The Gunnedah Motoring Enthusiasts (GME)-sponsored event has exceeded its biggest previous entry list as more than 50 cars prepare to race Apex Road on March 26.

“We’re already oversubscribed,” GME acting president Wayne Grosser said.

Due to physical space constraints at Porcupine Lookout, organisers have capped the entry list at 50. Further entries will be added to a reserve list.

A more settled and wider road surface than last year, where drivers also experienced record times, will allow for higher horsepower cars and even quicker times.

Among the best of the local competitors nominated was Darryl Morrison.

He was “neck-and-neck” with Grosser at the recent state hill climb round in Bathurst. But if appearances counted for anything, Morrison’s newly restyled AU Falcon XR8 would have won this local duel hands-down.

“His car looks really neat... it looks like a race car,” Grosser said.

Wayne will driving his FBV GS Falcon at Gunnedah after a credible fifth place at the state event.

Also nominated from Gunnedah was young-gun Brock Casey.

He finished second in his junior division at Bathurst driving his Commodore ute but should he choose otherwise, also has access to a Nissan Skyline to race next week.

Leading the pack in the non-local contingent was proven performer, Doug Barry. The defending Gunnedah hill climb champ is back driving his head-turning, open-wheeled, Reynard.

“It’s styled on an Indy car,” Grosser said.

The Mudgee-based competitor finished third outright at the recent state round.

Gunnedah will again host drivers from around the state including Canberra, Newcastle and even Gold Coast, where John Gilbert will be bring down his older style Commodore for a run up Porcupine Lookout.

“There will be four-cylinders right up super-charged utes here,” Grosser said. “Cars to suit every style and taste.”

As the NVI reported earlier, a new electric vehicle class will be run this year at Gunnedah.

Grosser saw the stealthy electric entry in action recently.

“You don’t hear it coming, just a little wurring noise as it zips past,” he said.

Spectators are also catered for as a bus will run between the start, finish line and hill climb vantage points.

Scrutineering starts early morning on Sunday, March 26. Competition is expected to get underway about 9.30am.