RECORD GRID AS LOCALS RACE FOR RYAN AGAIN AT MALLALA

PRESS RELEASE/Ryan Pannowitch Memorial Trophy – Mallala – Photo: supplied

• Largest ever Excel series grid set for major South Aussie Event at Mallala this weekend
• Son of Bathurst 1000 winner, current state champions entered
• $5000 in cash and prizes up for grabs

THE SOUTH AUSTRALIAN racing community will again band together to remember a fallen mate during the third running of the Ryan Pannowitch Memorial Trophy (RPMT), at Mallala Motorsport Park this weekend.

Circuit Excel racers from around the State and across the border will compete over the 3-day event on 3-5 August.

The RPMT was first contested in 2016 to celebrate the memory of the well-known local racer, who tragically lost his life in a road accident in 2015 aged just 33.

Bringing the motorsport community together for such a cause also helps raise awareness for road safety amongst those competing and attending the event.

From simple beginnings, the race has this year attracted a 38-car entry – the largest ever for the one-make category in South Australia. The event attracted a then-record 35 car field, 12 months ago.

The field includes representatives from multiple states and several state championship winners including current Victorian champion Ben Bargwanna – the son of Bathurst 1000 winner Jason Bargwanna – and double SA state title winner Asher Johnston.

Former Supercars ace and Gold Star champion Simon Wills is also a driving force behind the scenes of the event.

The grid also includes the involvement of several members of the Pannowitch family.

Amongst them are Ryan’s younger brother Shaun – a likely key contender for the trophy – and a multi-car team headed up by his father, Wayne.

“Ryan’s race is something that is incredibly special to our family and friends, and the support we get from the wider motorsport community is amazing,” Shaun Pannowitch said.

“To have Ryan’s memory live on in this way means a lot to me and the entire family.”

The race meeting is supported by many local businesses that either knew Ryan, or the Pannowitch family. 

Their combined support has made it one of the richest local motorsport events in the country, with drivers racing for over $5000 in cash and prizes.

Drivers will hit the track on Friday, August 3 for practice before racing commences on Saturday morning. The RPMT feature race will be held on Sunday afternoon.

Entry to Mallala Motorsport Park is free all weekend.

For more information about the event, please visit the official Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/racingforryan/