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South Island cars for Tasman series

Two South Island Formula A (5-litre) cars would compete in the 1969-70 Tasman series: Leo Leonard of Timaru in his own Chevrolet Begg and Christchurch driver Geof Mardon in a Chevrolet-powered Begg owned by George Begg. The piece notes the Gold Star single-seater series was also moving to Formula A, with only four true 5-litre V8 cars competing in the local series, and mentions Graeme Lawrence driving the 2.4 litre Dino Ferrari formerly raced by Chris Amon.

Facts

  • Formula A (5-litre production engines) was selected for the 1969-70 New Zealand Gold Star single-seater series and the Tasman series.
  • Leo Leonard's Chevrolet Begg produced about 400 bhp, using a Corvette engine and gearbox from the smashed sports car of the late Brent Hawes.
  • Leo Leonard's most recent success was winning the 500 at Pukekohe, the second year running he had won the Benson 500.

Photos

  • Formula A challenger Leo Leonard, one of the faster up-and-coming younger drivers in this country.
Read the OCR text
27-11-69 TIMARU CHALLENGER South Island Cars For Tasman Series TWO South Island Formula A cars will compete in this year's Tasman series which, like the National Gold Star single-seater series is for cars up to a capacity of 5-litres. Leo Leonard of Timaru will|McRae, is driving the 2,4 litre drive his own Chevrolet Begg Dino Ferrari formerly raced and the Christchurch. driver by Chris Amnon. Geof Mardon will drive the Although not out to the 5000 Chevrolet-powered car built c.c. limit on the formula, the 32 and himself. owned by George Begg Ferrari is proving very and at Bay Park, Lawrence fast MOTORVIEW Formula A, which has been was the only other driver in a selected for the local gold star field of ten to finish in the With Murray series is open to 5-litre produc- same lap as McRae. engines up to 2.5 litres. The other single-seater title Park he broke the lap recbeing contested in New Zeaand during practice when the singleat Levin he is also reported seater formula was restricted to have broken the lap to 2.5 litres the car was conord for resident New Zea- verted to a sports model. LEONARD SETS FAST mula A and this is contested by both the local gold star With only four full Formula competitors and the overseas the most likely to pose are made up with 2.5 and 1.6 threat to the overseas dri- PACE IN HIS BIG CAR litre machines. ledge of the formula was only begun this season there are only four experience gained both here actual 5 litre V8 engined cars and in Europe during Formula A challenger, saloon car racing, his Using the Chevrolet Cor- competing in the local series. ofi-season he should do Leo Leonard pictured most recent success be- vette engine and gearboxi These are the two South Island above), is one of the ing in the 500 at Puke- from the smashed sports car cars, an faster up - and - coming kohe. of his friend and business par- driven Manurewa drivers engaged for the Tasyounger drivers in this This the second year run- tner, the late Brent Hawes, leaving, single seaters and with ning he has won the recently arrived McLaren their 5 litre cars in this star races to sort the cars out, country. The 28-year-old the Benson Leonard has produced a 5-litre try. If this eventuates it could could also be expected to do weight the car will definitely 'I won't be competitive but h has a one point lead it will be a lot of fun," said the nine race series. Leoverything on the car is seDead Mace Denis Marwood is sharing steel and with weight a cri- with the tical factor in •car Graeme Lawrence. Terence, tee winner of the weighing about 1500 National Formula championdestroked and now churns out about 400 b.h.p.

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