PITSTOP

AUTUMN 2004 EDITION - NUMBER 26

The 7th Annual Meeting of the Australian Formula Junior Association was again held at Phillip Island in Victoria during the Annual Historic Race Meeting in February.

There were 27 people in attendance including 2 visitors from NZ. Highlights from the meeting included the presentation of both Perpetual Trophies for 2003 to Murray Bryden (MRC). Re-election of committee with new rep. for Victoria David Reid, and an excellent debate on changes to our rules.

A Notice of Motion by Secretary Kelvin to change the existing rules and enable the Annual Perpetual Trophies to be awarded to the driver and not the car was the subject of an interesting debate, and after an amendment the meeting agreed to a simplified versions without any constraints on car ownership.

A member raised concern at the meeting about the new FIA Heritage Certificate that will be available to owners from this year who seek to secure title to their car. Of particular concern for members who own overseas built cars was the lack of protection afforded these cars from overseas claims, as evidenced by recent experience with 5 local Formula Juniors. It was resolved that the AFJA alert "CAMS" of members concern, and seek information on how CAMS will protect local ownership of these cars.

The AFJA have to date identified nearly 100 cars in Australia that comply with our rules of membership, and due to our diligence in tracing cars, have probably saved some, but not all, from the local refuse dump. What we haven't achieved in recent times is to convince owners that recording their cars history is imperative to its security of title, and future resale value. It's also possible that we don't need FIA Heritage Certificates if we have sufficient documentation on the cars history to prove its authenticity.

KELVIN C. PRIOR SECRETARY/TREASURER AFJA

Murray Bryden assisted by son Simon Receiving the AFJA and Retireinvest Trophies at the Phillip Island Annual Meeting

RACE REPORT

PHILLIP ISLAND CLASSIC - ROUND ONE - AFJA TROPHY SERIES

The Phillip Island Classic Race Meeting was held the final weekend in February, and one week prior to the F1 AGP in Melbourne. Again the organisers received over 450 entries with quite a few from the northern hemisphere. This included Robin Longdon and his Lola MK 5A Formula Junior from the UK.

For some reason there were only 5 FJ cars entered, a lot less than previously indicated by our membership survey last year, and consequently required our cars to be part of a large mixed grid. The interesting feature of the FJ's entered was that 4 of the 5 were new cars to Australian historic racing.

Besides Robin Longdon's MK 5A, we had the Lotus 22 of Jonathan Williamson also from the UK now based in WA, Peter Strauss Drove his BT6 for the first time in a formula junior race with Ken Ward whose Rennmax BN1 was last raced by Ken in its original period some 30 odd years ago.

Murray Bryden "MRC" won the first race on Saturday from Robin Longdon "5A" with Jonathan Williamson filling 3rd place. Peter Strauss "BT6" was endeavoring to drive 2 cars in different events and missed the start. Ken Ward "Rennmax" blew a head gasket and needed to replace it for the Sunday's race.

On Sunday Murray Bryden damaged his MRC with some circuit debris in a handicap event during the morning and consequently could not contest the 2nd scratch race in the afternoon where points for our series were at stake. So the honor of winning this event was handed to Robin Longdon "MK5A" followed by "Mr. Consistent" Jonathan Williamson "Lotus 22", whilst further back in the field Peter Strauss "BT6 was gaining valuable experience in his new car, and Ken Ward "Rennmax BN1" close behind completed their first event in their new cars.

During the weekend the AFJA established a static display of Formula Junior in the pit area, and this seemed to attract considerable interest by the spectators who were there in considerable force.

Robin Longdon from UK. Preparing to race at Phillip Island

RACE REPORT - MALLALA HISTORIC - ROUND 2 - AFJA TROPHY SERIES

This years National All Historic Event was sponsored by "Penrite" during Easter where a large contingent of cars from the eastern states of Australia made this event very attractive to local South Australians.

The circuit is a level 2.6 km clockwise oil pan due to visiting "ERA" oil pumps lubricating the surface; the weather was fine 25 to 30 degrees each day including Friday for private practice.

There were 9 Formula Junior cars entered including the local "TAD" car driven by Ian Ashford. Unfortunately Don Thallon had problems with the T56 and brought his other car. Ken Ward obviously had trouble with his "Rennmax" as did Ian Bailey and his "Lynx".

Each car contested 5 events during the weekend with both 8 lap scratch races counting towards our Trophy Series for 2004. It was most unfortunate that last years trophy winner Murray Bryden (MRC) experienced engine problems, but Graham Brown (BT2) with rebuilt gearbox is gaining confidence in his new car, and will probably do well in the next round on home soil.

The main competition in both 8 lap races was between Jonathan Williamson (Lotus 22) and Ian Ashford (TAD) dicing for the lead in both races, as was Wayne Wilson driving his new acquisition the Donford,and Graham Brown (BT2) for third place, and Peter Strauss (BT6) a little further back still coming to grips with his new car, and a different style of driving to what he is used to.

Jonathan Williamson (Lotus 22) recorded the fastest lap of 1.20-77 during the weekend, but due to the oily track this was 2 seconds slower than previous FJ record.

AFJA AND RETIRENVEST TROPY SERIES CURRENT SCORES FOR 2004

Driver	Car	Group	Phillip Island	Mallala	Total
Jonathan Williamson WA	Lotus	FJ2	6 + 8	10 + 8	32
Ian Ashford SA	Tad	FJ2#	-	8 + 10	18
Robin Longdon UK	Lola	FJ2	8 + 10	-	18
Murray Bryden Vic	MRC	FJ2#	10 + 0	1 + 1	12
Peter Strauss Vic	BT6	FJ2	0 + 6	3 + 3	12
Wayne Wilson NSW	Donford	FJ2#	-	6 + 6	12
Graham Brown Qld	BT2	FJ2	-	4 + 4	8
Ken Ward NSW	Rennmax	FJ2#	0 + 4	-	4

# Denotes Australian built car with points towards the Retireinvest Perpetual Trophy

AUSTRALIAN FORMULA JUNIOR TOPHY SERIES YEAR 2004

After only 2 rounds of our 6 event series there are indications that this year we can expect to see a close competition with new cars appearing, building numbers and opportunity.

An interesting fact from the current results is that 5 states in Australia have cars competing in the series, and 8 cars have crossed state boundaries so far to contest both events.

It was always envisioned that the series main purpose was to reward consistency and encourage members to travel interstate to bolster FJ only grids, so maybe this is the year that it all comes together.

Jonathan Williamson with his Lotus 22 at Mallala SA during Easter

HRCC ALL HISTORIC IPSWICH QLD. 2004 - ROUND 3 OF AFJA TROPHY SERIES

PROGRAM: Voluntary private practice on Friday 23rd July Racing Saturday & Sunday 24th and 25th July Circuit - Queensland Raceway at Willowbank

ENTRIES: Available from Richard Watkins 07 3394 3755 Email richard_watkins_@hotmail.com or download from www.hrcc.org.au when available

EVENTS: During the weekend the AFJA will nominate from the program two scratch races where points will be awarded towards our trophy series

Wayne Wilson and his new car the Donford at Mallala SA

MOVEMENT AT THE STATION

The Donford as raced successfully by John Pymble in recent times and more recently advertised for sale in Pitstop was sold recently to Wayne Wilson also from NSW. The car in new owners hands has successfully competed at Oran Park during March and Mallala at Easter where the grin says in all. Welcome Wayne to membership of the AFJA.

Queensland Rep. Graham Brown and wife Jan have just returned from Russia in time for Mallala. It appears that Jan enjoys diving with a difference and specialises in cold ocean water activity with this recent trip catering for under ice exploration. Which promotes statements from we land -lubbers like everyone to their own, and vive la terra firma etc.

Received a newsletter from Rod Harvey at the National Motor Racing Museum in Bathurst where the ex Greg Cusack Elfin Formula Junior is permanently on display. It seems that the existing building at the circuit is being enlarged to increase the number of exhibits.

Members at the recent AGM were pleasantly surprised to greet our sole Tasmanian member Lyn Archer, owner of the ex Jack Hunnam Elfin FJ that Lyn originally drove in the mid 60's on various circuits in Australia with some success. Lyn recently dusted the car off and drove it at a recent historic event on the Baskerville circuit near Hobart.

MISSING FJ CARS

DOLPHIN Raced by Ross Gordon from Vic. till late '72. Car sold to someone in Melbourne with Tom Edgar sign on its side. Car originally a "Birchwood" Lotus 18.

PARAFORD Raced in Vic. By John Smart in 1963. Possibly damaged in NSW by subsequent owner.

SASIN FJ built and raced by Maurice Dinn (dec. 02) raced in 1963 with 1098 cc engine & blue livery

WREN Raced in Vic. 1963, 1098 cc engine, yellow livery, original owner K. Reynolds. Car now in Qld.

RENNMAX Car entered Warwick Farm FJ race Nov. 1961 by Ecurie Hall. Diver N. Hall with 997 cc engine

Peter Strauss seated in his Brabham BT6 at Phillip Island preparing for his first race

PARTS WANTED

Geoff Fry from Bathurst H. 02 6332 1699 is restoring his second Jolus Ch. 4 and requires some assistance. Parts needed are:

a) Triumph Herald uprights, trunnions and tie rods b) Pair sliding half shafts suit 40 HP VW flange c) 36 hp VW split box for Jolus "1"

PARTS FOR SALE ALSO CAR

Mike Shearer H. 08 8370 9333 M. 0419 044 999 wishes to sell:

a) 3 Coventry Climax fire pump engines in reasonable condition b) Numerous Climax FWB parts including new steel crank, Carrillo rods & Venolia pistons, "SU" carbs & manifold, 2-plate B & B clutch. Full list of spares parcel available c) Sports racing car project - "Mean Brabham" mid 70's Belgium based car with 4.7 Ford V8 and Hewland FG 400. Car based on modified BT8 frame similar to BT17. Car disassembled in Sydney and available as rolling chassis. Offers over $20,000.

NOTICE BOARD

For Sale via Secretary Kelvin Prior AFJA caps $30 including postage AFJA T-shirt including postage $30 AFJA cloth badge including postage $10 Business card advertising 4 issues $50
	For Sale Golford Aust. Special All steel 1040 cc Ford 105E Engine. Close ration 4 speed VW Transmission. Car fully restored by current owner. Current CAMS Log Book and C. of D. Price $19,000 with trailer Contact Grant Patullo (03) 9484 2253
	For Sale 1960 Essenkay Formula Junior Attractive Australian Special with history. 1089 cc Skoda engine, 36 hp VW transmission, drum brakes, alloy body, unused since 1992. Price $18,500 ono Contact Philip DeGruchy (03) 9898 3677 or 0408 398 624
Generic	For sale 1961 Lotus 20J959 This car originally owned by Lionel Ayres Qld. Full restoration near complete (like new). Genuine enquiries only with offers in excess of $60,000 Contact Murray Bryden (03) 9438 3237
	For sale 1962 Lynx Type 3 Ch. 113 ex Ern Tadgell Very competitive Formula Junior maintained by Noel Tuckey. Raced consistently by current owner past 24 years. Ford engine VW transmission, current log book and C of D. Price $34,000 Contact Graham Brown (07) 5447 1200
	For sale 1961 Lynx type 2 Ch. 109 ex Kel Prior Currently ANF 1500 Borgward engine & 5 speed trans. Plenty of spares for 1100 cc FJ & new nose cone Current Log Book & C. of D., full history from new Price $22,000 Contact Lynn Cowan H. 02 9525 2254 M.0414 707 338
	For sale Talisman FJ Spec. Aust. Special BT2 copy using Brabham parts, full alloy body All steel dry sump Ford engine by Ian Tate 4 speed CR VW Box, regular FJ competitor Price $30,000 Contact Mark Esmore W. 03 5495 1466 M. 0418 380 662