Police to challenge car enthusiasts on home turf
An event that invites car enthusiasts to race against the highway patrol will hit the road next year, inviting members of the public into police territory.
Motoring
Don't miss out on the headlines from Motoring. Followed categories will be added to My News.
The stage is set for a motoring showdown between police and car lovers who think they can outdrive them.
Highway patrol officers will square off against hoons at the “Beat the Blue” driving event on Eastern Creek’s slippery surface on Saturday night.
But the annual event could soon hit a wider market, with organisers “in advanced talks to host our first regional event in Goulburn” — at the NSW Police Academy.
“A lot of the community is screaming out for us to do a regional event,” he said.
“Goulburn lets people from Sydney and Canberra come.
“It’s a great regional hub, and a great way for us to be at a home base while ticking that regional box,” Sergeant Steven Planinic, founder of the “Beat the Blue” motoring charity event, said.
Sergeant Planinic said it was too early to confirm specific details for next year’s event, but the plan would be for a similar format to successful nights on track at the Sydney Motorsport Park.
The event, in its third year and free for spectators, has raised more than $100,000 through donations, raffles, and driver entries for the Police Legacy charity benefiting the families of fallen officers.
Police will race with 100 enthusiasts on a wet skidpan that simulates perilous driving conditions, before petrolheads take part in a shootout to find the fastest car and driver.
The event is hosted by Driving Solutions, a company that regularly hosts driver training events.
Driving Solutions director James Stewart said the event brings police and car enthusiasts together for common goals.
“We all want to reduce the road toll, and we all want to do fun things in motor vehicles in safe places,” he said.
Highway patrol officers have won the majority of contests between police and members of the public.
Mr Stewart said that could change.
“After the police winning the last two times, there are some fairly interesting cars coming for their throne,” he said.
“Some of them might even be electric.”
Mechanic Ryan Shepherd, of Caringbah, Sydney, took home a trophy in last year’s event, driving a high-performance Hyundai i30N backed by his Sheepy’s Garage workshop.
“Last year was a lot of fun, showing up and seeing everyone go up against the cops and get destroyed,” he said.
“The vibe with all the officers was absolutely awesome, it was great for community and police relations.
“At the end of the day they’re human.”
Sergeant Planinic said officers rarely have an opportunity to enjoy “positive engagement” with the public.
“When someone rings triple-0 its not to invite us to a barbecue,” he said.
“Beat the Blue gives us an opportunity to meet people in a happy environment.”
Car report no Aussie wants to see
Aussies are being urged to give up their cars as the country grapples with a $17 billion problem.
Read more
Obscure road rule could be costly for drivers
A woman was shocked to learn she could be fined for having this item in her car, with other drivers also left scratching their heads about the little-known road rule.
Read more