Motorsport: Outrunning the rising tide

Bruce McPhail sits in the cockpit of his 1985 CRD F2. Photo / Glenn McMahon

Sometimes a classic car is a handy thing. Like when you have to outrun a flood.

Expatriate Kiwi and Queenslander Bruce McPhail does not have a house any more. But he does have the remnants - most of - his four-model classic car collection, one of which he used to escape the terrible floods two weeks ago.

McPhail, of the many enthusiasts at Hampton Downs this weekend for the New Zealand Festival of Motor Racing, celebrating the career of Chris Amon, was probably the only participant able to say that his cars saved his life.

McPhail vividly recalls the floodwaters reaching his Brisbane front door just after 5.30am.

He had got his "pride and joy", a 1935 Riley Sports vintage car out the night before, and escaped with his wife in another classic racing car, driving like a "maniac" through the backyard and "ripping out a fair few of the neighbour's shrubs" on the way.

By midnight the water level had reached the ceiling of the first floor, and his 1931 vintage car is almost beyond repair having been left in the garage.

"It was terrible, but everything that has happened since with all the offers of help and support restores your faith in humanity," says McPhail, who emigrated to Australia from the Waikato in 1988.

After he missed the first two events, his wife eventually persuaded him to come this weekend, saying: "You'll just get grumpier if you stay."

His 1985 CRD F2 reached New Zealand intact as it was already in a container before the events of January 13.

As for his house, McPhail expects it will take up to two and a half years to get a builder in, but for now is enjoying speeding around the wide open spaces of Hampton Downs, taking his 1600cc car to the limits against much more powerful opposition of up to 5300cc.

The weekend was all about Chris Amon, who had the chance to race again in some of the legendary cars that have marked his glittering career.

It is estimated that the versatile Amon competed in 80 different vehicle types across his racing life and he said it was an "unbelievable privilege to be able to do it all again, in the company of motorsport aficionados and friends".

The festival continues today with a highlight being the 15-lap Tasman Grand Prix.