Entries for the popular Victorian 6 Hour Relay continue to flow in with event organisers hopeful more will join ahead of the 2023 edition.
 
A solid field of 30 teams have already registered for the regularity event with just 20 spots remaining before the cap is filled.
 
Taking place at the iconic Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit, the two-day event will see teams and drivers attempting to score as many points as they can by hitting their nominated lap time.
 
Each team must be made up of a minimum of three cars and have between four and six individuals to drive them – each of whom are required to have a Motorsport Australia Speed Licence as a minimum.
 
A team manager is also required to make sure each team can communicate with race control throughout the event.


 
Having run since 2005, the event has significantly grown over the past decade and has consistently attracted up to 300 cars with the overall relaxed atmosphere of the event the main factor behind its success.
 
Unfortunately, COVID has put a halt to the event’s growth, with the event having lost a number of competitors over the past three years.  
 
As a result, organisers have been looking at a variety of methods to keep the event alive and kicking.
 
Event Secretary and founder Jean Bellenger encouraged people to come and give the Relay a go.
 
“From a logistical and operational point of view, the event is in good shape and we’re ready to go,” Bellenger said.
 
“However, entries are slightly lower than previous years as a result of the event being forced to cancel for two years due to COVID. It definitely gave us a bit of a wakeup call as people have put their cars away.
 
“It’s a bit of a shame because the event has been very successful over the past two decades and people love to attend because it’s a fun weekend in a relaxed environment with a competitive edge.
 
“Even those who don’t win still enjoy coming because they get lots of track time and get to spend time with other passionate like-minded people, so there is plenty of camaraderie at the event.
 
“There are no limits to what car you could have. Whether it’s Mini Cooper S, MX5, Porsche or Datsuns - it could be any car – as long as it is within our minimum lap time of one minute and 55 seconds, which we picked given the range of experience of people at any one time.
 
“We would hate to think this event is going to disappear because of a lack of entries. We want this event to go down in history as one of the longest standing events for level two drivers.
 
“So it would great for people to come and try the event. You don’t have to be part of a club and almost anyone can join, as long as there is a team of four of more, so I am hopeful of seeing a strong number of people attending.”
 
Entries for the Relay close on 30 June and interested competitors can enter via www.6hourrelay.com.au
 
Get more information on the event here.
 
The 2023 Victorian 6 Hour Relay takes place at Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit on 29-30 July.