Vintage shots from days gone by!

Norm Beechey


Norm Beechey built and raced some fascinating cars throughout the late 1950s and early 60s. His early years followed that of many typical Aussies, battling away in an FX Holden, followed by an EH. But, there were early signs that Beechey, the showman, preferred to cut his own path. In 1958, he briefly raced a Ford Customline. The, in 1962, he opted for this massive Chevy Impala, imported brand new from the US.

The Impala was originally intended for the single-race 1962 ATCC at Longford. Unfortunately, it failed to reach Australia in time, so Beechey fronted up with his FX Holden. The Impala became one of the fastest touring cars in Australia throughout the rest of 1962, and into '63, and was about the only touring car that could take it to the dominant Jaguars. There was much anticipation over the contest between it and Bob Jane's Jaguar at the 1963 ATCC at Mallala, but the duel never happened. The Impala blew its motor just prior to the ATCC, and Norm reverted back to his Holden for the second year running.
This incredible photo shows not just the race car, but also what I can only guess is Norms tow-vehicle, a '61 Impala.
http://www.theroaringseason.com/showthread.php?825-Bob-Jane-Racing-Heritage-Photo-Collection

 

Edmunton, Alberta

 

IOWA

 

Now THIS was fuel dragster racing!

 

Marquette, MI 1963

 

Thanks for the comments

We've had racing down our way for a long long time. My dad was a dirt track racer in the 60's so I was doomed from birth
The likes of McLaren, Hulme, Amon, [Brabham in Aussie] all left for the Northern Hemisphere 60+ years ago.
NZ had US Military bases during WW2 so we had access to US trends, but were tied to "Mother England"
Which is why you see USA coupes doing road racing [predominantly a European sport]

A few years ago , the statistics showed over 5000 Road Racing cars here, Add to that all the Drag cars, Speedway cars ,Hot Rods and the numbers start climbing
We have 4 drag strips, 8 road racing circuits, 23 dirt speedways
All for a population less than 4-1/2 million [1/4 the population of Greater Los Angeles]

Aaaaand If you ask your parents nicely, you can get dispensation to race full size cars as a 13 year old. [Scott Dixon is a good example of that]

We sort of wonder why the crowds are diminishing at race meetings ,it is probably because they are all sitting in Race Cars

Back on topic

 

Early days at Pukekohe. Auckland NZ

 

Deer Park-Phil Cunningham photos

 

I vote Hemidav for the win in this thread

 

Looks like the 3rd car from the end is an Alvis.

 

I never saw that one coming!
A Super Stock 426 hemi engine in a dragster.

 

Well it’s not “Mother ,Jugs and Speed”,,,,,,,,,