The Australian Historic Formula Atlantic and European Formula Two Association was invited to the sensational Eastern Creek A1 Grand Prix meeting in Australia from November 4–6, 2005. This was, by no means, a token appearance—the group had 30 minutes practice, qualifying, and three 10-lap races.
As can be imagined, there was some attrition with 29 cars practicing and 24 starting their first race. Almost half the cars entered were Ralt RT4s with famed designer Ron Tauranac acting as roving technical advisor all weekend. Another nice touch was A1 GP Series Race Director and former Formula 1 driver Tim Schenken being reunited with his ex-Rondel Racing Brabham BT36 now owned by Andrew Fellowes.
Ty Hanger won the first race in (yes) a Ralt RT4. The second outing was red flagged after race leader, Stephen Borness’s Ralt RT4 tagged the back of Ray Hanger’s similar car. Borness had been black flagged for jumping the start but declined to serve his drive through penalty. It was not a happy race for the Hanger family, with Ty pulling off on the second lap with a seized gearbox.
The final event ran its full course with an excited Chris Farrell, Chevron B35 taking a convincing win and new class lap record.
The historic cars put on a great show, were well looked after by the organizers and should be back next year.
by John Murn
