Gunnedah’s Dan Wicks has beaten the all-time Australian billy boiling record and claimed his fourth national title.
Dan achieved the feat during the Australian Billy Boiling Championships held at the Railway Hotel – a long-running tradition on the AgQuip week event calendar.
Event co-ordinator Steve Wicks said record numbers turned out for the carpark competition – so much so that finals didn’t start till after 10pm.
Organisers conducted 10 heats in the men’s division and four in the women’s title.
Despite the cool evening conditions, Wicks’ skill was on fire this year as he raced home to post a new Australian record time of 5.07 minutes.
Dan’s time in the final was six seconds faster than the previous record by Doug Pegg which had stood for about 40 years and was set during warm daylight hours.
Winners and sponsors from the Billy Boiling Championships held in Gunnedah last week. Dinesh Behl, Mark Ross, Nat Groves, Daniel Wicks, Steve Wicks, Jess Knight, Lisa Ross, Lisa Wibley and Andy Hellyer. Photos: Kylie Devine
Dan outpaced the fastest in the men’s heats, Nat Groves and Mark Roth, to win the final.
“It was just good luck,” Steve said.
“He had the fire going early and went on from there.”
Also aiding Dan’s cause was some early practice cutting wood for the women’s division won by another Gunnedah local, Jess Knight.
It was Jess’ maiden Australian title win after strong billy boiling performances in previous years.
“She has been knocking on the door for a while now,” Steve said.
Organisers thanked sponsors and event hosts for another “great social night” during AgQuip week in Gunnedah.
