Last Sunday saw the running of Round 2 of the grass Coffs Coast Khanacross Series for 2026 thankfully supported by:
Its felt like a long time coming with delays due to the weather and other factors, but I think the final conditions were worth the wait.
There were plenty of new faces and with a small field, it was an excellent opportunity for newcomers to find their feet. Mind you, judging by the podium, I suspect for some, it wasn’t their first rodeo.
We always appreciate the regulars and despite being thrown some challenging courses, the times were close as the serious drivers fought it out for top honors. A few errors and penalties shuffled the top 5 positions throughout the day, eventually allowing new comer Logan Howell into 2nd Place being the highest placed competitor without penalties.
With a full ten rounds their were plenty of chances to excel (or through it away!) but despite some great driving by the competition, Harvey “Rocket Man” Nicholson had established such a substantial lead, that a rare mistake on his last run of the day wasn’t enough to knock him from 1st outright position.
If their was a fiercest but friendly rivalry award, it would have to go to Cassandra and Joshua Lole. Combatants on the field, heralding from rival teams but husband and wife at home, it could have been a story from Shakespeare. Josh may have ended up with the class win and a respectable 5th, however his wife easily defeated him in the ladies category with 1st place.
The family that races together, stays together and whilst the parents battle raged the three Lole children, Spencer, Hamilton, Jasper duked it out with the two Hyundais, desperately seeking dining table bragging rights.
The Howell brothers Connar and Logan showed some impressive skill and a capable car. The difference between them mainly due to some errors early in the day with Logan’s clean run awarding him second place overall. With some further experience, will we see a team who can give Harvey some competition? I hope we find out soon.
Finally to the other friendly rivalry on the field. That of seasoned Rallycross and Autocross regulars Laurie Williams and Dave Carlton. These too are great ambassadors for the sport and are usually identified by their winning smiles, but don’t be fooled, once the helmets are on, its all business.
The addition of rally tyre’s to Lauries beetle has given it a whole new persona with Dave and himself, trading times within seconds of each other all day. A few early mistakes from Dave appeared to have sunk his chances however an unfortunate incident only metres from the finish of the last run, added a penalty to Laurie which placed him behind Dave in the results.
At the end of the day, ultimately its about having fun and building skills. Whether you enjoy the participation, the competition or an excuse for a BBQ! Events like these may seem simple, however it takes a lot of people to plan, prepare and execute.
The club would like to thanks the following:
Steve Arthur Electrical – for supporting the series
CHDSCC Members and volunteers – For their work, assistance and support both before and during the event
Competitors – For chipping in and always helping out
Raliegh International Raceway – for providing the venue
The Piggott Family – For their support of grass roots motorsport
Motorsport Australia – For their support and governance of amateur motorsport
Next event:
