Phillip Island Classic 2013

The much anticipated Phillip Island Classic (PIC) set an all-time high for 2013. Ian Tate and the VHRR will have to do some serious brainstorming, to top what went down over the 8 -10th of March.

The International Sports Car Challenge (ISCC) was that good, that I consider myself privileged to have watched the 40 iconic racers of that ilk, let loose on the stunning PI Racetrack. The stars of the event were certainly the two ?Ligier Gitanes Blue? Matra MS 670?s that had an amazing sound, that I will not even try and describe in script. Their gorgeous 3L V12?s are the greatest sounding automobiles I have ever heard, period.

Matra's were one of the best sounding cars of the weekend.

The Can Am cars were booming and snarling, the Porsche flat 6?s were popping flames and roaring, but the Matra?s screamed a beautiful, beautiful song, that beggars belief. Every shift, every change of the throttle bought a lump into my heart and proved to me that God loves motorsport. Vive La France!! ISCC race winner, the March 717, piloted by the very able pommy Michael Lyons, was certainly the class of the field. Casually lapping 5 seconds under the V8 Supercar lap record and laying massive black strips of rubber, post every corners apex, he made it look easy. The kid is a serious peddler, racing GT3 for Ferrari?s AP Corse squad, which is a relief, as the March puts out 1000 HP and looked evil to boot. He came across as a nice, humble gangly kid, so I am tipping big things for him in the future.

Will not see a field like this for a while in Australia!

Duncan in the M8E, did well against the internationals.

Our beloved ?Matey?, the McLaren M8E ran very well, with driver Duncan MacKellar hoping for a top ten, but being a constant top 5. Matey scored a 2nd outright in race 1, 4th in race 2 and DNF?d with a pedal box concern in the final race. We were all a bit down, as it should have got another 2nd, but happy that pilot MacKellar shows caution. We want to make sure he makes an old MacLaren Can Am racer, not just a successful one!

HUGE field in the group A & C races.

Our perennial favourite, Gp. C & A, had its debut race as the ?Heritage Touring Cars? and they lived up to the new moniker with panache. Having Mark Skaife back out in a Gibson Motorsport HR31 Nissan was a highlight, with Mark showing that he is still a driver of immense talents, setting a new Gp. A lap record with ease. The final race was an absolute cracker, with Skaife starting from the back of the grid. Ecurie Investments client and friend Terry Lawlor, put on the drive of the event to hold off the hard charging Skaife by a bee?s tip, to take a very popular win in his weapons grade, Ex Colin Bond 1992 RS500 Sierra. Good on you Terry!

The event was held under perfect weather conditions, a bit hot if anything, which means it was perfect for Phillip Island. The whole Bowden?s Own team stayed in a beautiful house with ocean views and enjoyed a cold beverage and PI?s restaurants frequently. The PIC is well known now as the best Historic event in Australia, probably the Southern Hemisphere and 2013, in our opinion, has solidified that reputation. If you haven?t been, book 2014 now, as its as good as it gets and something every Aussie car fan should be proud of.

SEE MORE

Check out more images in our facebook photo albums by day one clicking here...  day two here.... and day three here.

Cheers,

Chris Bowden