Redland Bay’s Roy Davis will compete in the Cootha Classic on September 5, a hill climb event which is being revived at the same location it was started by Queensland motorsport almost century ago.
The 61-year-old civil contractor will be behind the wheel of a classic 1970 Triumph GT6 in a line-up of 100 of Australia’s most iconic and premium cars as he races against the clock and other cars in the ‘historics’ class.
With a background in motorsport including racing UK rally circuits in the ‘60s and ‘70s, Roy moved to Australia in 1976 and continued amateur racing before “getting serious” in 2005 after purchasing his prized GT6.
“It has an incredible history – since 1970 it’s raced in more than 168 events all over Australia including at Bathurst and Phillip Island. I’ve got a log book of every race it’s done and my 104th race was at Phillip Island in March. It was probably my best win, starting at the back of the grid with 52 cars in front and finishing fifth overall and first in my class,” Roy said.
A car referred to in the late ‘60s as the ‘poor man’s’ E-type Jaguar, the GT6 later became famous for competing in the prestigious Le Mans race in France.
“I bought mine in 2005 and we’ve developed the engine as far as it can go. It’s simply a dream to drive and anyone could drive it.”
A regular at short-format racing events including Leyburn Sprints and Mt Cotton, Roy also competed at the Cootha Classic when it last ran in 2009 and 2010 taking out second and first place respectively.
“The event is fantastic – it’s an historic race and it attracts people from all walks of life.
Spectators can get up close to the action and with a mix of cars including Jaguars and open-wheelers, they get to see a side of motorsport you don’t normally see,” he said.
He said racing the 1440-metre Mount Coot-tha track was an incredible experience.
“Going up the hill gets you into the right frame of mind to come back down again – it’s quite challenging and you have to be pretty brave to go down at speed.”
Cootha Classic organisers have also teamed up with Brisbane music venue The Triffid to present ‘The Triffid Mainstage’ with a dynamic mix of Aussie talent including headliner Ash Grunwald. There will also be boutique food and drink stalls.
Cootha Classic event director James Payne said the event would showcase Queensland’s rich history of motorsport while celebrating Brisbane’s festive spirit in one of the city’s most iconic locations.
“It’ll be a master showcase of exotics, classics, competition and hypercars as well as live music and boutique food and drinks – all right in the heart of the city creating a strong community atmosphere,” James said.
The event will run from 8:30am to 5:00pm. Tickets $25 if booked online via www.cootha-classic.com.au or $30 at the gate. Children under 12 enter free if accompanied by an adult.
