Ford man, high wing and a point to prove: Newcomer Walters joins F5000 finale at Hampton Downs

The 2025/26 NZ F5000 Tasman Cup Revival Series reaches its climax this weekend at Hampton Downs Motorsport Park, as the Legends of Speed event (20–22 March) brings together the most evocative machines in New Zealand motorsport for a season finale spanning more than half a century of racing history.

The F5000 Tasman Cup Revival Series exists to preserve and celebrate some of the most visceral racing machines ever built — an era when five-litre, naturally aspirated V8S producing around 500 horsepower were housed in chassis weighing barely 600 kilograms.

The cars lining up at Hampton Downs this weekend carry that history with them. McLarens, Lolas, a McRae — each chassis a direct link to an era widely regarded as the high watermark of open-wheel racing’s raw, unfiltered appeal. Hampton Downs hosts the series for the first time this weekend, adding another celebrated venue to the long list of circuits these cars have graced across New Zealand.

The most compelling new arrival is South Auckland’s Clyde Walters, making his first appearance of the season in a machine that stands apart from every other car on the grid — not just for its age, but for what it represents.

“I’ve been a Ford man all my life,” Walters explained.

“Because Ford doesn’t have an overly great representation in most countries’ F5000 history, I thought that needed addressing here.”

The car he arrives in is a Lola T142, chassis SL142/23 — the oldest machine in the field and the only Ford-powered entry in the series. Walters has fully reconciled the car’s history: first invoiced on 18 December 1968, it was raced in South Africa by John McNicol before making its way to New Zealand via Andy Culpin in the 1990s. Purchased by Steve Ward of Christchurch and restored by Frank Wigg, it will showcase a Ford 302 engine coupled to an LG 600 Hewland gearbox.

The car’s prominent high wing is more than a styling statement. The FIA banned such wings in 1969 following structural failures at speed, and the T142’s appearance in modern competition is the result of improved mounting — a direct and visible connection to the earliest days of the formula.

For Walters, the weekend is entirely new territory. “I haven’t raced a single-seater in my life before, even though I’ve raced old cars — Targa and circuit racing,” he said.

“I know my way round Hampton Downs, but I will be listening to the guys who know, keep my head down and make sure I’m not the guy who causes the red flag — this is a whole new level, I’ll just be easing into it.”

On the back of successive race wins, Christchurch’s Anna Collins arrives at Hampton Downs with a 23-point advantage in the Open Class standings. Continuing with the race-winning McRae GM1 #004, Collins will be joined by stablemate Michael Hey in the ex-Graeme McRae Lola T332 HU28.

Clevedon’s Glenn Richards — who finished second in each of the three Manfeild races and set the fastest lap in the final encounter — is under no illusions about what is at stake, or what the record books will say.

“No one remembers who finished second,” he said. “It is very unexpected I’d be in this position — I’m delighted. It is courtesy of reliability, thanks to my mechanic, along with a little contribution from the driver.”

Richards has been one of the revelations of the season, drawn into a contest he did not anticipate.

“I’ve been enjoying the competition. Having Grant (Martin), Kevin (Ingram), Anna and me racing at the same sorts of speeds — it’s been fun.”

He also brings something the other points contenders cannot match: extensive experience at Hampton Downs. Richards notes that even with clear skies forecast, conditions at the circuit can shift — but that Hampton Downs recovers quickly.

“As a track, it dries very fast,” he said. “I remember when I was learning how to drive it, we had a session of rain — it was diabolical — rivers everywhere. It was Kenny Smith who told me to go out — that I could always come back in. The first lap was a bit hairy, but the second one was good — it dries that fast.”

Te Kauwhata’s Tony Galbraith has been a podium fixture throughout the season in his Lola T332 HU38 and brings genuine local knowledge to this weekend’s venue. Feilding’s Kevin Ingram (Lola T332 48R), whose raw pace earned him pole position at Manfeild before mechanical misfortune intervened, will be hungry to demonstrate the speed that made him a pre-season favourite.

Grant Martin returns with a replacement engine fitted to his Talon MR1A following his Manfeild retirement — one of only a handful of these New Zealand-built machines still competing.

In the A Class, for cars built prior to 1972, Hāwera’s Toby Annabell holds an 80-point advantage in his McLaren M10B over Tony Roberts, who returns this weekend having missed the previous round on family duties.

The series has been touched by loss this season. The recent passing of long-time stalwart Bruce Kett has sidelined his Lola T332, with discussions underway regarding the car’s future. His decades of contribution to the revival series will be recognised this weekend.

Friday’s practice session gives all competitors their first taste of Hampton Downs in these cars, ahead of the competitive action beginning Saturday morning with qualifying. Saturday afternoon brings the first race over eight laps, setting the grid for Sunday’s finale.

Sunday’s programme offers two contrasting formats. The first race, scheduled just before lunch, uses a handicap start — based on the finish time of Saturday’s race. The season-closing 10-lap race follows later in the afternoon, gridded on the finishing order from Saturday’s race, bringing the 2025/26 series to a conclusion.

The SAS Autoparts MSC NZ F5000 Tasman Cup Revival Series is proudly in its 23rd season, supported by SAS Autoparts, MSC, NZ Express Transport, Bonney’s Specialised Bulk Transport, Mobil Lubricants, Avon Motorsport Tyres – Dold Industries, Webdesign, Exide Batteries and Pacifica Shipping.

For updates, entry lists and imagery, visit www.f5000.co.nz and follow F5000 New Zealand on Facebook.

Open B Class (1972+) — Series Standings (after Round 3)

A Class (pre-1972) — Series Standings (after Round 3)

Entry List — Hampton Downs

Header Image: Jarod Carruthers