1974 New Zealand Grand Prix Explained

Type:CUST
Description:Race 3 of 8 in 1974 Tasman Series
Grand Prix:New Zealand
Country:New Zealand
Location:Wigram Airfield Circuit, Christchurch, New Zealand
Date:19 January
Year:1974
Course:Temporary racing facility
Course Mi:2.20
Course Km:3.54
Distance Laps:47
Distance Mi:103
Distance Km:166
Weather:Light Cloud
Fast Driver:Peter Gethin
Fast Team:Chevron-Chevrolet
Fast Time:1:03.6
Fast Country:United Kingdom
First Driver:John McCormack
First Country:Australia
First Team:Elfin-Repco
Second Driver:Teddy Pilette
Second Country:Belgium
Second Team:Chevron-Chevrolet
Third Driver:Peter Gethin
Third Country:United Kingdom
Third Team:Chevron-Chevrolet

The 1974 New Zealand Grand Prix was a race held at the Wigram Airfield Circuit on 19 January 1974. The race had 20 starters. This was the first and only New Zealand Grand Prix to be held at the Wigram Airfield Circuit, and the race was also the 1974 Lady Wigram Trophy.[1] The race was moved to Wigram from the usual Pukekohe to be part of the Commonwealth Games being held in Christchurch.[2]

It was the 20th New Zealand Grand Prix, 23rd Lady Wigram Trophy and doubled as the third round of the 1974 Tasman Series, Australian John McCormack won his second NZGP in succession in his Elfin MR5 who finished ahead of Belgian Teddy Pilette and Briton Peter Gethin. The first New Zealand driver to finish was David Oxton in the Begg FM5 who came in 4th place.

Classification

Pos No. Driver Car Laps Time
14 John McCormackElfin MR5 / Repco 4994cc V84752min 29.8sec
23 Teddy PiletteChevron B24 / Chevrolet 4995cc V847+ 41.4 s
32 Peter GethinChevron B24 / Chevrolet 4995cc V847+ 56.9 s
418 David OxtonBegg FM5 / Chevrolet 4995cc V847+ 1:04.2 s
522 Garry PedersenMcLaren M18 / Chevrolet 4995cc V846+ 1 Lap
614 Graeme LawrenceLola T332 / Chevrolet 4995cc V845+ 2 Laps
721 Allan McCullyBegg FM5 / Chevrolet 4995cc V845+ 2 Laps
815 Reg CookLola T300 / Chevrolet 4995cc V842+ 5 Laps
912 Baron RobertsonElfin MR5 / Repco 4994cc V840+ 7 Laps
1011 Ken SmithMarch 732 / Cosworth 1930cc 4cyl34+ 13 Laps
Ret16 Dexter DunlopMcRae GM1 / Chevrolet 4995cc V838Fuel Injection
Ret1 Graham McRaeMcRae GM2 / Chevrolet 4995cc V830Valve Spring
Ret10 Warwick BrownLola T332 / Chevrolet 4995cc V827Gearbox
Ret19 Robbie BoothBegg FM4 / Chevrolet 4995cc V824Differential
Ret7 Johnnie WalkerLola T330 / Repco 4994cc V820Gearbox
Ret6 Max StewartLola T330 / Chevrolet 4995cc V812Oil Line
Ret20 Neil DoyleSurtees TS9B / Chevrolet 4995cc V87Suspension
Ret24 John LaneyMcLaren M10B / Chevrolet 4995cc V87Engine
Source(s):[3] [4]

Notes and References

  1. Book: Australian Competition Yearbook 1975 Edition . 1975 . 54–55.
  2. Web site: Quick Guide to the New Zealand Grand Prix . Toyota Gazoo Racing New Zealand . 24 March 2021 . 17 November 2014.
  3. Web site: 1974 Round 3 Wigram . sergent.com.au . 28 October 2015.
  4. Web site: New Zealand Grand Prix – Pukekohe, 19 Jan 1974 . oldracingcars.com . 28 October 2015.