IN THIS ISSUE ISSUE 1- JANUARY 2014
13 NATIONAL SERIES LAUNCHED
This weekends Australian Championship also marks the first round of the new Five Star Dirt Series, a new National Series for V8 Dirt Modifieds.
20 HOME TOWN HAT TRICK?
Lismore favourite Mark Robinson is the defending Australian V8 Dirt Modified Champion. Can he capture his third successive Australian Championship this weekend on home turf?
24 BRITTEN SEEKS REDEMPTION IN LISMORE
Queensland Champion Kevin Britten comes to Lismore this weekend looking to go one better than his runner-up finish in last years Championship.
28 SCOTT LEADS VICTORIAN CHARGE
Having finished fourth in 2013, Daniel Scott leads the Victorian contingent into this years Australian Championship in Lismore.
32 RAISING THE BAR: INSIDE CONSOL RACING
V8 Dirt Modified newcomers Consol Racing are making an impression both on and off-track, with a V8 Supercar-style hauler and a pair of eager young drivers.
34 SCRAMBLED EGGINS
Hometown hero Ray Eggins carries somewhat of an underdog tag into this weekends Australian Championship and the veteran wouldn’t have it any other way.
38 AUSTRALIAN CHAMPIONSHIP FAN GUIDE
Everything you need to know about the format for this weekends event, how the point-score works, nominated drivers and Championship Honour Role.
Publisher Dirt Modifieds Australia Editor Ben Graham Graphic Design Shawn Mortimer V8DIRTMODIFIEDS.COM.AU CHECK US OUT ON FACEBOOK! SEARCH DMA V8 DIRT MODIFIEDS
Contributors Ben Graham, Shawn Mortimer, Gary Wathen, David Lander
Photographers Ben Graham, Shawn Mortimer, Tony Powell Copyright Material contained in this magazine is protected under the Commonwealth Copyright Act 1968. No part of this publication may, in any form, or by any means, be reproduced without the prior written consent of the Publisher.
HOT SHOT!
Queenslander David Clark is chased down by a hungry pack entering turn three at the Lucas Oil Lismore Speedway.
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2014 Australian V8 Dirt Modified Championship
Pic: Ben Graham
2014 Australian V8 Dirt Modified Championship
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Presidents Welcome
and crew presentation and their on track driving skills which is making the competition more competitive than ever. The level of competition being shown by the competitors means that any one driver is able to win this event. The 2 night show promises to be a spectacular event for spectators, fans, drivers and crew. I extend my thanks to the members of the NSW V8 Dirt Modified Club in conjunction with the DMA in organising this Australian Title week-end. I also I take this opportunity to welcome all competitors, extend my thanks to the members of the NSW Club for their crew and the spectators to this annual their time and effort in organising the Street Carnival prestigious event which is the Australian Title. to be held in the center of Lismore on Friday Night. We have competitors from each member state Thanks must be given to those competing in the Herne’s Freight Service 2014 members of various Dirt Modified Clubs Australia Title at the Lucas Oil Lismore Speedway. for giving their time in officiating over the As in the past, this event promises to be a week-end. Your efforts don’t go unnoticed. hotly contested nail biting contest. I am pleased Good luck to all competitors and we look forward to say that each year Dirt Modifieds Australia have to what I am sure will be a week-end of spectacular racing. been raising the bar on the level of professionalism in the way we present this championship and I take GARY WATHEN this opportunity to congratulate the competitors for President their level of commitment to the sport by way of car Dirt Modifieds Australia
Promotors Message
when you are talking major title contenders Brisbane’s Peter Britten has to come into strong calculations. Peter is a three times Australian Champion and a man who has done Australia proud on the international stage, racing V8 Dirt Modifieds on the American east coast. Peter again enjoyed a strong 2013 US season and finished ninth in the final point standings for the big block division of America’s elite V8 Dirt Modifieds. I am delighted to host the running of the Herne’s When it is taken into account the high Freight Service 2014 Australian V8 Dirt Modified standard of opposition he faced on a week-toChampionship at Lucas Oil Lismore Speedway. week basis his placing within the top ten for the I firstly want to thank multi-Aussie Champ championship was truly a magnificent achievement. Stuart Herne for his sponsorship of the national title. Peter’s brother Kevin also will be right His dedication and loyalty to the V8 Dirt Modified up there following strong performances again category over the years has to be truly admired. this season. Kevin has dominated east coast V8 I also want to acknowledge national controlling Dirt Modified action by virtue of his Queensland body Dirt Modifieds Australia for their hard work and New South Wales state title successes. behind the scenes in putting the title together. Another man who cannot be ruled out There’s no doubt this title shapes up as one of favouritism is Andrew Pezzutti. Andrew has of the best in recent history and whoever wins the been there, done that, and is certainly one championship will have certainly earned the victory. of the best in the current national rankings. One of Lismore’s all-time favourite drivers The list goes on and on, as there are so many Mark Robinson will be chasing his fourth Australian top cars and drivers from around Australia on Championship and the third in succession when hand for the 2014 edition of the “great race.” he puts his title on the line on January 25 and 26. I wish all competitors the best Mark’s dad’s Steve also was a multi- of luck and may the best man win! National Champion in the division so the Robinson family certainly have left their mark DAVID LANDER on the history of the category at national level. Promoter, There are any number of chances and I guess Lucas Oil Lismore Speedway.
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2014 Australian V8 Dirt Modified Championship
Family Fun on Friday Night Following official Scrutineering for the 2014 Australian V8 Dirt Modified Championship, drivers will load up and proceed to the Lismore City Centre for a Family Fun Evening in Magellan Street. Fans will have the opportunity to meet the Stars and see the Cars up close, commencing at 4.30pm on Friday January 24, wrapping up about 9pm. NSW Secretary Daniel Rowlands is looking forward to a huge turn out for the meet and greet and said fans will be able to mingle and enjoy the party like atmosphere. Street entertainment, Live Music and Jumping Castle will liven up proceedings, with Merchandise for the title event also available. The Brittens, Andrew Pezzutti, Mark Robinson, Travis Kennedy plus a host of local stars including Ray Eggins, Phil McNamara, Brent Hall and Pic: Ben Graham
Paul Booker will be on hand for a bit of fun before 2 serious days of V8 Action at the Lismore Speedway. The NSW Association has been proactive in the promotion of this event and has secured support from the Lismore, Come to the Heart Promotion. A Television Ad has been produced promoting the Fun Night and will air on all Three Networks, Ten, Prime and NBN for the week leading up to the event, as well as radio promotion.
Silver Fox Recognised
The Steve Robinson Silver Fox Award for Pole Position for the A-Main event of the National Title returns in the 2014. The award recognizes a job well done throughout the qualifying of the 2 day Championship, a feat generally unrewarded in most other Speedway divisions at a National Level. Brisbane’s David Clark (pictured left with Steve Robinson) was the inaugural winner of the award at last seasons Blue Ribbon event, when he battled Queensland Champion Kevin Britten throughout qualifying to take pole by just 1 point and score a beautiful Thomas Sabo Silver Wrist Watch as the trophy. Former Australian Champion Steve Robinson said
2014 Australian V8 Dirt Modified Championship
he was thrilled by the positive reaction to the award and was chuffed to have his name associated with the trophy. “Its not always the driver that sits on pole that takes out the championship, so this is a just recognition of a job well done at an elite level of competition.” Steve said. “I’am also thrilled to announce that Toowoomba Speedway Stalwart Jim Fowler has come on board as the sponsor of the award.” David Clark missed the podium in 2013 but was proud to walk away with the Thomas Sabo. “We missed the set up for the A-main and fell back in the results but the Steve Robinson Silver Fox Award for Pole Position made the drive home a little sweeter.” Clark said.
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Championship Field Set
At close of entry for the 2014 Australian V8 Dirt Modified Championship, the list of nominations had swelled to 34. This is a great result for the division and for the fans, considering the tough economic climate racers are enduring.
President of Dirt Modifieds Australia (DMA), Brisbane’s Garry Wathen said he was very pleased with the number of competitors confirming their participation and expects the competition to be the strongest meeting of the season for the popular V8 Division. “I applaud all teams who are making the commitment to travel many kilometers to join us in this 3 day celebration of V8 Dirt Modified Racing” Wathen said. “I know host NSW DMA members and DMA itself are putting in the hard yards to make this event a standout in the 2014 calendar.” The National Title is also Round 1 of the new Five Star Dirt Series, the first National V8 Dirt Modified Series to be contested for close to a decade. The Series, supported by both Speedway Australia and DMA, will be staged across the 5 major Title events of the season. Drivers will
Pic: Ben Graham
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compete over a cumulative point-score basis, with the series holding rounds at Lismore x 2 , Rushworth in Victoria , Mt Barker in WA and the series finale to be held at the Supercheap Auto Archerfield Speedway in May. But for now, the focus is on the Australian Championship and Round 1 at Lismore. The field boasts Defending Champion Lismore’s Mark Robinson driving the Castrol Edge No. 1 Troyer, Australia’s International Racer Peter Britten, Former Aussie Champs Andrew Pezzutti and Scott Cannon, State Champs Travis Kennedy, Kevin Britten and Geoff Phillips plus a host of young stars making their debut in a V8 Dirt Modified National championship including Kingaroys Trent Gosley, Graftons Tim Luscombe, Queensland’s Mitchell Gee, Big River’s Brayd Stephenson and Victoria’s Paul Tindal.
Roll Call! Competitors in the 2013 Championship gather for the now traditional pre-event photo.
2014 Australian V8 Dirt Modified Championship
Western Australian Competitor Travis Kennedy set a high standard of presentation in 2013.
Pic: Ben Graham
Hey Good Lookin! Among the highlights of a DMA National Championship is the announcement of the Best Presented Racecar. Supported once again by DMA Media partners SVMtv, Zoomxtreme Photography and Oval Express Magazine, the award is now in its 10th season and is creating much interest among the 34 nominated competitors. The award is judged by DMA State Technical reps, Lismore’s Rob McNamara, Melbourne’s Troy Scott, WA’s Peter Cox, Queensland’s David Clark and DMA President Garry Wathen. Chair of the Technical Department Brisbane’s
Jane Britten said “Points are allocated in categories such as General Appearance and Body Panels, Interpretation and Compliance of Specifications, Safety Aspects to racing and general compliance to the National Title procedure. All this considered important in the racing of a V8 Dirt Modified.” The outcome is important to DMA, as the decision is seen as the tick of approval for a job well presented. The winner acknowledged as setting the benchmark to which members of DMA can aspire to in the presentation of a Race Car for competition.
2014 Australian V8 Dirt Modified Championship
Value add for the winner is, DMA then utilizes the car image for much of its promotion throughout the following year, just as in the case of last seasons winner DMAWA’s Travis Kennedys No. 56 Best Tractor Parts / Gulf Hydraulics Troyer (pictured, above) Previous winners include Newcastle’s Scott Cannon who will once again present the Hi-Tec Oils No. 79 Bicknell for consideration, Lismore’s Rian Collier, Corawa’s Steve Milthorpe and the Gold Coasts Scott Conlin.
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2014 Australian V8 Dirt Modified Championship
Pic: Ben Graham
HOT SHOT!
Duel Australian Champion Andrew Pezzutti (25) races underneath WA Champ Travis Kennedy (56) at Brisbanes Supercheap Auto Archerfield Speedway.
2014 Australian V8 Dirt Modified Championship
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The Highlight of Night 1 of the Australian Title is always the exciting Silver Dollar Sprint Features. After 2 rounds of Qualifying the field is split into 2 groups to contest a pair of 15 lap Sprint Feature which then act as Round 3 of Qualifying. The grid positions are determined by the highest pointscorer starting Pole for the first Sprint Feature and second highest qualifier starting pole for the 2nd Sprint Feature and so on down the grid according to points gained.
This formula has proven popular with race fans and is an indicator of what might happen in The A-main on Night 2. David Clark and Kevin Britten (pictured, right) scored wins at last Seasons Archerfield Event and then went on to run fifth and second in the Championship Final. Trophies to the winners of the Sprint Features are a little out of the norm. Following Tradition the DMA provides a collectible 1oz 99.9% Silver Dollar Coin.
Pic: Ben Graham
Preliminary Features All Important
TITLE PREVIEW? Pic: Ben Graham
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Can David Clark (center) join Peter Britten (left) and Mark Robinson (right) as an Australian Champion this weekend?
2014 Australian V8 Dirt Modified Championship
National Series Launched This Weekend
Adding grunt to the 2014 Australian Championship will be the launch of the Prestigious DMA 5 Star Dirt Series. Supported by Speedway Australia and overseen by Dirt Modifieds Australia, the series is the first attempt of a National Campaign for V8 Dirt Modifieds since the Summer Slam Series some years back. “Initially, the plan is to keep it simple,” DMA President Garry Wathen said. “We, as body will get the Series established and build the profile from there.” The Series has gained much interest from competitors who have longed for such an event. The Nations leading teams have thrown their support behind the promotion which will kick off at the NSW Lismore Speedway in conjunction with the National Title. Promoted as 5 Big Rounds - 5 Big Title Events, DMA’s Media Co-Ordinator Ben Graham is excited by the promise the series. “The Series will certainly beef up the
2014 Australian V8 Dirt Modified Championship
State Title events with the calibre of driver seen to be, as good as it gets.” Graham said. He believes a Series is long overdue and is further incentive for drivers to travel. “Whilst race budgets are restrictive for East Coast drivers to travel to Mt Barker in WA and Vice Versa, the majority of competitors potentially have the opportunity to compete at 4 of the 5 rounds without adding to an already busy schedule.” Leading the charge of ‘Dirtfighters’ will be current Australian Champion Mark Robinson. “I’m looking forward to the competition. Battling the lead teams at their home State Championship will be an exciting challenge and will provide an opportunity for local fans to witness the best of the division.” Rounds will be held in Lismore NSW on 2 occasions, Rushworth Speedway in Victoria, Mt Barker in WA with the series finale set for the Supercheap Auto Archerfield Speedway in Brisbane in May.
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Title TV Herne On Board
The 2014 Australian V8 Dirt Modified Championship will once again be screened on the Chequered Flag TV program on the Speed Channel. The televising of the event is made possible with the generous support of Speedway Australia, who have been a major supporter of Dirt Modifieds Australia and its various initiatives over an extended period. The program will air on Chequered Flag in mid April, and will be replayed a minimum of three times. Chequered Flag will utlise multiple camera angles, onboard footage and will feature both racing action and driver interviews from accross the Championship weekend.
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Former six-time Australian V8 Dirt Modified Champion Stuart Herne has thrown his support behind this years Australian V8 Dirt Modified Championship, coming on board as the major naming-rights sponsor. Herne, one of Lismore’s favourite V8 Dirt Modified sons, dominated the sport over many years before his racing career was tragically cut short in an off-road racing accident some six years ago. As the proprietor of the Lismore-based freight company Herne’s Freight Service, Stuart has been a longtime supporter of the Lucas Oil Lismore Speedway and is a regular fixture on race nights throughout the season. Dirt Modifieds Australia thanks Stuart Herne and Herne’s Freight Service for their support of the 2014 Australian V8 Dirt Modified Championship.
2014 Australian V8 Dirt Modified Championship
Newcastle Speedway Stalwart Graeme “GG” Gillespie is Grand Marshall for the 2014 Australian V8 Dirt Modified Championship. Gillespie (pictured) accepted the honour and said he was chuffed that the National Body DMA recognize the History of the Division as well as his commitment to the sport over the past 40 years or so. “It is indeed an honour and I appreciate the sentiment behind the gesture.” Gillespie’s racing career began at Westmead Speedway in 1968 when he purchased his first Hotrod and began racing. “It was an old Ford Style Body with a side valve motor” reflects Gillespie. “Hot Rod’s were the predecessor in Australia to today racing machine The V8 Dirt Modified.” Gillespie’s career saw the young charger race at the Morriset and Heddon Gretta Venues before stamping his name as a crowd favourite at the Newcastle Motordrome. “Our Rods were home built, with parts obtained from wrecking yards or abandoned wrecks in the bush, which is a far cry from the “off the shelf” race car currently enjoyed by today’s competitors. “50 lap events were a monthly format in those days, No Power Steering, ordinary petrol and road tyres let us know we were up for a “Mr Hotrod” type endurance event.” Graeme said. Gillespie added a NSW Championship to his long list of Highlights and a 2nd in the Australasian Championship before retiring from active racing in 1996. Today Gillespie is a constant in the Scott Cannon Motorsport Team. “I have been traveling with the Cannons for some 20 years now and its the social Life and companionship that keeps me going. I love touring Australia with the team in the bus and look forward to meeting up with
Pic: Ben Graham
Gillespie Honoured
everyone once again at this weekends Title event.” enthused Gillespie. Graeme believes his team is in with a chance this weekend. “We have had a reversal of form lately and if we can eliminate the DNF’s, then I think we can be on the podium.” Fans will have a chance to catch up with Graeme at the Friday Night Magellan Street Carnival before being honoured in the Grand Parade of Night 2 of Competition. He will then be on hand to give the command, Gentleman Start your Engines, just prior to the A-Main.
A very dapper looking Graeme Gillespie stands alongside his Ford Bodied Side valve powered racer. Photo courtesy Gillespie collection.
2014 Australian V8 Dirt Modified Championship
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HOT SHOT!
An aerial view of the Lucas Oil Lismore Speedway on January 22, 2011, during to the last Australian V8 Dirt Modified Championship staged in Lismore.
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2014 Australian V8 Dirt Modified Championship
Pic: Ben Graham
2014 Australian V8 Dirt Modified Championship
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Championship Apparel Released
2014 Australian Title merchandise will be available over the 3 days celebration of V8 Dirt Modified Racing. The DMA NSW Association will have available in limited numbers T-shirts from kiddies sizes to XXXL in red or beige, Hoodies and Stubbie Coolers carrying the theme graphic for this years title. A good addition for any bloke standing around a summer BBQ! Secretary Daniel Rowlands said the graphic reflects the location of the picturesque Lismore Venue that is in the city basin of Lismore, Historic Palm Trees included. If you would like to order, please call Daniel on 0404 085 755 .
Officials Ready For Action
While much attention will be focused on the on-track action at this years Australian Championship, Dirt Modifieds Australia’s team of officials will be busy behind the scenes ensuring the event runs as smoothly as possible. DMA Chief Steward Allan Lendrum will once again control the event, with Lismore’s Kerry Howe his assistant over the weekend. The team of Lendrum and Howe have officiated the past few Australian Championships, and are also utililised at State Championships around the country, thus ensuring the consistent interpretation and application of racing rules at the countries premier V8 Dirt Modified events. Technical compliance across the Championship weekend will be managed by DMA Vice President and Chairperson of the Technical Committee Jane Britten. Technical
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officers from each state are also in attendance to assist over the course of the weekend, with specific attention focused on compliance with current V8 Dirt Modified specifications. The all-important point score on each night is managed by Renae Wathen, who as the Assistant Race Director is also tasked organising the dummy grid for each event. Former racer and DMA Secretary Shawn Mortimer fills the role of Race Director over the Championship Weekend, while pre and post-race media requirements are the domain of Ben Graham. In addition to the core group of DMA Officials, there are countless volunteers from the host NSW association who have worked tirelessly over an extended period to ensure the successful running of the event.
2014 Australian V8 Dirt Modified Championship
Despite racing in America for 9 months of the year, former threetime Australian Champion Peter Britten (pictured) still ranks the Australian Championship as the race he wants to win each year. “ The Australian title is something that is very close to my heart” he said. “ It doesn’t matter what racing you do its still the biggest race in Australian speedway. If I’m there I wont be half-assing it, I’ll be putting in every effort I can and treating it like I would every other time I have run an Australian title” A win this weekend would be Australian Title number four for Britten, ranking him amongst the all-time greats of the sport. This weekends event will be Britten’s final Australian commitment of the summer, with his American season to commence next month in Florida.
2014 Australian V8 Dirt Modified Championship
Pic: Ben Graham
Britten Eyes Fourth Title
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Home Town Hat Trick?
Can defending Champ Mark Robinson win his third consecutive Title on home turf?
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2014 Australian V8 Dirt Modified Championship
Pic: Ben Graham
Reigning Australian V8 Dirt Modified Champion Mark Robinson will be looking to complete a rare hat-trick of Championship wins at this weekend’s Australian V8 Dirt Modified Championship at the Lucas Oil Lismore Speedway. Robinson, 34, won his first Australian Championship in Brisbane in 2005, and was also successful in 2012 (Avalon) and 2013 (Brisbane). He will join Stuart Herne , Tim Morse and Peter Britten as the winner of three consecutive Championships should be find success on Sunday night. “ To win three in a row I’d say our chances are up there” he said. “ If we can get through the qualifying heats and get through the first night unscathed we are in with a good shot”
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Pic: Ben Graham
A jubilant Mark Robinson celebrates his 2013 Championship victory (above), before being joined by family (opposite) following the completion of the event. Page 22
Title preparations have been anything but ideal for the secondgeneration Lismore racer, with engine problems plaguing him early in the season. “ We had a fuel pump fail in Lismore, we got the engine fixed and went up to Maryborough and broke a rocker. But hopefully the engine issues are out of the road now, the old Ford she’s getting a bit tired” Now one of the veterans in the field, Robinson admits to being much more comfortable heading into this weekend’s Championship than he has been in years past. “ That pressure is always on to win your first Australian Title. But once you’ve got one, well that pressure is all gone and we are treating it as just another race and take it as we normally do” He credits the change to a Troyer chassis three years ago as one of the main factors behind his recent Australian Championship successes “ The Troyer defiantly suits the way I derive and its worked out well for us. It’s a move that took a lot of time to make, it was a hard decision to make but it was well worth it While reluctant to single out any one driver as his main threat, Robinson expects lapped traffic will play a major role in determining the winner this weekend.
2014 Australian V8 Dirt Modified Championship
2014 Australian V8 Dirt Modified Championship
Pics: Ben Graham
“ You can be the quickest car out there but if you can’t get through the lapped cars you are virtually the slowest car” he said. “ If you’ve got a car that’s not the quickest on the night but you negotiate the lapped cars then I think that’s the guy who is going to be holding the chequered flag at the end”
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Brisbane racer Kevin Britten will be out for redemption at this weekend’s Australian V8 Dirt Modified Championship at the Lucas Oil Lismore Speedway. He started last year’s Championship on the front-row and lead early but ultimately finished second to Lismore’s Mark Robinson. The current Queensland Champion is looking to go one better this time around. “ I defiantly want to make up for last year” offered Britten. “ After starting on the front row and leading the race for a while it’s hard not to
be a little bit disappointed but when I think about the fact that it was only my fourth Aussie Title and it was it the best result I have ever had in an Aussie Title I can’t beat myself up too much about it .Trying to go one better than last year is a pretty big motivator going into this weekend.” Britten, 20, is quietly confident heading into this weekend’s Australian Championship on the back of some solid early-season form. “ I’m actually really happy with my form so far this season” he revealed. “ We started out the year pretty strong and won the first 2
Britten Seeks Redemption in Lismore
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2014 Australian V8 Dirt Modified Championship
was able to have a couple of drives while I was over there so I leaned a few different ways of driving the car on a slicker track so if we get a slicker track this weekend I’ll be pretty happy” Britten would join his brother Peter as an Australian Champion if he is successful this weekend. “ It would mean the world to be honest” he said. “ To win where Modifieds have such a great history, and to have my brother back here and racing in it would be a great feeling”
Pic: Ben Graham
race meetings in a row and won the 50 lap Mr Modified race down in Grafton so hopefully I can put it all together when it counts this weekend” Britten comes into this weekend having spent time in America over the past few years crewing for elder brother and threetime Australian Champion Peter. In 2013, he also made his American racing debut, and it’s experience he hopes will give him an advantage over his rivals this weekend. “ You learn so much racing in America because they do it so much” he said. “ Plus I
2014 Australian V8 Dirt Modified Championship
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2014 Australian V8 Dirt Modified Championship
Pic: Ben Graham
HOT SHOT!
A heat-race field prepares to take the green flag during the recent Paul Britten 44 memorial race at Brisbane’s Supercheap Auto Archerfield Speedway.
2014 Australian V8 Dirt Modified Championship
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Scott Leads Victorian Charge
Victorian racer Daniel Scott is hoping his recent experience at the Lucas Oil Lismore Speedway will play dividends at this weekend’s Australian V8 Dirt Modified Championships. Scott, who finished fourth in last year’s event, made his Lismore debut on Boxing night and placed fourth in the 50-lap main event. “ That’s why we have
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poked our head around at the moment, trying to get some laps under our belt running with the good guys and trying to get the race car consistent” said Scott. “Running good down home is one thing but to come up here and make sure I am running consistent is so important. I’m learning heaps, so hopefully we will be really competitive. We were good on boxing night and I’m really looking
forward to the Australian title” Although his fourthplace finish on Boxing night was impressive, Scott is not getting carried away heading into the biggest race of the year this weekend. “ We’ve still got to make sure we get the car right, make sure I don’t make any mistakes and we get a bit of luck!” he said. “ So everything has got to go right.
2014 Australian V8 Dirt Modified Championship
Pic: Ben Graham Pic: Ben Graham
You’re racing against some real two Victorians (including Scott) good competitors and some made it onto the podium last well-funded teams and they year indicate that dominance don’t leave any stone unturned. may be under threat. They are all good drivers so “ We’ve got some real good you’ve got to be on your game, car numbers in Victoria at the the race car has got to be on moment, with 25 registered and you need a bit of luck” cars. There are probably two While NSW and or three guys from Victoria who Queensland-based drivers have could match it with the guys seemingly had a stranglehold up here but there is a big gap on the Australian Championship between our good guys and the in recent times, the fact that next level back down. It’s similar
2014 Australian V8 Dirt Modified Championship
up here but not as big a gap and its more competitive right across the board. The American cars have definitely helped with our numbers in Victoria. The new guys are getting into their cars and they work straight away so they are competitive straight away, which is good”
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Kennedy A Rising Star Current Western Australian V8 Dirt Modified Champion Travis Kennedy has recently been announced as a participant in the 2014 Speedway Australia Rising Star Program. The Program will include a 3-day camp at the Australian Institute of Sport and ongoing support including the use of resources from Speedway Australia. The Speedway Australia Rising Star Program incorporates education sessions to assist with ontrack improvement, including mental preparation, nutrition and fitness, as well as off-track assistance in the areas of marketing, sponsorship and brand image. Dirt Modifieds Australia congratulates Travis on his inclusion in the program!
Pic: Ben Graham
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2014 Australian V8 Dirt Modified Championship
A strong contingent of Rookie drivers will contest the 2014 Australian V8 Dirt Modified Championship at the Lismore Speedway over this coming Australia Day Long weekend. Victorian Hot Shoe Paul Tindal driving the ex Luke Oldfield Excelorater will lead the posse which includes Queensland’s Mitchell Gee, Darren Collins, Steve Vanboort and Trent Gosley and New South Wales Drivers Brayd Stephenson, Tim Luscombe and Andrew Firth. Firth from the Jacaranda City of Grafton, is a former AMCA racer and has competed in limited events in his V8 Dirt Modified, but is looking forward to punting the No. 51 Hessions Auto Parts/The Battery Barn Grafton Chev around the picturesque Lismore Speedway. Andrew will pit himself against one of the
toughest fields the division has mustered this season. Firth started racing four seasons ago in AMCA’s and has enjoyed solid results at his favoured home town track of Grafton. “The V8 Dirt Modified is another story though, you need to be much more focused in the V8.” Andrew said. Andrews ambition over the Title weekend is to qualify for the A-Main. “Im not getting ahead of myself, I think to qualify would be a great achievement in my first Australian Title Tilt, the main aim is to have fun and enjoy the event.” “I’m looking forward to witnessing a very vocal fan base from Grafton, considering we now have 5 drivers based in the beautiful City.” Firth said. “I hope one of us will make the podium.”
2014 Australian V8 Dirt Modified Championship
Pic: Ben Graham
Rookies Raid Lismore
Other Grafton Stars include Jai and Brayd (pictured) Stephenson, Tony Dunn and Tim Luscombe.
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Raising The Bar: Inside Consol Racing
Pic: Ben Graham
The Queensland-based Consol Racing team of Mitchell Gee and Brandon Rawlings are only relatively new to V8 Dirt Modified competition, however the outfit is making waves both on and off the track heading into this weekend’s Australian Championship at the Lucas Oil Lismore Speedway. The team are travelling to Lismore in style aboard their new custom-built, V8 Supercar-style transporter, complete with air conditioned drivers lounge, and enough room to fit two complete racecars. “ It was meant to be a four-month build but it turned into ten” revealed team owner Gavin Rawlings. “ We carry enough spare parts to rebuild the cars, spare motors, tyres, wheels, the whole lot. It’s all about giving the boys the best crack at it. We want to be able to go travel with them to Melbourne and Perth. It’s alright if you are at home, you can get parts off anyone but when you are away you are on your own” On track it’s rookie Mitchell Gee and second-year racer Brandon Rawlings who pilot the matching Consol Racing Troyer racecars. At just 16, Gee is the youngest competitor in the field this weekend, however the son of 2007 Australian Super Sedan Champion Michael Gee will be drawing heavily on his eight
years of go-kart experience over the coming days. “ Everything is like go karts” he said. “. It’s about keeping it straight, throttle control and minimising wheel spin. These cars are just like a go kart with a big v8 and on dirt” Teammate Brandon Rawlings, 20, meanwhile will be competing in his second Australian Championship this weekend. “ We went pretty good at Lismore on Boxing night and managed to get a pretty good baseline setup” commented Rawlings. “I am probably aiming a bit high but I am going there to win it. I know there is a very slim chance of it, but that’s how I am, I’m there to win, I’m not there to come second. Aim high I guess” Despite their youth and relative inexperience, Gavin Rawlings is pleased with his driver’s progress to date. “ They are having their accidents and bumps and bruises’, they are just feeling their way and working out when to stand on it and when not to stand on it. I think they will qualify alright this weekend. How they will go, well we have got a lot of race hardened guys out there, and guys who have done a heck of a lot of racing and know how to handle a title. But these guys will have a run with them, that’s for sure”
Consol Racing duo Mitchell Gee (left) and Brandon Rawlings (right) pose with their weapons of choice at the start of the season.
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2014 Australian V8 Dirt Modified Championship
Pics: Ben Graham
Unloading the impressive Consol Racing hauler (below), while team pilots Mitchell Gee (top right) and Brandon Rawlings (centre right) prepare for action.
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Scrambled Eggins
Lismore racer Ray Eggins is very Eggins is very much out to win this weekend. much an underdog heading into this “ My objective is to qualify in the top six weekends Australian V8 Dirt Modified and work the race out from there” he said. “ If Championship at the Lucas Oil Lismore you qualify in the top six you know if you’ve got Speedway. And the 45-year old crowd half a chance or your just a number really. But favourite wouldn’t have it any other way. once I’m in that position it’s pretty much just “ Mate, I don’t have a choice” he joked. see how the cards fall as the race goes and “You just get dealt the cards you get dealt in if there’s a car in front I’ll want to pass it!” Eggins, a 19-year veteran of V8 Dirt life sometimes. You try hard to change them but sometimes they don’t change. But I don’t Modified competition, comes into this weekend’s mind it. I think I’m there for the real reason, Australian Championship with what he says is for the passion of the sport, not for the glory, his best shot of taking out the prestigious event. I’m there because I really enjoy racing” “I’ve actually got quite a good sponsorship Despite his laid-back demeanor, package centered around the Australian
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2014 Australian V8 Dirt Modified Championship
title that has put me in the best position I have ever been going into an Australian title” he said “ It’s the first time I am actually going to any race meeting I have ever ran over the past 20 years where I won’t have any second hand tyres on the car at all. That’s never ever happened to me, ever!” “ I’ve been happy with the cars performance. There’s a couple of things I’ve done to the car over the to try and make the car work a bit better, especially in a slick track situation. So I’ve been quite happy with that.” Summerland Tool Supplies, Ballina Powderdoating, Puncture Proof and Alstonville Plumbing are just a few of the local
businesses to get behind Eggins this season. “ It’s good to know there are a few people in town who still see you’ve got enough talent there to swing on the steering wheel for 35 laps. An earthmover by trade, Eggins freely admits he is likely to become quite emotional is he finishes on the podium this weekend. “ I’d say there would be tears for me” he said. “ It would be very emotional for me to be honest. It’s not something I have had the ability to chase money-wise but it has always been a dream of mine to finish on the podium at an Aussie Title”
Lismore favourite Ray Eggins powers through turn one at the Lucas Oil Lismore Speedway earlier this season. Pic: Tony Powell
2014 Australian V8 Dirt Modified Championship
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HOT SHOT!
2001 Australian Champ Scott Cannon powers his Hi-Tec Oils-backed Bicknell through turn two at Brisbane’s Supercheap Auto Archerfield Speedway.
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2014 Australian V8 Dirt Modified Championship
Pic: Ben Graham
2014 Australian V8 Dirt Modified Championship
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Australian Championship Fan Guide Event Schedule Friday January 24
Scrutineering Family Fun Evening, Lismore CBD
Saturday January 25
2 rounds of qualifying heats per car 2 x 15-lap Sprint Features
Sunday January 26
2 rounds qualifying heats per car Last-chance B-Main 35-Lap Australian Championship Finale
The Drivers Number
Name
State
00
Steven Verboort
QLD
1
Mark Robinson
NSW
2
Trevor Blanch
4
Mitchell Gee
5
2013 Result
Number
Name
State
2013 Result
61
Brian Scott
QLD
-
1st
62
Matt Ferry
NSW
-
NSW
-
66
Dallas Czerwinski
QLD
-
QLD
-
71
Tim Luscombe
NSW
-
David Clark
QLD
5th
73
Scott Quirk
NSW
-
7
Murray Flay
QLD
-
79
Scott Cannon
NSW
9th
8
Brent Hall
NSW
11th
82
Brayd Stephenson NSW
-
10
Barry Ashen
QLD
DNF
83
Tony Dunn
NSW
-
12
Kevin Britten
QLD
2nd
91
Daniel Scott
VIC
4th
217
Paul Tindal
VIC
-
95
Ray Klarich
QLD
DNF
Trent Gosley
QLD
-
Geoff Phillips
QLD
7th
21
Peter Britten
QLD
-
134
23
Ray Eggins
NSW
-
303
25
Andrew Pezzutti
QLD
-
39
Phil McNamara
NSW
10th
44
Brandon Rawlings
QLD
DNF
45
Jai Stephenson
NSW
-
46
Darren Collins
QLD
-
47
Daniel Rowlands
NSW
-
51
Andrew Firth
NSW
-
53
Paul Booker
NSW
-
55
Trevor Perry
VIC
-
56
Travis Kennedy
WA
8th
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2014 Australian V8 Dirt Modified Championship
Pic: Shawn Mortimer
Fast Facts Drivers by state: NSW 15 QLD 15 VIC 3 WA 1
Current State Champions: QLD: Kevin Britten NSW: Geoff Phillips VIC: Steve Milthorpe WA: Travis Kennedy
Australian Championhip Winners Competing This Weekend: Mark Robinson (2005, 2012, 2013) Peter Britten (2009, 2010, 2011) Scott Cannon (2001) Andrew Pezzutti (1993, 1994)
BOOKER UNPHASED
Jovial Lismore racer Paul Booker is looking forward to this weekends Championship and as this photo shows, he has a unique way of dealing with his on-track rivals!
Championship Honour Roll 1991 Steve Robinson 1992 Steve Robinson 1993 Andrew Pezzutti 1994 Andrew Pezzutti (Hot Rod Title) 1994 John Brown 1995 Steve Robinson 1996 Stuart Herne 1997 Steve Robinson 1998 Stuart Herne 1999 Stuart Herne 2000 Stuart Herne 2001 Scott Cannon 2002 Stuart Herne 2003 Tim Morse 2004 Tim Morse 2005 Mark Robinson 2006 Tim Morse 2007 Tim Morse 2008 Tim Morse 2009 Peter Britten 2010 Peter Britten 2011 Peter Britten 2012 Mark Robinson 2013 Mark Robinson
Championship Rookies: NSW 71 Tim Luscombe NSW 51 Andrew Firth QLD 4 Mitchell Gee QLD 46 Darren Collins VIC 17 Paul Tindal NSW 82 Brayd Stephenson QLD 00 Steven Verboort
Event Format Pic: Ben Graham
Points System Heat Race Points
36-28-23-17-13-10-8-6-5-4-3-2-1 Points to Finishers Sprint Features (Night 1 only) 54-42-35-26-20-15-12-9-8-6-5-3-2
Toowoomba’s Ray Klarich has enjoyed a solid start to season 2013/14. Will he find success this weekend?
Night One Format
Heat Races: Each car will contest 2 rounds of qualifying heats. Each heat will be run over 10-laps. Sprint Features: At the end of the two qualifying rounds, the field will be split into two groups to contest a pair of 15-lap Sprint Features. The field will be split on an odds and evens basis, i.e qualifiers 1,3,5,7,9 etc will contest one Sprint Feature, while qualifiers 2,4,6,8,10 etc will contest the other. Sprint Features carry points and each winner will be presented with a Silver Dollar from the Perth Mint.
Night Two Format Heat Races: Each car will contest 2 rounds of qualifying heats. each heat will be run over 10 laps. B-Main: At the completion of the qualifying heats on night 2, drivers qualified in positions 17 to 36 will contest the B-Main. The number of laps will be determined by the number of cars contesting the B-Main and will be determined on the basis of 1-lap per car + 1 lap. The top Championship
4
finishers Finale and
from will
the start
B-Main from
will transfer positions 17
to to
the 20.
Australian Championship: The Australian Championship will be contested over 35-laps. The top 16 qualifiers at the completion of the second nights heat races will start from positions 1 to 16. Positions 17 to 20 will be occupied by the first four finishers from the B-Main. The reigning Australian Champion is able to start from the rear of the 20-car field if he fails to qualify.
FOLLOW US!
WWW.V8DIRTMODIFIEDS.COM.AU FACEBOOK.COM/DMAV8DIRTMODIFIEDS Page 40
2014 Australian V8 Dirt Modified Championship
REWIND!
Six-time Australian Champion Stuart Herne on the gas at the then Parramatta City Raceway, December 8, 2007.
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2014 Australian V8 Dirt Modified Championship
Pic: Ben Graham
2014 Australian V8 Dirt Modified Championship
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