Round 5 of the Trydel EZIUP and GO Victorian Hill Climb Championship was hosted by Victorian Mini Club at the historic Rob Roy venue’s standard course in Smiths Gully on 29 June.
The Mini Club chose to run the standard Rob Roy course, which led to some fast speeds at the speed trap at the top of the hill in conditions similar to last year’s event.
The event saw 69 competitors brave the weather, with just three competitors getting dry runs before the clouds opened on the course – the event was washed out in the early afternoon.
Dean Tighe made the trip down from Queensland to continue his campaign, while reigning champion Mike Barker made sure to appear on his home turf, as the chase for outright honours took shape.
In the end it was Mike Barker on top in his Hayward 06 with a 19.51 on his third run, Tighe set a 20.62 in his Dallara Judd F395 on his third run, and Brenton Byfield rounded out the podium in 3rd with a 22.80 in his Subaru WRX wagon.
In 4th place was David Harris in his Subaru WRX with a 22.85 and Jordan James returned to the Championship in his Mitsubishi Evo Lancer with a best time of 23.02, which was good enough for 5th outright.
Christine Crombie was once again, the fastest female with a best time of 25.80 in her BMW 135i, which was quick enough for 3rd in class and 26th outright.
The Tin Top battle was dominated by all-wheel drive vehicles, with Byfield leading the way ahead of Harris 2nd, and James 3rd in his Mitsubishi Evo.
Tom Kenworthy 4th fastest in his Mercedes AMG A45 with a 23.13 and Derrick White rounded out the top 5 with a 23.37 in his Subaru Liberty.
Fastest across the speed trap was Mike Barker, getting up to 174kph recorded on his second run.
Class Results:
Sports Cars Open/Closed 2001cc to 3000cc
- Michael Hill (25.68, Datsun 240Z)
- Casey Pilcher (25.75, Datsun 260Z)
Sports Sedans 2WD 2001cc and over
- Steve Grinstead (26.12, VL Commodore)
- James Crichton (26.18, Datsun 1600)
- Frank Penrose (26.55, Datsun 180b)
Improved Production 4WD
- Tom Kenworthy (23.13, Mercedes AMG A45)
- Derrick White (23.37, Subaru Liberty)
- Gerardo Rabbi (23.49, Subaru WRX)
The 2025 Victorian Hill Climb Championship will be next hosted by Ararat Car Club at One Tree Hill in Ararat on 9-10 August.
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