Ever been to the National Motor Racing Museum at Bathurst?
No? Then you’re missing out.
If you haven’t, then who better for the V8 Sleuth Aaron Noonan to give you a snapshot of the National Motor Racing Museum where Repco’s illustrious racing history is showcased throughout.
Upon entry fans are welcomed by the sight of Peter Brock’s Repco Reliability Trial winning VB Commodore. The racing great acknowledged winning this 14-day, 19,000km ultra marathon as his proudest racing achievement.
Brock entered the event as the underdog against Australia’s leading rallying talent including Wayne Bell and Barry Ferguson leading Holden’s other team Commodores, but preceded to take victory in what is considered Australia’s toughest event.
Teaming with Noel Richards and Matt Philip, Brock led home a Holden 1-2-3 in what was the perfect launch for the Commodore ahead of its circuit racing debut the next season.
It kicked off a successful two months for Brock in motorsport as he won his sixth Hang Ten 400 race at Sandown and later in October a fourth Bathurst crown by a record six-laps with co-driver Jim Richards.
The Repco Reliability Trial Commodore is unmolested since it finished the race baring all the scars from a torturous fortnight ordeal capped off with a victory to savour.
Hiding within a row of Bathurst legends is the Torana SL/R 5000 L34 shared by Formula 1 legends Jack Brabham and Stirling Moss.
Just 10 years after winning the World Championship for Driver’s in the famous Brabham-Repco BT19 and five years after his retirement, Black Jack paired with an old rival turned friend Moss in what was a hugely hyped pairing in the midst of an international invasion on the Mountain.
In what was a rushed build up, the pair’s race famously failed to get off the start line as Sir Jack searched for a gear, though not before a Triumph Dolomite slammed the rear of the stranded Torana.
Although they did continue in the race, it was a smoky affair as 37 laps were completed.
Repco proudly continued its support of Sir Jack’s Bathurst adventure in what has become an iconic livery in the style of Blues Union Jeans.
Last but not least is the Garry Rogers Motorsport winning Holden Commodore VT driven by Jason Bargwanna and Garth Tander, the crowning glory for the underdog team.
In what was a stunning victory for the two rising stars in the wet and capped off GRM’s most successful season yet as Tander finished second to Holden hero Mark Skaife in the title fight.
In a celebration of the iconic team, the squad’s 1000 winner is demonstrated alongside its two Bathurst 24 Hour winning Holden 427 Monaros and Nathan Herne’s Trans Am Series winning Dodge Challenger from last year.
This is just a taste of what is featured in the museum open every day, except for Tuesdays.
It is a must see when watching the Shell V-Power Racing Ford Mustangs take on the this year’s Repco Bathurst 1000!