Wānaka developer Allan Dippie is known for his love of vintage tractors, but he had his foot flat on the accelerator of his considerably faster 1985 Rover Vitesse at Australia’s home of motor racing last weekend (October 11-13).

The Bathurst 1000 event at Mount Panorama, Bathurst, was a “great weekend”, the Willowridge Developments owner told the Wānaka App.

“This year the organisers of Bathurst invited historic touring cars to attend the great race in a Heritage revival class,” Allan said.

“My car is a 1985 TWR (Tom Walkinshaw Racing) Rover Vitesse and it was great to race it around one of the world's best and most daunting race tracks.”

Allan circumnavigating the Sir Tim Wallis Drive roundabout at a more sedate pace.

“We managed to get the Rover over 250 kph (over 150 miles per hour) down the long Conrod Straight.”

Allan’s Rover was one of nine cars from New Zealand, and one of 55 historic touring cars that competed in three races prior to the super car race.

Allan and his Rover placed tenth overall, which was “not a bad effort given some much more modern cars in the class and some class drivers such as Greg Murphy and John Bowe in Holden Commodores”, he said. 

Bathurst is famous for its motor racing circuit that has become a mecca for motorsport enthusiasts. It is home to the Bathurst 1000 motor race each October.

PHOTOS: Supplied