Meet motor racing legend Jim Richards at Lakeside Classic

HE’S won the Bathurst 1000 seven times and knows the Lakeside track well, but this motor racing legend won’t be the only one celebrating Australian motorsport history at the Lakeside Classic.

Motor racing legend Jim Richards will be at this year’s Lakeside Classic.

HE’S won the Bathurst 1000 seven times and knows the Lakeside track well, but Jim Richards won’t be the only one celebrating Australian motorsport history at the Lakeside Classic this month.

Big crowds of motor racing fans are expected at the event, which will feature old and new cars in some red hot racing.

Fans will have the chance to chat with Richards, a four-time Australian Touring Car Champion, during the three-day event.

Queensland Raceway’s Zak Caban says Richards raced at Lakeside during the 1980s and ’90s, and will be trackside on August 10, 11 and 12.

Zak says fans are in for great racing with the Australian Trans-Am Series, Historic Touring Cars and Queensland Touring Car Championship cars (classes A1, A2 and B) to battle it out.

He predicts tight racing in the Trans-Am Series with Anthony Tenkate and John English jostling for the No. 1 spot on the ladder.

The historic venue, which first opened in 1961, remains a sentimental favourite with drivers and fans.

Richard Croston at Lakeside Park. Photo: Dominika Lis.

Richard Croston has been racing at Lakeside on and off since 1974 and you’ll see his 1979 Mallock Mk. 20B on the track, on average, every six weeks.

“It (the track) rewards you for effort, but you can’t make a mistake. If you start taking wheels off bitumen, that’s when you’re going to get into trouble,” Richard explains.

He says there are two corners that are particularly tough – The Karousel and the Eastern Loop at the top of the hill.

An aerial shot of Lakeside Park. Photo: Queensland Raceways.

Motor racing is in Richard’s blood – his grandfather Victor Croston won the Mt Coot-tha Hill Climb in 1919 in a Hupmobile.

When Richard’s moving at high speeds around the Lakeside track, he’s “in his element”.
“There’s a saying that life begins at 200km/h. It’s a different world … the speed … there’s nothing like going fast. You’re not allowed to do it on the roads,” he laughs.

“It’s got a flow to it a bit like music.”

And if you’re a muscle car owner who’s dreamt of taking your ride for a spin at Lakeside, you’ll have your chance with the muscle car sprint at the Lakeside Classic on August 12 during the lunch break.

Don’t miss the Lakeside Classic at Lakeside Park on August 10, 11 and 12. Photo: Bradley Cooper.

Lakeside Classic

What: Biggest historic racing event in Queensland. Access all areas, walk through pit lane to see cars and chat to drivers

When: August 10 (practice free admission), 11, 12. Gates open 7am, action on track 9.30am

Where: Lakeside Park — Queensland Raceways, Lakeside Rd, Kurwongbah

Spectators’ tickets: $20 Saturday, $30 Sunday or $40 for the weekend. Free entry for children under 12 years of age.

Visit: qldraceways.com.au