Fiats old and new will put pedal to the metal in the Fiat Australia Hillclimb to be run at the famous Mt Panorama race circuit in Bathurst later this month. The timed runs, from Forrest Elbow to Skyline, are part of the Fiat al Monte national Fiat festivities which will take place in Bathurst over the weekend of January 19-21.The event is being organized by the Fiat Club of Victoria, with the hillclimb run by members of the Bathurst Light Car Club under official CAMS regulations. Fiat Australia is sponsoring the hillclimb as part of a wider plan to build awareness for the brand’s re-launch in Australia.

“We believe car clubs play an important role in maintaining the pedigree of the brand,” says Fiat Australia’s general manager, David Stone. “Owners who belong to the Fiat Car Club are enthusiasts – they share our passion, which is why we are happy to be involved. This is part of an ongoing connection between the brand in Australia and the car clubs associated with the brand.” As part of the involvement, the company will enter a brand-new Fiat Grande Punto diesel to be driven by Mr Stone.
 

Fiat al Monte as a celebration of all things Fiat originated in Wagga Wagga in 1966, as a competition between car club members in NSW and Victoria for the prestigious Fiat of Italy Cup. Since then the event has grown steadily, attracting Fiat owners from across Australia to become a truly national competition, finally becoming known as Fiat Al Monte (“Fiats at the Mount”) when the event was moved to Bathurst two years ago.

“We’re expecting around 200 people to be involved in all the activities over the weekend, which also includes a motorkhana and a Concours,” says Fiat club spokesman, Philip Buggee. “There will be everything from vintage and post-war cars right through to the modern day – and not just Fiats. All Italian cars are welcome.” Entries for the event close on January 15.