The Australian Grand Prix Corporation has announced that Thursday at next year’s Formula 1 Australian GP at Albert Park will be known as ‘Heritage Day,’ with free admission given to the general public.
The AGPC announced the incentive today, with this day (November 21) in 1953 marking the first Australian Grand Prix held at Albert Park.
Next year’s F1 race at Albert Park will mark the 60th anniversary of the race.
Heritage Day will see a range of activities to celebrate the Albert Park event, including a parade lap of historic cars travelling in a opposite direction around the Albert Park circuit – the way the race was staged in 1953. Historic garages and car displays will be have a distinct 1950s theme and there will be a special exhibition featuring cars, images and film from the 1953 archives.
During the 1953 race, Stan Jones, the late father of former Formula 1 champion Alan Jones, set the fastest lap time but had a podium finish snatched from him when he had technical difficulties.
Alan Jones was at Albert Park today to launch of Heritage Day and reminisced about watching his father race.
“I have very fond memories of watching my father race at Albert Park,” the 1980 F1 champ said.
“He inspired me to become involved in the sport and to go on to achieve a World Championship title. But perhaps what I remember most vividly is rowing to Gunn Island in the middle of the lake while my dad was racing. I was with the sons of Bib Stillwell and Reg Hunt, who were also racing, and we treated it as a huge adventure.
“I’m genuinely delighted to see the heritage of motorsport in Albert Park being celebrated in this way. I hope people come from all around to Heritage Day and to take advantage of all the fun and excitement the event has to offer on and off the track.”
The 2013 F1 Australian Grand Prix will be held on March 14-17.
