Gunnedah 600
Gunnedah Aerodrome, April 20 2014
There was little room for error at the inaugural LDE Hybrid Explosives Gunnedah 600-metre Sprint event on Easter Sunday as drivers reached speeds of more than 250km/h. The day was a controlled adrenalin blast for the 36 driver contestants that took part.
Two Mudgee helmsmen were the first to etch their name in the event’s 250 Club at the Gunnedah aerodrome sprint circuit.
Sprint co-ordinator Geoff Hood from the Gunnedah Motoring Enthusiasts (GME) said the 36 drivers who entered were given five runs in which to prove their stuff.
Doug Barry claimed the fastest time of the day when he clicked over in 13.23 seconds with a top speed of 253.19 km/h.
Second home was Steve Devjack in only a few tenths of a second behind at 13.42 seconds with a top speed 253.78 km/h.
A number racing in Gunnedah on the weekend had also competed at other sprint competitions around the state including the popular Temora 1000 which will be held again in October.
But for some, like rookie sprint competitor Karen Wilson, the Gunnedah sprint was a whole new experience.
Wilson’s driving credentials however were quick to find traction.
“The first time she was so nervous,” Hood said.
“Then she had a few runs and after that she was fine.”
Local driver Wayne Grosser, driving his Ford Performance vehicle, was among the best of the locals.
Son, Corey Grosser made it a family double after snaring the Fastest Junior line honours.
Also in the mix was Glen Torrens driving his unmistakable yellow VW Beetle.
Frank Capezio was not far off the top of his class either and finished in a close second place (more results listed below).
Vehicle types included new and old Holdens, BMW, Porsche, Nissan 300 ZX’s, Subaru and Ford Performance Vehicles.
A few of clubman vehicles were joined by three open wheelers, a March 87B Formula Holden, a Reynard Formula Holden and the quickest vehicle on the day – a Lola T 8750 Formula Three.
Hood said these types of vehicles which were fitted with wide traction tyres were “geared for hill climb circuits”.
He added other than a few minor breakdowns due to “clutch and gravel rash” the event ran remarkably smoothy.
Organisers are considering extending the sprint out to 800m next year.
GME club President Graham Sunderland was approached by a number of driver during the day who expressed their delight in seeing a new club, featuring drivers old and new, the young experienced, men and women all participating.
Race results:
Type 1 Road Registered under 2 litre: First-Perry Burrow 20.8 sec/ 130.8KPH.
Type 2 Road Registered over 2 litre: First -Wayne Grosser, 17.43 sec/ 190.22 KPH , second- Glen Kempster, 17.72/ 172.62KPH.
Type 2 Road Registered, modified over 2 litre: First – Theo Pateris, 16.94/188.77KPH, second – Karen Wilson 17.19/184.28KPH.
Type 3/ club cars, post 1986 over 2 litre: First- James Morrison 15.80/ 210.71KPH, second – Anthony Bourke 16.27/ 190.72KPH.
Type 3 club cars, post 86 under 2 litre: First – Glen Torrens 10.32/ 146.78KPH.
Type 3 Club cars pre 86 over 2 litre: First – Peter Watson 20.57/ 150KPH.
Type 4 Sports Sedans over 2 litre: First – Nathan Flett 16.91/ 197.74KPH, second – Frank Capezio 18.81/ 162.08KPH.
Type 5 Open Wheeler Over 2 litre: First – Doug Barry 13.23/ 253.19 KPH, second – Steven Devjack 13.42/ 253.78 KPH.
Type Special Vehicle 2WD under 2 litre: Andrew Walker10.07/ 141.5KPH.
Type Special Vehicle 4 WD over 2 litre: Donald Conner 19.31/ 162.63KPH.
Special Class visiting Car club Nissan 300 ZX: First – Justin Smith 16.91/ 206.36KPH, second – Michael Gray 17.063/ 189.62 KPH.
Fastest Women’s Competitor: Michele Guyer – 16.91/ 200KPH(estimate).
Fastest Junior: Corey Grosser.
Excerpt courtesy of: Namoi Valley Independent
