Holmes clan stars at 2025 Weeks of Speed motorkhana in Gunnedah

Ten participants converged at the Gunnedah Showgrounds last Sunday for the motorkhana component of ‘Weeks of Speed’.

With Gunnedah Motoring Enthusiasts (GME) running the event, there were three different courses while competitors had three runs including an untimed trial run in each course.

There was plenty of driving skill as competitors swerved around the witches hats while vehicles included a Mitsubishi Lancer, Suzuki Ignis, Mazda 6, Ford Falcon wagon, and Holden Torana.

The Holmes clan was strongly represented as GME president Peter Holmes, his son Karl and grandson Jai were involved, as was Karl’s wife Kristel.

Several competitors wore GME club shirts, while Kristel stood out in her Penrith Panthers jersey in the lead-up to Penrith’s season-opening 28-22 victory against Cronulla in Las Vegas.

Karl’s time of 32.82 was the fastest, and he also won Class B with a score of 36.39 while runner-up Jai had 70.28.

The 13-year-old Jai also won the Encouragement award, as last Sunday was the first time he took part in this event.

In Class C, Simon Gainsford placed first with a score of 36.72 while Stacey Mitchell was next best with 42.99.

Josh Egan won the prize for ‘Most entertaining of the day’ after generating clouds of dust while driving the Ford Falcon wagon.

The GME president said the motorkhana was all about having fun and giving it a go.

“It’s very simple really,” he said.

“It’s come and try.

“Anyone can have a go, using any car that’s roadworthy.”

The list of this year’s competitors comprised Bob Cock, Ray Darcey, Josh Egan, Simon Gainsford, Jai Holmes, Karl Holmes, Kristel Holmes, Peter Holmes, Stacey Mitchell and Geoff Murphy.