40Th Anniversary Edition
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40TH ANNIVERSARY EDITION Celebrating 40 years 1980 - 2020 From the archives Celebrating 40 years 1980 - 2020 But one would imagine it would have included the following names who were all very active in the early formation of the club, Ron Hodgson, Max 1981 Stahl, Diane and Alan Barrow, Geoff Simmons, John Cummins, Roberta and Graeme Douglass John Williams, Ken Mathews, Greg Toepfer, Neville McDoneII, Lyn Brown, Bruce Stewart and Gavin Ward. November 30, 1980: Appendix J cars hit the The first club meeting: took place at the North Ryde racetrack at Amaroo. Combined with Sports Ex-Servicemen's Club in the first half of the year. Sedans, Greg Toepfer and Lyn Brown race their Holden EH and Jaguar respectively. The formation meeting however took place in 1980 at the ARDC club rooms in Leichhardt. In March, 1981: First fully-fledged race meeting for the between, meetings took place at hotels and new era of Appendix J cars was held at Sydney’s other venues. Oran Park. Without the efforts of Ron Hodgson many believe First Christmas party: Lane Cove National Park. the club would never had found its feet. He Peter Hopwood and Steve Williams are major instigated many of the traditions of the club and (multiple) trophy winners at annual NSW Road was particularly forceful in moving motor racing Racing Club presentation. There doesn't appear heavyweights, notably the Confederation of to be any documentation of the 1981 committee, Australian Motor Sport. probably the formation committee of the Victorian John Mann, still prominent in Historic Association. Touring Cars was another leading light in the formation of Appendix J racing at this time. Keen to be participating were names like Mike Dyer, Ken Brigden, Bruce Stewart, Alan Barrow, Ron Hodgson among others who raced in the original era. Celebrating 40 years 1980 - 2020 Racing at Oran Park in September. Peter Hopwood in his Chev Impala beat the EHs of Steve Williams and Greg Toepfer who started from the 1982 rear of grid. John Tesoriero was fourth after Chris Strode, Mick Fisher and David Brien received a one-minute penalty each. It was wet by race two where Hopwood had a torrid time holding off "Appendix J" is given to cars which had been Williams as again Toepfer forged to third. no extensively modified, while "Group N" was progressive grids here. Abe Barrow was a star reserved for faithfully restored models. performer with a seventh and eighth in a Humpy Questionnaire to members regarding diffs. Holden. Denis O'Brien sold his beast, that awesome Ford The Lakeside Historic held in October became a Galaxie to a collector. It was destined never to washout but not before one race. Laurie race again. As a matter of fact, nobody has heard Donaher made the northern trek while Jack or seen of it since. Lacey debuted a Cooper S that was flying considering it was only completed days before Peter Hopwood, Steve Williams, Paul Corner, Alan the meeting. Barrow and Michael Westall numbered among several club members to receive awards at the In November, NSW cars impressed at the AGP held NSW Road Racing Club Annual Presentation at Calder. Race one was won by Denis O’Brien Dinner. over Ken Mathews and Des Gibbs. Peter Hop wood hogged the TV coverage mainly for 1982 CLUB COMMITTEE spinning. He was second behind O'Brien in the President Ron Hodgson second race as Gibbs and Mathews chased. Vice President Geoff Symonds Quote from TV commentator and motoring writing Secretary Roberta Douglass Evan Green, "These grand old cars are great for those of us privileged enough to see them". Treasurer Dianne Barrow Peter Hopwood who raced in many categories said 'I Committee Ken Mathews enjoy Appendix J because they are a great bunch John Williams of people." Alan Barrow Lyn Brown Roberta Douglass does observed practice at Oran Graeme Douglass Park. Later on, she competes in races and Max Stahl becomes the first woman of Appendix J. Club newsletter begins, titled Appendixitis and the CAMS Delegates Graeme Douglass search for a club logo begins. Neville McDonnell Mary Packard of the AARC expresses interest in Trophy Steward Gavin Ward having Appendix J cars compete at their meeting Eligibility Scrutineers Geoff Symonds in the future. No decision has come from CAMS regarding the compulsory use of roll bars in Appendix J cars, although it is expected that it will be a strong possibility. Celebrating 40 years 1980 - 2020 First signs of Na emerge with President Ron Hodgson advocating that cars don't have to be 1983 hot for inclusion in the fledgling Appendix J. He suggested that Classic Touring Cars should all be included within the club and members should not be discouraged if their car was not The New Year was welcomed in with a bash at Kevin 'hot"' All cars of the era should be catered for in and Jackie Anker's place which was a huge all manner of events but racing where the more success. modified cars would be the order of the day. President Ron Hodgson resigns but is reinstated by Les Clements donates a perpetual trophy for 'Best popular vote of confidence by members. and Fairest". Graeme Douglass, editor of Appendixitis called for a First trip by club to Queensland's Lakeside track. new editor but appears to have continued in the role in the absence of any takers. Jan Lisle, who attended most J meetings whether husband Peter was racing or not, passed away "Golden Oldies" race at Oran Park, in the wet, was and would be sadly missed. won by John Leffler in a borrowed Bruce Allen Mini. Other celebrities in borrowed cars included A telegram from Ivan Stibbard of the Australian Colin Bond and Brian Foley who afterwards was Racing Drivers' Club marks a major breakthrough overheard accusing Leffler and Bond of not for Appendix J at Amaroo Park. He has invited adhering to the script. Seems the competitive the club to compete at the March 6 open meeting. nature of the sport reigned supreme. Robert Douglass confirmed Burwood RSL Club as the venue for club meetings with the second Wednesday of the month remaining as 1983 CLUB COMMITTEE President Ron Hodgson Calder AGP: Appendix J club members travelled south to compete. In the interstate point score, Vice President Geoff Symonds victory went to Garry Rogers (Mustang) from Secretary Roberta Douglass Barry Jupp and NSW’s Greg Toepfer in his EH. John Virgo was fourth in front of Bruce Allen and Treasurer Dianne Barrow Ken Matthews. Surprise at no trophies for class winners and place getters. Committee Ken Mathews John Williams CAMS attempts to limit appearances of the fledgling Alan Barrow Appendix J to only one open meeting per year. Lyn Brown Oran Park future is unclear and the circuit is in need Graeme Douglass Max Stahl of major repair, Appendix J members fear the closure of the circuit would hinder further CAMS Delegates Graeme Douglass development of the category. However at the Neville McDonnell same time, spectators turn out to an Oran Park open meeting to the tune of 22,000, more than Trophy Steward Gavin Ward had been at any NSW race meeting for some Eligibility Scrutineers Geoff Symonds time. Driver Resumés are called for to help boost the profile of the category. Celebrating 40 years 1980 - 2020 Engine capacity checker or Puffer for checking engine capacities is ordered from the United States. 1984 Interstate challenge series discussed but agreement with other states was difficult. The club encourages members to become involved Return of the magazine just known as just the Official with the Confederation of Australian Motor Sport. Newsletter of Appendix J Association under the Three members, Alan Garner, Steve Turner and editorship of Tony Burke. By mid-year it had Trevor Thessman agree to do CAMS stewards been named Action-Line. training. Limited Slip Differentials are introduced from The uncertain future of Oran Park is solved with the January I. sale of the Leppington property to the Perich family and their appointment of Jim Ferguson as NSW contingent of Marc Duquet, Greg Toepfer and manager. Steve Williams venture to Surfers Paradise and finish in that order, first, second and third. The Historic Car Committee acknowledges that Appendix J has developed in such a way that was State Appendix J representatives meet in Melbourne not originally envisaged. to discuss eligibility matters on a National basis. Earlier discussions with Queensland and South A development plan for the Appendix J Oran Park Australia to suggest minimum weights not hospitality area was drawn up and presented to adopted but the subject remained a hot topic for committee by Nev McDonnell after Jim Ferguson the entire year. agrees to the idea in principle. It was ambitious! By year-end Action-Line has stepped up a gear containing much more member input and a 1984 CLUB COMMITTEE brighter format. President Rob Tweedie An ambitious year- end party is planned on a cruising Vice President John Williams yacht and Appendix J has been dubbed "Solid Secretary Max Stahl Gold". Treasurer Gary Lester Committee Greg Toepfer Dave Clement Peter Hopwood CAMS Delegates Neville McDonnell Norm Howe CAMS Eligibility Officer Geoff Simmons Eligibility Scrutineers Mike Dyer Paul Corner Peter Sugden Newsletter Editor Tony Burke Action-Line Editor Max Stahl Trophy Steward Roland Hill Social Secretary Anne Williams Celebrating 40 years 1980 - 2020 The Yokohama AOOIR has been deemed not eligible and the CAMS Secretary has made an 1985 apology for an error in his letter. The new Grand Rally S is set to replace the Super Steel and tests will show if is good enough.