The 2004 event was the 36th and last Bathurst 500/1000 for nine time race winner Peter Brock. He did not get to drive in the actual race however as Jason Plato, his British Touring Car co-driver in the #05 Holden Racing Team Holden VY Commodore, crashed heavily on lap 31, putting the car out of the race.
Limping back to the pit lane with a damaged tyre, Plato was collected by Ford of fellow BTCC driver John Cleland, with the damage sustained making it impossible to continue.
“What a shocking day,” Jason Plato said. “I am really gutted with how the day panned out for us, and of course I am disappointed that this historic weekend did give us the result we had planned. We had some issues with our front right tyres, and I really felt the car leap off the line when I kissed the wall early on.
“The incident with Cleland was really unfortunate. I honestly thought I was off the racing line enough, and with the flags out, was just trying to make it back to base. It was such a shame, as the guys worked so hard over the weekend. But these things happen in racing and there is not much we can do about it. But the team is really dedicated and focussed and I know their luck will turn around!”
It left Brock to reflect afterwards on his final appearance at Bathurst, with the veteran left disappointed at not being able to take part in the race.
“Yet again, Bathurst serves up something spectacular,” the Bathurst legend said afterwards. “Every year, it holds something in store for every team, and this year was our turn. Sadly it wasn’t the result we were hoping for, however, I want to say how grateful I am to the Holden Racing Team and to Mark Skaife for the chance to be a part of this weekend. The team could not have done anymore to make both Jason and I feel more welcome.
“It was such a tough day for Jason out there, and I really believe he couldn’t have done anything else in the situation. There were obviously some real dramas with our tyres throughout the day; however, today’s result has provided a great opportunity to present a message to the general public, that there is always adversity in life. The key is to not have your expectations set too high, and you can always walk away from experiences without being too disappointed and focus on the positives. I have really enjoyed being back on the Mountain with the Holden Racing Team. It has been a special weekend.”
Membership had dropped to 260 members, and an amendment to the Constitution was passed at the Annual General Meeting to allow a new membership level of Special Associate for Club Members who do not own a HDT or HSV to compete in club motorsport events.
The HSV Coupe 4 was launched and the August/September 2004 edition of Behind the Wheel contained a record 72 pages.
New Editor Renee Monroe produced her first “Behind the Wheel” magazine with February /March edition and the help of Karin Ross. Karin took on the Editors role at the end of 2004.
Website: www.hsv.org.au
Social Events: Runs to Berry via the Robertson Pie Shop Jamberoo Valley, Kiama and back via Kangaroo Falls (February), “Las Vegas Observation Rally” to Wollombi via Old Pacific Highway (March), Breakfast at the Hydro Majestic Hotel Medlow Bath and run to Bathurst (July), Forster for Mothers Day (NCR – May), Bellbrook (NCR – June), Waterfall Weekend Away (NCR & HVR- September), Drive to Comboyne (NCR – September), Christmas Run (NCR – November); Weekends Away at the Hunter Valley (May), Mudgee (HVR – August), Coffs Harbour (October) and Temora Air Show / West Wyalong (November); 26th “Dyno Daze Weekend” Dinner at Parramatta; Christmas Picnic at Carters Creek Lane Cove National Park; Gala Motorsport Presentation night at the Revesby Workers Club (March 2005).
Special Events: Dwyers Wollongong Show n Shine (SCR – April), Show n Shine at Barry Smith Holden Pennant Hills (June); HSV / AutoTech Engineering Dyno Day “Shoot Out” followed by dinner at Parramatta and Monster Car Show at Barry Smith Holden Pennant Hills (June); All Holden Day Clarendon (August); Fathers Day Club Display at Blue Mountains (September); Show n Shine at Penrith Panthers (September); Club Display at Sydney Motor Show Darling Harbour (October); Muscle Car Show n Shine at Paul Wakeling Motor Group Campbelltown (November).
2004 Club Motorsport Championship winners were: Mark Phillips (Club Supersprint Champion) followed by Grant Charlwood and Steve Hodges, Sean Robertson (Type 1), Michael Holgate (Type 1B), Mark Phillips (Type 2), Neil Newton (Type 3), Steve Hodges (Type 4 Control Tyres), Grant Charlwood (Type 4 Open).
Motorsport: Driver Training at Oran Park (May) and Eastern Creek Skid Pan (July); Competition Skills Driver Training at Oran Park September; Interclub Supersprint Series – 7 rounds.
Muscle Car Show Championship 2004
No Results available. If you have a copy of these, please send them to webmaster@hsvclubnsw.com.
2004 Committee: President Mike Chapman, VP Andrew Guesdon, Secretary Ross Reynolds, Treasurer Rob Losurdo, Public Officer Ross Reynolds, Membership Secretary Susan Gee, Social Secretary Gayle Best, Special Events Co-ordinator David Squire, Motorsport Director Michael Paterson, CAMS Delegate Brett Gilles, Driver Training Chief Instructor Bob Parkin, Merchandise Co-ordinator Heinz Reinhardt, Magazine Editor Renee Monroe, Webmaster Liz Parthenis, South Coast Region (SCR) Co-ordinator Bruce Pattison, Hunter Valley Region (HVR) Co-ordinator Paul Woodcroft, ACT Region (ACTR) Co-ordinator Ewald Ludzioweit, Central West (CWR) Co-ordinator Craig Dwyer, North Coast Region (NCR) Co-ordinator David Matthews.
Patrons: Peter Brock; Foundation Life Members: Warren Jenkins (Pres.), Jeff Kelly (VP), Brian Cassell (Sec.), Mark Hitchinson (Treas.), Tricia Campbell (Social Sec.), Les McClelland (Member); Life Members: Gary Benson, Robert Heard, Brett Gilles, Brian Crawford, Barry Wright.
2004 Club Magazines:
2004 Club Magazines had the same cover theme:
