Record Entry for VACC Historic Sandown

A late surge has taken entries for the VACC Historic Sandown on November 7-9 to nearly 360 potentially equalling the record for a Melbourne historic race meeting.

The growth has occurred in all categories, with more than 20 Formula 5000s now confirmed for the VACC Trophy races, along with nearly 60 historic touring cars, while 70 competitors have entered the popular Regularity (average speed) events.

Highlights of the meeting sponsored by the VACC and Shannons include special anniversary events or displays celebrating the 60th anniversary of Holden, the 50th birthday of the MG Car Club of Victoria and the 40th anniversary of the Monaros first race victory.

And 2008 VACC Historic Sandown Patron, Murray Carter, will celebrate his 60 years of active motor racing at the meeting by returning to the wheel of the Carter Corvette Special in which he became famous in the early 1960s.

Around 120 people, including many famous names in early Holden racing such as Harry Firth, Bill Jane and Jim McKeown, will attend the Davies Craig Holden Legends lunch in the Sandown Paddock area. The special early model Holden 48-215 that Peter Brock drove in his final race in September 2006 will be amongst the significant racing Holdens on display.

Forty MGs spanning the history of the marque will take part in a special display, while 35 MGs will be seen on track in special MG-only races.

There will be a unique Speed Comparison pitting an MGB, the Peter Brock/Doug Chivas Bathurst Torana XU-1 and Andrew Robsons Formula 5000 against each other, and the clock.

And spectators will be entertained by the huge Shannons Show & Shine, the Shannons Super Rig and a 10-minute fly-over by aircraft from the RAAFs Point Cook Museum.

Other spectator-friendly features of the 2008 VACC Historic Sandown include free Paddock entry (with a new coffee station located on top of the popular pit building viewing platform), free grandstand seating, free parking and vehicle access to popular viewing areas close to all the action around the circuit.

Patrons this year can also purchase a special Historic Sandown Gold Pass that entitles holders to weekend admission, a gourmet lunch overlooking the circuit, a shuttle bus to the popular Red Hill (Dandenong Road) viewing area, exclusive merchandise and a programme.

Qualifying/racing Saturday and racing Sunday from 9.00am. Admission $20 Sat, $30 Sun, Weekend $40. $5 concession for Seniors/Pensioners/Students. Children 15 & under free.

For further meeting information about the meeting and to purchase a Gold Pass, visit www.vhrr.com