Simon Routson has taken out top honours in the Ararat Car Club’s June khanacross after winning three of the four tests available to the 18 competing drivers.

 

Taking place at Westmere Rec reserve, Routson had a slow start to the club event, placing fifth in the first test before going on a roll, where he took out the remaining three tests to steer his way to a five second victory over Bec Smith.

 

Smith, who came within a quarter of a second of taking out the opening test win against eventual third place getter Chris Harwood, was also the fastest woman on the day and finished in the top three on two occasions throughout the event.

 

Having held top spot after the opening two tests, Harwood’s third test essentially cost him the event after his eventual test time was almost 10 seconds slower than Routson.

 

Rounding out the top five behind Harwood was Trevor Ellington and Heath Jackson, while Mick Goossens missed out on a top five spot by just one second. Behind the wheel of a Suzuki Swift in 12th place was Brody Goossens, who was the fastest junior.

 

Harwood, who was also clerk of course, was proud of the event and was confident they fulfilled their goal of easing some of the club’s members back into motorsport

 

“It was the first event held at Westmere since the COVID-19 pandemic stopped all racing earlier this year,” Harwood said.

 

“We made it invitational only and limited it to 20 people to make sure we met the Government and Motorsport Australia regulations.

 

“The weather was cold but clear all day and it was a great little event to get back into racing with everybody abiding by the new rules in place.

 

“To make sure everyone had some fun at the event, we had shaped the course like a Corona beer bottle with a slice of lemon hanging out the top.

 

“The course was challenging with hairpins, chicanes and reversing, but we just wanted everyone to enjoy the sport again, so a big thank you to Motorsport Australia and all those people who helped with putting the event on.”