After a successful Come and Try Day earlier this month, the South Eastern Automobile Club held its first competitive event with the third round of the 2020 motorkhana season.
Sixteen competitors braved the cold wet conditions to attend the South Australian club’s 11-test motorkhana at SEAC Park, which was won by 2019 Motorsport Australia South Australian Rally Championship podium placer, Aaron Bowering.
It didn’t take long for Bowering to start showing his class. The Subaru driver placed in the top three during the opening two tests, before winning three of the next four.
Another three top-five placings followed by wins in the final two tests was enough for Bowering to secure the motorkhana event, with 45 seconds separating he and runner-up Damien Wilson, who enjoyed three test wins of his own.
Finishing in third place was Suzuki Swift driver Ken Trimnell, whose consistency was enough to see off a late challenge from Geoff Wilson, as just over one second separated the duo, while Phil Wilson rounded out the top five.
Following the event, Bowering said he was happy to be back out and taking part in competitive motorsport.
“It was nice to be back and good to be at a running event, but it’s always nice to win. You always go out there for a bit of fun, but if you win, it’s a bonus,” Bowering said.
“It was pretty good for morale to be out there again. Although the weather was average with lots of rain, making it wet and sloppy, and we had to change a few of the tests but overall it was great.
“The main reason for my attendance was to support my daughter Katelyn, who was competing and I figured if I am going to be there anyway, I might as well compete.
“For me, I prefer to get the kids into it and support them. It was also an opportunity to dust off the cobwebs as I have been sitting at home for the past few months not doing anything, and competing at the motorkhana beats sitting at home.
“It was a really fun day, so a big thanks to SEAC for putting on the event.”
The South Eastern Automobile Club will return to SEAC Park in the coming weeks for a khanacross.