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Gazzard favourite for Lakes Hill Climb

Posted on November 6, 2009, 9:09am

For three previous editions of the Legends of the Lakes Hill Climb, Mount Gambier’s Peter Gazzard has been the hunter — this weekend, he is the hunted!

Gazzard — as the defending champion — will start as favourite.

Traralgon driver Kevin Mackrell won back-to-back titles in 2006-07, but relinquished his crown as the fastest man up the hill when Gazzard stole his thunder last year.

Gazzard will also unveil a new racing machine tomorrow.

After three years of driving a hot 2006 Mitsubishi Lancer EVO 9, Gazzard will jump into a similar type model — but with a bit more grunt — to defend his hill climb title.

Now in its fourth year, the “Legend” has grown in stature as one of Mount Gambier’s most dynamic sporting events.

Not yet into icon class, the “Legend” certainly has the capacity to reach that level in the years to come.

Organisers have lifted the maximum entry field from 110 to 120 and adjusted start and finish times each day to accommodate the increase.

Tomorrow’s scheduled lunchtime break will also see a parade of vehicles and celebrities cruise up the hill.

Among the dignitaries to be featured on the race course are Mount Gambier Mayor Steve Perryman, Grant Council Mayor Don Peglar and the Member for Mount Gambier, Rory McEwen.

Scrutineering of most vehicles will take place at the Mount Gambier Showgrounds tonight between 6 – 9.30pm before tomorrow’s main action begins.

Gates to the general public will be open from 6am with racing scheduled to start at 8.35am.

Each driver will be permitted a maximum number of qualifying drives up the hill with their best time counting towards overall and class honours.

The race record of 52.51 seconds for the 1.45km journey belongs to Kevin Mackrell set in 2007 when he successfully defended his inaugural title from the maiden “Legend’s” edition the year prior.

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Comments

8 Responses to “Gazzard favourite for Lakes Hill Climb”

  1. the diplomat on November 8th, 2009 8:12 pm 1

    Whata shame this good event for the region is not televised either live or on repeat by our loal station or other stations such as fox sports. How much of an advertisement would it be for our region if if was either televised or recorded and played later as a one hour special on the WIN network across Australia. If it is already done then I stand corrected — if it is not done then shame on WIN.

  2. a bit annoyed on November 8th, 2009 9:19 pm 2

    now i know why i couldnt get down to enjoy the lakes yesterday … another bloody gathering of bogans using cars to compensate for their lack of manhood!

  3. the diplomat on November 9th, 2009 7:50 am 3

    It would not have been bogans. They are not unselfish enough to take thier defacto and kids to family events. They would have stayed inside and watched the v8’s with their diet of smokes, coke or iced coffee and dreamt of getting thier several cars on the front lawn mobile again when dole day comes.

  4. Ebony Jackson on November 9th, 2009 10:17 am 4

    Hey the diplomat,
    Do you have a problem with people who don’t measure up, “bogans”?or is it that you see unemployed and not legally married as beneath your fortunate status of social or economic privilege.

    There is a lot of poverty and disadvantaged people living in Mount Gambier, many of these are good people and they are not involved in crime, drugs, or other unsavory activities.

    Many are unable to secure employment, they become socially and financially poor, and yes they depend on welfare payments.

    None of this makes them lazy or useless, but they are made to feel a burden and an embarrassing inconvenience on society, by the attitudes of the more fortunate who enjoy a better lifestyle.

    Social status, wealth, and opportunity is wasted on those who have no respect for others who don’t quite cut it.

  5. the diplomat on November 9th, 2009 10:53 am 5

    Sorry for offence. Just a generalisation and anger vent due to some of the behaviour my family have had to witness these past few weeks at the show, shops and sporting events of people with a very different outlook on life. I myself am a housing trust northern suburbs kid who coped 17 years of abuse and left school early. However I refuse to live life with a handout and go myself a uni education and have travelled the world with it. I am also have strong socialist leanings and do a heck of a lot locally and globally for injustice.

    However I am sorry if my venting at the frustration of some of these people upset you. As you previusly stated in an entry about your bus stop exeperience, that mentality angers me.

  6. Ebony Jackson on November 9th, 2009 5:16 pm 6

    I’m sorry too diplomat, I see I lost it a bit in my re reading of my response.
    Its funny when we actually get to know why another feels so strongly about something, especially when we can relate to it on a very personal level, we learn that everyone has a story.

    I am very sad that you too have experienced abuse and hardship in your life, having been there too, I am aware of the sensitive and raw experiences.

    You have achieved much to be proud about and I am glad things fell into place for you.
    My sincerest best wishes in all you hope for and everything you do.

  7. Jade Done on November 9th, 2009 9:51 pm 7

    What did you study at Uni Diplomat and where did your study take you?

    Jade

  8. the diplomat on November 10th, 2009 7:39 am 8

    I studied political science and anthropology and have worked in UK, middle east, China and Hong Kong and am heading away again next year shortly for to do my post grad research study.

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