This year we celebrate the 20th Kempsey off road race and oh how things have changed since way back then. Our event in 2000, and at least until 2004, will be called the Kempsey Powerhouse 500, thanks to the wonderful generosity of local business man Alan Richardson. Alan is the proprietor of the Powerhouse Motel in Kempsey and this explains where the name of our event comes from.
For 2000, and probably for the last time, the event distance will be 500 kilometres, (9 laps) but the format is being changed significantly. There will be two laps run on the Saturday afternoon (2 x 55 kms) and the remainder on Sunday. This could also mean a later start Sunday, we think; ……what do you think?
There will also be a proviso in the regs for a regroup after the leader completes Lap 7, if appropriate, (parc ferme conditions will not apply) and the event will finish earlier anyway, with only 7 laps being contested on the Sunday. Earlier start, earlier finish, earlier ………………
Looking back at Saturday though, if a competitor bombs out on either Lap 1 or Lap 2 his score will still be calculated on laps completed and total elapsed time as usual. The field starting Saturday will be regrouped over night for a Sunday morning re-start on this basis. It is therefore possible some could be commencing Lap 1, or Lap 2, based on Saturday’s results. Most however, will be starting Lap 3!
If we have a Kings of Kempsey, this would be contested after the completion of Lap 2, late Saturday, with the first ten outright qualifying. Results of the Kings would then determine the new start order of this first ten. And I say "if" because time may not permit and permission and/or acceptance of the concept may not be forthcoming anyway. We will keep you posted however, and on this, your feedback about whether the Kings is still relevant, and exciting, spectator wise or whatever, is very important.
Further on the format, and after much consultation, competitors will be required to complete 6 laps to be deemed a finisher And be aware, the rules now specify that you must also greet the chequered flag to be acknowledged as finishing. Late times will be carefully calculated to ensure everyone has a fair chance of achieving this and you can check these details in supp. regs. – available soon.
The event, as usual, is also a round of the NSW Off Road Championship and as such, some may choose to compete in this component only. The requirement to be a finisher in the State Championship (I think) will be 5 laps. It will also be possible, for those contesting the NSW Championship to attempt the "whole" event; - providing they nominate as such when entering.
Another change, as promised, will be a relocated refuel area.
You may also have heard a rumour about another Kiwi assault on the Temagog course. This rumour, I can tell you, has some substance.
Web Site. John and Thelma Williams (Thelma is our now "retired" Event Secretary) have a web site that all off roaders should be interested in. As well as details about the Kempsey Powerhouse 500, there are other interesting off road sites linked to their home page. The site also includes other interests of both John and Thelma so check out: the Williams World Web Site. Their address is:
http://www.midcoast.com.au/users/johnthel/williams.html
Add this to your Favorites folder and keep up to date. The Kempsey Powerhouse 500 - still Australia’s premier off road event - is on the net! Winners & class results will be posted within minutes of the last car greeting the chequered flag. Watch the site, but better still – be there!!
John Paterson
Event Director