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JOHN BLANDEN’S CLIMB TO THE EAGLE 2019

A lovely sunny morning greeted the more than 200 entrants for this year's run, and the following photo’s will show what a fantastic array of vehicles were present. The front of the grid was supported by Zagame Automotive and a quartet of supercars from their Glen Osmond Rd dealership. Alongside was the Shannon’s Super Rig, providing a shady respite for many as the sun rose. After a hearty bacon and egg muffin from the Rotary crew it was time to get ready for the start, supported again by SA Police who took their timing lead from master starter Peter Green.



All the vehicles headed towards Hahndorf via the traditional Eagle on the Hill route, remembering the days we had all those famous race cars and personalities on these roads and how much easier the drive up to Stirling is since the tunnels were introduced. At our morning tea we were fortunate to have Tim Schenken OAM as guest speaker. In addition to being a former factory driver for Ferrari, Brabham, Lotus and Jaguar, a race car manufacturer and Australian Hillclimb Champion, Tim was Clerk of Course at 9 of Adelaide’s Formula 1 races. Graham Boulter did his fantastic work interviewing Tim and drawing out some great stories from both Tim’s racing days and officiating during the Adelaide Grand Prix years. Tim was so keen to be part of the event he had borrowed a classic Mercedes-Benz to drive throughout the day and joined in on all aspects of the run.



This year’s subsequent route was down to Victor Harbor in recognition of the 1937 Australian Grand Prix being held there, it was a feature to have the original “Advertiser Trophy” that was presented to Les Murphy for winning that event on display at the morning tea and lunch. Thanks to the SCCSA for allowing this historic trophy to be loaned out for the event and it created a lot of interest.


The route to Victor Harbor took in some of the nicest Hills and Fleurieu roads with great scenery and pretty easy navigation. After a long lunch and from the noise in the room, good conversation being had by all, it was back to normality.



Great thanks must go to the start volunteers from the Historic Racing Register and SA Scrutineering Team who arrive first and leave last. Our generous sponsors in Shannon’s, North Adelaide Heritage Group, Unico Zelo Wines and Zagame Automotive who will have you covered for your next drinks, accommodations, insurances and McLarens. And finally, great thanks to all the participants for keeping the Adelaide Formula 1 flame alive.



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