(March 2012, Melbourne Australia) The Phillip Island Racing circuit is located some 100+ km southeast of Melbourne and is a well sorted and famous race track that has been in use for many decades and features some great races for both motor cars and bikes.

One of the best annual events is the Historic Race meeting held about one week before the Formula 1 race at Albert Park in Melbourne. This meeting attracts some of the best classic cars in Australia, and also cars are brought in from overseas to take part. It is a bit like Goodwood only on a smaller scale. This year there were over 500 entries of race cars, vintage, sports cars, Formula 5000 Appendix J touring cars and open wheelers, including Formula 2 cars. The races are held over three days and provide great entertainment for the spectators.

But one of the features of the weekend is the range of classics that adorn the car park. What always intrigues me is the variety of cars that enthusiasts fall in love with. Not the usual Jags, MG’s Austin Healeys and so on - but Singers, Anglia’s, Cortina’s, Escorts, as well as very valuable exotics like Ferrari, Maserati, Cobras, including replicas and more.

>> Gallery: Some Classics in Pits and the Paddock

What is also so great about this event is the unlimited access to the pit, to see the race cars close up, talk to the drivers and really get a feel for the excitement that will be there. One thing that does stand out though, is the fact that most of the drivers are either grey or have lost their hair. Does that mean that only the older generation appreciates and races the cars? Or don't younger ones appreciate the classics, or just can't afford to own and run them? Anyway, that is the author's observation.

Text & Photos: Heinz Schendzielorz