Munro, Victoria | 7 – 8 June 2025
AMPRA Championships 2025 – A Thrilling Weekend at Munro
The AMPRA Championships 2025, held at Barry Murphy’s pristine Munro field in Victoria, delivered yet another exciting weekend of high-speed racing, camaraderie and tradition. The absence of interstate competitors was primarily due to their prior commitments to attend the World Championships that will be held in Germany next month. Some familiar Victorian faces were also missing due to other travel and personal commitments. However. the enthusiasm and competitive spirit of those who attended made this event one to remember.
A Legacy of Passion
AMPRA (Australian Miniature Pylon Racing Association) and VMPRA (Victorian Miniature Pylon Racing Association) have long upheld the rich tradition of pylon racing in Australia, fostering a community that thrives on speed, precision, and sportsmanship. This year’s AMPRA championship proved that, regardless of numbers, the passion for the sport remains as strong as ever.
Challenging Weather, Fierce Competition
Competitors began arriving as early as Wednesday to set up camp, with the rest joining during the day on Friday, eager to get some testing and practice flights in to be prepared for the weekend events. A storm front was covering much of Victoria, dumping snow on the mountains and bringing much needed rainfall to many areas impacted by drought.
Though conditions remained cold throughout the weekend, Saturday served up a mix of many seasonal weather patterns (except summer), which resulted in limited rounds being flown: four rounds of Q500 and three of F3D. The colder temperatures and strong winds contributed to slower times, but racers pressed on undeterred – occasionally seeking refuge around the stove in the pit building area.
Sunday, however, provided ideal racing conditions, allowing for six rounds of F3T and two additional rounds of Q500. The improved weather led to much faster times, showcasing the best performances of the weekend.
Results & Standout Performances
All classed were flown over 10 ½ laps which is normal practice for VMPRA as it reduces the number of course workers required to run the event.
Q500: Seven pilots competed, with Anthony Thurgood securing first place, followed by Alan Whitbourne in second and Jim Orenshaw in third. Popular models being flown included the QStang. Anthony also posted the fastest time in the category—an impressive 95.3 seconds.
F3T: This class attracted six entries, offering close, thrilling racing action. F3T was taken by Anthony Thurgood flying an RB-51, with Tom Wetherill in second and Jim Orenshaw third – both flying Precious Metal models. Brian Steele recorded the fastest time at 65.38 seconds, closely followed by Tom Wetherill with 65.65 seconds. Both pilots, and Jim were using Profi-power.
F3D: Despite the harshest weather conditions and low sun restricting racing to only three rounds, the competition remained fierce. Brian Steele claimed victory, with Tom Wetherill taking second and Barry Murphy securing third place. Anthony had an unfortunate plowing incident with his model. The field is now ready to sew potatoes.
A Feast to Remember
The traditional Munro Saturday night feast—prepared by Gary and Alan Whitbourne—was a highlight of the event. Pilots and supporters gathered to enjoy a hearty meal, recount thrilling moments from the past events, and strengthen the bonds that make this community so special.
Acknowledgments
Special thanks to Wendy Dean for expertly managing the timing system, Eddie Rich for serving as CD and to all those who helped man the pylons and serving as starter throughout the weekend. Their dedication ensured smooth and fair racing, minimal re-runs and contributing to the success of the event. Also, special thanks to Barry Murphy for making available this excellent racing facility.
Despite the unpredictable weather and smaller turnout, the AMPRA Championships 2025 showcased resilience, skill, and unwavering enthusiasm for the sport. Here’s to another year of high-speed racing and great competition—see you at the next event!
Results
These are the placings for this race weekend.
Class – FA1
Places:
1st Brian Steele
2nd Tom Wetherill
3rd Barry Murphy (Big Ball Baz)
Class – F3T
Places:
1st Anthony Thurgood
2nd Tom Wetherill
3rd Jim Orenshaw
Class – Q500
Places:
1st Anthony Thurgood
2nd Alan Whitbourne
3rd Jim Orenshaw
Championship Placings
Next Race Events:
– Bendigo July 19 – 20, 2025.
Report – Collin “Co” Caller.
Photos – Eddie Rich
The written content in this post is accurate to the best of my/our knowledge at the time of publishing. It is written from my/our perspective and reflects how I/we have experienced this event. Photos published as feature images are selected purely for their quality, general interest or topicality. When time permits, they are chosen from a pool of photos taken by myself and others. If a perspective is not being represented, I am more than happy to publish any written content or photos supplied to me, provided it is fair and reasonable.
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