While not breaking the previous record as was initially anticipated, this was still an increase on the numbers for the last three years, club secretary Greg Moores explained.

“This is one of the few tracks in NSW that has facilities to race at night,’’ Mr Moores added.

"So that makes the meeting popular.’’

It is also the final event on the NSW calendar.

Club president Darren Chick told the Times last week that clubs throughout NSW, including Manning Valley, have had trouble attracting entries for varying reasons, including costs. However, the Hamnett Memorial continues to draw strong fields.

He said there was a big contingent of drivers at the meeting from the Hunter area along with the local club and Port Macquarie.

“Racing started at 1pm and we finished about 8.30,’’ Mr Moores added.

“There was good, close racing throughout and no major incidents.’’

The Hamnet memorial was contested by the class with the biggest numbers. Mr Moores said Field and Childs both showed exceptional skill to take out the feature events.

“They were tough races to win, particularly with the large fields,’’ he said.

The Manning club will now enjoy a break from racing, with the next meeting scheduled for February. 

Mr Moores said Manning Valley will host two major events in 2018.

“We’ll have the final round of the Northern NSW Championships here in October as well as our Dave Hamnett meeting in the first week of December,’’ he explained.

The Northern Zone Championships involves drivers from the Coffs Harbour, Lismore, Grafton and Tamworth clubs. This is conducted over four rounds at Port Macquarie, Grafton, Coffs Harbour and Tamworth in 2017.

Manning Valley Go Kart Club's Dave Hamnett Memorial meeting drew around 100 entries, the biggest in three years.

Mr Moores said the club is already looking further ahead.

Manning Valley has applied to host a round of the State championships in 2019.

“We expect to know next year if we’ve been successful,’’ Mr Moores said.