History

Tasman Series
In 1964, the legendary Tasman Series was run for the first time.  The series started annually in New Zealand in early January and comprised of four events held respectively at Pukekohe, Levin, Wigram and Teretonga race tracks over consecutive weekends. 

On completion of the New Zealand leg of the Tasman series, many cars and drivers crossed the Tasman Sea to continue the series at four (sometimes three) race tracks in Australia. 

From 1964 until 1969, racing cars were essentially Formula One or Formula Two cars that ran to regulations specified for the ‘Tasman Formula’.  The series attracted big name drivers and huge interest from motor sports enthusiasts and media all over the world – putting New Zealand firmly on the map as a motor racing centre.

Series winners 1964-1969
1964 Bruce McLaren NZ – Cooper T70
1965 Jim Clark UK – Lotus 32B
1966 Jackie Stewart UK - BRM P261
1967 Jim Clark UK - Lotus 33
1968 Jim Clark UK -Lotus 49T
1969 Chris Amon NZ - Ferrari 246T

From 1970 – 1975 the Tasman Formula changed to allow the big banger Formula 5000 V8 cars to race.  With the change of specification for cars and apart from Chris Amon, few ‘stars’ or F1 international drivers competed any further in the Tasman Series. 

However, there were many quality international F5000/Formula A drivers who did compete including those from Australia, NZ, UK, USA, Sweden and Belgium. 

Series winners 1970-1975
1970 Graeme Lawrence NZ - Ferrari 246T
1971 Graham McRae NZ – McLaren M10B
1972 Graham McRae NZ – McRae GM1
1973 Graham McRae NZ – McRae GM1
1974 Peter Gethin UK – Chevron B24
1975 Warwick Brown AUS – Lola T332
 
Even today, the lasting popularity of these amazing cars in New Zealand can be clearly seen by the fact that the biggest F5000 retro series in the world is held on these shores – the Tasman Revival Series.

Tasman Revival Series
In 2003 the Historic Racing Club (HRC) launched the Tasman Revival Series in New Zealand as part of their annual summer classic and historic motor race series.  The event has been held annually at Pukekohe with Taupo becoming involved as well in 2008 and 2009.  A feature of the annual HRC Tasman Revival Series has been the Tasman Grand Prix trophy, awarded to the winning F5000 car in the Tasman Revival GP race.  The Tasman Revival Series will now be part of the NZ Festival of Motor Racing.