HeartKids Hillclimb Car Race, Canberra 22 March

If you’re into fast cars and racing check out the HeartKids Hillclimb race on Sunday 22 March at Fairbairn. And when race drivers will peel their way around the sealed, 1km tarmac race track at Fairbairn they won’t be just competing to win, they’ll also be raising funds for the HeartKids Hillclimb event (free public spectator access).

Daniel Cummins in his cool black racing car

HeartKids Hillclimb features time trial car racing action with opportunities for kids to ride around the track—slowly—in a race car. The event started in 2009 and has raised about $45,000 to date. Funds are raised through entry fees, sponsorships from business, raffle ticket sales, and food and drink sold on the day to participants and spectators.

The race track out at Fairbairn winds up and around a big hill. The event is a time trial so there’s one race car on the track at a time with race times posted on a large screen. For the HeartKids Hillclimb event, the 40 race car drivers involved do two laps with the fastest driver winning.

HeartKids Hillclimb is run by local photographer Daniel Cummins in honour of his little brother, Will, who would have been 27 this year. But Will passed away at age 12, after the heart defect he had since birth became too much for his body to take.

To honour his brother’s memory, Daniel started HeartKids Hillclimb, an event unique to the ACT. It’s held each year to raise awareness, funds and support for those with childhood heart disease. The drugs and technology used for the type of illness Will suffered have come a long way, but ongoing research and funding support is needed. HeartKids ACT and NSW join forces to raise funds.

But why a car race?

Will in his brother’s car

Will was passionate about racing cars. He had a collection of 100 matchbox cars and a Playstation car racing game. “Getting his learner’s licence and driving a cool black car was the last thing we spoke about,” says Daniel, “but Will never made it.”

Daniel will also be racing—in his cool, black race car.

Canberra sponsors of HeartKids HillClimb 2015 are: Tongue and Groove, Ox Eatery, Gus’ Café, The Hospitality Store, Duxton, Drive GHT.

EVENT DETAILS

9am-4pm          Sunday 22 March          Fairbairn Park Hillclimb Track, Sutton Road