In the world of Australian motorsport, the name Whincup is synonymous with winning. While most modern fans immediately think of the seven-time Supercars champion Jamie Whincup, true students of the game know that the racing pedigree in that family runs much deeper. At Aussie Garage, we recently had the absolute privilege of sitting down with Graeme Whincup in Melbourne to talk about his stunning Ford Mustang race car and a career that has spanned the most iconic eras of Australian touring car history.
From the workshops of Allan Moffat to the high-stakes world of Bob Jane T-Marts and the legendary Chevy Monza, Graeme Whincup has been at the epicenter of the horsepower revolution in this country.
A Racing Bloodline: More Than Just a Famous Name
When you walk into Graeme’s workshop in Melbourne, you aren’t just looking at tools and car parts; you’re looking at a living museum of speed. Graeme is the uncle of Jamie Whincup, but his own story is one of a master technician and a fierce competitor.
In our exclusive interview, Graeme reflects on how the family’s obsession with speed began. It’s a story of “getting it done” in the shed—the classic Aussie Garage way. While Jamie was rewriting the record books at Triple Eight, Graeme was continuing a legacy of building some of the toughest, most period-correct race cars in the country.
The Era of Legends: Allan Moffat and Bob Jane
One cannot talk to Graeme Whincup without diving into the “Golden Era” of Australian motorsport. Graeme spent significant time working with the absolute titans of the track.
Working with Allan Moffat
Allan Moffat is a name that commands respect at Bathurst and beyond. Graeme’s time within the Moffat camp provided him with a unique perspective on the precision and “factory” level of detail required to win at the highest level. The lessons learned under Moffat’s roof—the focus on engineering excellence—are evident today in the way Graeme prepares his current Ford Mustang.
The Bob Jane Connection and the Chevy Monza Race Car
Perhaps one of the most exciting chapters of Graeme’s career was his involvement with Bob Jane. During the 1970s and 80s, Bob Jane was a force of nature in Australian racing, and the Chevy Monza Race Car was his ultimate weapon.
The Chevy Monza is often cited as one of the most beautiful and brutal race cars to ever turn a wheel in the Sports Sedan category. Graeme’s hands-on experience with these “Super-Sedans” cemented his reputation as a man who understood how to make big-bore V8s reliable under the extreme pressure of competition. The Monza era was a wild time in Aussie racing, and Graeme was right in the thick of it.
The Main Attraction: The 1966 Ford Mustang Fastback
The centerpiece of our visit was, of course, Graeme’s incredible Ford Mustang. Built for the Historic Touring Car (Group N) category, this isn’t just a show car; it’s a high-performance athlete designed to be driven on the limit.
The Build Specifications
During the interview, Graeme took us through the technical heart of the Mustang:
- The Engine: A period-correct but highly tuned small-block Ford V8, built to withstand the high-RPM demands of tracks like Sandown and Phillip Island.
- The Suspension: Engineered to handle the weight of the pony car while maintaining the “sideways” charm that Group N racing is famous for.
- The Heritage: The livery and the stance of the car pay homage to the Trans-Am style that dominated the 60s, a look that remains a favourite among the Aussie Garage audience.
Graeme explains that racing a vintage Mustang requires a delicate touch. “You’ve got to respect the car,” he says, “but you’ve also got to be brave enough to throw it into a corner.” It’s this blend of mechanical sympathy and racing grit that makes Graeme such a respected figure in the Melbourne car scene.
The Gary Rogers Influence: Old School GRM
Another legendary name that surfaced during our chat was Gary Rogers. The Gary Rogers Motorsport (GRM) outfit is famous for its “misfit” culture and its ability to find speed where others can’t. Graeme’s relationship with Gary and the GRM family highlights the tight-knit nature of the Melbourne racing community.
Like Gary, Graeme belongs to a generation of racers who aren’t afraid to get their hands dirty. Whether it’s a Chevy Monza, a Ford Mustang, or a modern Supercar, the principles of physics and passion remain the same.
Why Survivor Stories and Builds Matter
At Aussie Garage, we believe that every car has a soul, and every owner has a story. Graeme Whincup’s journey from a young mechanic to a veteran of the sport is the “Real Aussie Car Culture” we strive to document.
It’s about the late nights in the workshop, the smell of high-octane fuel at 6:00 AM, and the camaraderie found in the pits. Graeme isn’t just a Whincup; he’s a guardian of Australian racing history. Seeing him pull the covers off the Mustang and hearing that V8 roar to life is a reminder of why we do what we do.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Classic Racing
As we wrapped up our interview in Melbourne, one thing became clear: Graeme isn’t slowing down. Whether he’s mentoring the next generation or fine-tuning his own gear, the fire still burns bright. The Holden vs Ford rivalry might have changed faces in the modern era, but in the historic ranks, the battle between the Mustang and the Monaro is as alive as ever.
Watch the full interview with Graeme Whincup on our YouTube Channel:
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