NUMBERS were down, but the speed and adrenaline was next level at Swan Hill Sporting Car Club’s October test-and-tune event.
Committee member Stacey Paynter said there were many competitors from the Kyneton and Bendigo car clubs
“Standout junior Riley Brown, from Kyneton Car Club, made noticeable improvements across the day during his first season and first time on our track,” she said.
“One local driver blew his gearbox during his fourth lap, so that was disappointing for him.
“A transmission fluid leak onto the exhaust made for a few flames that were quickly extinguished. The car was repaired and was soon back on track.
“The visiting Adams family lived up to their regular entertaining driving, perhaps competing for the most on-track pirouettes.”
After issues with his own car, Neil Donnan spent time in passenger seats coaching.
“It was great to see the improvements and hear the feedback from the drivers he assisted,” Paynter said.
“After missing last local round to volunteer for Supercars at the Sandown 500, Zara Hawkins-McGillivray took out the juniors class.”
It was a big weekend for Hawkins-McGillivray, who was also assessed to complete her bronze scrutineer license.
“After a number of years racing, Zara applied and was accepted as a volunteer official at Sandown last year, working as a scrutineer with the Porsche Carrera Cup category,” Paynter said.
Hawkins-McGillivray had assisted with the scrutineering at Swan Hill Sporting Car Club, under the guidance of chief scrutineer Neil Donnan.
She again worked with Supercars at Sandown last month.
“Zara has been recognised by the those in the Victorian Scrutineering Panel for her dedication and commitment which gave her the opportunity to work with the main game,” Paynter said.
“Not everyone wants to work with the Gen3, but it is widely recognised as the category for those that have earned it.
“Bronze scrutineer gives Zara the qualification to be chief scrutineer not only here in Swan Hill but at state level rounds too, like Victorian Championship of Autocross Series which we host here.
“One of the youngest officials I’ve seen scrutineering, certainly the youngest with the qualification she’s just been assessed as competent for.”
Paynter said the club was on the lookout for more volunteers.
“There’s a real sense of pride in giving back,” she said.
“Volunteering with Motorsport Australia gives you incredible opportunities, particularly at the national events.
“What started for me as a spontaneous application to work at Bathurst 12 Hour, has led me to spend almost two years travelling around the country ensuring safety and regulatory compliance on the Porsche race cars.
“And this all started because I spent one weekend a month at our track as a driver and an official, which I continue to do when my schedule allows.
“Perks of volunteering at Supercars events include free entry to the event for you and a guest, lunch packs, exclusive uniform and gifts and accessing the event from prime positions, but experience volunteering locally will support your application.”
The next test and tune will be held November 4 and 5 at Swan Hill Motorplex, 6418 Sea Lake-Swan Hill Road.
