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Grand Prix Fever To Hit Traralgon

Excitement on the doorstep of Traralgon residents

By Latrobe City Council - 21st February 2002 - Back to News

Grand Prix fans will find plenty of excitement on their own doorstep on Monday evening 25 February, when the Trading Post Grand Prix Rally drivers and their vehicles gather in Traralgon for a ‘motorkhana’ style driving test in Kay Street.

Famous drivers such as Neil Bates, Coral Taylor, Rick Bates and Norm Beechy will be demonstrating their skills for the crowd, while guest personalities Peter Brock, Daryl Beattie and Kieren Perkins will be on hand to join in the fun and reveal their own skills at the steering wheel. Entertainment by way of a wandering jazz band will add a festive air to the events of the evening.

The motorkhana course takes place in Kay Street Traralgon between Breed and Church Streets between 8pm and 10.40pm. After leaving the vehicle assembly area at the Traralgon outdoor swimming pool, individual vehicles enter the westbound lane of Kay Street, to undertake a short but gruelling test of driver ability.

The trial puts pressure on the drivers as they negotiate a course of cones and tight gates, with the emphasis on precision and accurate car control, entering the central Kay Street median and concluding their sprint in the eastbound carriageway outside the municipal offices.

After completing their trial, each vehicle heads off on the Night Navigation Test which takes them on a course via a series of Gippsland roads to Maffra. They return to the Latrobe Valley late that evening where they will be staying.

Participants in the Rally will head for Melbourne on the Tuesday morning between 8.30am and 12 noon. Once again it’s an ideal opportunity for fans to see the cars and meet the drivers. Vehicles will depart from the eastbound lane in Kay Street Traralgon at well spaced timed intervals.

Suggested parking venues for spectators are in Grey Street, in Kay Street west of Breed Street, and the carpark between Church Street and Franklin Street.

Latrobe City Mayor, Councillor Brendan Jenkins, said Grand Prix fans would be able to soak up some of the excitement and atmosphere surrounding motor sport by cheering on the drivers and providing a big welcome to Latrobe.

"Drivers and support crews, together with well-wishers and fans, inject enormous benefits into the local economy, booking accommodation in local hotels and motels and purchasing food. In this case, some 200 competitors are taking part in the Trading Post Grand Prix Rally, and there are considerable economic advantages in attracting events of this calibre to the region," Cr Jenkins said.

Source: www.gippsland.com

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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