A Facebook friend posted this photo this morning and I couldn’t resist re-publishing it. It is such a excellent shot that captures so much of what was great about Australian road racing in the 70s.
It is Oran Park, of course, with the iconic starter’s stand in the background. I am guessing it was taken at the end of a Club Day as sashes are being awarded. From memory, C Grade days featured trophies rather than sashes though, as always, I am happy to be corrected.
The day has obviously been wet but, back then, you raced on regardless of the weather, dates were hard to get; there was so much racing happening, you didn’t cancel and lose a valuable track opportunity.
In the centre of the picture some 1st place ribbons are being presented. I’d like to be able to identify the official in the hat but I can’t. This is probably a presentation for the sidecar race since two people are receiving a 1st place ribbon at the same time.
In the foreground a rider is heading off after picking up a 2nd place ribbon for his efforts; he seems pretty happy with himself. Behind him, one of the officials of the meeting is juggling sashes getting ready to hand the man with the microphone the next one. The other riders appear to be waiting till it’s their turn so they can grab a sash and get back to the car and go somewhere warm and dry!
Note the drum of microphone cable on the track, one end of the cable leading back to one of the sockets in the office (no radio mikes in those days). Indeed, even at the very last meeting at Oran Park, in 2009, there weren’t any radio mikes.
I’d like to say that I recognise the very tall rider at the left hand end of the group. Someone may be able to help me, he sure looks familiar. I am guessing he wasn’t a 125 rider, anyway!
My thanks to John Fitzgerald for posting this on Facebook, it sure brought back some great memories for me. I hope you like it.