Killarney, 50 Golden Racing Years 1960 - 2010 (A modern history of Killarney Race Track, its characters, teams and vehicles)
My review, of this beautifully written, coffee-table book, by Adrian Pheiffer (which was officially launched on 5/6 February 2011) has been lying on my desk for two months now. I have visited and experienced many race tracks around the world, not as a racer, but as a motorsport enthusiast and I have often wondered from a management and bussiness perspective, how and why it all began and who sustains it. The title of this book serves as a constant reminder of a wonderful achievement by Killarney, "as the only motorsport complex in South Africa which is controlled and administered by its own sporting club, solely for the benefit of its members" and celebrating a 50 year history of glorious racing!
The author describes the book as "...not a detailed history..." of Killarney and struggled with the question: "What would such a treatise include and what should be left out?" Glancing through the various chapters one can understand why it was so difficult for the author and his team to select the most important aspects, achievements and milestones of Killarneys history and condense it into 399 pages.
The international and local motorsport world is sometimes so full of bravado and often downright arrogance, that it is invigorating to find this book written by someone who possesses such clarity, insight and humility.
PRESENTATION:
For the substantial size of the book, the presentation is cleverly done and makes for very easy reading or simply dexing through the sections. Be amazed, the first three pages contain a colourful collage of thumbnail pictures, which appear again intermittently, as banners at the top or bottom of a page in some sections of the book. This creates the effect of a rolling and moving film accentuating that the history of Killarney was not static but evolving, dynamic and action charged. 50 Golden Racing Years, is designed to be a collectors item, a word that we as motoring enthusiasts know all too well.
Three forewords were sourced, and it is refreshing to find Premier Helen Zille, taking time out of politics to give tribute to Killarney and comment on the impact and entertainment value that motorsport racing at Killarney produced for the country as a whole. The insight of foreigner Mike Knight, into the racing environment in SA, prior and post 1994, compliments the prelude to a fascinating history.
PHOTOS:
A coffee-table book must be about beautiful images and this book renders them generously. The most vivid and memorable picture (p26) in the book was taken in 1947, of a race car climbing Jan Phillips Drive and being pushed by spectators; whose intervention was apparently permitted at the time. The image is laden with atmosphere, passion, emotion, drive and brims over onto the page.
On the flip side of the above picture, is the main attraction - which the book is all about; an aerial view of Killarney race track with the old imposing, Dunlop/Goodyear Bridge. The Bridge is remembered as much more than just an advertising billboard but as a visual, emotive, feature and landmark which will evoke many a race tale amongst the Killarney faithful.
A welcome companion on my coffee-table:
HUMOUR:
There are quite a few humouristic bits. Imagine this: The speed limit in the Cape Town city centre was 15km/h and a driver was fined 2 pounds for travelling @ 19km/h. Suppose, this was still relevant today and a pipe-dream of the Cape Town municipal revenue in surplus.
Don't miss the story and picture of a streaker hitching a ride during a race meet at Killarney, to the shock and delight of spectators.
BEST CHAPTERS:
Firstly, the chapter: "Nurturing Killarney" has to be the best written and sensitively treated chapter.
Dennis Joubert was chairman of WPMC for 36 years and retired in 2008 and is rightly hailed as a pioneer, visionary and a true legend. He essentially, built Killarney to what it is today with his strong branding of architectural, financial and admin savvy. How I would have loved to have an interview with him and a public debate about the future of Killarney!
Secondly, the chapter "Modern Times" by Brian Smith (the current chairman of WPMC) also held my attention but unfortunately, reads like an annual report. I was expecting more "vision" from this chapter. For example, how and where WPMC see Killarney, 10 years from now. However, he does raise the critical issues that require attention right now:
1. A review of the WPMC's constitution. And I hope these changes won't be cosmetic.
2. Introducing proper business practices.
3. Upgrading current facilities.
4. Increasing security measures.
I miss the focus on CSI and community upliftment in and around Killarney for example (the Du Noon community) and the future expansion dreams of Killarney and identification of development and business opportunities. But I am sure these ideas are being considered by the Killarney administration.
Thirdly, I was anxious about the possible (exclusion) of black racing history but found that this aspect was dealt with such integrity by the author; and it was inspiring to read the profiles of the great Moodley brothers; the inclusion of Helder Kiala & Earnest Leite. Andre Johnson's profile was a good "executive decision" by the compilers of this book and too the story of the inspirational Armien Levy.
Fourthly, Deon Joubert, is an appropriate competitor profile to include; not only because he is the son of Dennis Joubert; but in his own right was a successful racing champion and sportsman. He is aptly described: "Deon was one of those fortunate few who were almost literally born to race. During his illustrious career, he spent six years racing for BMW in Touring Cars during one of the golden years of South African Motorsport." I wonder, if Deon would be vaguely interested to be a Patron of the BMWFanatics forum...hmmm...just a thought.
The book would have been incomplete if it did not tell the legendary stunt stories of Deon De Waal; the motorcycle feats of Dan Joubert and Supervan - Sarel van der Merwe and WPMC's distinguished Events Manager, Paul Simon.
raise:
Fifthly, the "friends of Killarney" insert was a very cool idea and at the same time heart moving because of the two charities; Race to live and Live to Race; who are supported by Killarney and racing drivers, as beneficiaries. Essentially, the two charities help children to experience the thrill of motor racing including kids with terminal illnesses. Both organisations work closely with the Reach for a Dream organisation. :thumbsup:
Lastly, the section, Killarney's racing categories contain truly beautiful pictures and descriptions of Fine cars; Sports & GT cars and Drag racing cars. Each category is worth a read and drool. :dropjaw:
MILESTONES:
To name but a few: The description of the first motorsport event held in Cape Town in 1903; The first Cape Grand Prix at Killarney on 17 December 1960 and the birth of the WPMC in 1965.
The stories on the previous mainstream racing venues, which became unsuitable for racing with the changing times brought up forlorn memories such as: Gunners Circle in Epping; Sacks Circle in Bellville and Fisante Kraal.
CONCLUSION:
Let me conclude by congratulating the author, Adrian Pheiffer and his publishing team (Richard Webb, Kari Evans-Fell, Elinore de Lisle and John Camplin) for having created a remarkable and truly beautiful reference that every motorsport enthusiast should have on their bookshelves.
:ty:
SOURCE OF PHOTOS:
http://www.facebook.com/#!/group.php?gid=137110152987475&v=photos
Contact and Order:
Publisher Richard Webb: [email protected]
http://www.facebook.com/#!/group.php?gid=137110152987475
Killarney, 50 Golden Racing Years 1960 - 2010 (A modern history of Killarney Race Track, its characters, teams and vehicles)
My review, of this beautifully written, coffee-table book, by Adrian Pheiffer (which was officially launched on 5/6 February 2011) has been lying on my desk for two months now. I have visited and experienced many race tracks around the world, not as a racer, but as a motorsport enthusiast and I have often wondered from a management and bussiness perspective, how and why it all began and who sustains it. The title of this book serves as a constant reminder of a wonderful achievement by Killarney, "as the only motorsport complex in South Africa which is controlled and administered by its own sporting club, solely for the benefit of its members" and celebrating a 50 year history of glorious racing!
The author describes the book as "...not a detailed history..." of Killarney and struggled with the question: "What would such a treatise include and what should be left out?" Glancing through the various chapters one can understand why it was so difficult for the author and his team to select the most important aspects, achievements and milestones of Killarneys history and condense it into 399 pages.
The international and local motorsport world is sometimes so full of bravado and often downright arrogance, that it is invigorating to find this book written by someone who possesses such clarity, insight and humility.
PRESENTATION:
For the substantial size of the book, the presentation is cleverly done and makes for very easy reading or simply dexing through the sections. Be amazed, the first three pages contain a colourful collage of thumbnail pictures, which appear again intermittently, as banners at the top or bottom of a page in some sections of the book. This creates the effect of a rolling and moving film accentuating that the history of Killarney was not static but evolving, dynamic and action charged. 50 Golden Racing Years, is designed to be a collectors item, a word that we as motoring enthusiasts know all too well.
Three forewords were sourced, and it is refreshing to find Premier Helen Zille, taking time out of politics to give tribute to Killarney and comment on the impact and entertainment value that motorsport racing at Killarney produced for the country as a whole. The insight of foreigner Mike Knight, into the racing environment in SA, prior and post 1994, compliments the prelude to a fascinating history.
PHOTOS:
A coffee-table book must be about beautiful images and this book renders them generously. The most vivid and memorable picture (p26) in the book was taken in 1947, of a race car climbing Jan Phillips Drive and being pushed by spectators; whose intervention was apparently permitted at the time. The image is laden with atmosphere, passion, emotion, drive and brims over onto the page.
On the flip side of the above picture, is the main attraction - which the book is all about; an aerial view of Killarney race track with the old imposing, Dunlop/Goodyear Bridge. The Bridge is remembered as much more than just an advertising billboard but as a visual, emotive, feature and landmark which will evoke many a race tale amongst the Killarney faithful.
A welcome companion on my coffee-table:
HUMOUR:
There are quite a few humouristic bits. Imagine this: The speed limit in the Cape Town city centre was 15km/h and a driver was fined 2 pounds for travelling @ 19km/h. Suppose, this was still relevant today and a pipe-dream of the Cape Town municipal revenue in surplus.
Don't miss the story and picture of a streaker hitching a ride during a race meet at Killarney, to the shock and delight of spectators.
BEST CHAPTERS:
Firstly, the chapter: "Nurturing Killarney" has to be the best written and sensitively treated chapter.
Dennis Joubert was chairman of WPMC for 36 years and retired in 2008 and is rightly hailed as a pioneer, visionary and a true legend. He essentially, built Killarney to what it is today with his strong branding of architectural, financial and admin savvy. How I would have loved to have an interview with him and a public debate about the future of Killarney!
Secondly, the chapter "Modern Times" by Brian Smith (the current chairman of WPMC) also held my attention but unfortunately, reads like an annual report. I was expecting more "vision" from this chapter. For example, how and where WPMC see Killarney, 10 years from now. However, he does raise the critical issues that require attention right now:
1. A review of the WPMC's constitution. And I hope these changes won't be cosmetic.
2. Introducing proper business practices.
3. Upgrading current facilities.
4. Increasing security measures.
I miss the focus on CSI and community upliftment in and around Killarney for example (the Du Noon community) and the future expansion dreams of Killarney and identification of development and business opportunities. But I am sure these ideas are being considered by the Killarney administration.
Thirdly, I was anxious about the possible (exclusion) of black racing history but found that this aspect was dealt with such integrity by the author; and it was inspiring to read the profiles of the great Moodley brothers; the inclusion of Helder Kiala & Earnest Leite. Andre Johnson's profile was a good "executive decision" by the compilers of this book and too the story of the inspirational Armien Levy.
Fourthly, Deon Joubert, is an appropriate competitor profile to include; not only because he is the son of Dennis Joubert; but in his own right was a successful racing champion and sportsman. He is aptly described: "Deon was one of those fortunate few who were almost literally born to race. During his illustrious career, he spent six years racing for BMW in Touring Cars during one of the golden years of South African Motorsport." I wonder, if Deon would be vaguely interested to be a Patron of the BMWFanatics forum...hmmm...just a thought.
The book would have been incomplete if it did not tell the legendary stunt stories of Deon De Waal; the motorcycle feats of Dan Joubert and Supervan - Sarel van der Merwe and WPMC's distinguished Events Manager, Paul Simon.
raise:Fifthly, the "friends of Killarney" insert was a very cool idea and at the same time heart moving because of the two charities; Race to live and Live to Race; who are supported by Killarney and racing drivers, as beneficiaries. Essentially, the two charities help children to experience the thrill of motor racing including kids with terminal illnesses. Both organisations work closely with the Reach for a Dream organisation. :thumbsup:
Lastly, the section, Killarney's racing categories contain truly beautiful pictures and descriptions of Fine cars; Sports & GT cars and Drag racing cars. Each category is worth a read and drool. :dropjaw:
MILESTONES:
To name but a few: The description of the first motorsport event held in Cape Town in 1903; The first Cape Grand Prix at Killarney on 17 December 1960 and the birth of the WPMC in 1965.
The stories on the previous mainstream racing venues, which became unsuitable for racing with the changing times brought up forlorn memories such as: Gunners Circle in Epping; Sacks Circle in Bellville and Fisante Kraal.
CONCLUSION:
Let me conclude by congratulating the author, Adrian Pheiffer and his publishing team (Richard Webb, Kari Evans-Fell, Elinore de Lisle and John Camplin) for having created a remarkable and truly beautiful reference that every motorsport enthusiast should have on their bookshelves.
:ty:
SOURCE OF PHOTOS:
http://www.facebook.com/#!/group.php?gid=137110152987475&v=photos
Contact and Order:
Publisher Richard Webb: [email protected]
http://www.facebook.com/#!/group.php?gid=137110152987475
Killarney, 50 Golden Racing Years 1960 - 2010 (A modern history of Killarney Race Track, its characters, teams and vehicles)
