REVIEW: Ringwood Park

Published at: www.culturehunter.org, July 2014

Who: The MG Car Club Newcastle
What/ Where: Round 6 of the NSW Hillclimb Championship, Ringwood Hillclimb Complex
When: July 6^th, 2014

ON THE 6^th of July, the drivers of around 70 cars braved the chilly start to the day to test their mettle on the newly improved track. Affectionately dubbed “Dad’s Army”, over the past few years a group of volunteers from the MG Car Club have spent 10,000 hours adding to the track. Today was its second test run.

Half a dozen different classes of cars competed, making for an interesting field. There were humble minis making themselves known. Several VWs raced up-and-down the hill, bringing back memories of Herbie and his adventures. Some older models of Commodore took part too, as did some classic Toranas as well. And those who liked their cars even faster and louder were not disappointed either, as a couple of McLaren Formulas and even a Lola 8750 took their turn too.

At one point, the afternoon was brought to a temporary halt after one of the drivers spun off one of the dicier corners up the top. As it happened though, something in the driver’s suspension broke, causing his car to spin off the track. 

The drawing card for this writer was some friends who are keen car enthusiasts. Peter Robinson, promotion officer for the MG Car Club, and his daughter Elizabeth both took their turn behind the wheel of their Formula Ford. 

“Have had this car since 1994,” said Peter, “so it has done plenty of hillclimbs in the years since.”  The experience of both was plainly evident in the skill with which each handled the course. Peter did a great best time of 39.8 seconds, coming 6^th in the field; Elizabeth, just as comfortable with the car, raced in at 40.17 coming 12^th overall.

Thanks to the suggestion a member made one night, the club decided to raise money for Headstart Acquired Brain Injury Service. Over the two days of the hillclimb, with a “gold coin” donation, several hundred dollars was raised. “The club will also donate a bit more,” said Peter, “so I reckon the total will probably be closer to five hundred.” 

Tom, a Support Worker from Headstart, was most pleased for this donation. “This will be a real help,” he said, “as it will enable us to better the efforts of the Community Education Team.”

The next big event will be the Australian Hillclimb Championship in November. So impressed with Ringwood’s improvements are the contest’s organisers that the new course is to be the hosting venue for this year. If this interests you, why not come along?

Editor's note: "I've removed it (from the site) as it is not related to the arts...really appreciate your contributions to Culture Hunter (though)."