MOUNT Gambier will be in the national spotlight yet again this weekend, with the South Eastern Automobile Club to host the Australian khanacross championships.
The event has attracted 54 entries and will showcase the track at SEAC Park on Megaws Road, Compton.
Club president Kevin Raedel said it was an exciting event to see in Mount Gambier, with some of the best khanacross drivers in the country attending.
“The event has only been running for six years and this is the biggest field so far,” he said.
“It started in Adelaide and has been around the states.
“We knew the event was coming back to SA this year and we fought pretty hard against the city to get it here.
“It was not easy but we got it here.
“It means a lot to us, especially with such a big entry list and so many good cars.”
That entry list includes last year’s Australian champion, South Australian Michael Clements, who is down to defend his title, along with his son Bradley, who finished two places back.
Last year’s runner-up Aaron Wuillemen will attend, along with a list of Limestone Coast drivers all keen to make their mark – and all on the pace.
That includes the likes of Jamie Pohlner and Aaron Bowering in a pair of Subaru WRXs, Dale Cagney in a Mitsubishi Evo and Jason Winterfield in the all-wheel-drive class.
“Dale Cagney will be fast and will be out to prove a point,” Raedel said.
“He actually finished third outright at the state rally championship in Adelaide.
“Jason Winterfield has made a comeback in the last couple of years and he is very quick again.”
Then there are many competitors in the two-wheel-drive class who will also fly the flag for the region, including Raedel in his new XR6 Falcon, along with Phil Wilson and several others.
Juniors include the likes of Bradley Harry and 17-year-old Liam Lewis, who Raedel said was “stupidly” fast.
A bit of “local” knowledge may also assist those drivers, with such a technical circuit.
“It is a very technical track, with lots of up and downs, hills and a couple of blind crests,” Raedel said.
“There is loose gravel, plus a bit of sand and clay, so a bit of rain could make it very interesting.
“If you have done the track a few times it is okay, but it can catch you out over the blind crests.”
The track is basically a two-kilometre circuit, with the khanacross format similar to a mini rally.
Spectators can see the whole track from the viewing mound, with Saturday night to showcase some exciting action under lights.
Most states in the country are represented, with some of the best cars in their class on show.
Saturday will see scrutineering from 10am, with racing to kick off at 2.30 Saturday.
Racing resumes Sunday morning at 9.30.
