After a five-year khanacross hiatus, the Victorian Mini Club are back with Come and Try Khanacross this weekend, encouraging club members of all ages to give the sport a go in a friendly, non-competitive environment.

Taking place this Sunday in Parwan, the day will start with a driver briefing at 9:30am, before tests begin at 10am, focusing on teaching those new to khanacross transferrable car control skills at a mud track that – importantly – won’t damage their vehicles. 

While the grassroots event is open to club members with little to no khanacross experience, the Victorian Mini Club stresses that all participants must follow Motorsport Australia requirements, ensuring they familiarise themselves with vehicle and safety regulations. 

But club President Leanne Coakley revealed the club was doing its part to remove the barriers preventing newcomers from joining.

“We’ve just bought six helmets and gloves through the Motorsport Australia grant, so if somebody wants to give it a go, but they don’t want to go to the expense of buying a helmet, we’re supplying them for club members,” Coakley said. 

“We’re trying to get back into grassroots level motorsport to get the youth involved. My kids learnt to drive on a paddock at a motorkhana, but the last few years we haven’t been able to do this.

"So, we’re just trying to get the kids, especially the young girls, out so they can use a clutch, break and accelerator in a non-competitive environment and get used to driving a car before they get their learners.

“As a woman and a mum, I’m trying to push to get the kids involved, but I also want to encourage the mums and the dads who also don’t know what they’re doing to give it a go at club level. 

“There is no pressure and it’s a great place to learn some car control and have a bit of fun while doing it.

"Just put a helmet on and, if you’re up to it, throw in a bit of speed.”

The Victorian Mini Club Come and Try Khanacross will take place this Sunday 23 July at 395-429 Parwan South Road, Parwan, and is open to all Victorian Mini Club members with a Motorsport Australia Speed or Speed Junior Licence. 

More information about entering the event and becoming a club member can be found on the Victorian Mini Club website.