The current record holder at Mount Cooperabung Doug Barry (LolaT87/50 F3000) will have an enormous challenge to stave off two time Australian hillclimb champion Malcolm Oastler. Oastler spent 20 years in Europe, first as a driver racing, then as chief designer for now defunct racing car manufacturer Reynard.

His designs won multiple international championships in several categories including the Indianapolis 500. He also worked in senior technical roles with several F1 teams before returning to Australia. His heavily modified Dallara Formula 3 based car has been fully reworked and is now powered by a turbocharged Suzuki Hayabusa bike engine.

Local driver Darren Read is hoping to feature well in the results after a pair of sixth place finishes at the last round at Mt Panorama. Entries range from road registered classes, Sports Sedans and Clubman cars not to mention six Formula Libra open-wheel cars. Another interesting car competing this year is the father daughter team of Duncan and Kelly Handley running a Nissan Leaf electric car.

The NSW Hillclimb Championship will be conducted over eight rounds this year. Round one and two were held at Bathurst’s famous Mount Panorama circuit, round four will be held at Grafton’s Mountain View hill climb, with round five at Tamworth’s Oakburn Park Circuit. Round six will be hosted by the MG car Club of Newcastle at their new track at Ringwood Park, Raymond Terrace followed by round seven in Canberra. The final round this year will be held at Huntley Hill Climb, Dapto, Wollongong.

Competition commences on Saturday April 23 with official practice starting at midday and finishing at 4pm. Sunday competition will commence at 9.30am finishing at 4pm Mount Cooperabung is situated 5 minutes south of Kundabung, left off Yarrabee road.

Admission is $2 or $5 for a family with proceeds going to the Kundabung Bush Fire Brigade and food and soft drinks will be available for purchase in the pits.