The Tasman Races
The series of 100-mile races held in New Zealand and Australia for the Tasman Championship saw Peter Gethin win on points with two wins, two seconds and a third place in the eight events. The races were run to Formula 5000, single-seaters powered by push-rod production 5-litre engines, a form of racing that has a good following in the Southern Hemisphere. Gethin went out there with the Belgian Team VDS with Teddy Pilette and although Pilette scored a win and a second place, the local drivers also shared in the winnings.
Levin Races-84 laps-171.9 kms —January 5th
1st: J. Walker (Lola-Repco) 64 mm. 19.6 sec.
2nd: A. McCully (Begg-Chevrolet)
3rd: M. Stewart (Lola-Chevrolet)
Pukekohe-58 laps-163.3 kms.—January 13th
1st: P. Gethin (Chevron-Chevrolet) 62 min. 29.2 sec.
2nd: J. McCormack (Ellin-Repco)
3rd: D. Oxton (Begg-Chevrolet)
Lady Wigram-47 laps-162.7 kms.—Jan. 20th
1st: J. McCormack (Elfin-Repco).. 52 min. 29.8 sec.
2nd: T. Pilette (Chevron-Chevrolet)
3rd: P. Gethin (Chevron-Chevrolet)
Teretonga Park-62 lops-159.7 kms.— January 27th
1st:M. Stewart (Lola-Chevrolet) 57 min. 14.7 sec.
2nd:G. McRae (McRae-Chevrolet)
3rd:G. Lawrence (Lola-Chevrolet)
Oran Park-90 laps-150.6 kms.—February 3rd
1st: M. Stewart (Lola-Chevrolet) 61 min. 22.0sec.
2nd:J. Walker (Lola-Repco)
3rd:W. Brown (Lola-Chevrolet)
Surfers Paradise—50 laps-160.9 kms.— February 10th
1st:T. Pilette (Chevron-Chevrolet) 57 min. 11.6 sec.
2nd: P. Gethin (Chevron-Chevrolet)
3rd:Niatich (Matich-Repco)
Sandown Park-52 laps— 161.5 kms.—Feb. 17th
1st:P. Gethin (Chevron-Chevrolet) 54 min. 22.1 sec.
2nd: G. McRae (McRae-Chevrolet)
3rd:J. Walker (Lola-Repco)
Adelaide-70 laps-168.9 kms.—February 24th
1st: W. Brown (Lola-Chevrolet) 61 mm. 10.7 sec.
2nd: P. Gethin (Chevron-Chevrolet)
3rd:G. Lawrence (Lola-Chevrolet)