5 days ago
- Automotive
- West Australian
Albany Classic brings another year of street racing and motorsport history to the Great Southern
The Albany CBD transformed into a racetrack on Sunday as the annual Albany Classic took over the city streets, with more than 100 cars entered to race around the historic street circuit.
More than 5000 spectators lined the barricades around York Street and surrounding areas to see the action, with cars from all eras and drivers from across the country descending on the city to compete.
Vintage Sports Car Club coordinator Sheryl Swarbrick said the event was a classic nod to motorsport history in Albany.
'With a huge variety of cars, passionate participants, and an enthusiastic crowd, the 2025 Albany Classic and Mt Clarence Hill Climb cemented its place as one of Australia's most iconic and beloved historic motorsport events,' she said.
In the Post-1960 Sports Cars category, Ron Fabry took the top step in his 1961 MG Midget, combining finesse with fearless driving.
Steven Boyle claimed the Historic Touring Cars category victory in his Fiat 125, while Shane Lawson took out the Tin Tops category in his 1976 Leyland Mini.
Craig Saywell won the Racing Cars category in his 1974 Mazda RX3, mastering the precision needed on Albany's tight corners, and the Pre-1960 Sports Cars win went to Geoff Findlay in his 1949 Riley RMB Special.
The day wasn't without some dramatic spills, with Warren Bishop (1980 Ford Mustang), Michael Ognenis i(1976 Morgan) and Les Verco (1952 Holden FJ) all making contact with the concrete barriers.
On Saturday, the Mt Clarence Hill Climb had 44 entries take on the challenging ascent, with the standout of the day Yannis Hondros (2004 Mazda MX5 SE), who snatched the fastest time of 34.83 seconds, claiming outright victory.
Despite the speed on display, Dick Ward's 2024 record in his 1967 Fiat Abarth held fast.
Albany Classic Motorsport Club president Glen Badger said the day went smoothly, with hundreds of volunteers involved in set up and pack down.
'The set up and pack down went smoothly this year,' he said.
'I want to say a big thanks to the 100 plus volunteers, we could not have the event without them.
'The weather was fantastic, what more could you ask for.
'Thanks for all the support from the community, we are looking forward to celebrating the 90th anniversary next year.'
