Dennis Hawkins Synopsis of the Australian National Hillclimb Championships 2012 – Bathurst
Below is a synopsis of the National Hillclimb Championships in Bathurst. I thought that should write a few lines with a couple of photographs to promote the one and only Mx5 participant on the weekend. (See pictures below the story)
The sole MX5 entered for the Australian National Hillclimb Championship which was conducted at Bathurst November 1-4, 2012, was driven by Peter Emes and his achievement could have almost gone unheralded had Poppy and I not attended this awesome event that was an extreme test of manhood.
This year the start line was set about two-thirds of the way up Mountain Straight which means that cars ran anti-clockwise for those interested: turn two normal race track became turn one for the hill climb followed by the cutting and finishing at Reid Park covering some 1,000 meters incorporating extremely steep terrain characterised by blind corners and crests leading to a gully with a blind entry prior to the finish line.
On Thursday Poppy and I drove the track for 3 laps at road legal speed with on-coming traffic to get a feel of what competitors would face. I have done this before as I used to attend motor cycle race events with a mate who was an acclaimed racer in factory bike racing and a master in historic racing. It never fails to take my breath away, it seems impossible that machine and man could take this road at the speed they do. At the top of the mountain the view over Bathurst and surrounding country is so over powering that it is a major challenge to focus on the road, it is one of the most stunning vistas you will see anywhere with no exaggeration.
To give you some sense of perspective, the fastest open wheeler reached 240kph from rest before the first turn and attained the same speed at the finish line!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
During the four day event many cars crossed the finish line backwards, some recording their best time despite the loss of control. Some gut wrenching accidents occurred which resulted in numerous delays. The modern turbo-4wheel drive cars were superior, Datsuns of any description were the most entertaining of all cars competing with performances wildly beyond expectation, several V8 super cars showed just how devastatingly quick they really are and the youngest driver was 14 years of age and very accomplished, as where the few women drivers. The secret to successes is chassis and useable power: to illustrate my point a light weight Cobra with 640 horse power V8 super car engine was 3 second slower that the best Ford V8 super car.
I am ashamed to report that although I spoke with Peter Emes throughout the weekend and Poppy managed to take photos, I did not witness his drives. There were so many competitors that there were only 3 runs each day and I was engaged as pit crew for my old Triumph GT6 and a TR7 v8. My old GT6 has had a $120,000 redevelopment programme and is the under 3000 cc hill climb championship car in Queensland so is no slouch, but Peter Emes ran consistently a few seconds slower all weekend and ultimately finished just 3 and a bit seconds adrift in that little MX5. It is testimony to the skill, bravery and mechanical competence of Peter and his package.
The record for Group 2F Production Sports 0-1600 cc was 67.34 seconds.
Peter Emes in his road car "smashed" the record lowering it to 63.12 seconds, a magnificent achievement amidst a weekend of exotic high powered performances that easily commanded the lime light.
On behalf of the MX5 Club of South Australia, I would like to herald Peter's stunning achievement and trust that other members will acknowledge Peter and encourage him in his wonderful career.
Dennis Hawkins.