THE South Eastern Automobile Club will kick start its 2018 racing season with the fourth annual Port MacDonnell Twin Peaks Hill Climb this weekend.
This year’s event will see a new format, after the event previously ran on the one day over two tracks.
In what is believed to be a first for a hill climb in Australia, tomorrow will see a late start, with two early runs, then the following two heading into the darkness.
Just one track will be used on tomorrow, rather than the two normally run, but and extra day is set aside for racing, with Sunday a full daytime format with both tracks utilised.
Event director Kevin Raedel said the change to a night event for the Saturday came about for convenience.
“I’m from a rally background, which is typically night time events locally,” he said.
“The idea to run at night was originally to give competitors more bang for their buck, but also give them ample time to travel to the region Saturday before the start time.
“A twilight event Saturday was the natural answer.”
Raedel said he was originally concerned some competitors may not support the change in format, but it appeared to be quite popular now.
“It has been a talking point for many weeks,” he said.
“It seems to be a bit of an attraction, even though a lot of these guys have never raced in the dark before.
“I think it will be pretty impressive to watch.”
Raedel said he did not expect times to be much quicker at night, with most drivers possibly erring on the side of caution to “take in the moment”.
“I think someone like Phil Wilson will probably go quicker and maybe a couple of young guns who have no fear,” he said.
“But there are probably only half a dozen in the field, a pretty small bunch who do night rallies.
“I think it will be interesting to see what they think of it, whether they do one run and pack it up or do a couple of runs.”
The other advantage is the night stage will set it apart from the Legend of the Lakes Hill Climb.
“Hopefully it sets Port Mac on its own little tangent,” Raedel said.
“People do like night time stuff and this is a bit different.
“There are chances to do night time stuff in other disciplines, but to do it in a hill climb, I think it will be pretty spectacular.”
So far all seems to be on track, with the new format seeing a bigger field than last year as the event grows in stature, with 45 entries received at the time of going to print.
There will be plenty of talent on display, with reigning title holder Simon Feil heading the field in his Mitsubishi Evo 8, while Damian Brand will provide tight competition in his Subaru WRX at the top of the AWD class.
Glen Latter will be on the pace in his 2WD RX7 Mazda, while Phil Wilson will take the challenge in his Toyota Soarer.
Women will also be well represented, which will include Tania Langcake in a Subaru WRX.
“Tania is a fairly handy driver,” Raedel said.
“She should be a top-10 competitor.
“She has been here before as well as to the Legend of the Lakes.”
Limestone Coast drivers Stephanie Hopper and Suzanne Crowe complete the women’s list, while juniors will also be on track, including Jack Michelson in his first event, plus Liam Lewis and Ryan Boyd.
Spectators need to head up Sea Parade towards the lighthouse until the road closure.
There will be ample parking available, including disabled access.
Racing starts from 3.30pm Saturday and runs to around 10pm, followed by a day of racing Sunday from 9am.
