Elite class muscles up for 1000m challenge

Car enthusiasts get the opportunity to push their prized vehicles to the limit and race head-to-head against the clock in the second annual Albany Racewars.

This weekend a 1800m airstrip at the Albany Airport will host three days of speed car events.

Entering the event, owner of BTG Mechanical Brook Gunning said the event gave people a chance to use cars for what he believes they are designed to do — go fast.

“It is the only 1000m speed event in Australia at this point in time,” he said.

“Million-dollar cars turn up and twin-turbo Lamborghinis come from all around Australia.

“It is an elite class and everyone is aiming to go over 300km/h in only 1km, which is quite tricky to do and not a lot of people can get that speed over 1000m.”

Mr Gunning said that there was a strong presence of performance vehicles in Albany and his store had helped a dozen cars get race ready.

“Under the shop I have 12 cars entering and they are all older,” he said. “There is a ’66 mustang, a ’67 Falcon, HK Premiers, old Toranas, XE Ford Falcons and Ford Fairlanes. There has been a lot of work that has gone into getting them ready.”

The event includes a 1/4-mile and 1/2-mile roll drag race, a sunset shootout, car and bike show, 1/8-mile drag race, 1000m standing start challenge and a sprint.

Racewars takes place this weekend from Saturday to Monday.

Tickets are at the gate and a schedule at racewars.com.au.