The Douglas Shire Motor
Sports Association’s last event for the year was held on
Saturday 8th December at the Reef & Rainforest Track with
perfect racing conditions. The track had been freshly graded
during the week and it was time to sort out who would be the
Club Champion for 2012.
We were fortunate enough to have multiple Australian Rally
champion, Ross Dunkerton compete in the event in his
beautifully prepared BDG Escort which kept the competitors
on their toes and eager to keep on the pace.
Four juniors competed fiercely against each other showing
their improved skills with the final victory of the day
going to Jaidyn Farmer on 345 seconds followed by Kara North
in second place on 350 seconds. Flynn Dunkerton competing in
only his first event finished in third on 521 seconds.
Flynn’s trophy was to go missing the next morning, before
eventually being found in their Motel room rubbish bin.
Rumours that Ross had something to do with it are probably
true.
In the Khanacross the track proved slightly tricky in some
sections, as the grading had created some soft and slippery
spots that drivers had not previously been used to. Some
minor driving slip ups occurred of penalty cones being hit,
spinning out around corners and Hayley Kenna loosing a
bumper bar mid course.
Ross Dunkerton lead for much of the day but a ”seniors”
moment in the last run of the day saw Ross take a wrong
direction and hand the lead to John Kenna. John was able to
keep the lead and finish on a time of 509 seconds.
Finishing in second only two seconds further back was Matt
Coulson on 511 seconds with his father Dave finishing third,
a perfect podium finish with all three driving Fords!
The results for the Ladies at the end of the day was Krista
“Legend” O’Dell in first place, Stacie “Sweetie” Stephensen
in second place and Hayley “Hooligan” Kenna in third place.
In fourth place was Erin Kenna who had turned fourteen since
the last event enabling her to drive in the khanacross for
the first time.
Also competing for the first time was Mario Russo who drove
well to finish third in the over two litre class.
Next year will see several more juniors graduate to the
bigger track including Jaidyn and Kara, while young Taylor
North is counting down the days to her twelve birthday and
the chance to drive for the first time.
This year has seen as increase in the number of participants
throughout the year and the enthusiasm of drivers makes the
events a fun family day that anyone can have a go at. We
hope to see all the members again next year when the season
kicks off again around March/April. (depending on the wet
season)
A huge thank you to all our sponsors including Burmack,
Top End Paint & Panel and Douglas Shire Gas Service and
to all those people who volunteer throughout the year.
The 2013 calendar will be released some time in the New
Year, so until then have a safe and happy Christmas.
Cheers Bob Errey
President DSMSA
10th December 2011 Khanacross
results
