8 New Zealand Classic Car | themotorhood.com
A
nyone who has been involved in the motor
racing scene at any stage during the past six
or so decades will no doubt be familiar with
the name Colin Waite. The nonagenarian
has dedicated his life to the sport of
motor racing since the age of 16, when the apprentice
panel beater got involved in midget speedway racing at
Western Springs in Auckland. Colin helped Laurie Evans
build three speedway cars using Jeep and Ford Model A
motors, before going on to pit crew for Roly Crowther,
who, at the time, was driving the ex–Frank Brewer V8-
midget. After a few years, Colin went on to crew for
New Zealand champion Ian Holden, who had taken over
the Frank Brewer car.
“I [started] going to Western Springs in 1937 as a seven-
year-old and still attend today,” Colin says.More involved
After Colin’s pit-crewing days, he decided to get more
involved in the action. He and Laurie Evans competed in
Auckland Car Club trials, as well as the Gold Star Trials
and Castrol trials throughout New Zealand, in their
MkII Zephyr. With Laurie behind the wheel and
Colin as navigator, they tried to win the Gold Star on
a few occasions, only to come second to Blair Robson.
Colin continued hill-climbing events and trials around
New Zealand in his MkII Zephyr for a few more years.
When Colin had finished competing in trial events,
he started flag marshalling at Pukekohe Park Raceway,before being promoted to assistant clerk of the course.
He was promoted to clerk of the course in 1964, a
position that he held for 10 years. Colin was also an
executive member of the Board of Control, as well as the
New Zealand International Grand Prix (NZIGP).
“I was in charge of the track activities,” he says.
The events held during Colin’s tenure included
New Zealand’s premier production car competition of
the 1970s, the Benson & Hedges 500, as well as the
New Zealand Grand Prix (NZGP), by then this country’s
most prominent international sporting event. The
Grand Prix (GP) moved to Pukekohe in 1964. From then
on, it was run under Formula 1 (F1) rules, which meant
that there were no limitations regarding engine size and
other technical specifications.
Several New Zealand stars of the international F
circuit emerged during this era, including Bruce
McLaren and Chris Amon. In 1967, Denis Hulme
became the first, and only, New Zealander to win the
F1 World Championship title. For the 1970 GP, a new
category, Formula A, was introduced, immediately
attracting drivers from Europe, North America, and
Australia to drive the incredible five-litre V8 F5000 cars.
Colin remembers one particular event when he and the
great Jim Clark wandered down to the steward’s stand
and held court with all the flag marshals. “It was a great
treat," he recalls, "and we were lucky enough to do it two
years in a row. I’m not sure if this would be possible with
today’s motor racing heroes.”8 New Zealand Classic Car | themotorhood.com