A FORMULA One race from Perth to Fremantle and return, complete with "hoon" events for the public, will be held next year.

Plans for the inaugural Perth-to-Port Challenge, which will see racing cars compete along Perth's major highways, were announced by the newly-formed Royal Association of Car Enthusiasts overnight, and will feature as a main event a race along Stirling and Canning highways from Perth to Fremantle and return.

"Rev heads" will also get a chance to compete, with strategic carparks along the route to be opened for donut and wheelie competitions at $50 an entry and Riverside Drive converted into a "drag strip" along which local car enthusiasts can race each other for $100 a head.

"It's time to give Perth's motoring public a break to let their hair down," RACE spokeswoman Avina Lendovya said. "The Perth-to-Port Challenge weekend will provide the public with the opportunity to let themselves go a bit and test their motoring skills to the max."

Local councils will close Stirling and Canning highways for the race, re-opening them as soon as the field of cars passes to minimise traffic disruption, and spectator stands will be erected at strategic points along the race route.

"For race action, the Perth-to-Port Challenge will without doubt outshine other Australian F1 events," Ms Lendovya said. "There are some great bends on Mounts Bay Rd and Canning Hwy that will provide plenty of thrills, while long straights on Stirling Hwy in Claremont and on Canning Hwy at Attadale should allow the competitors to really put their feet down."

Officials hope to raise several hundred thousands dollars from the "hoon" events, with the funds raised going toward a new point-to-point radar speed control system for Perth's freeways and two new booze buses. Police will be on hand to ensure no road rules are broken.

Other events planned for the February 30-31 weekend include a trailbike race through along Kings Park's firebreaks and a kids' "pocket rockets" motorcycle race on cycle paths around Perth Water. Children will be entertained by the quirky humour of the Parking and Rent Inspectors Clown Society, and dancers from the CFMEU Ballet Group, while adults will enjoy a giggle when WAFL and AFL stars again surprise everybody by dressing in drag.


taken from.. http://www.perthnow.com.au/news/west...-1225848327116