Muscle car. Unsurprising, this car will forever be known as the Dean Perkins Falcon, having 20 odd years of Dean’s ownership. By the end of the meeting Rhys was really getting on top of it. Craig Horn’s red LJ GTR Torana was being driven this weekend by Paul Ives. Tue, 8 Mar 2022 00:00:00 +1300 https://www.northernmusclecars.co.nz/blog/926224 https://www.northernmusclecars.co.nz/blog/896528 A perfectly fine but very cool day greeted us at Pukekohe Park Raceway for the last round of our series terminating a very challenging season both with COVID and numbers of competitors. As has become usual this season we were combined with Racing Saloons we also did have a few of extra cars with David Hopper driving the Army Camaro, John McKechnie in the genuine Cambridge Monaro, Jason Rati in the red Falcon XA coupe and Craig Mayall in the V6 Commodore. It was also great to see Wes Kidby back in his white SLR L34 Torana and Robbo Robinson in his 65 Mustang. Sat, 8 May 2021 00:00:00 +1200 https://www.northernmusclecars.co.nz/blog/896528 https://www.northernmusclecars.co.nz/blog/895294 Unfortunately I cannot report another gloriously sunny day for a race meeting however the weather ultimately turned out ok much better than the very wet day before. NMC were unfortunate as we were first up and although it was not raining the track was very damp. Again we had a modest number of entries and so were combined this time with Racing Saloons we did have a couple of extra cars with John Penny driving the Hopper Army Camaro and Michael Bristow driving Cam Crawford’s 1969 Mercury Cyclone. Mon, 26 Apr 2021 00:00:00 +1200 https://www.northernmusclecars.co.nz/blog/895294 https://www.northernmusclecars.co.nz/blog/883024 Round 3 Hampton Downs Saturday 28th November 2020 Saturday was a good day for this round as the weather was great, unlike the next day which was a bit damp and drizzly. Again we had a modest number of entries but it was good to see new members Steve Doughty, Glen Chappel and Vince Douglas performing well, along with Andrew Ross back with a real diff now in his Falcon. Mon, 7 Dec 2020 00:00:00 +1300 https://www.northernmusclecars.co.nz/blog/883024 https://www.northernmusclecars.co.nz/blog/879484 Round 2 Pukekohe Old Circuit Sun 4th October 2020 While this is called round 2 it was our first race day of the season. Our first round was due to be raced on Sunday 30th of August but was postponed until Sunday 13th of September due to COVID and then that round ended up being cancelled. The Auckland Car Club had to put in a huge amount of effort to run a meeting under COVID level. With possibly the largest field ever seen at an ACC one day meeting, there were a lot of extra things to be attended to, to ensure sufficient separation for the 187 competitors and the one allowed crew member. Spectators unfortunately had to be turned away, including club member Ross Graham who wanted to come all the way from New Plymouth just to watch. Sun, 18 Oct 2020 00:00:00 +1300 https://www.northernmusclecars.co.nz/blog/879484 https://www.northernmusclecars.co.nz/blog/854567 Another fine race day, it has been dry so long now I sure most drivers will have forgotten about wet race meetings. We had a modest number of entries including guest Shane Wigston (who was after a sub 60 second lap on the real Pukekohe circuit). For this meeting we were combined with the racing saloons which gave an initial field of 20 cars for qualifying but unfortunately it was soon whittled down although we did gain Tony Galbraith as he was a late arrival flying in from Christchurch on the day. Special mention must be made of Chris Anderson who after engine issues at Taupo in the last round put his old 289 engine in the Mustang to be able to compete with us and maintain his points lead in Class B. For the NMC cars Shane qualified quickest with a 59.996 (very well done) followed by Kayton on 64.3 and then Paul on a 65.5. Fri, 6 Mar 2020 00:00:00 +1300 https://www.northernmusclecars.co.nz/blog/854567 https://www.northernmusclecars.co.nz/blog/853235 Round 4 Taupo Saturday 8th February 2020 It’s been dry so long no one even considered anything else and they were correct. We had a very small entry which got smaller after race one. Paul was back however with Pinky and the billet block which led the way in qualifying with a 1:41.0, followed by Kayton and Kevin. Tue, 11 Feb 2020 00:00:00 +1300 https://www.northernmusclecars.co.nz/blog/853235 https://www.northernmusclecars.co.nz/blog/849169 The forecast was for fine weather and that’s what we got with the day getting hotter and hotter as it went on. We had a smallish entry with 8 members including new club member Bruce Dreadon in his black 65 Mustang and a guest appearance by Russell Dunn in his XY Falcon. Qualifying went well and because it was cool and the tyres were not yet destroyed by Taupo’s abrasive surface most drivers recorded their best times during this season. Fastest was Tony G in the Charger with a 1.37.1, followed by the very crisp sounding Torana of Clarke Hopkins at 1.38.2 and then Allan in his Commodore at 1:40.4 Mon, 25 Nov 2019 00:00:00 +1300 https://www.northernmusclecars.co.nz/blog/849169 https://www.northernmusclecars.co.nz/blog/844213 After a very wet August in Auckland Sunday was fine as forecast but very cold and foggy until about 9:30. We had a reasonable field of a dozen cars with Cam Crawford being an unfortunate late withdrawal in his brand new unraced 1969 Mercury Cyclone his place was taken by a late entry from Tony Galbraith, other members were either previously committed on Fathers days or their cars not quite ready. Cam’s old car the XA Falcon Coupe has been sold to his cousin Vince Douglas but was raced on the day by another cousin Greg Holden known to most as Snapa all very incestuous must be a West Auckland thing. Qualifying was the beginning of our drama filled day with Kayton stopping with a broken diff and Michael Crawley with a spin and then a fire under the bonnet. Snapa headed the timesheets with a very good 1.11.575 followed by Dave Campbell and Tony Galbraith. Mike Oldham in his new 65 Mustang was the fastest of the Group B cars, then Andrew Ross in his upgrade Pinepac Falcon even though he had brake issues and then Chris Anderson in his upgraded JPS Mustang. Thu, 5 Sep 2019 00:00:00 +1200 https://www.northernmusclecars.co.nz/blog/844213 https://www.northernmusclecars.co.nz/blog/828078 Even though the meeting was pushed out by a week due to a scheduling issue by Hampton Downs, we had a reasonable turnout but lost Alan Pearce due to the clash with a CMC Round at Taupo. The weather did at some stages during the day look a bit doubtful but, in the end, turned out ok. Qualifying It was the silver HQ of Kayton that took pole with a very good time of 1:12.746 followed by Dave Campbell in the Mustang and Colin Schischka in the Corvette. Michael Crawley in his Commodore was the quickest of the Class B cars, then Warren in the blue SLR 5000 followed by Wes in the white L34. Unfortunately for Graham in the red Charger, the bottom snapped off his distributor so he was out for the rest of the day. Mon, 22 Apr 2019 00:00:00 +1200 https://www.northernmusclecars.co.nz/blog/828078 https://www.northernmusclecars.co.nz/blog/823919 Thanks to Phil Noble for the action photos on facebook NZ Classic Car Racing and used here. Another beautiful day which left no doubt that the wets could be left on the trailer. There were a couple of extra classes running at this meeting which meant that the pits were quite cramped and the day was long. Qualifying We qualified with the Racing Saloons but did not race with them. There were some good times recorded in qualifying with even better to come for most people later in the day, but your name had to be Paul to be on the front row with the Urquhart XA Falcon Coupe edging out the Burnet pink Torana by 0.2 of a second, then less than another tenth back was Dave Campbell in the Mustang followed by the Commodores of Calvin and Ross. We lost Colin in the big block Corvette at this point with gearbox issues “the only non Corvette part in the car” Wed, 6 Mar 2019 00:00:00 +1300 https://www.northernmusclecars.co.nz/blog/823919 https://www.northernmusclecars.co.nz/blog/816782 The day was dry, the day was hot, the day was very very hot. Qualifying The drivers were hot with Dave Campbell in the Fox body Mustang fastest with a very good time of 1:11.758 and Michael Crawley in the Commodore with a PB of 113.215, then Ross G, Paul and Kayton all in the 1:14s. Tue, 12 Feb 2019 00:00:00 +1300 https://www.northernmusclecars.co.nz/blog/816782 https://www.northernmusclecars.co.nz/blog/810849 The forecast was pretty good and as promised by Allan the weather stayed good all day. We had a reasonable entry with 12 members and a guest appearance by Russell Dunn in his XY Falcon. We did however lose Calvin to oil leak issues but it was great to see him and Linda at the track. Russell was recorded with the fastest time with Allan in the Commodore second, followed by Ross Graham’s A9X Torana. Most drivers struggled with the very low grip track conditions. Tue, 20 Nov 2018 00:00:00 +1300 https://www.northernmusclecars.co.nz/blog/810849 https://www.northernmusclecars.co.nz/blog/807444 Weather was better than forecast with no rain but quite cold. We were, for this round combined with Racing saloons who also has some Historic Sports sedans included with them which certainly made the handicapping a challenge. A good turnout of cars with new members Paul Urquhart White XA Coupe, Warren Betts with a blue SLR 5000 Torana and Michael Bristow in a Perana Capri. Mon, 15 Oct 2018 00:00:00 +1300 https://www.northernmusclecars.co.nz/blog/807444 https://www.northernmusclecars.co.nz/blog/802974 Well for the first race of our new season we had a great entry and really bad weather. I know for sure we would have had another couple of entries if the forecast had of been better. It was great to see some members who have not raced with us recently back and into it. Dave Campbell, Michael Crawley, Sean Fowler, Greig Running, Dean Hansen and Pinky. There was a driver who entered but decided the sunny weather of Northern California where he has been racing recently was more to his liking than a track that was totally wet with small streams running across it. Qualifying went without incident other than ageing most of the drivers another couple of years, other than Greig Running didn’t manage to get onto the track. Dean Hansen was fastest followed by Michael Crawley, Ross Golding and Pinky. Sat, 8 Sep 2018 00:00:00 +1200 https://www.northernmusclecars.co.nz/blog/802974 https://www.northernmusclecars.co.nz/blog/785278 With a good weather forecast and turnout for our last round, 14 Muscle cars including guest Russell Dunn in his 1971 XY Falcon made the grid and one interloping late model Commodore. I suspect this race may be be the first race in NZ in the last 40 years where there were 3 Chargers on the grid. I would be pleased to hear your thoughts on this. Tony G in the Charger scorched qualifying with a personal best of 1:09.3, followed by Allan Pearce in the red Commodore and Colin Schischka in the Corvette. Troy was the leading Class B car, soon to be Class A by the lap time he put in, a very quick 1:13.057. Sun, 15 Apr 2018 00:00:00 +1200 https://www.northernmusclecars.co.nz/blog/785278 https://www.northernmusclecars.co.nz/blog/779854 Round 6 Pukekohe Park Raceway Sunday 4th March 2018 Good weather, although the forecast had been doubtful all week and a great field of 16 cars including 3 guests: John Midgley in the blue XE Falcon, David Hopper in the US Army 69 Camaro, and Lee Budd in the 1994 Mag and Turbo Falcon. It was very pleasing to see the 3 cars that had received damage at the last meeting only 3 weeks before all present on the dummy grid for qualifying. Great job you guys, however Troy’s Dick Johnson replica Falcon had vibration issues and was retired for the day. Tue, 6 Mar 2018 00:00:00 +1300 https://www.northernmusclecars.co.nz/blog/779854 https://www.northernmusclecars.co.nz/blog/773527 The weather seems to have been pretty good for ever and continued for most of the day other than the track getting damp for our 3rd race. It was a very modest number of members (5) who took to the track for qualifying, well supervised by themselves as I volunteered to flag marshal by the big sweeper as the organisers were desperately short of flagies. Mon, 29 Jan 2018 00:00:00 +1300 https://www.northernmusclecars.co.nz/blog/773527 https://www.northernmusclecars.co.nz/blog/768789 . We had a good turnout with new members John Mills in the 68 Penrite Camaro, Troy Giuse in the ex Justin Butcher 83 Dick Johnson replica XE Falcon, Daniel Adams in a white VK Commodore and Chris Anderson in the 78 JPS replica Mustang. Sun, 10 Dec 2017 00:00:00 +1300 https://www.northernmusclecars.co.nz/blog/768789 https://www.northernmusclecars.co.nz/blog/763142 A nice fine day was forecast and that’s what it turned out to be but the day started very cool with the track a little damp. We had a great entry of 17 cars including new members Kayton Coughey in his 350 HQ and Andrew Ross in his Pinepac replica Falcon. The Muscle Car attrition god was certainly present all day however. We had 2 cars not even make it to the track being new member Chris Anderson due to enduring challenges convert his car from 4 stud to 5 stud and Michael Crawley with last moment clutch issues, we did however have a Greig Running as a guest running a Commodore for his very first race meeting. Qualifying was led by Tony G in the Charger followed by Colin S in the Corvette and Colin M in the Camaro. We did however lose returning member Steve Swann in his Torana hatchback with oil line issues. Sun, 22 Oct 2017 00:00:00 +1300 https://www.northernmusclecars.co.nz/blog/763142 https://www.northernmusclecars.co.nz/blog/755640 The weather forecast for our first round was bad which did not stop a good number of members entering however on the day some cars weren’t quite ready or the weather was too much to face so early in the season. Qualifying was on the wet side of damp with Ross Golding leading the way but unfortunately not able to continue with the race day due to low oil Mon, 4 Sep 2017 00:00:00 +1200 https://www.northernmusclecars.co.nz/blog/755640 https://www.northernmusclecars.co.nz/blog/730120 Round 5 for Northern Muscle Cars dawned on a very fine and warm autumn day with a large entry field that also included a few invited cars from Racing Saloons & Production Muscle Cars making a total of 18 entrants. Mon, 17 Apr 2017 00:00:00 +1200 https://www.northernmusclecars.co.nz/blog/730120 https://www.northernmusclecars.co.nz/blog/720702 Well there were no concerns about the weather for this meeting although it was a little cool to start off with. It was good to see new member Dean Hansen here with Colin Sargison’s yellow HQ and Veen was back with his Commodore. It was slightly unfortunate that we were first qualifying which lead to a few drivers not even getting out or if they did get onto the track no timed laps. There we various reasons for this some of us were still working on our cars, Paul with rear axle cap issues fixed, thanks to Tony McKenzie-Edwards and Dean with wheel bearing issues. Some were just late to the track Billy, and Michael got onto the track just for the chequered flag to come out. Allan Pearce set the pace however with an 1:11.599. Sat, 25 Feb 2017 00:00:00 +1300 https://www.northernmusclecars.co.nz/blog/720702 https://www.northernmusclecars.co.nz/blog/708401 The weather was fine and we had a good turnout of cars including Tony Galbraith and Calvin Andrew who were racing for their 3rd weekend in a row as well as competing at Bathurst well done guys. Qualifying was lead by Tony G for Class A then Billy Dunn with Dave Campbell 3rd fastest. Class B was headed by Paul Burnet, then Mark Stretton and Michael Crawley. Tue, 22 Nov 2016 00:00:00 +1300 https://www.northernmusclecars.co.nz/blog/708401 https://www.northernmusclecars.co.nz/blog/702059 I must start by congratulating all the NZ drivers who went to Bathurst, who put on a very creditable display with some good sensible driving. Club member Colin Meadows can now say he has won a race at Bathurst. We had a bad weather forecast for our second round at Pukekohe but a very good entry of 15 cars including a couple of guests being Clarke Hopkins with his silver hatch back Torana and Russell Dunn with his red XY Falcon It was however to be a day of attrition with only two members cars completing all races and qualifying well done Ron Findlay and Robbo Robinson. Sun, 16 Oct 2016 00:00:00 +1300 https://www.northernmusclecars.co.nz/blog/702059 https://www.northernmusclecars.co.nz/blog/694663 Well the new season seems to have come around very quickly, too quick for some members whose cars/engines are still being prepared. We did however have two new members Mark Stratton and Dave Campbell get to the track with their cars and almost Robbo Robinson with his car but the evil work had first call on his time. It was good to welcome back Stu and Billy to the class again. Mon, 5 Sep 2016 00:00:00 +1200 https://www.northernmusclecars.co.nz/blog/694663 https://www.northernmusclecars.co.nz/blog/668870 It was back to the good old days for this race meeting using the original Puke track without the extra corners in the back straight. While some members had chosen not to change their diff ratios and took it a bit quietly in qualifying, others were going all out with Paul managing a PB of 1.05.7; other members’ times were set to improve during the day. Sun, 20 Mar 2016 00:00:00 +1300 https://www.northernmusclecars.co.nz/blog/668870 https://www.northernmusclecars.co.nz/blog/635437 After not great forecasts during the week the rain kindly stayed away for our first meeting of the season. We had a great turnout of 17 cars made up of existing members, new members and new old members. Returning member Tim La Trobe after an absence of 5 years grabbed pole with a time of 1:12.1 on a cold track, followed by Alan Pearce and Bruce McRae who was supposedly bedding in brakes. Sun, 6 Sep 2015 00:00:00 +1200 https://www.northernmusclecars.co.nz/blog/635437 https://www.northernmusclecars.co.nz/blog/602231 While the weather gods were very kind to us, the mechanical ones decided they would try their best to disrupt the proceedings before they even started, with Dean Perkins, Anthony Baker in his almost-finished 240Z, and Ross Christianson in his LS powered L34 Torana all failing to get to the track on Sunday. During the day we lost Ross Graham with rear suspension damage, Bruce McRae with a broken axle and Stu Rowling with an oil leak, along with Mike Dias in his great looking Winfield replica VN. Wed, 18 Mar 2015 00:00:00 +1300 https://www.northernmusclecars.co.nz/blog/602231 https://www.northernmusclecars.co.nz/blog/586136 The weather forecast had been a bit iffy (that’s a technical metrological term) all week but on the day everyone was able to use their dry tyres for the whole meeting. Sun, 23 Nov 2014 00:00:00 +1300 https://www.northernmusclecars.co.nz/blog/586136 https://www.northernmusclecars.co.nz/blog/582325 The weather forecast had been consistent for a whole week that the weather would not be perfect and believe it or not the forecast was 100% accurate. NMC and PMC were combined for this round due to PMC’s low numbers. It was great to see new member Karl Shields appear for his first race meeting with NMC both he and the car performed well but as Karl only had dry tyres he retired the car after race 1. Sun, 2 Nov 2014 00:00:00 +1300 https://www.northernmusclecars.co.nz/blog/582325 https://www.northernmusclecars.co.nz/blog/573593 It was a great start to the season competitor- wise, with some new faces: Greg Holden in the beautiful silver XR Falcon GT and a guest appearance by Alan Pearce,we also had the initial outing of Max Christensen’s new Torana. Tue, 9 Sep 2014 00:00:00 +1200 https://www.northernmusclecars.co.nz/blog/573593 https://www.northernmusclecars.co.nz/blog/561487 There was a good turnout to the AGM and Prize giving held at the Auckland car Club rooms in Mt Roskill. There were 5 remits submitted and all were voted in with considerable majorities. Sun, 6 Jul 2014 00:00:00 +1200 https://www.northernmusclecars.co.nz/blog/561487 https://www.northernmusclecars.co.nz/blog/544858 It was another beautiful day a Pukekohe for the last round of our series we had a good field which included guest Steve Ross in the very fast ex Paul Sinclair Commodore. It was also great to see Cam Crawford back after mechanical enhancements to his knee. Mon, 21 Apr 2014 00:00:00 +1200 https://www.northernmusclecars.co.nz/blog/544858 https://www.northernmusclecars.co.nz/blog/539289 Race 1: Starts off as expected with Dean in the lead followed closely by Tony G and Justin. Still within the first lap Andrew is sliding at Marshall Point 4. Tony G catches up with Dean in the second lap and is holding strong. Ross overtakes Smith and is coming close to doing the same to Colin. Van Tiel and Andrews are battling well, whilst Tony G is now looking a bit smokey at turn 1. Wed, 19 Mar 2014 00:00:00 +1300 https://www.northernmusclecars.co.nz/blog/539289 https://www.northernmusclecars.co.nz/blog/527763 Saturday morning saw the start of qualifying the cars and the drivers all seemed to be up to speed very quick and it was clear to see that everyone was up for setting a fast time. There was a chance for someone else to sit on pole today with the normal pace setter Dean Perkins missing from the field for the event. Sun, 26 Jan 2014 00:00:00 +1300 https://www.northernmusclecars.co.nz/blog/527763 https://www.northernmusclecars.co.nz/blog/522147 Off to a very wet start. In the first lap the Red Flags are shown, caused by Dave Campbell (PMC) going into the wall under the GT Radial Bridge on the front straight – slicks were not a good choice! Stu Rowling stays on the track after the red and M2 sent out to clear. Thu, 12 Dec 2013 00:00:00 +1300 https://www.northernmusclecars.co.nz/blog/522147 https://www.northernmusclecars.co.nz/blog/519214 It was another good entry of Muscle Cars with new member Adam Wheeler making his first appearance for a number of years, there were a few regulars missing like the two Charges of Tony Galbraith, his car not completely repaired after the accident and the last meeting, Graham Cargill's cars is nearly finished is cam shaft replacement and Andrew Turner's 05 car still not quite completed. Wed, 27 Nov 2013 00:00:00 +1300 https://www.northernmusclecars.co.nz/blog/519214 https://www.northernmusclecars.co.nz/blog/505672 It was good to be back at Pukekohe on a fine day, with another great entry of cars including two guests: Bob Grove in his brand new Perana Capri, and John Mills in a recently purchased 68 Camaro. Sun, 20 Oct 2013 00:00:00 +1300 https://www.northernmusclecars.co.nz/blog/505672 https://www.northernmusclecars.co.nz/blog/500131 Overall a very successful first race meeting of the year with more new members to come as well as the appearance of cars that for one reason or other could not make the first round. Sun, 15 Sep 2013 00:00:00 +1200 https://www.northernmusclecars.co.nz/blog/500131 https://www.northernmusclecars.co.nz/blog/489391 This years AGM was again a well attended, friendly and non-contentious event. The proposed rounds for the new season have now been posted on the website. Sun, 30 Jun 2013 00:00:00 +1200 https://www.northernmusclecars.co.nz/blog/489391 https://www.northernmusclecars.co.nz/blog/480458 The day was fine when we arrived at the track but were pleased to see that the V8Supercar pit tents were still up as the weather forecast for the day was less than perfect. There had been a race meeting at the track the day before and the Honda Cup class was also racing on the Sunday, it was however quite sobering to see the number of damaged cars that were still in the garages. It was good to have a new car race with us Stuart Rowling from Hamilton with his very nice Walkinshaw Commodore Sun, 5 May 2013 00:00:00 +1200 https://www.northernmusclecars.co.nz/blog/480458 https://www.northernmusclecars.co.nz/blog/476996 It was a small field of NMC cars that entered this meeting after some had raced the weekend before at the ITM 400. For the 2 members that did back up, one needed emergency panel beating (Paul Burnet) and the other Ross Golding needed to go to his backup car as the damage on his usual race car was too great to be fixed in time. Club member Tony Galbraith also received extensive damage at the ITM meeting. Sat, 20 Apr 2013 00:00:00 +1200 https://www.northernmusclecars.co.nz/blog/476996 https://www.northernmusclecars.co.nz/blog/465424 As always with this particular sport, unless you think you have webbed feet you keep an eye on the weather forecast in the days leading up to race day. Sun, 3 Mar 2013 00:00:00 +1300 https://www.northernmusclecars.co.nz/blog/465424 https://www.northernmusclecars.co.nz/blog/463305 The Hamilton car show would like to have some racing Holdens on display. If you would like more details see the registration form. Mon, 18 Feb 2013 00:00:00 +1300 https://www.northernmusclecars.co.nz/blog/463305 https://www.northernmusclecars.co.nz/blog/460808 We had a reasonable turnout for this hastily organised meeting to replace the cancelled Thunder in the Park. The weather was real hot on Saturday with the asphalt behind the pits being measured at 62 degrees in the early afternoon. Sat, 12 Jan 2013 00:00:00 +1300 https://www.northernmusclecars.co.nz/blog/460808 https://www.northernmusclecars.co.nz/blog/453201 I am pleased to say there was no hint of rain for this round compared to the Noah’s Ark deluge we had to survive at the previous round at Pukekohe. We had a very good entry of 15 cars which included the guest appearances of Richard Ryan in the SLR 5000 Torana and Elliott Crawford in the 69 Corvette. New member Rowan Tonkin was racing for the first time, with our other new member Michael Crawley making his second appearance. Sun, 18 Nov 2012 00:00:00 +1300 https://www.northernmusclecars.co.nz/blog/453201 https://www.northernmusclecars.co.nz/blog/448309 After spending all week looking at the weather forecasts, come race day it was proved that the weather men were absolutely bloody right. Sat, 13 Oct 2012 00:00:00 +1300 https://www.northernmusclecars.co.nz/blog/448309 https://www.northernmusclecars.co.nz/blog/442359 After worrying all week about the weather forecast, the weather on the day was pretty good with an excellent entry of 11 for the first meeting of the year. Sat, 8 Sep 2012 00:00:00 +1200 https://www.northernmusclecars.co.nz/blog/442359 https://www.northernmusclecars.co.nz/blog/421485 The brilliant autumn weather continued for all competitors in the final race for the year. This meeting was a joint round with the Production Muscle Cars and ensured a good grid of twenty one cars. Sun, 13 May 2012 00:00:00 +1200 https://www.northernmusclecars.co.nz/blog/421485 https://www.northernmusclecars.co.nz/blog/354503 The second to last round of the Northern Muscle Cars calendar was also the last of this season's combined rounds with Central Muscle Cars. There were plenty of successes for the Northern drivers and a few failures along the way, but best of all there was plenty of excitement and action for those drivers who made the trek to Taupo. Sun, 24 Apr 2011 00:00:00 +1200 https://www.northernmusclecars.co.nz/blog/354503 https://www.northernmusclecars.co.nz/blog/336519 It was an overcast but hot day at Hampton Downs for the fifth round of the Northern Muscle Car series. Sun, 20 Feb 2011 00:00:00 +1300 https://www.northernmusclecars.co.nz/blog/336519 https://www.northernmusclecars.co.nz/blog/335151 The 2011 New Zealand Festival of Motor Racing hosted the fourth round of the Northern Muscle Cars series and the second of three combined NMC/CMC rounds. For the Northern drivers Hampton Downs is known to be merciless on brakes, gearboxes and axles and punishing of any inconsistency. The 27 Muscle Car drivers on the grid would have their work cut out trying to tame the track, but what a way to spend a weekend! Sat, 29 Jan 2011 00:00:00 +1300 https://www.northernmusclecars.co.nz/blog/335151 https://www.northernmusclecars.co.nz/blog/327688 The first of the combined Central Muscle Cars and Northern Muscle Cars rounds had a massive grid with nearly thirty muscle cars entered from both clubs. The battle for the chocolate fish was going to be hotly contested with drivers eligible for points in both series. Sat, 4 Dec 2010 00:00:00 +1300 https://www.northernmusclecars.co.nz/blog/327688 https://www.northernmusclecars.co.nz/blog/323887 Calm conditions greeted the entrants to the first race of the season at the recently completed motorsport facility at Hampton Downs. The number of entrants was up on the last meeting as we move towards the summer months. The meeting was being hosted by the Auckland Car Club. Sun, 31 Oct 2010 00:00:00 +1300 https://www.northernmusclecars.co.nz/blog/323887 https://www.northernmusclecars.co.nz/blog/308349 A cool cloudy day greeted the new race season with the opening race meeting for 2010. A small field assembled with stories of cars not quite ready and of others that had early season blues. Those that were able to race were assured of good points toward this year’s championship. Sun, 5 Sep 2010 00:00:00 +1200 https://www.northernmusclecars.co.nz/blog/308349 https://www.northernmusclecars.co.nz/blog/274968 Another beautiful day greeted the NMC entrants for round 5 of the Championship. Sixteen cars lined up for another meeting of the popular Hampton Downs circuit hosted by the Auckland Car Club. Wed, 21 Apr 2010 00:00:00 +1200 https://www.northernmusclecars.co.nz/blog/274968 https://www.northernmusclecars.co.nz/blog/274301 Who is invited:All CMC & Northern Muscle Car Club Members – if you participated in the 2009 Muscle Car Masters in Australia it is free of charge, if not you will be charged $100 for the day. Sun, 18 Apr 2010 00:00:00 +1200 https://www.northernmusclecars.co.nz/blog/274301 https://www.northernmusclecars.co.nz/blog/274298 Rally New Zealand which is a round of the WRC (World Rally Championship) is holding a Super Special stage at Hampton Downs on Saturday 8 May 2010. As part of the entertainment NZIGP have opted to run a 2 class race meeting. This will be open to all saloon race cars. Sun, 18 Apr 2010 00:00:00 +1200 https://www.northernmusclecars.co.nz/blog/274298 https://www.northernmusclecars.co.nz/blog/267349 Sunday was a very warm, windless day and this saw the Muscle Cars line up for Round four of the series hosted by the Auckland Car Club. Mon, 8 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +1300 https://www.northernmusclecars.co.nz/blog/267349 https://www.northernmusclecars.co.nz/blog/260034 The third round saw the cars back at Hampton Downs as part of the Tasman Revival series for classic cars. The two day meeting was well supported with over two hundred cars competing in nine classes. Sun, 17 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +1300 https://www.northernmusclecars.co.nz/blog/260034 https://www.northernmusclecars.co.nz/blog/255780 The weekend's racing promised to be one of the highlights of the season with the Northern Muscle Cars competing in the Metalman Thunder in the Park event. Thu, 17 Dec 2009 00:00:00 +1300 https://www.northernmusclecars.co.nz/blog/255780 https://www.northernmusclecars.co.nz/blog/255597 Gary Lathrope and Rachael Murray are organising another track day at Pukekohe. It is a great day to take freiends, clients etc for rides or carry out some testing in a contolled manner. The cost is $100 with lunch also being available at a very reasonable price. Please complete the attached form Wed, 16 Dec 2009 00:00:00 +1300 https://www.northernmusclecars.co.nz/blog/255597 https://www.northernmusclecars.co.nz/blog/253838 Top Gear Live will be in Auckland on 18-21 February 2010. The Club has been invited by the Auckland Car Club to attend some dual race sprints on a specially built track at the Top Gear site (see attached map). Fri, 4 Dec 2009 00:00:00 +1300 https://www.northernmusclecars.co.nz/blog/253838 https://www.northernmusclecars.co.nz/blog/252247 The first meeting of the 2009/2010 season was much anticipated as it was the first official race meeting at the newly completed motor sport facility at Hampton Downs. Competitors were encouraged to walk the track prior to racing to get a feel for the layout. I did this with several of the drivers and their comments were “more undulations than I thought”, “look at the track width of this corner” “this first corner is going to be interesting”. Sun, 15 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +1300 https://www.northernmusclecars.co.nz/blog/252247 https://www.northernmusclecars.co.nz/blog/243233 The Kiwi contingent arrived in Sydney with expectations of a great weekend of racing, 5-6 September 2009. Thu, 24 Sep 2009 00:00:00 +1200 https://www.northernmusclecars.co.nz/blog/243233 https://www.northernmusclecars.co.nz/blog/227414 June 2009 The Northern Muscle Cars AGM will be held on Saturday 13 June at 4pm at the Pokeno Motel, Great South Rd, Pokeno Village, Auckland South (as per last year). Special thanks to Bruce and Jo for offering the venue to the Club. Wed, 17 Jun 2009 00:00:00 +1200 https://www.northernmusclecars.co.nz/blog/227414 https://www.northernmusclecars.co.nz/blog/227462 A beautiful autumn day greeted competitors for the last round of the series hosted by the Auckland Car Club. The Northern Muscle Cars ran in a combination class with racing saloons. This gave a field of 34 cars with all kinds of cars and sizes. Lap speeds between fastest and slowest were covered by over 18 seconds! The temperatures were cool but the sun was welcome. Thu, 30 Apr 2009 00:00:00 +1200 https://www.northernmusclecars.co.nz/blog/227462