The Gippsland Car Club (GCC) will continue to run its khanacross this weekend despite a reduction in entries due to metropolitan Melbourne still being in lockdown. 
  
Holding the event at its iconic home of Bryant Park, the regional Victorian club is anticipating 25 local members to take part in the khanacross with each to complete eight tests. 
  
Originally intended to have 50 people in attendance, the club decided it was more important to hold the event at a smaller capacity as opposed to cancelling it altogether. 
  
Having organised hill climbs for its rural based competitors already this year, the club is well equipped to do it again, as well as meet all of Motorsport Australia’s Return to Race document and the State Government requirements.  
  
Although the club is running without a large portion of regular competitors, Clerk of Course John Bryant revealed it had received plenty of support for its decision to continue. 
  
“It was an easy decision to make and for us it just made sense to run with less people rather than cancel it altogether,” Bryant said. 
  
“There has been no complaining about us going ahead with the khanacross. Those able to compete are happy they get to do something, while those stuck in Melbourne are supportive of us as they understand the situation. 
  
“We will be running it as to how we have been running all of our events as of late. There is sanitiser everywhere around the track, people will be wearing masks and everyone will be isolating – which is easy as it’s a large space and it's outdoors.  
  
“Running this event like this is important for multiple reasons. We want to continue because it gives our junior and less active members the chance to do something outside of hill climbs and continue their development. 
  
“We also want to show that it is possible to run these events at a smaller capacity if need be. Of course I understand there are smaller clubs who might not be able to financially, but it’s still important to show it can be done. 
  
“We are lucky that it’s not a major state round though, as we would have had to cancel it because of people not being able to come. However as it’s a club event, we can run it with whoever can come – numbers don’t affect us.” 
  
Usually, the club split the full field into two groups with each completing eight tests over the course of the day, however as the usual number not attending, this weekend’s event will see just one big group run the eight tests. 
  
Entries are still being accepted and interested competitors can register their place via Motorsport Australia’s Member Portal. 
  
The Gippsland Car Club’s country khanacross takes place at Bryant Park on 15 August.