The Austin 7 Club are pulling out all the stops for this weekend’s observed section trial, celebrating a terrific milestone for one of their long-time members while also honouring founding club member, John Pryce.

While the club’s calendar features 12 observed section trials annually, this weekend’s 72nd John Pryce Memorial Trial is its most famous, as it celebrates the person who introduced mud trialling to Australia in 1950. 

Already 16 teams are registered to compete, all of whom would be hoping to win the club’s most prestigious trial and secure points towards the 2023 series.

Among the entrants is one of the club’s most devoted members, Grant Campbell, who is celebrating his 50th year in the club in 2023. 

“Grant Campbell has been mud trialling for 50 years, and he is an outstanding driver and builder,” Club Chairperson Mark Filsell said. 

“He’s done approximately 600 trials, and has come first 236 times, second 117 times and third 46 times, totalling 399 podium finishes.

“He is super passionate about mud trialling. He struggles to walk around the sections these days, but it’s nothing to see him fall over and get back up again. 

“Mechanically, he understands the cars very well, so he’s able to build his own cars and he offers a lot of advice to the younger drivers. I’ve spent many hours talking to him about what to do to with my car and he’s given me a lot of advice over the years. He’s very humble about it but everything he says is gold.

“I do think there should be a trial named after Grant at some point in the future, but that’s my personal opinion.”

This year’s event will take place off Leonard Road in Lilydale and will commence at 10am AEST.

Entries to compete close Friday 11 August, and the club are still accepting a mix of experienced and non-experienced volunteers for official roles. 

Spectators are also invited to attend and encouraged to bring their own food, as well as some coins for the club’s raffle. 

More information can be found at the Austin 7 Club website and MudTrials Facebook page.

The 72nd John Pryce Memorial Trial will take place at 70-80 Leonard Road on Sunday 13 August.