Australia is a big place. Bigger than continental USA, but with just on 22 million on the island continent it’s not what could be called heavily populated. The vast majority of us hug the coastline where the climate is more temperate and water is prevalent, especially the South-East. So you could be excused for thinking that’s where the majority of our historic racing takes place.

Well that’s not quite right as there is a thriving historic racing scene in and around Perth the capital of the state of Western Australia with both circuit and “round-the-houses” events. By the way setting off to drive across Australia is not something to attempt on a Sunday afternoon with a packed lunch and a thermos of coffee. With just under 2,500 miles between Perth and Sydney it takes over 2 days of solid driving. That’s ignoring a little thing called sleep and there is no such thing as an Interstate.

Highly visible amongst West Australian enthusiasts is Neil McCrudden who over time has put together quite a formidable collection of historic racing cars. Cars included are a Brabham BT23, Fielding F2, Macon MI F2, Lotus 20/22, Befa Libre F2, McEntee FJ, Titan and Macon Formula Fords and a rather delightful Holden Repco Sports. There are also a number of production sports cars, a speedway midget and to move it all around a transporter.

Back in 2001 Neil registered his collection as the West Australian Racing Museum (W.A.R.M.) with the aim of preserving the folk-lore and history of cars that have been significant in WA. However W.A.R.M. is not destined to be a “look but not touch” museum, as it’s Neil’s view that historic racing vehicles should not be locked away as static exhibits but used and enjoyed for the purpose for which they were originally constructed.

It’s the aim of the museum to find historic West Australian built specials or other significant cars before they are scrapped and disappear forever. The museum will either acquire the cars or assist owners to bring them back to life and it is hoped to soon acquire land and construct a purpose built complex to include not only the museum, but workshops, a function centre, educational facilities and a café.

All this is a big task for a bloke by himself but of course Neil has gathered together a highly enthusiastic group of volunteer supporters. While some of the supporters have their own cars those who do not will be able to participate as either drivers or crew.

The news is that W.A.R.M. now has its own web site up and running at www.warm.org.au where it’s possible not only to hear the latest news but also see what cars are part of the W.A.R.M. family.