Special link to the past at Teretonga Park this weekend

When the Ascot Park Hotel Classic SpeedFest takes place at Teretonga Park in Invercargill this weekend there will be many connections with past eras of motorsport but none moreso than a very special connection one driver will have.

Mark Johnstone will drive a Brabham BT21R in the Formula Libre races this weekend on the circuit that his grandad, Jack Johnstone was instrumental in creating.

Jack was the President of the Southland Sports Car Club when construction of the circuit was first mooted in 1952 and he led the way as the circuit was opened in 1957. Jack was an integral part of the club until his passing in 2018 at the age of ninety-one. He was a Life Member of the club and the Club’s Patron for many years and his contribution over those years was immense.

“We are incredibly proud of what Grandad did,” says Mark, as he looks forward to racing on the circuit this weekend. “The fact that the track is still in the top echelon of New Zealand motor racing speaks volumes. It is special, a favourite of mine.”

Mark describes himself as a motorsport tragic. “I love the sport but haven’t done much.” Mark’s father Alan also raced. “I had no choice, although as the oldest of four, my brothers and sister have shown no interest in the sport. He credits that to the fact he was the one who spent time going to Teretonga, Levels and Wigram in his formative years.

The fact Mark hasn’t done much in the way of racing is due in no small part to the fact he is much travelled. “Dad worked on the hydro scheme in Twizel before we moved to Otatara. Then we moved to North Queensland. I returned for high school and university. I am a mechanical engineer by qualification and I work for an international engineering and construction company. We focus on large scale projects in the aluminium and alumina space, building smelters and alumina refineries, copper goldmines and coal mines.”

He has worked in Dubai and is currently working in Bahrain. He has just built a house at Queensbury near Wanaka and receives a return trip home every year. “Sometimes we get home a couple of times a year but it doesn’t always work out well timing wise for SpeedFest.”

“I last raced at SpeedFest in 2016 and my last race was at Highlands in 2018. Covid threw a spanner in the works so this is my first race here in nine years.”

Because of his work racing has been sporadic. “I first started racing when in the sixth form. Grandad had a Porsche and Dad and I had a Mini Cooper S each.

I raced at SpeedFest and did club events at Teretonga plus the Skyline Classic. That was really it as I went overseas for work and it was too difficult.”

“Then Dad and I brought the Brabham I will race this weekend from Wally Willmott, (another legendary motorsport name in the south) in 2011. It is a replica 1967 Brabham BT21 kit by Barry Leitch. Howard Kingsford-Smith first owned it and then Wally. Dad and I owned and raced it but over Christmas it became all mine. It is prepared by Rick Michels at Evolution Motorsport in Invercargill.”

Racing in the Formula Libre class this weekend against Rick’s son Jordan and Gregory Scott will be a good benchmark. I am here for enjoyment and to re-familiarise myself with the car.”

For many spectators the sight of Mark racing on the circuit his grandad was to the fore in creating back in 1957 will be very special indeed.

The Ascot Park Hotel Classic SpeedFest will feature classes as diverse as HVRA, Pre 78 Classic Saloons, Vintage Racing Cars, Classic Saloons, Sports & GT Cars and Single Seaters, supported by the Allied 24/7 Mainland Muscle Cars, MX5 Heritage Cup, Golden Homes Mini 7 South and the Noel McIntyre Drainage Club Saloons.

Presale tickets are available now from E Hayes & Sons, Dee Street, Invercargill and Harrisons Supplies, Mersey Street in Gore.

Presale tickets are just $40 plus any applicable charges while a weekend pass at the gate over the weekend of the event is $50. A single day pass for either Saturday or Sunday is $30 per day while children 14 & under are free throughout the event as long as they are accompanied by an adult.

The action starts at 9am each day.