By Trevor Jackson
A FULL field and a carnival atmosphere filled McNamara Park on Saturday for round one of the UniSA Australian HPV Super Series.
Around 80 Human Powered Vehicles graced the course, normally known for its high-speed action.
Over an eight-hour period 163 laps were covered by the winners, the Aurora team, just one lap ahead of Wattle Racing’s Gunyah, with the Peninsula Human Power Disco Volante third with 155 laps covered.
Some weird and wonderful contraptions were in action over the day, with close racing and a few battle scars left when the race was done and dusted.
Many schools from the region were represented at their home track, which provided plenty of interest for Limestone Coast spectators.
Event marketing and development manager Marcus Lacey said the event was deemed a success for a few reasons, especially considering the previous close downs due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Just getting back on the track was a big tick,” he said.
“The day ran very well and was well attended, with some 80 teams running around the circuit.
“People enjoyed themselves and were thrilled to be back out racing.”
Lacey said the McNamara Park circuit was enjoyable to race on, with plenty of space for the vehicles.
However, contact or roll-overs were still a part of the game, with all competitors keen to hold their place on the track.
“There is plenty of contact and scrapes and you do get some roll overs,” Lacey said.
“But the cars are built very safe and are quite strong, able to withstand a roll-over time and time again.
“It is an exciting spectacle but they seem to shape up alright in the end.”
The series now moves onto Tailem Bend at The Bend motorsport track, followed by a race at Victoria Park, Tailem Bend again, Busselton in Western Australian and Murray Bridge to round out the series.
