Ken Willsher Classic 2020 to be at Laang Speedway on Anzac Day

The inaugural event, a tribute to the late Ken Willsher, was abandoned due to persistent rain last year.

This year's edition with be held on Saturday April 25 - Anzac Day - at Laang Speedway.

It's $5000 to win and $400 to start the 40-lap feature, making it the richest Formula 500 event in history.

Ken's wife Cheryl is hoping for favourable weather so the full schedule of events can go ahead.

"We got washed out last year just before the A-main started," she said.

"We felt a little bit empty and hollow I guess.

"After talking about it with the family, we all said 'we can't leave it the way it was'.

"Our goal was to have a winner and we didn't get that, hopefully this year things will be on our side."

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Ken's daughter echoed her mum's sentiment.

"It's pretty big, we'd really like to crown a winner for Dad's race," she said.

"We hope it will be a great night with fun for everyone."

Driver Chris Bellman, who was in last year's field, is returning for the second running.

Last year, he made a replica of the Chemblast #5, which was the final car Ken raced.

"He's actually going to redo the car again back to the way it was last year and he will race that competitively on the night," Cheryl said.

"That was pretty cool to see that unveiled last year, it brought a few tears.

"It was a bit of a shock to see it last year but it will be great to see it return again."

The Bellmans are long-time family friends of the Willshers.

Ken built the original Chemblast #5 in 2003 and raced it until 2007.

"It's pretty cool to still have the car," Cheryl said.

"It's something that will probably stay in the family forever."

There will also be a $1000 reverse draw/trivia and sportsman night at Warrnambool's The Flying Horse Bar and Brewery on March 20.

Jamie Veal, who just secured his maiden Australian Sprintcar Championship, and Shannon Rentsch, a nine-time Australian off road champion, are the special guests.

"It's for car owners, crew and anyone who wants to come along for a fun night," Kylie said.

Ken, who enjoyed a decorated driving career, was Laang Speedway president and is a life member.

He won four Drivers Series Championships, which is currently known as Speedweek.

The Australian Formula 500 life member twice finished runner up in the Australian Formula 500 Title.

Off the track, he was the Formula 500 state and national secretary for many years and the national president for 16 years.

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