Nestled somewhat innocuously behind a golf course in Pine Rivers Shire, South East Queensland, Australia, is historic Lakeside Park Raceway. It holds the distinction as the Queensland’s first permanent, purpose-built racetrack and has sat – for fifty years – on the banks of Lake Kurwongbah. It is a monument to both motorsport and Australia’s can-do attitude, having been built on a foundation of favors, borrowed equipment and volunteer labor – not to mention a former dairy farm.

It is 2.4 km (1.5 miles) of bitumen and yet, it is so much more. Several Aussie motorsport legends – including Dick Johnson, Tony Longhurst and Mick Doohan – cut their teeth at Lakeside. It may not share the prestige or recognition afforded to other tracks like Mount Panorama or Philip Island, but to those who know it Lakeside is just as beloved.

There were a wide variety of vehicles present, from historic touring cars to one-seat racers, pre-‘70s motorcycles and later model sedans, coupes and convertibles. Alongside the well-known automakers – namely Holden, Jaguar, Lotus and Alfa Romeo – are countless others that have been lost to time.

British makes like Sunbeam, Triumph, Morris and Hillman. And more still; names well (somewhat) well known to the older generation of motorsport fans but unknown to young guns like myself: Kenner, Nota, Shamrock, Mallock, Lolas, Whitford and WRM.

The sheer variety of cars present was also astounding. In the pits, the crowd favorites were John White’s ‘64 Chevrolet Corvette, Alan Watson’s ’67 yellow Jaguar E-Type, Steve Jeffs’ sinister1951 Holden FX and Andrew Wilson’s 1926 AC Amilcar. On the track, high praise went to Neil Cummins ultra-rare 1954 Shamrock one-cylinder and Rohan Ackroyd’s bright red 1960 Sunbeam Alpine.

And the non-competitor cars were just as assorted and interesting. Among them a vinyl roofed FJ Holden panel van, a handful of HK Holdens, at least half a dozen pre-‘74 Mustangs, a few Austin Healeys and a lion’s share FJ utes and sedans were out in force. There was also a color assortment of personalities that comes with such a colorful assortment of cars.

There are plenty of photos, of course, though I wish I’d been able to bottle up the smells and sounds from the event. There was the rich aroma of motor oil and hot bitumen, and most of the cars sounded like a cross between a motorcycle and a WWII fighter plane. All told, it was an incredible event and one I think a lot of those there will remember for many years to come.

By Tristan Hankins

*Photos Copyright Carscoop / Tristan Hankins

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