Coming 'round the mountain

THREE of Mansfield's fastest racers recently came back from Challenge Bathurst with personal bests. Paul Konig finished the invitation Sprint event with 2:27:2 in his bright yellow V8 engined RX7 on the Friday, then in the weekend regularity Dave Blunden edged ahead of last year with 2:41:9 in his Targa prepped Skyline and Brett Ramsay in another Skyline – who was rescued by Glen Scholz's epic drive up with a spare turbo – showed he's ready for the Sprint event with a 2:36:6. Dave Blunden said it was the weather and the camaraderie that made the event. "It was just fantastic," said Blunden. "The super sprint was on Friday with Paul Konig, and the regularity, which Brett and I were both in, was on the Saturday. "Brett's too fast now; he'll have to mix it with the big boys next year." Blunden added that his car, which is primarily geared as a circuit car for tarmac, went really well at the event. "I was happy with how my car went," he said. "It was my fourth time at Mount Panorama; it's one of those must–do's every year. "Brett and I both camped there surrounded by the circuit, which gave us a great opportunity to walk the track and ride the mountain bike around, which gives you a good feel for the steepness of the track." Blunden add that the experience of catching up with fellow race enthusiasts and exploring the wonderful town of Bathurst itself, were also highlights. "The people you share a garage with, it's a world –class facility, and you make a connection with different people who have different cars, but we're all there for the same reason," he said. "It was good to fly the flag for Mansfield. "Glenn (Scholz, saviour who delivered a spare turbo) narrowly missed out being able to compete himself, so he should be in there next year." The Challenge Bathurst event was followed by a Show N Shine event in Mansfield, with Delatite Drivers Car Club hosting the eye–catching display along the median strip of High St on December 10. The club's next big event will be on January 28, 2023, where the Horsepower in the High Country Show N Shine will grace the Botanic Park. All makes and models, with specialty vehicles from 9–2pm, judging from 11, food and live music. Vehicle entry on the day is $5.

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