Ragtop Review - February to April 2024
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As Ian grew older his interest in Mo<strong>to</strong>rsport also grew. He joined the<br />
Phillip Island car club in 1969, competed in rally’s and mo<strong>to</strong>rkhana’s<br />
raced a Formula Vee in 1972 and in 1974 move <strong>to</strong> a Wren Formula Ford<br />
which he still owns <strong>to</strong>day, albeit in need of res<strong>to</strong>ration.<br />
In January 76 the car was all but destroyed at Phillip Island when he<br />
came over the Lukey Heights crest and went off the track <strong>to</strong> hit a farm<br />
fence, the type of fencepost that’s 4’ high, 10” round and buried 2’ in the<br />
ground. The hay bales were added <strong>to</strong> make future “offs” safer.<br />
Luckily only the chassis and suspension were written off and though<br />
his broken rib was a reminder, it didn’t slow him down. The car was repaired<br />
and returned <strong>to</strong> the track 15 months later.<br />
In 1984 he purchased an Elfin 620B Formula Ford from the Bob Jane<br />
and Frank Gardener driving school. Without a formal sponsor, he was<br />
lucky <strong>to</strong> have the support of mates in the car game which meant access<br />
<strong>to</strong> a workshop and occasional paid entry fees.<br />
During this period Ian had continued as an official having started at<br />
Sandown in 1969 and attended every Australian Grand Prix from 1980.<br />
at Calder <strong>to</strong> 2020 at Albert Park as a Senior Official.
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