Local vintage racing car enthusiasts are currently gearing up for one of their biggest events on the calendar: The Historic Sports and Racing Car Association of NSW Spring Festival.
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Scheduled for the weekend of August 29 and 30 at Wakefield Park, the feature of the festival is 'Return to Racing'.
HRSCA president, Richard Cardew, expects roughly 130 entries across the eight classes present at the meeting.
This, Cardew said, is a strong turnout despite the fact that the interstate entries have had to cancel their participation due to coronavirus restrictions.
"There's a lot of people who are keen to get back onto the track, and there are very few historic race meetings available this year," Cardew said.
"That number is consistent with the higher numbers over the last few years."
The cars present at the event will range from 30 to nearly 90 years old, and drivers will be able to take part in a number of different events.
Drivers will also have the ability to take part in the 'Give a Mate a Go' event, which allows drivers to swap cars with others who are not entered in a class.
"It's in its early days, at the moment it's just to enable a driver in one car to give someone else a go in their car," Cardew said. "We've got to do it formally, but the idea is to encourage more sharing of cars where people are willing to do that.
"What we are looking to do in the longer run is to provide more entry-level opportunities.
"Motorsports are increasingly regulated for safety, and that creates some financial barriers for gaining entry and experience. In the old days, you'd drive your car there, take off the hub caps, and race it. In these days it's not as simple. We're creating opportunities for experience."
The Spring Festival is one of two events held by the HSRCA at Wakefield Park each year, out of four in total.
The other two are held at the Sydney Motorsport Park, and Cardew said each venue provides a nice contrast.
"Wakefield Park is a very good spectator circuit," he said.
"You're able to capture the earlier feeling of historic racing because it's more informal, more relaxed. You can relax down there and get serious on the track.
"It does suit smaller and older cars, it's also very safe and suits spectators. It's a busy circuit, and there's some technical challenges as a driver."
The Spring Festival will be closed to spectators, with only drivers, their crews, and staff allowed at the venue. However, Cardew said the photographers present at the event will upload images to the HSRCA website throughout the weekend for fans to view.
Those present at the event will be required to adhere to the COVID-19 safety guidelines, which include social distancing at all times.
Entries for the event are open, and can be accessed through the Motorsport Australia Members' Portal, found here.
For more information, please visit the HRSCA website at www.hsrca.com.
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