This weekend’s NZ F5000 Tasman Cup Revival Series at Manfeild Circuit Chris Amon welcomes one of the star cars from the 1974 season back to the grid, as Christchurch’s Anna Collins debuts the ex-Graeme Lawrence Lola T332 HU28.
Planning to see the car return to race action across 14–16 November 2025, Graeme Lawrence shared some of its history — a journey that spans both sides of the Tasman.
“We got it new on 1 January 1974, and I sold it the weekend after Max Stewart was killed at Calder Park, to Terry Hook. I never saw it again until David Sharp bought it, and it was on display.”
“I was stoked,” said Lawrence, on seeing the car again.
“First to think a Kiwi had bought it and that it was back here. Since then, I’ve had a bit to do with each of the guys who’ve owned it, which has been pretty tricky.”
Lawrence’s memories of the car remain vivid.
“I was pretty chuffed when we got pole at the New Zealand Grand Prix in 1976 and then led the race until a rocker bolt broke – a $4 part.
“I always enjoyed the wet races. There was one at Manfeild where the Aussies were there as well – a real Aussie–NZ grudge match. Bruce Allison and I were at it, swapping the lead two or three times a lap. No holds barred. You could hear the crowd – it was huge.”
He also remembers the camaraderie among the leading drivers of the era – Kenny Smith, Kev ‘the Rev’ Bartlett, Warwick Brown, and himself:
“If anything happened with any of our cars, we were all there pitching in to sort it – including loaning engines – even if it meant being beaten by it in the race.”
Lawrence even had one final chance to drive the Lola years later.
“I’d had a stroke at the end of the ’90s – things weren’t the same, and you always wonder what it’d be like to be behind the wheel again. Well, that day arrived at Hampton Downs for the Tasman Revival. Once I’d driven out of the pits and onto the track, I thought to myself, It’s here, I’ve still got it.”
Five decades on from its maiden season, the car is now owned by Mark Collins and Alistair Hey — and its acquisition has been a long-term passion project.
“We chipped away at the deal for probably four seasons,” said Queenstown-based Hey.
“A lot of the reason was to have a Lola that was equally as iconic as our GM1-001 McRae. The HU28 was the only one we were interested in – and Graeme Lawrence has been a huge part of our lives ever since.”
For Anna Collins, taking the wheel of such a historic car brings both excitement and expectation.
“The objective is to get the car onto the track and put on a good show,” she said.
“There are a lot of enthusiasts and fans – both here and globally – who are following the car and its progress.”
“Dad and Alistair have done incredible work preparing the car mechanically and making sure it looks the part.”
With experience in the category driving a McRae GM1 and a background in karting and Formula Ford, Collins says the transition to the Lola carries a sense of honour.
“I was lucky enough to race the McRae a couple of years back and had brief seat time in the Lola earlier this year. There are a lot of similarities between the two. For this weekend, I’ll be building confidence, working my way into it and driving within my limits.”
“It’s an absolute privilege to drive and race these cars – even more so with the Lola. It’s a car with such history, first raced by Graeme Lawrence, and the fact it was raced in New Zealand gives it a huge fan base. Plus, Manfeild is such a great track – it’s fast, flowing, and brilliant for spectators. I’m really looking forward to putting on a show.”
Also joining the grid is the Jamie Gard/Don O’Sullivan Gardos OR2 (originally a McLaren M18) of James Watson — the #17 car is now restored to its original appearance and ready to return to competition.
Local driver Tim Rush will again line up in his 1972 McLaren M22, while fellow Feilding resident Kevin Ingram starts the new season with the target on his back.
Having claimed last season’s F5000 title through consistency and reliability, Ingram and his Lola T332 HU48R will be introducing several changes to stay ahead of an increasingly competitive field.
Of the 11 entries, the field also includes two Category A cars (pre-1972): Tony Roberts in a McLaren M10A and Graeme Annabell in a McLaren M10B – both representing the earliest generation of F5000 machinery.
A feature category of the weekend’s MG Classic, the F5000s headline a packed programme that also includes heritage saloons, sports and Formula Libre, muscle cars, Formula Junior, Formula First, Pre ’65, Super Mini, Tranzam and heritage touring cars.
Three practice sessions are scheduled for Friday, with qualifying on Saturday morning followed by a 10-lap race in the afternoon. Sunday’s programme includes a 10-lap handicap race in the morning and a final 10-lap feature race in the afternoon.
Points from each round contribute to the overall title, awarded at the conclusion of the four-round season.
The 2025/26 NZ F5000 Tasman Cup Revival Series proudly enters its 23rd season, supported by SAS Autoparts, MSC, NZ Express Transport, Bonney’s Specialised Bulk Transport, Mobil Lubricants, Nova Tyres, Webdesign, Exide Batteries and Pacifica Shipping.
For event updates, entry lists and photos, visit www.f5000.co.nz and follow F5000 New Zealand on Facebook.
Header Image: Jarod Carruthers
