Robin and I always look for a reason to spend some time in and around Benalla at any time of the year. Last weekend was a PCV Sprint on the Sunday, meaning I should line up for a practice at the 'Test & Tune' day on Friday therefore we have to leave on Thursday and drive home leisurely on the Monday. All done!

The lonely walk of a slow race driver... - 2011 Photo by Robin Humphries

As for the Friday practice, I frankly did very well, by my modest standards improving my personal best by over a second. The video below is proof! I was lucky as the weather, track surface and lack of on-course vehicles made conditions near perfect. I was best pleased!

Sunday was however a different story, with alternating rain and sunshine making outright speed difficult if not impossible for someone of my limited talents. Accordingly I was unable to get close to my Friday time after four sessions of trying, sometimes too hard. So I parked the car in one piece mid afternoon and looked forward to getting back to the motel to catch the end of the Bathurst 1000. I enjoyed the day but had nothing to show for it. Congratulations to my GT3 buddy Chris for recording a PB in the morning. Great work!

Your humble correspondent at 'speed' - 2011 Photo by Robin Humphries

On the social side, without sounding like a promo for the area, the food, wine and hospitality was fantastic. Georginas, Raffety's and North Eastern Hotel for food, Pizzini, Redbank and Sam Miranda for italian Arneis / Pinot Gris - Grigio varietals and great scenery from Myrtleford to Bright to Harrietville were highlights.