The 60th anniversary of the Mallala Motorsport Park saw thousands celebrate a historic day for one of South Australia’s most iconic circuits. 
  
More than 160 cars split across three categories competed in the two-day event celebrating a venue that has hosted the Australian Grand Prix, Australian Touring Car Championship rounds and the Motorsport Australia South Australia Motor Race Championships since its opening. 
  
From the 40 car Hyundai Excels and its annual Ryan Pannowitch Memorial trophy to the 80-car supersprint that were spread, there was plenty of track action for the many spectators to enjoy. 
  
Outside of the racing itself there was plenty for fans to enjoy, including a show and shine of historically significant racing cars, displays from the South Australian Aviation museum and a special Legends Lunch with Gordon Sweeney, Glen Dix, Dean Canto and Simon Wills. 


While there was so much to celebrate throughout the weekend, the Hyundai Excels once again proved why they are one of the most popular forms of grassroots racing. 
  
With the round made up of multiple qualifying races and heats, the Ryan Pannowitch Memorial trophy all came down to Sunday’s feature race, which was ultimately won by Asher Johnston. 
  
Despite winning the annual event for the fifth time, it was no easy feat for Johnston who was immersed in an extremely tight battle with young gun Jayden Wanzek throughout the 15-lap race.  
  
The duo were neck and neck for much of the finale and traded fastest lap times – however Johnstone was able to hold on to the lead by the time the chequered flag flew, converting his pole position into a race win.  
  
“That was as tight as they come. Jay was putting the pressure on for the whole race so it was a really good battle all the way through,” Johnston said post-race.   
  
“The lapped traffic made things interesting at the end and gave him an opportunity to get even closer, but in the end it was great to get the win.   
“This event is our grand final and the most special one to win, and the fifth one feels just as good as the first, especially after a race that close.”   


Standing on the final step of the podium behind Johnston and Wanzek was Lee Stibbs, who won an epic battle against Andrew Hobby and Bradley Coleman – a late spin to the latter seeing him drop out of contention. 

In fifth place was Ethan Fitzgerald, who comfortably finished three seconds ahead of Mitchell McGarry, while Shayne Nowickyj, Shaun Pannowitch, Nick Scaife and Brad Gartner rounded out the top 10. 
  
In the supersprint, the 80 cars were split in three groups and got four sessions per day – allowing competitors plenty of track time.  
  
Taking out top honours for each group were Group A’s Peder Holst in a VW Golf, Mazda MX5 driver Andy Wortmeyer for Group B and Darren van Diemen who steered his GR Yaris to a Group C victory.  


The final category of the weekend was the combined Sedans and like the Excels, a brilliant battle between multiple drivers took place across the category’s four races.  
  
Gregory Faggotter started off strongest, steering his Nissan Bluebrid to two victories before failing to finish race three and not contest race four. David Lines’ race three win and two-second places saw him enjoy round honours over race four winner Wayne Williams. 
  
The milestone anniversary celebration for Mallala was part of the Adelaide Classic Motoring Festival, which continues this weekend with the third annual The Bend Classic at The Bend Motorsport Park.