Bathurst 1980 through the lens of Phil Aynsley
Gregg Hansford returned to Bathurst after two years of competition in the World Championships that had resulted in 2nd place in the 250 Championship and 3rd place in the 350 Championship in both ’78 and ’79.
In the prestigious Arai 500 he was teamed with Jim Budd on the rare Kawasaki Z1000SR. After battling Dennis Neill on a Honda RSC 1062 in the early stages of the race the SR’s clutch failed putting Hansford out of the race.
Dennis Neill leads Hansford through Murrays Corner
Hansford realising that there is a problem
Hansford immediately after retiring the bike
The 1980 meeting also saw the Australian debut of the Yamaha TZ500, ridden by Ron Boulden
At the start line of Sunday’s Unlimited GP. From L to R: Gary Coleman, Ron Boulden, Andrew Johnson, Lee Roebuck, Steve Trinder
Ron Boulden / Yamaha TZ750 leading Andrew Johnson / Yamaha TZ750 over the last hump on Con Rod Straight
