Nowell Secures Second Triumph at Australian Khanacross Championship

Barry Nowell claimed the 2024 Motorsport Australia Khanacross Championship in dramatic style, clinching his second title at the stunning Symmons Plains Raceway in Tasmania.

Having previously triumphed in the Khanacross Championship during the 2022 season in South Australia, Nowell was eager to secure another victory in 2024.

The event, hosted by the Motor Sports Club of Tasmania in November, featured a challenging blend of tarmac and gravel terrain. Despite being the only competitor from outside Tasmania, Nowell drove his Baxtec 23 to an impressive win, proudly representing the Geelong Motorsport Club.

“I won the Championship back in 2022 in South Australia and placed sixth in the 2023 event in Queensland. I also participated in the Championship in 2013, 2014, and 2019 without a win, so I was desperate to take it home this time,” Nowell remarked.

“In preparation for this event, I focused on fine-tuning the right tyre and suspension setup that would work effectively on both surface types.”

“As this was my first time at Symmons Plains, I seized every opportunity to familiarise myself with the track, participating in track walks when possible and closely observing other competitors navigate the courses.”

“Each test run was distinct, sometimes executed in different directions, featuring additional loops or chicanes, and varying sections of the gravel track.”

Nowell was followed closely by Leigh Ford from the North West Car Club and Lyndon Kettle from the Motor Sports Club Of Tasmania, who finished in second and third place respectively, with only a minute separating the top three competitors.

“After the first three runs, I found myself in fourth place, so I had my work cut out for me. Several competitors faced misfortune with time penalties and mechanical issues, which allowed me to take the lead on the second day,” Nowell explained.

“Holding the lead only amplified the pressure to avoid mistakes, and crossing the finish line of the final test was an immense relief.”

The championship in Tasmania posed a unique challenge, requiring competitors to switch between gravel and asphalt tracks numerous times throughout the day, with restrictions on using only road-based tyres.

A total of 18 tests were held, resulting in over 33 minutes of competition time for the 50-car field, making for a thoroughly demanding and excellently organised event.

Apart from the Outright title, numerous victories were achieved in various classes. Class B was clinched by Bradley Trenham, with Leigh Ford taking home the Class C honours as the second outright winner. Class D was secured by Jason Street, while Class F and the overall title were won by Barry Nowell, and third outright place-holder Lyndon Kettle triumphed in the competitive Class G.

In the Junior category, Maklyn Midgley emerged as the fastest, winning the category and finishing 27th overall. Joanne Woolley excelled in the Female category, finishing 38th outright.