Mini showcase in Parwan

By Matt Romania

Engines purred and spirits soared in Parwan, as the Victorian Mini Club (VMC) hosted a ‘come and try’ khanacross event under the banner of Motorsport Australia. This entry-level event offered racing enthusiasts and Mini aficionados a unique, pressure-free experience of racing’s thrill.

A ‘khanacross’ race tests not just speed, but dexterity and precision, demanding drivers navigate an unmade track marked by traffic cones. The goal is straightforward: attain the best time from a standing start to a full-stop finish. However, it’s not as simple as hitting the accelerator.

“It’s not always about being fast,” Life Member of the VMC, Ray Potts told The Moorabool News.

“Accuracy and smoothness are vital to achieve a good time… It’s a safe, low speed environment.”

Ray, the proud owner of a classic blue Mini, further explained the openness and importance of these entry-level motorsport events.

“These races welcome not just our beloved Minis, classic and modern, but also ordinary road cars. There’s no need for special preparation.”

The Parwan event’s roster reflected this, with cars ranging from Minis, a Peugeot 205 GTi, a Corolla, to a Ford Escort and a Nissan Pulsar. Junior members also got a chance to polish their driving skills, eyeing the future of motorsport.

Entry into such grassroots motorsport events requires few prerequisites – a membership in an approved car club and a Motorsport Australia competition licence.

“Anyone from the age of 12 years can hold a licence. However, conditions often apply, such as being accompanied by a parent or guardian,” Ray added.
“As a training ground for future drivers, entry level motorsport is unsurpassed. By the time juniors hit the road for real, they’re already familiar with controlling a car under various conditions.”

Maybe what makes the khanacross events so special is the camaraderie they foster, which is obvious from the way Ray speaks about his Mini, the club and other drivers – whether they are experienced like him or just starting out and have lots to learn.

According to Ray, club members collaborate on everything, from setup, timing to cooking lunch. Friendly rivalry spices up the atmosphere as members swap cars for ‘works drives’, attempting to outdo each other’s times.

“A day of relaxed motorsport, such as this, culminates in the gratifying sight of huge grins on drivers’ faces after each run. Everyone’s a winner here,” says Ray.