VHRR prepping for memorable Phillip Island Classic
After a memorable 2024, the VHRR (Victorian Historic Racing Registry) returns with a bang in ’25 via the Phillip Island Classic on March 7-9.
The offering at the island is set to include over 350 machines with entries still open through to next week. The categories include J, K & L, two big fields of Group S, as well as M & O Sportscars, Group N tourers, C & O, Q & R Racing and Q & R Sportscars, Regularity, and the late model based 5L and invited.
On top of that, there’s also some very, very special historic machines and owners making their way to the Island, providing fans and history buffs with some true firsts.
With head VHRR organiser Ian Tate joined at the helm by Mike Herlihy, Herlihy chatted with AUTO ACTION about the health of classic events showing no signs of slowing down for the foreseeable future.
“Without a doubt, even with the current economic environment, it appears that historic motorsport is well and truly alive and strong,” Herlihy said.
“We expect big grids across all our key events, including the Sandown and Winton Historic’s…it’s a testament to the dedicated volunteers who maintain a high level of consistency for VHRR.”
In terms of the highlights, one of the more remarkable machines include the1973 Porsche 917/30, a 5.3 L, 12-cylinder air cooled turbo charged monster, making its Aussie debut and driven by Peter Harburg (a personal friend of Jack Brabham and well known Sydney to Hobart competitor). The Penske machine is renowned for being one of the most difficult machines to ever drive to its limit.
Another overseas driver is Ernie Nagamatsu from the U.S, bringing the “Old Yella” 1959 Corvette that raced in the Pacific Northwest USAC International GP, and a ’Group N 71 Datsun 510.
There’s also the original prototype Lola, and an actual class winning Le Mans Morgan with a Triumph TR3, driven respectively by Kieth Ahlers and Billy Bellinger. With plenty more category news to come, you can also visit VHRR.com.au for ticket and event details.
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