2017 John Brash Dash report

As it always does, the Historic Touring Car Association of Victoria’s annual John Brash Dash took place in mid-February at Calder Raceway, but this time a few format changes spruced it up.

Changing from a Sunday to a Saturday, the Dash was also moved to the afternoon and early evening, designed to make the day more relaxed and accommodate those who worked on Saturday mornings.

It was an untimed event to take the pressure off any expectations, but hey, we’re talking competitors. Race car + race track + testing new bits = a little bit of Wellington on display!

Some of the driver-only sessions were quite brisk, as cars were given a shakedown ahead of the season proper - and some passengers got an extra thrill here and there, as well.

Huge smiles at the end of each session meant that the ‘Family Fun Day’ description for the John Brash Dash was spot on as family, friends, mechanics and helpers experienced what it is that makes HTCAV racers so obsessed with what they do.

From recently retired V8 Supercars to mild road cars and historic tourers, octane sniffers of all persuasions had a top arvo and evening.

An early shower made the entry onto Calder’s main straight very slippery, as cars coped with the slick of drag racing compounds. The last six hours were more pleasant – unusual at a track known for its weather extremes.

With this year’s John Brash Dash completed, organisers are already working on next year’s event. . .  and working on maximizing the fun component