Community News - providing readers with the very latest in local news, sport, entertainment and more.
Camera IconCommunity News - providing readers with the very latest in local news, sport, entertainment and more. Credit: Community News

Perth Speed Fest: the exhilaration of acceleration

Vanessa SchmittWeekend Kwinana Courier

SHEER exhilaration.

That would be the best way to describe speeding down the tarmac at 200kmh in a V8 Supercar.

I was lucky enough to experience the thrill of the speedway at Perth Motorplex in the lead up to the Perth Speed Fest.

PerthNow Digital Edition.
Your local paper, whenever you want it.

Get in front of tomorrow's news for FREE

Journalism for the curious Australian across politics, business, culture and opinion.

READ NOW

My ride – a 2013 registered V8 Australian Supercar. The former Triple 8 racing car is a Ford FG, with a 5.0 litre V8, 680 horsepower engine and a top speed of 290 km/h.

I was nervous, but driver Anthony Arnold put me at ease. Anthony is a GT Series multi round winner, with 24 years racing experience.

Once buckled in and given the safety rundown, we were off.

Straight away I felt gravity push me back in my seat and then there were the tunnels to go through. I thought we would crash, but Anthony expertly navigated through.

After reaching 200kmh on the straight stretch, slowing down rapidly on the turns and two laps, we were done.

The only things that hurt were my cheekbones – from a ridiculous smile etched on my face.

V8 Supercars will be just some of the cool cars on show at Perth Speed Fest. There will be Jack Miller in a MotoGP, James Brock in a V8 Ute, Alister McRae in a WRC rally car and Alan Jones in a formula one.

The major drawcard will be Daniel Ricciardo, who will put the RB7 Red Bull Racing 2011 world-championship winning F1 car through its paces with laps of the track. He will then line up to go head-to-head three times against top cars in the ultimate test of speed.

Other features include a showcase of classic, modern and modified cars, motorbikes and motorsport stars.

There will be non-stop on-track entertainment with 60 separate events and 25 motorsport disciplines demonstrated on six customised track layouts. WHAT: Perth Speed Fest WHERE: Perth Motorplex, Anketell Road, Kwinana Beach WHEN: Sunday, December 13. Gates open 9.30am, close 5pm. TICKETS: Adults $99 +booking fee, Child 15 and under $65 +booking fee, Children under five free. Visit SpeedFest