Bathurst and Mount Panorama are widely regarded as the home of Australian motor sport. The are many events and races hosted here with the famous Bathurst 1000 is internationally renowned.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
However this year promises to a stunning event to the racing calendar - the inaugural Royal Bathurst Show Celebrity Esky Charity Challenge.
The brainchild of Royal Bathurst Show Executive Secretary, Brett Kenworthy, the esky races will pit business against business, mate against mate in a fierce battle to see just who is the fastest driver on four, albeit smaller than usual, wheels.
The races will see ten local celebrities attempt to record the fastest lap time in a sprint around the obstacle course. Each competitor will take part in timed heats before the top gun racers with the two fastest times showdown in a head to head final to be crowned champion.
Mr Kenworthy said that while the races will be great fun he expects some fierce competition to decide just who is the best of the best.
“Look the Challenge is all about having some fun and a laugh while raising money for a good cause, but like most events of these types people’s competitive nature comes out, especially when bragging rights are on the line,” he said.
The call has been put out for people to dob in their boss, sports captain or local celebrity, and while the event will be fun for the crowd to watch, it will also see funds donated to a worthy charity. Entry fee to the Charity Challenge is $100 which will result in $1000 being donated to the winner’s charity of choice.
While not quite in the same league as a V8 Supercar, the esky’s themselves are built for racing with their powerful 40cc engines finely tuned for maximum performance.
- Brett Kenworthy - Executive Secretary, Bathurst Show Society
With racing conditions expected to be ideal for the event, competitors are encouraged to do whatever it takes to win.
This includes the ability for entrants to handicap their opponents by purchasing bricks to put in opponents esky’s at the time trials themselves to slow them down.
While they may not be as fast as a well tuned V8 Supercar, the esky’s feature powerful 40cc engines that can reach top speeds of approximately 25 to 30 kilometers per hour.
Those wishing to nominate a local celebrity to enter are encouraged to contact the show office. The Celebrity Esky Charity Challenge will be held on Saturday at 5.15pm after the Royal Bathurst Show Grand Parade and promises to be a spectacular event to witness.