Flying Spanners challenge for mechanics

Charles Darwin University will once again offer motoring enthusiasts an opportunity to test their mechanical skills in a race against the clock at the Red CentreNATS in Alice Springs this year.

Automotive Light Vehicle Lecturer Russ Horan said the Flying Spanners event would be held over two successive days at Blatherskite Park, with the grand final on Sunday 1 September.

“Preparations are under way and interest is strong, but we’re still interested to hear from others willing to have a go,” Mr Horan said.

“It doesn’t matter if you work on bikes or aeroplanes, or whether you’re a heavy or light-vehicle mechanic or just a backyard greaser, we’d encourage you to register.”

Flying Spanners is a race where teams of two must strip down and rebuild a four-cylinder petrol engine as quickly as possible.

“Participants will have to be well organised, think clearly and perform under pressure.

“Based on results in previous years, you’ll need to be able to complete the task in less than 30 minutes to be competitive.”

The winning team will receive two tickets, flights and accommodation to the Canberra Summernats street machine car festival in January next year.

Mr Horan said the event had drawn considerable interest from the local motoring community and from the public in general.

“We’ll be setting up a marquee, with seating for a public audience. Head-set cameras affixed to each competitor will provide a live video feed that will be displayed on large monitors.”

Mr Horan can be contacted on P: 08 8959 5277, or E: russ.horan@cdu.edu.au