The 26th edition of the Skope Classic will feature a return of a swarm of little hero’s from the late 1950s in early 60s in the form of Formula Junior class.
This epic category has made its presence in recent years but not in the numbers that are expected to arrive for this meeting.
The Skope, which started life in 1991 as the BP Alfa Classic before becoming the PDL Classic and now its sister company Skope, is the largest meeting of it kind in the South Island. Today, the name “Skope” rolls off the tongue with most people enthusiast or non enthusiast, knowing what is being referred to.
It has become the jewel in the crown of the Canterbury Car Club’s programme at the Mike Pero Motorsport Park at Ruapuna, such is its popularity.
While the Formula Junior’s will take centre stage, the ever popular Formula 5000 revival, the Mainland Muscle Cars and the Historic Touring Car register along with other regular classes will ensure the three day meeting lives up to its well earned reputation.
In recent years the Skope has continued to attract fields in excess of 200. Back in 1991 the entry was 100. Included in that number are three driver / car combinations that are still regulars; Jeremy Stace from Blenheim in his 1964 Jaguar E Type, Bert Govan, Christchurch 1965 Jaguar MK2 and Graeme Hamilton, Christchurch in the ex Wally Darrell Ace 2 Special.
Arguably the return of Formula 5000’s in such big numbers have become the meeting’s highlight, especially with drivers like Kenny Smith still in the line up.
The Historic Touring Cars have gathered a field of cars with considerable pedigree and include a good number of BMW’s from various championships around the world, two Group A Jaguar XJS’s, Allan Scott’s Rover Vitesse Bastos, Gary Wilkinson’s Ford Zakspeed Escort, Roger Townshend’s Ford Cologne Capri and Brett Stevens in his Ford Sierra Cosworth.
The Vintage Car Club’s entry while not containing the number of thoroughbred single seaters (or replica’s) there once was, still boast an impressive collection of original specials. These were cars that ran in various competitions in the 1950’s and 60’s, in the days when importing vehicles was a difficult exercise. Such cars invariably include the 260M Zephyr that was built for Pat Hoare and then raced by Ron Rutherford. Its current owner and driver is Mark McFadden. The Stuart V8 Special, built and raced by Neil Stuart and now campaigned by Peter Leversedge, Graeme Hamilton’s Ace 2, the famous Stanton Corvette now raced by Russell Greer and Rob Boult who pedal’s the Edelbrock Special.
Over recent years each Skope has run with a theme. These have included “the Can Am years”, “the V8” and “the specials”. February’s meeting will highlight a mouth watering collection of historic Formula 1 cars and the birthday of Formula Junior.
Early bird tickets at $40 are going on sale in September at the best early bird price for many years. Please contact the Canterbury Car Club on 03-349 6004.
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