Baskerville to house talent of all ages

Friday 28 August, 2020

Photos: Autocraft Baskerville 1000

Baskerville Raceway will host talented youngsters and seasoned campaigners this weekend with the annual Autocraft Baskerville 1000 to take place at the Hobart based circuit.

Up to 130 individuals spread across 36 different teams will compete in the six hour regularity event on Saturday, with drivers aiming to accumulate the most points at the end of the day by posting laps close to nominated times.

The event features a mix of drivers who are starting out and wanting more track experience, alongside experienced drivers who are mentoring a future generation.

Known for its development of talented young drivers, Event Secretary Tony Hudson revealed the goal for the event is simple.

“We started it the event a few years back as a way to get youngsters interested in motorsport and now we don’t just attract young drivers, but oldies love coming too,” Hudson said.

“It’s the third time we will be running this event and every time we do, there are more new comers entering the event. A lot of the young ones who come through then graduate to circuit racing after a few events with us.

“It’s been a great breeding ground for the Hyundai Excel Series as more often than not, that is the first series they go after a few rounds here.

“Some of the oldies have started nurturing and mentoring the younger guys in their teams. This weekend there will be one guy who is running three cars with young talented kids driving them so they can learn.”

While the Autocraft Baskerville 1000 has a lot of similarities to many other regularity relays in Australia, there will be two main differences, which have been implemented as a way to level the playing field.

The first major difference lies within the event’s name with the technical side of every car must be worth less than $1000, while the other key trait of the event is that every entry must take two compulsory pit stops.

Because of their cost effective machinery involved in the regularity and the parity of the regulations, the event has grown in popularity with competitors previously encouraged to bring their family and friends.

“Our competitors have a lot of fun when they’re at these meetings because it’s a great atmosphere," Hudson added.

“It’s always a popular event for the competitors and their families. We usually have so many families there for support and it’s been really fun family event,” Hudson added.

“This weekend will be a little different as it’s out first meeting since COVID-19 but as we’re allowed 500 people, we have still encouraged competitors to bring two extra people, whether it’s pit crew or family is up to them.

“We really enjoy doing this and I must admit - in the five years we have done it, we have had only one car ever break down and no prangs.”

Click here for more information on the Autocraft Baskerville 1000.

The Autocraft Baskerville 1000 takes place at Baskerville Raceway on Saturday 29 August.