Pakenham Kicks off Khanacross Season in Style
The Pakenham Auto Club’s competition season kicked off in fine style with a khanacross event contested over the weekend, with an impressive turnout of competitors in a wide range of machinery turning on an entertaining display.
All told, 36 competitors took to the dirt track, testing themselves against the clock on what is essentially a short rally stage.
The day saw specialist competition machines go up against standard road cars, with drivers including a healthy mix of juniors, families, and seasoned veteran racers.
Overall honours went to Mark Leddra’s awesome Suzuki Sierra off-road racer, which turned on a great show for the fans, with it finishing ahead of Trevor Douglas (Toyota GR Yaris) and young gun Max Christensen (Subaru Liberty).
Meanwhile, in the hotly contested junior ranks, Billy Douglas (GR Yaris) led the way from Rick Hogan (Hyundai Excel) and Bailey Sutherland (Mitsubishi Lancer), who earned his L plates in the week leading up to the meet.
The various class victories went to Robert Sanderson (Hyundai Excel), Richard Allen (Peugeot 306), Douglas and Leddra.
For the Pakenham Auto Club, the event followed in the footsteps of a well-supported khanacross test and tune, which was held last month.
“Despite the hot weather on the day, the feedback from the competitors was incredibly positive, which bodes well for the season ahead,” said Antony Franks, the event’s Assistant Clerk of Course.
“All told, we managed to have six runs throughout the day on a variety of layouts, including our extended track, which toured onto a previously unused part of our club grounds.
“It was also great to see so many spectators come down and see a khanacross for the very first time, it is a form of motorsport that is very much entry-level and affordable, but at the same time, a massive amount of fun.
“Another highlight was watching our junior competitors, who are as young as 12 years old, master the various courses throughout the day.
“As a club, we should be very proud of our ongoing work in the junior development space, which is equipping these youngsters for a bright future in the sport.
“A massive thanks goes out to all of the competitors, who put on a great show, and our army of volunteers who not only ensured the smooth running of the day, but also had the grounds presented in immaculate condition.”
The next event on the Pakenham Auto Club calendar is a Khanacross on March 3.
Mark Walker (administrator)
A vastly experienced Motorsport Public Relations operator, journalist, commentator and photographer, Mark brings his unique angle to The Race Torque in both words and imagery. As well as serving as our key photographer on the ground at major events around Australia (and overseas), Walker will often chime in with his unique and pin-point sharp viewpoint of the racing world via the keyboard too.
