An eclectic mix of almost 40 vehicles gathered at the crack of 9am on Saturday the 21st of October at the Lang Lang Proving Ground. Armed and ready for what was going to be a fantastic day filled with interesting cars, great people and heaps of excitement. The event was attended by members with both marque and non-marque cars, friends and some members from the HSV Owners Club.

We began with a quick meet and greet followed by a drivers briefing and run down of the day's events. After splitting into two groups we headed off to try our skills on the slalom (held on coarse bitumen), while the other group assembled on the skidpan which was watered down for a skills test called the mothball. Both tests proved to be heaps of fun and it was extremely interesting to watch how different cars behaved and different drivers approached the course. None of these were timed so it was a great chance to learn your vehicle and improve your skills while having a blast at the same time.

Highlights of this first part of the day was watching Ben Dagge in the Silver Cloud 3 on the absolute limit in the mothball test. His handiwork was very impressive and I think if there was timing he would have embarrassed quite a few of other cars that were much better suited to this very tight layout. Another highlight for me was hearing some of the glorious sounds of various engine configurations being opened up as they accelerated away.

After swapping over and everyone getting a turn it was time for a lunch break. Catering was great and there was something for everyone. There was some great banter as many participants mingled between groups and checked out some of the machinery.

'Go to woah' was the next activity. It's a test where participants accelerate from a standing start as fast as they can down a straight stretch of track to then bring the car to a stop inside 'a garage'. It proved to be quite challenging to bring the car to a dead stop inside the box without either overshooting or falling short. This was extremely fun and rewarding, not to mention great for spectating too.
The highlight for me was watching Wayne Fitzgerald in his W.O. Bentley go head to head with Ric Begg in his Sunbeam 21/35hp Special. It was the slowest race of the day but in my opinion it was the best race of the day. Everyone stopped to watch the two drivers wring the neck out of two cars that are both around a century old!

Unfortunately I had to leave after this and missed out on a run around the high speed bowl and an 'expression session'. From what I have heard, the speed bowl was a great experience where cars were separated into groups of capability with a pace car out front and a chase car at the back to keep everyone safe. Many drivers jumped at the chance to take their vehicle up to relatively high speed in a safe environment with zero risk of getting a speeding fine! 

I would love to take this opportunity to extend my thanks and appreciation to Howard and Ralph, the Vinfast volunteers and the club members (of both clubs) for making it a truly memorable day and a roaring success. I really hope we get to do it again soon. Make sure to book yourself in for the next one!

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