The Post Classic Racing Association of NSW took on a mighty challenge by hosting the 2023 Festival of Speed at Sydney Motorsport Park and introducing ‘international’ rules for the new class called Unchained Formula One.
Before the event, club president Ken Lindsay said that including what he called “international rule classic machines” would provide “entertainment for all tastes”. He described the new Unchained Formula One class as “a more open combination of Australian, New Zealand, USA and British historic rules” – and it certainly provided racing as intense and skilled as any modern class of competition.
Hopefully next year’s event will bring out the remaining big-name Australian teams which previously competed in the International Challenge at Phillip Island but have gone into hibernation since 2020.
While it will take years for international shipping to return to affordable levels, there is no reason why global stars wouldn’t want to fly out as guest riders on Australian machinery. Entries of around 180 competitors, many running bikes in several classes, and a healthy trade and club stand alley bode well for the future of the festival.
Here is a cross-section of competitors and their motorcycles at
