FLYING NORM

PHOTOGRAPHER: William (Bill) Forsyth
PHOTO: Flying Norm


“Norm Beechey is caught screaming over the top of Sandown’s ‘Marlboro Country’ at the end of the back straight in a non-championship event in 1969. This was the first year the Australian Touring Car Championship was run over more than one race. Beechey was the first to run a Holden Monaro 327 under Improved Production rules against Bob Jane, Ian Geoghegan and Allan Moffat in Mustangs in the five-round ATCC. Despite failing to finish in the first three rounds, Beechey won the final two finishing third overall. This was a super-difficult shot to get right... the car is travelling at well over 200km/h at this spot and as a photographer you have mere seconds to get the picture!”


ABOUT WILLIAM (BILL) FORSYTH
With a career in motor racing photography dating back to 1961, Bill was one of the more successful Sydney-based regulars in an era when virtually everyone was an ‘amateur’, as being paid for your pictures by newspapers and magazines was the exception, not the rule.

He quickly developed a reputation for ‘excessive’ generosity in providing great photographs to racing driver friends, free – he was always welcome in garages up and down pitlane
His natural talent created beautifully framed pictures at a time when all motor racing photography was ‘manual’. Auto-focus and light-meter readings were things of the future.

Long before OH&S safety rules were invented, standing trackside to get shots like this one of Norm Beechey meant being right alongside the action – bravery was required!

Every major archive of motor racing photography across Australia has examples of Bill’s work. He was truly one of the greats.

The inaugural PIRTEK Legends Night charity auction is being held at the JW Marriott Gold Coast Resort and Spa on Friday, October 25, 2024.

100% of proceeds from all auction items will be donated to Motorsport Ministries, who do an amazing job supporting the motorsport industry at all levels in Australia.

This has been made possible by the generosity of the people and businesses that have donated the incredible list of items, and by Lloyds generous “premium-free” support of the event.

This on-line auction will go live from the dinner at the JW Marriott ballroom and will be simulcast on-line by Lloyds Auctions.

The PIRTEK Legends Dinner will pay tribute to Australian Touring Car Legend Dick Johnson, who will be in attendance on the night, along with several other heroes of Australian motorsport.

If you would like the chance to attend the event live you can purchase a ticket HERE:
https://tickets.goldcoasttickets.com.au/outlet/event/c0ece175-d02d-4938-bd79-bf1478b385d4

Location of item: QLD, Australia

This item is being offered PICK UP ONLY. Local collection is available, if shipping is required, bidders are encouraged to organise their own freight.