BJR’S NORM BEECHEY TRIBUTE FOR SANDOWN 500

BJR pay tribute to Norm Beechey at the Sandown 500 – Photo: Supplied

Brad Jones Racing will pay tribute to Supercars Hall of Famer Norm Beechey for the Sandown 500 Retro Round.

Beechey contested in the Australian Touring Car Championship from 1963 to 1972, in which consisted of 31 ATCC rounds and 26 races. Of those he won 7 races and the championship twice.

All three of the BJR Commodore’s will run liveries that uniquely honour one of the greats in Australian motorsport – ‘Stormin Norman’.

“I think the Supercars ‘Retro Round’ is a great throwback to the early days of touring car racing in Australia.” said Norm Beechey.

“I’m honoured that the Jones Brothers are representing some of my liveries and they have done a great job bringing them to life on the modern-day Supercar. It will be a real thrill to see them on track, and hopefully on the podium at the end of the 500.”

Norm’s first Touring Car Championship was won in 1965 at Sandown, when the championship was decided by a single race rather than a series, behind the wheel of a Ford Mustang.

The Team CoolDrive Commodore will adorn a blue and white livery similar to that Mustang raced by Beechey and will also use his racing number (No. 4) for the Sandown 500.

CoolDrive Commodore of Tim Blanchard and Todd Hazelwood – Photo: Supplied

Norm’s second Championship win came in 1970, driving the famous yellow HT GTS 350 Monaro, which was the first ever Holden (and Australian built car) to win the championship. To this day, Norm recognises the work that went into that season, and the win, as one of his greatest motor racing achievements.

This livery is brought to back to life on the No. 75 Freightliner Racing Commodore of Tim Slade and Ash Walsh.

The number 75 is to highlight Freightliners’ 75 years in the Truck and Transport industry, and importantly their continuous innovation over those years.

Freightliner Commodore of Tim Slade and Ash Walsh – Photo: Supplied

Finally, the third livery will see Mongrel Boots supporting the No. 8 entry of Nick Percat and Macauley Jones. The car will use tough black and red/yellow stripe design from Beechey’s 1967 Chevy Nova with the support of the new sponsor.

Mongrel Boots Commodore of Nick Percat and Macauley Jones – Photo: Supplied

The Jones brothers were excited about the opportunity to pay tribute to a legend of the sport.

“We wanted to do something really special for the retro round, so Brad and I were reminiscing about our time growing up and some of our motorsport heroes; which Norm was most definitely one.” said Kim Jones.

“Norm had this unique driving style, with plenty of sideways flair and a determined attitude. He was just brilliant to watch.”

Brad Jones reminisced about watching Beechey as a young motorsport fan.

“There’s a photo of me as a youngster sitting on the guard of the Chevy Nova with Norm and Peter Manton.” said Brad Jones.

“I believe all motorsport fans have a fond memory like that, and that’s certainly one of mine. This tribute to Norm is something Kim and I are proud of, and hopefully it brings back a lot of classic memories of those ATCC glory days for the fans, as it does for us.”

“Norm and his wife Marg were friends of our parents, as were many competitors from the 70’s so it makes the tribute a very personal one for us.”

The Sandown 500 kicks off the Pirtek Enduro Cup next weekend.

We’ve got more of the latest news out of the Supercars paddock in the next issue of Auto Action magazine, on sale Thursday. In the mean time follow us on social media Facebook, Twitter, Instagram or sign up for our weekly email newsletter for all the latest updates between issues.