The Post-Formula 1 Years at Wigram

Motor Racing at Wigram – Part 7

Rolling starts were introduced to Wigram racing in 1970, along with substantially increased prize money and limits placed on Formula 5000 cars’ engine capacity and weight, all with a view to attracting more entrants while at the same time heightening spectator interest. Numbers of drivers coming from overseas remained much the same, but not Formula One category entrants.

Speed averages now more often topped the ton per lap. Crowds in the meantime were loyal in their support, despite the absence of Formula One factory cars, drivers and support teams. The televising of some racing at Wigram from 1971 contributed to greater public awareness of the thrills of motor racing on this site. But the X factor of the previous decade seemed to be missing.

The Commonwealth Games were held in Christchurch in 1974. Along with the breaking of athletic track records at QE II park, the lap times at Wigram this year for the first time saw 120 mph bettered by five different drivers. There was an unexpectedly high number of entrants for races in 1974 and the racing programme was spread over two days. Saturday now incorporated practice sessions with Sunday becoming the principal race day

After some years of absence the hairpin bend was reintroduced to the Wigram circuit in 1975, the track returning to its earlier configuration. In a further change, in 1976 the pits were moved to the infield, just past the hairpin bend. This year Ken Smith took pole position on the starting grid for the Trophy Race, finishing race winner by more than a lap.

In 1979 Wigram celebrated thirty years of motor racing at the RNZAF base. Unfortunately, after thirty years the magic motoring spell seemed to be dissipating. Attendances at events were now down to a little over 6,000. Increases in entrance charges were not compensating for lower numbers passing through the gates. It did little to alleviate the local situation to learn that comparable financial problems were also being encountered throughout the Australasian motor racing circuit.

Part 2 – At First a NZ Air Force Base – Wigram

Part 3 – Motor sport of another kind

Part 4 – Wigram, the Motor Racing Circuit

Part 5 – Wigram Motor Racing: The First Decade

Part 6 – The Hey-day of International Motor Racing at Wigram