Celebrating the spirit of ‘RUSH’ – James Hunt’s Hesketh set to star in Adelaide

The legendary Hesketh 308 Formula 1 car, which launched the career of 1976 Formula 1 world champion James Hunt, will be on track at the 2026 Repco Adelaide Motorsport Festival on February 28 and March 1.

The 1974 Hesketh 308 was the very first Formula 1 car built by Lord Alexander Hesketh, with his Hesketh Racing becoming one of the iconic Formula 1 teams of the 1970s – as immortalised in the acclaimed film ‘RUSH’.

Hunt claimed victory in the Hesketh 308 in the 1974 International Trophy at Silverstone – a stunning victory that set the team and driver up for further success in Formula 1. Hunt also scored his first Formula 1 pole position in the car at the Race of Champions at Brands Hatch. The car was also raced in 1975 by another future world champion, Australia’s own Alan Jones in his first season in Formula 1.

Designed by Harvey Postlethwaite with a Cosworth DFV V8 engine, the Hesketh 308 is now one of the most successful cars in historic grand prix racing worldwide and will make its Adelaide debut in the hands of owner James Hagan.

The Hesketh 308 will feature in the Formula 1 category alongside a pair of turbo-charged Ferrari 156/85s from 1985, V10 Arrows A21 and A22 from 2000 and 2001, another V10-powered Jaguar R2 from 2001 and more still to be announced.

The 2026 Repco Adelaide Motorsport Festival will once again feature various categories, ranging from Formula 1 cars, V8 Supercars, sportscars, touring cars, motorbikes, drift cars and more with the action non-stop without a break in track activity at any stage of the day. Off track there will be car displays, kids' zones, bars and food trucks, exhibitors and traders, activations and more, in a picnic in the park setting. 

CLICK HERE to purchase tickets to the 2026 Repco Adelaide Motorsport Festival (February 28 to March 1).