THE Australian Sprintcar Championship kicks off tomorrow night at the Borderline Speedway, but the fun and games begin today.
The club will hold a fan appreciation night and Calcutta at the Mount Gambier showgrounds, with everything in place to showcase some of the best cars and transporters in the business.
The fan appreciation will run from 4-6.30pm and is free to enter, with cars and trucks on display from various teams who are already in the city.
Vice president Andrew Broome said it was the perfect opportunity for fans in the region to get up close with the drivers and cars before the three night’s of racing kicks off in earnest.
“People can come along and have a look at the cars and there will be a lot of merchandise on sale as well,” he said.
“There will be a stage set up with live interviews of drivers and the kids can get autographs and photographs.”
Broome said it was the ideal time to take the young fans along before the business side of proceedings gets under way tomorrow night.
From 7pm a Calcutta will be held, with a cost of $20 for adults and $10 for children under 12 years of age, which includes a barbecue meal and the auction of cars.
“The Calcutta will be held inside the show hall,” Broome said.
“They auction the cars in groups of three and anybody can register to buy a car.
“If one of the cars runs first, second or third, you get a dividend of the money that is taken for it.
“It is a bit of fun, plus a bit of a social night for the drivers and teams.”
Broome said he would expect the local drivers to support the night well, given the importance of the weekend for the region.
“For some of the local drivers, while they may not be in contention for the championship victory, the whole event is a good experience for them,” he said.
“It is not every day you get to run in an Australian title.
“I think they are all pretty keen to be part of the fan appreciation night and the Calcutta.”
Overall Broome said while many cars may not be in town in time to participate, he expected a good turnout, with sprintcar fans sure to enjoy the night.
