Norm Hardinge #201
Big Knob Racing
Preston, Victoria

Year | Vehicle | Class | MPH | PB | Record Average |
Record | ||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1999 | 54 FJ Holden | E/PP | 112.240 | - | 112.58 | |||||||
2000 | 34 Ford Roadster | B/GR | 134.952 | 112.240 | 168.07 | |||||||
2001 | 34 Ford Roadster | B/GR | 162.572 | 134.952 | 168.07 | |||||||
2002 | 34 Ford Roadster | B/GR | 185.854 | 162.572 | 168.07 | |||||||
2003 | 34 Ford Roadster | B/GR | 181.772 | 185.854 | 185.854 | |||||||
2004 | 34 Ford Roadster | B/GR | 181.772 | 185.854 | 190.003 | |||||||
2005 | 34 Ford Roadster | B/GR | 185.404 | 185.854 | 190.003 | |||||||
2006 | 34 Ford Roadster | B/GR | 195.577 | 185.854 | 190.003 | |||||||
2009 | 34 Ford Roadster | B/GR | 192.431 | 195.577 | 195.577 | |||||||
2010 | 34 Ford Roadster | B/GR | 183.607 | 195.577 | 195.577 | |||||||
2011 | 34 Ford Roadster | B/GR | Washed Out | 195.577 | 195.577 | |||||||
2012 | 34 Ford Roadster | B/GR | Washed Out | 195.577 | 195.577 | |||||||
2013 | 34 Ford Roadster | B/FR | 207.218 | 195.577 | Open | |||||||
2015 | 34 Ford Roadster | B/GR | 96.548 | 207.218 | 195.577 | |||||||
2016 | 34 Ford Roadster | B/GR | 202.920, 195.207, 210.748, 212.653 | 207.218 | 209.132 | |||||||
2017 | 34 Ford Roadster | B/GR | 167.286, 194.647 | 212.653 | 212.653 | |||||||
2018 | 34 Ford Roadster | B/GR | 118.468 | 212.653 | 212.653 | |||||||
2019 | 34 Ford Roadster | AA/GR | 0, , , 195.993, 193.84 | - | 194.917 | Open | ||||||
2020 | 34 Ford Roadster | AA/GR | 195.993 | 194.917 | ||||||||
2021 | 34 Ford Roadster | AA/GR | 166.461 | 195.993 | 194.917 | |||||||
2023 | 34 Ford Roadster | AA/GR | 0.000, 207.242Q, 206.849R | 195.993 | 207.045 | 194.917 | ||||||
2024 | 34 Ford Roadster | AA/GR | Washed Out | 207.045 | 207.045 | |||||||
2025 | 34 Ford Roadster | AA/GR | 207.045 | 207.045 | ||||||||
MPH shown in RED is highest speed recorded for that class up and including that year.
Records shown are the highest speed attained for that class from all previous years
or have never had a vehicle register a speed for that class and are considered Open.
Norm and partner Vicki Howard first headed for the salt in Norm's work truck, a Holden FJ ute. Runing in the E/GP class it did a very respectable 112.240MPH. The salt bug had bit and they would be back.
In 2000 they returned with a totally new car, a B/GR 1934 Ford roadster Norm ran a 134.952MPH and Vicki ran a 139.524MPH beating the old man. This was to be a shake down meeting for the new car and they were very pleased with thier performances, seeing the 429 was just cut out of a wreck and had no special work done to it at all. In the off season Norm had a new motor built by long time Ford engine man John Peterson. In 2001 Norm ran 162.572MPH, unfortunately Vicki wasn't able to make the trip, but Norm brought over a couple of mates (Roy Brand and Nev Anderson) who he let have a run in the roadster, who managed a 119.540MPH and 138.867 MPH respectively.
Norm and Vicki are also the people behind Aussie Desert Coolers. Specialist radiator manufacturers and repairers for the performance and restoration market.
Vehicle Specs
Vehicle Make | Ford | |
Vehicle Model | 1934 Roadster | |
Vehicle Class | B/GR | |
Chassis | Home Built | |
Engine | 429 cu. in. Ford Big Block | |
Gearbox | Jerico | |
Diff | Nascar 9" Ford |
Sponsors |
Aussie Desert Cooler | |
Career Highlights |
200 MPH at Bonneville | |
Time in Sport | 18 years | |
Claim to Fame | Fastest hot rod in Australia | |
Other Interests | Hot Rods, Drag Racing | |
Team Name | Big Knob Racing | |
Team Members | Matt, Neil, Andrew, Ricky Cam | |
Team History | Raced at Bonneville and Lake Gairdner, hold 4 records | |
Best thing about Dry Lakes Racing | The people I have met | |
Interesting story | The first time I raced my FJ ute (shop truck in 1999, been every year since. |
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