The legendary Ford Falcon GTHO celebrates its 50th anniversary this year and muscle car enthusiast delegates will have the opportunity to meet some of the crew who developed the race car on Stand 59 and buy tickets to the big celebration party. The party will be held on Sunday 13 October, the day of the Supercheap Auto Bathurst 1000 at the birthplace of the GTHO, 224 Mahoneys Road, Thomastown where Foundation director, Peter Dietze has transformed the building back to its original workshop layout.
Tickets are $250 per head that includes the day’s activities and food and beverages. Ticket sales will go towards the Ford GTHO Lot 6 Foundation to fund young automotive mechanics and technicians who dream to become involved in motor racing at the highest levels.
You can buy tickets at the AADA expo in booth 59 or on their website.
The party starts with a ground kissing ceremony at 9.00 am with the day concluding at the end of the race. There will be restored GTHO cars on display plus a host of memorabilia and prizes to be won while guests can view the race on a massive 3m x 2m digital screen over lunch.
The iconic Ford Falcon GTHO changed the face of motor racing in Australia and ‘Big Al’ Turner, the man behind this incredible car is coming out from the US to be there as guest of honour along with some of the engineers, mechanics and technicians.
The little-known not-for-profit foundation that has been around since 2009 is reviving its objectives and currently talking to the Kangan Institute and the RMIT University about a post graduate program of subjects to cover every aspect of racing car development and preparation.
The Foundation’s recently appointed Executive Director, David Blackhall, said although the original concept was well-intentioned, the idea was simply not feasible back then as there was no substantial funding available. The logistics, plant and equipment would have cost millions of dollars to bring to fruition, he said.
“Instead of starting with raw talent, we re-visited and revived the program with a crawl before you walk approach by offering young people who have completed their apprenticeships as automotive mechanics or technicians a post-graduate course.
“They already understand how internal combustion engines work but do not have the skills to prepare a car for racing. We can provide data and people who can assist educational institutions to teach them. Our Lot 6 engineers can make meaningful contributions to developing a curriculum for post graduate courses to include subjects such as how to improve the performance of engines, balance chassis, use aerodynamics to advantage, improve suspension and steering and how to select transmission and differential ratios,” he said.
“To survive as a not-for-profit organisation, we have to rely on donations, sponsorships and major fund-raising programs to support our activities.
“In this regard, we will be talking to companies already committed to motor sport in Australia, seeking their financial support to help fund the post-graduate courses and give them the opportunity to be part of a vital piece of history,” he said.
