Bathurst and/or Bust

Call it too many bumps on the head or what you like but...

I've waited 30 year to have a chance to race at Bathurst. I went to primary school with a guy (Colin Taylor) whose mum was racing at Bathurst. It must have made an incredible impression because just the thought of racing at Bathurst this October has blown the tiniest of sparks into a roaring bush fire.

When Chris Dimmock mentioned the possibility of the Healey International Commemorative Race at Christmas time last year, I offered to help because I just had to be there. My contribution to the event has been organising accommodation, which I have enjoyed immensely.

The only down side of this race is the lack of Sprites. There are 16 grid positions allotted for Sprites and only 8 spots taken that I am aware of (2 from Victoria and 6 from our club). Neil Dunn and Chris started with the idea of just getting Healeys together for a race at the worlds premier circuit after the Commemorative Race was canned in Le Mans. Neil shouldered the burden of fronting CAMS and the FIA to nut out workable rules.

Neil, Colin Dodds and myself raced at Bathurst on the Press Day in June. Just driving out of pit lane and heading up Mountain Straight was AWESOME in Esme Sprite. I admit that my attitude is coming from the far extreme of enthusiasm for this event, but I truly wish the enthusiasm could have rubbed off on a few more Spriters. This is Bathurst guys and girls!! Sure, in my wildest dreams I never imagined driving Esme at Bathurst. I had designs on a modern car but gosh, I'm going to be there with bells on.

Wendy Gibbs.

Reprinted from Sprite Torque - September 1998