Australia is blessed with a wide range of historic motorsport from circuit racing to “around the houses” speed events. Speed on Tweed held in Murwillumbah in northern New South Wales has now become the place to be in September with local conviviality mixed with enough Castrol R to keep anyone happy.
After three years as Speed on Tweed event patron, Australian motorsport legend Frank Gardner is stepping down with fellow countryman Vern Schuppan assuming the role.
Schuppan is well known not only to Australian enthusiasts, but throughout the world, as driver for the Surtees, Hill, Ensign and BRM Formula 1 teams. He also saw success at Le Mans with a win in 1983 in a Porsche 956 shared with Hurley Haywood and Al Holbert.
“I am delighted to be invited back to the event and absolutely honored to be chosen as Patron,” said Schuppan. “From the way it is run, the friendly atmosphere and the accessibility to drivers and cars, it all adds up to a great chance to see some of the best in the world and is one event in Australia that I would not want to miss.”
Speed on Tweed director Roger Ealand commented that the Festival has stepped up to another level this year and visitors are in for some big surprises. He added that for the first time it will be possible to purchase tickets online through the event’s website at www.speedontweed.com.
The 2006 Festival of Speed on Tweed, to be held in Murwillumbah, on the north coast of New South Wales, Australia, from September 15–17, will celebrate the famous Bathurst 1,000 endurance event and pay tribute to Australia’s Grand Prix history with an amazing line up of famous racecars to be announced in the coming months.
By Patrick Quinn
