Fans can't wait for Motormania

Peter Murphy is keen to race his V8 powered Morris Minor in Rocky

Allan Reinikka

REVHEADS of all types are gearing up for the Camco Group Motormania CQ to be held throughout the region next month.

Local street sprint driver Peter Murphy is excited to see Rockhampton host its first street sprint as part of the event.

“It’s the first time for the district really; the closest to here is Maryborough, the Wheels on Wide Bay at Maryborough,” Peter said.

“We usually travel; we do the seven-hour drive. Leyburn is the biggest one in Queensland it’s the best. There’s Leyburn, Pittsworth, Oakey, Maryborough and Gatton.”

One hundred competitors will compete in the bitumen sprint, travelling from around the nation.

Starting from within the Rockhampton Showgrounds, the track will have competing vehicles enter Lion Creek Rd, turn into Hall St, returning to Lion Creek Rd, where they will navigate a series of directional chicanes before turning onto Exhibition Rd for a flying finish.

Lap times are all recorded and the fastest time for the weekend counts in each class.

Barriers have been specifically designed to ensure the safety of the track for drivers and spectators.

Peter said one of the most appealing parts of competing in street sprints was the social aspect. “The camaraderie and the social side of these sorts of events is marvellous,” he said.

“Out of all the places we go, 90% of the people are there to have a good time like we are. There’s always a few that go to win but most people go to catch up with all the people they’ve met at all the other events.”

A lot of work goes into preparing a car for the street sprint and for Peter’s V8 Morris Minor the story is no different.

“Dick Johnson Racing organised the alloy heads for it, we bought some alloy cylinder heads and a manifold and little camshafts, and modified the engine, it should have about 300 horsepower,” Peter said.

Another highlight of MotorMania will be the speedway. Local driver Rene Frenken races in the regular Rockhampton events, but says this will be bigger than ever.

“There’s a lot more stuff going on around the town that particular night to draw the crowd in. There should be a bigger crowd and hopefully all the other boys put on a good show,” Rene said.

Rene also travels to compete in speedways around the country.

“I’ve done a fair bit of travel this year. Last year we went to Brisbane a fair bit. Next year we’re going to Dubbo for the Australian titles, and we’ll try to get down south a bit more,” he said.

He is looking forward to the events in July and said it’s all a bit of fun.

“It’s a hobby. You do it because you like doing it, it’s an adrenaline rush and the camaraderie with the other m-car drivers especially is fantastic.”

MotorMania will run from July 16 to July 25. Highlights include the QRC Rally at Capricorn Resort, the Jono Porter Memorial Motocross at Benaraby Motorsportz Complex and a number of events to be held at the Rockhampton Showgrounds.

For more information visit www.motormaniacq.com.au

Rockhampton District MotorMania Events

July 11: Rockhampton & District Motocross Club Day - Pink Lily

July 17: Capricorn Resort Rally, Capricorn Resort - Yeppoon

July 17-18: Rockhampton Motor Show - Stockland Rockhampton

July 21: MotorMania CQ Legends Dinner - Champions Brock Experience, Yeppoon

July 24: Historic Motorcycle Display & Demo & Speedway - Rockhampton showgrounds, Rockhampton Kart Club ProKarts 12h Enduro – Fitzroy Raceway

July 24-25: Camco Group Rocky Street Sprint, Trade Fair, Off Road Display, Riding Display, Dyno Challenge – Rockhampton showgrounds

July 25: Show & Shine, Super Cruise – Rockhampton showgrounds.