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The annual gathering once again brought together drivers, team owners, engineers, mechanics, media personalities and others who have played a significant role in the history of the sport. At the centre of the day was the opportunity to reconnect with old friends and rivals while celebrating an era of motorsport that produced some of Australia and New Zealand’s most colourful characters. The function was created by motorsport stalwart Ian Maudsley several years ago and has been steered recently by Mark Stibbard, who has done a great job introducing the next generation of drivers into the mix. The luncheon was hosted by motorsport identity and media professional Brett “Crusher” Murray, who took guests back through some fascinating chapters of the sport during a series of on-stage interviews. Among the highlights were conversations with two of the great names from the open-wheel era, Australian Warwick Brown and New Zealand star Graeme Lawrence. Brown was one of Australia’s outstanding international open-wheel racers, building an impressive career that took him from the Australian racing scene to the international stage. Lawrence brought a distinctly New Zealand perspective to the discussion, recalling a period when Australian and New Zealand drivers regularly competed against each other and travelled internationally in pursuit of racing opportunities. Together, the pair provided a fascinating insight into an era when open-wheel racing was fiercely competitive and drivers often had to rely on determination, ingenuity and a willingness to take opportunities wherever they arose. Murray also interviewed Mark Larkham, the former racing driver who has gone on to become one of the best-known technical and media personalities in Australian motorsport. Larkham’s career has spanned several generations of the sport, giving him a unique perspective on the evolution of racing, from the machinery and technology to the way teams operate and communicate with fans. But, as with every Motorsport Reunion, the racing itself was only part of the attraction. The real value of the luncheon was seeing people who helped shape Australian motorsport sitting around the same tables, renewing friendships and sharing stories from decades of competition. The Gold Coast reunion has become an important fixture on the motorsport calendar, with previous gatherings attracting more than 100 invited guests and featuring an extraordinary collection of racing talent from across generations. The event’s history is built around that simple philosophy — bringing the people of the sport together while they can still enjoy the stories, the memories and the friendships. And there were plenty of stories. For every official version of a race, championship or controversial incident, there is usually another version waiting to be told over lunch – often accompanied by a smile and the obligatory reminder that “that’s not quite how I remember it.” That combination of history, humour and genuine friendship is what makes the reunion so special. Each year different groups are highlighted and this year it was the media’s turn with generations represented by Ray Berghouse, Steve Normoyle, Paul Cross, Garry Wilkinson, Chris Nixon, Bruce McMahon, Colin Young, Garry O’Brien, Richard Gresham, Jack Fletcher, Rhys Vandersyde and former Ford PR Sue Ransom. For Murray, who has spent decades working across Australian motorsport as a media and public relations professional, hosting the event was another opportunity to celebrate the people behind the sport. “The annual reunion really is one of the highlights of the year for so many people in the room,” said Murray. “It was a needed initiative from Ian (Maudsley) and Mark (Stibbard) has done a great job slowly stepping into his shoes in the last couple of years. “It also takes a bit of cash to make a reality and thanks to the generosity of people like Gwen Cooke and Ryan Story, the event has grown from strength to strength.” While today’s motorsport is increasingly dominated by technology, data and commercial pressures, the reunion provided a reminder that the sport’s greatest asset remains its people. From the drivers who risked everything behind the wheel to the mechanics, engineers, team owners, promoters and media who helped build the industry, the annual gathering ensures their contribution is remembered. And judging by the stories coming from Parkwood Golf Club, there is still plenty of life – and plenty of racing history – left in the old guard. The cars may be parked, but the stories are still running. Photos: Richard Gresham