Dr. Ernie Nagamatsu’s MacDonald Corvette. Art by Ed Tillock
According to the Victorian Historic Racing Register (VHRR), on the occasion of the 36th Phillip Island Classic in Australia, “On Sunday afternoon (March 9) we were reminded that motorsport is dangerous. What was otherwise a brilliant meeting was marred by a serious accident. Sadly, the crash involved the popular Ernie Nagamatsu in his beautiful Dave MacDonald Corvette which was badly damaged. Ernie remains in hospital at the time of writing.”
Our thoughts go out to Elaine and Ernie…two of the best ambassadors vintage racing has ever had. We wish him a speedy recovery. Here is Ernie’s article on the reconstruction of the famous MacDonald Corvette:
I wish my friend, Ernie, a quick and successful recovery. Ad noted, he is a wonderful ambassador and to have this happen to him is tragic and hurts everyone involved. One of my tasks at the Rolex Monterey Motorsport Reunion is that all drivers recognize that the “Car is the Star” and Red Bull is not there seeking out driving talents. Additionally, we have a great supporting team headed by Steve DeBrecht and Dorsey Schroeder to ensure the competitors do not lose sight of the purpose of the event. Ernie has always been a driver who exercised talent and restraint, and it hurts me to see him injured. We all wish him a speedy and complete recovery
I heard from Jim Sitz about Ernie’s tumble down under and have been saying a prayer each day asking for support from above. Get well Ernie !
PETE,,,
JUST NOW RECEIVED AN E MAIL FROM
MUTUAL FRIEND, WILL EDGAR
THAT ERNIE HAS BEEN RELEASED FROM
THE ICU AT HOSPITAL,
ALSO GOT A VERY
ENTERTAINING NOTE
FROM ERNIE DIRECTLY
AFTER 17 DAYS OF THE
INTENSIVE CARE UNIT, THIS
NEWS IS WELCOME AND
VERY ENCOURAGING
JIM SITZ
That’s good news, Jim. Wonderful note from Bill Warner.
Sad to hear this, as a long standing fan of ‘Old Yeller’ I made a trip to the historic meeting at Eastern Creek (Sydney) some years ago an Dr Ernie was kind enough to take time to show me around this racing legend. I know he had been back over here many times for similar events, but I could not get to Phillip Island this year. It is always good to see real enthusiasts like Ernie actually use these cars rather than just keeping them locked up as ‘investments’, but occasionally such a price is paid. If he reads this, as I am sure he will, (he must be a reader of VT) I send my best wishes and hope he makes a full recovery.
Surprised that Ernie’s car is described here as the Dave MacDonald’s Corvette, while at the time it was the Simpson Corvette Special, after its owner Jim Simpson. One of the reasons it was so fast was the use of one of Max Balchowski’s Old Yaller chassis.