TORQUE by Dirt Modifieds Australia

IN THIS ISSUE JANUARY 2015 8

UNDER PRESSURE

DIRTFIGHTERS SERIES 2

HICKSON LEADS LOCAL CHARGE

BRITTEN EYES TOP PRIZE

BOOTS

WATCH OUT

IS 2015 THE YEAR OF THE SUPER ROOSTER?

PEZZUTTI LOOKING FOR THREE

HOBSON

TINDAL

Reigning Australian Champion David Clark is under pressure to repeat his 2014 Championship success at Avalon. The Australian Championship kicks off the first round of the 2015 Five Star Dirt Series. Local ace Darryl Hickson leads a strong Victorian contingent heading into the 2015 Australian Championship. Victorian Champion Kevin Britten is heading to Avalon in search of his maiden Australian Title. Fresh of another American campaign, local racer Brett Clarke is one of the dark horses at this years Australian Championship.

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Graftonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Jai Stephenson heads to Avalon hoping to go one bettter than his 2014 runner-up finish. Has Queenslander Ray Klarich got what it takes to win the 2015 Australian Championship? Andrew Pezzutti will be looking to add Australian Championship number three to his already impressive resume at Avalon. Fresh of another American campaign, local racer Brett Clarke is one of the dark horses at this years Australian Championship. Fresh of another American campaign, local racer Brett Clarke is one of the dark horses at this years Australian Championship.

Publisher

Dirt Modifieds Australia Inc

Editor

Ben Graham

Graphic Design

Shawn Mortimer- SVMTV

Contributors V8DIRTMODIFIEDS.COM.AU CHECK US OUR ON FACEBOOK! SEARCH DMA V8 DIRT MODIFIEDS

Shawn Mortimer, Ben Graham, Garry Wathen, Jeff Drew

Photographers

Ben Graham, Shawn Mortimer, Darren Hastings

Material contained in this magazine is protected under the Comonwealth 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

Presidents Welcome

Welcome to all competitors, their families, their crew and spectators to this annual Australian Title event which is the prestigious event on the V8 Dirt Modifieds Calendar. This year we are at Avalon Raceway Victoria. Victoria presents itself as the central state for competitors and we have here competitors from each member state competing in this 2015 Australian Title. Avalon Raceway states it is the “Place for Pace” and pace is what we will get in this edge of your seat event as we have seen in the past. Each year I am pleased to see that the level of professionalism in our division and the presentation of this prestigious event getting better and better. I congratulate the competitors for their commitment to the V8 Dirt Modified division and the presentation of car and crew as well as their on track driving skills. This commitment and professionalism is what makes the competition such a prestigious event. As I have previously stated, the level of competition being shown by the competitors’, means that any one driver is able

Message from the Promotor

Welcome Race Fans to an exciting two nights of the 2015 Essendon Ford Australian V8 Dirt Modified Championship. It’s great to see drivers from all over the country here with us, vying to win V8 Dirt Modifieds most prestigious Title. These drivers will definitely make for some great racing, leading into the A-Main on Saturday night. Welcome once again to Defending Champion and Queensland Champion David Clark and his highly professional race team. David raced here last month, gaining valuable track experience before he takes on the best field DMA can muster. Welcome to NSW State Champion Andrew Pezzutti and Queensland based Victorian Champion Kevin Britten. Welcome also to the Kennedy’s of West Australia, Travis drives the No. 56 Troyer and is the DMAWA Champion. He is also a Speedway Australia Rising Star recipient and one not to leave out of the equation, following their annual adventure over the Nullarbor. The Victorian 2014-2015 race season has seen record numbers of V8 Dirt Modifieds come out to play. Daryl Hickson, Lloyd Hobson, Paul Tindal and Daniel Scott have been in excellent form leading into this weekend and we wish all our Victorian

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to win this event. This makes the 2 night show a spectacular event for all involved from the spectators and fans to the drivers and their crew. I give my sincere thanks to the members of the Victorian V8 Dirt Modified Club as well as the DMA in organising this Australian Title week-end. I also thank the members of the Victorian Club for their time and effort in organising the Calcutta and Dinner on Thursday evening. It is pleasing the see the Victorian club has grown in car numbers considerably over the past 2 years. The DMA commend the club for the growth, the quality of car presentations and their professionalism as a Club. Special thanks must be given to those members of the various Dirt Modified Clubs for officiating at this event over the week-end. Your time and efforts in the smooth running of this event is very much appreciated. I am confident that this will be a week-end of fantastic racing and I wish all competitors the best of luck. Garry Garry Wathen DMA President

competitors well in their campaign. This Australian Championship also features the Best Presented Race Car Award, the Silver Dollar Sprint Features, The Steve Robinson Silver Fox Award for Pole Position and new in 2015, the Inaugural Crew Chief Award, making this event a true celebration of all things V8 Dirt Modified. Avalon Raceway Promotion would like to thank Dirt Modifieds Australia and the Victorian V8 Dirt Modified Association for their many hours of hard work in presenting such a championship. We would also like to acknowledge and welcome Warrnambool’s John Morse, (father of 5 Time Australian Champion Tim Morse), who will be the 2015 Australian Championship Grand Marshall. John shares a long association with the division including DMA Board Member, Crew Chief for Tim and valued Victorian Club member. Let’s hope for two nights of great racing, may the weather Gods be on our side and let’s see who will be crowned the Dirt Modifieds Australia 2015 Australian Champion following what is expected to be a thrilling and torrid 35 lap A-Main event… without bias, fingers crossed it’s a Victorian based competitor. Let’s Go Racing! From the Drew Families

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The Hunt For The Silver Fox

long-time Speedway enthusiast has supported race teams and events dating back to the Big Ed Wilbur days of USA v Aust Sedan Tests. “I believe this pole position award is one of the most deserved presentations in Speedway. It’s a tough gig to get to pole in a National Championship so I’m very pleased to lend my support.” Fowler said. The Silver Fox Pole Position Award is also complimented at the Australian V8 Dirt Modified Championship by the Presented Race Car Award, The Silver Dollar Sprint Features and the inaugural, Crew Chief Award. DMA President Garry Wathen said, “The National Body works hard to provide a celebration of the championship, It’s our jewel in the crown event for V8 Dirt Modifieds, so we like to expand the celebrations to more than just a podium presentation.” The original ‘Silver Fox’ Steve Robinson (centre) is flanked by previous Award winners David Clark (2013, left) and Jai Stephenson (2014, right).

Pic: Ben Graham

The Steve Robinson Silver Fox Award returns as part of the Australian V8 Dirt Modified Championship celebrations this weekend. The award which is presented to the highest points earner after 4 rounds of qualifying and a Silver Dollar Sprint feature, has gained momentum since its inception in 2013. Namesake of the award Steve Robinson, himself a former 3 time National V8 Dirt Modified Champion, said the Thomas Sabo Silver Wrist Watch is valued upward of $795 and is awarded in recognition of a job well done during what is renowned as an intense qualifying competition. “Coincidentally, the pole sitter of the Australian Championship has not gone on to win the A-Main since the inception of the award, so it has become a keepsake that has sweetened the disappointment of not capitalizing on the pole position.” Current Australian Champion David Clark was presented with the inaugural award, while Grafton’s Jai Stephenson took out the 2nd wrist watch at Lismore last season. Clark finished 5th in the 2013 A-Main and Stephenson runner up to Clarks A-Main Championship win in 2014. The award is courtesy of Toowoomba’s Jim Fowler. Jim a

Did You Know... David Clark (2013) and Jai Stephenson (2014) are the first two recipients of the Silver Fox award. In In the 2014 Australian Championship in Lismore, the pair started the Championship Final on the front row.

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Pic: Ben Graham

REWIND!

Daniel Scott leads a hungry pack into turn three at the Lucas Oil Lismore Speedway during the 2014 Australian Championship.

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Queenslander David Clark comes to Avalon as somewhat of a marked man. As the reigning Australian V8 Dirt Modified Champion, Clark’s potent red KRE-powered Bicknell is the car everybody will be chasing come Championship weekend. Not suprisingly, the defending Champion is under a fair amount of pressure to retain his mantle as ‘Australia #1’. "To an extent the pressure is off, but we have a different type of pressure this time around" he said. " It's no longer a question of whether we will win one, but now its whether or not we can win another one! I will just be happy to have a clean consistent run and see what happens. It is one of those events where anything can happen, over 2 days with potentially two different tracks , you never know what's going to happen so we'll just take it as it comes" Clark has singled out Mark Robinson as his biggest threat heading into this years Championship. Robinson, a three-time Australian Champion, took out the last Australian Championship staged Avalon back in 2012. "He (Robinson) was really strong down there at the last Title" offered Clark. "He ran really strong down there all weekend in a brand new car and he knows the car alot better now so Robbo is defiantly a big threat. Daryl Hickson, he's been running strong down in Victoria as well so it’s going to be tough" Eager to get some pre-Championship laps at Avalon, Clark made a last-minute decision to contest the final lead-up event at the Championship venue in December. “ We had the truck ready to go after the rainout at Archerfield” he explained, “ It’s been a couple of years since we have been down to Avalon, dad had the opportunity and I had the opportunity from work so we just decided to go down for a run. With the new car, it’s just good to get another race under our belt, whether it was Avalon or not it was just good to get a few more laps with the car, to experiment with the car and not having to worry about club championship points”

It was a solid effort for Clark, finishing runner-up to fellow Bicknell racer Brett Clarke in the main event. “ We learned a little bit about the car and the track” said Clark. “ It was definately a worthwhile trip to make but whether the track is anything like it down there at the Title remains to be seen. But as least we have done a few more laps and we will feel a bit more comfortable when we go down there in January” The recently-graduated Engineer will embark on his Championship defence aboard a new Bicknell chassis, having retired his previous mount at the end of last season. With his new chassis only half a dozen races old, he is more than confident that any bugs have been well and truly ironed out. “ I feel just as comfortable in this car as the old one” he said. “This one doesn’t feel too much different at all, if anything it feels a bit tighter because there is not as much flex in it, it’s a bit more rigid. I was a little concerned when I did change over because we were in the old car for so long but I am really happy with it now.” With his focus now on his Title defence, Clark maintains he is as prepared as possible heading into Avalon. “There’s not much more we can actually do” he said. “We normally prepare pretty well for the Title, just going over the car pretty thoroughly to make sure we are mechanically sound. I don’t think we’re going to be doing anything different this year. We’ll just take it like it comes, that’s what we have done every other year. It’s one of those events that anything can happen. If

A very happy David Clark Racing crew celebrate their 2014 Australian V8 Dirt Modified Championship win in Lismore.

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Pic: Ben Graham

it’s our year it’s our year again we’ll take it, if not there is anyways next year.” The defining moment in Clark’s 2014 Championship campaign came in the form of a heat race win from the back of the pack, securing vital points heading into the main event. His strategy heading into Avalon is simple- pass as many cars in the heat races to maximise points. “ We pretty much we treat the heat races the same way we do at every other event, and just make up as many positions as possible, that’s what everybody else is trying to do. You might have to make a few of those risky decisions, I still think it is definitely critical to get those points early on and get as many points as you can on the first night. If you can make more positions than somebody else starting from the back then that defiantly helps you over the weekend” While he started last years Championship decider from the front-row, Clark is also prepared to come from deeper in the field should circumstances require it at Avalon. “ We’ll give it a red hot crack that’s for sure!” he said. “It is a 35 lap race and a lot can happen over that distance. My only fear is if you get caught in a little race within the race you can quickly get slowed down, you have got to keep your frame of mind and make sure you don’t take too long to get to the front if that’s where you are wanting to get to” With one Championship notch in his belt and a hunger for more, its highly likely that we will see Clark challenging for Championship success long into the future.

A jubilant David Clark celebrates his 2014 Championship win.

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a long term annual event for the Association. DMA recognizes the potential a National Series in providing a valuable tool to further expand our brand. Speedway Australia has awarded increased financial support of the Series in 2015, with Speedway Australia acknowledging DMA has an event worthy of fostering. In 2015, DMA also welcomes a new Partner to the promotion of the event. Morse Power, headed by Warrnambool’s 5 time Australian V8 Dirt Modified Champion Tim Morse, will be naming rights sponsor of Series Two. Tim is excited to join DMA in promoting this exciting division at a National Level.

Morse Power is an engineering design and product development company specialising in design, drafting, product development, reverse engineering and CNC manufacturing of quality tooling and equipment supplying the above & below ground power and to the Wind Turbine Industries. This weekend DMA welcomes the return of Defending Series Champion David Clark and 2014 Round Winners, Jai Stephenson, Kevin Britten and Andrew Pezzutti. The winner of this weekend’s round will be announced at the Podium presentation of the National Championship.

Pic: Ben Graham

In 2015 Dirt Modifieds Australia will administer and promote a second National Series for V8 Dirt Modifieds. This series will encompass 5 Rounds – 5 Big Title Events, with rounds of the series allocated to Avalon Raceway and Heartland Raceway in Victoria, Murray Bridge in South Australia, Lismore in New South Wales and Archerfield in Queensland. All Blue Ribbon venues and all affiliated with Speedway Australia. The 5 Star Dirt Series is a pointscore that ‘piggybacks’ the Australian Championship and 4 State Championship events. 2014 was development year for the series. While in its infancy stage, DMA will focus on fine tuning promotion and administration of the Series, in view of this series becoming

2014 Five Star round winners (L to R) Jai Stephenson, Kevin Britten, David Clark, Brandon Rawlings, Andrew Pezzutti.

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ATRS Lucky 7

American Tire and Racing Services have thrown their support behind the 2015 Australian V8 Dirt Modified Championship, donating a right-rear tyre to be awarded to a lucky driver after Saturday nights 35-lap Championship decider. The ‘ATRS Lucky 7’ Award will go to the driver who finishes the Championship final in 7th place. “ I really must thank Mark Cooper and American Tire & Racing Services for their support of this years Championship” said DMA President Garry Wathen. “ It’s very gratifying to see people like Mark step up and offer to support V8 Dirt Modifieds and I am sure there will be plenty of guys looking to go home with a new American Racer tyre after the Feature” American Tire and Racing Services are the official control tire supplier for Dirt Modifieds Australia and are the Australian distributor for American Racer tyres, also supplying a wide variety of parts, accessories and safety equipment for the racing community. Check out their comprehensive website at americanracingtires. com.

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Television Confirmed

With the continued support of Speedway Australia, Dirt Modifieds Australia has confirmed that the 2015 Australian V8 Dirt Modified Championship will once again be televised on the Chequered Flag program on the Fox Sports network. Although an air date is yet to be confirmed, it is expected that the program will initially be shown in prime time and then repeated several times over the following week. Chequered Flag will utilise multiple camera angles, on-board footage, and will feature both racing action and driver interviews from across the Championship weekend.

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V8 Dirt Modifieds Geoff Phillips, returned from the United States recently as agent for a fourth chassis brand to become available to Australian V8 Dirt Modified Competitors, the Hig Fab Chassis or HFC. The Queensland Sunshine Coast based racer spent time negotiating with developer Jerry Higbie and returns excited by the arrival of 2 chassis’ for his own racing schedule. “The HFC is rising in popularity in the States, with strong results making competitors sit up and take notice of the new kids on the block” Phillips said. GRP Motorsports with Phillips at the helm will campaign 2 cars this season, Phillips’ 16 year old son Joel to steer the second car. “What I like about HFC is that Jerry Higbie is an open book, he will pass on any information that will assist in set up and performance.” Phillips said. Higbie recently celebrated a podium finish driving his Zubi’s Racing No. 91 HFC in the 100 lap, Eastern States Small Block Modified Championship held at the Orange County Fair Speedway in Middletown, New York. Higbie leading home drivers of note, including Matt Sheppard, Stewart Friesen, Tim McCreadie, Tim Fuller and Jimmy Phelps. Brian Krummel also put the HFC brand in the winner’s circle the same weekend, when he took out the 50 lap Eastern States Sportsman Championship. Negotiations has seen Phillips invited back to the States next August, where he will enjoy a month long racing campaign, “I’ve ran Late Models over there previously, but racing for David Zubikowski will be a whole new kettle of fish for me and I’m up for it.” Phillips said with a smile. Dubbed the Smiling Assassin of V8 Dirt Modifieds, Phillips suggests if you can’t smile, life isn’t worth living, but I take the tag as a complement.” Phillips said. “I know one thing; I’ll be smiling all the way to the States next August.” Phillips is working hard to debut his new HFC at this weekend’s Australian V8 Dirt Modified Championship but if not able to make the deadline he will race his

Pic: Ben Graham

Phillips & HigFab Team Up

Geoff Phillips and team mascot Samson are eager for their new HigFab chassis to hit the track later this season. current car. “I’m looking forward to my return to Avalon, I was last there about 7 seasons ago with the National Super Sedan Series, but can’t wait to race there in the V8 Dirt Modified.” Phillips said Phillips a former Motocross and Supercross competitor has grown to like the slick tracks but claims, “If it breaks up, I’ll be lovin’ that also.” Phillips finished 3rd in the 2014 Australian Championship held at Lismore and would be considered among the major players to take out the title at Avalon. “I’m coming here to win, nothing else.” Phillips said.

Title Merchandise Available

The Victorian V8 Dirt Modified Association has launched a line of Souvenir Apparel for the 2015 event. The smart looking T-Shirt & Hoodies will be available in 2 colours, Blue and Black, with sizes available to fit most. Stubby Coolers commemorating the 2015 event have also been produced with all products available at the track over the racing weekend. Pre-orders for the merchandise can be made by contacting Victorian Association Secretary, Darren Hastings on 0419 566 011. Darren will have the full list of pricing. Keep an eye out for the limited edition limited sizes, ladies cut shirts and bright pink Aussie Title Hoodie.

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Hickson Leads Local Charge In conversation, Victorian racer Darryl Hickson is about as laid back as they come. Strap him into his potent orange V8 Dirt Modified however and he morphs into one of the leading local hopes to take out the 2015 Australian Championship. spent close to two years away from racing while working in Queensland. “It was a long time to be away from home and I really didn’t have anything to do with the racing, all I did was drive a truck carting pipes around central Queensland. I didn’t want to know about racing because if I knew about it I’d want to come home and race!” According to Hickson, the local racers may well have an advantage come Championship weekend courtesy of some home-track knowledge. “A lot of the interstate guys haven’t been here since the last Title (2012) and it’s changed since then too” he said. “They have put different clay

on it, so it is probably a bit of a hometown advantage but at the end of the day it all comes down to that last race on the Saturday night, as long as you can get there.” He may not have the flashiest transporter or biggest budget, but Hickson is very much a chance to take out this year’s Championship. “It would mean a lot” he offered. “It takes time, everybody thinks they are going to win it in no time at all but it takes time, it’s all time consuming and it would mean a bloody lot. We just keep at it. You have got to keep at it and if you keep at it eventually it might turn around and come your way”

Pic: Darren Hastings

“I don’t generally have any luck” commented Hickson on his Title chances. “I haven’t had luck in a Victorian Title yet, how am I going to have luck in an Australian Title?” Luck aside, the quietly spoken Hickson will be giving it his best shot come Championship weekend. “If all goes well we’d like to be very close to the top.” He offered. “I hope to be close. If I make the top 5 I’ll be happy. You’ve just got to have a good run and cross your fingers it goes that way” This year’s Championship will be the first Hickson has contested since Avalon in 2012, having

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Pic: Ben Graham

Britten Eyes Top Prize

Reigning Victorian titleholder Kevin Britten comes to Avalon in search of his maiden Australian Championship success. He has capped off his preparations perfectly with a fine runner-up finish to elder brother Peter in the “Paul Britten 44” memorial on New Year’s Day in Brisbane. And his limited Avalon experience is of little concern heading into the Championship weekend. “I think I have raced there twice now in five years” he said. “There is no real prior experience for me to draw on so I just read the track and that’s normally when I go the best. It’s a challenge and I don’t second guess myself as much doing to setups of the car.” While he played second fiddle to Peter in the early part of his career, the younger Britten has now firmly entrenched himself as one of the country’s leading drivers. Not surprisingly, his quest for Australian Title success is not limited to just a few weeks a year, but is a yearround effort. “I sort of treat it as all roads lead to the Australian title” he revealed. “I work the first half of the season trying to prepare for the

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Australian title and then afterwards you start preparing for the next one already. I like to experiment and try new things, try and find something that works and then go into the Aussie title with it” “I will probably spend three days just going over the car to make sure it’s mechanically sound and prepping tyres to go down with just to give myself the best chance and knowing that nothing should fall off, nothing should brake and it’s just down to me as a driver to set it up and drive it” Indeed it is that pre-race preparation that Britten ranks as they key to any success on race day. “Probably the most important thing is doing the nut and bolt check on the car” he said. “It’s something that gets overlooked a lot by other people but it’s the most critical thing. You can’t have any bolts fall out, stuff comes lose, bolts fall out and all of a sudden you are out of the race” While he is yet to engrave his name on the perpetual Australian Championship trophy, 2015 may well be the year. With Peter taking over the job of assisting the other Troyer customers in the field with setup advice, Kevin will be more focused than ever on his own racing exploits over the two

nights of competition. “I defiantly think that can make a difference” he said. “But I do get a lot of satisfaction helping the other Troyer guys out. Especially if they have come over and spoken to me during the night not happy with their car and I have given them some advice and they have gone out and beaten me. It’s a real catch 22 situation, we are trying to run a business and race at the same time, but I wouldn’t have it any other way” And just how does he intend to go about things come Championship weekend? “ The strategy is to just try and keep the nose clean, don’t get tangled up in anybody else’s crashes, don’t crash myself and go into the final in the best position I can and give it hell” “And if I win, it will be a dream come true. I have been trying now for a long time and got close a couple of times so maybe this year will be the year. Just to be able say I have won one will be huge. My brother (Peter) has won three and then you have got Hearny and all of those great guys who have won so it will be a great privilege to be able say I have won it eventually.”

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While fellow Aussie V8 Dirt Modified exponent Peter Britten has stolen much of the headlines while competing in the USA, Victorian competitor Brett Clarke has flown under the radar with his endeavours whilst competing in the local Dirt competition based around New York State. The 25 year old Diesel Mechanic from Melbourne’s bayside suburb of Corinella is in his fifth season of V8 Dirt Modified racing and has recently returned to Australia coming off a second stint Stateside. Clarke’s speedway career drew inspiration from his attendance at a Victorian State Championship meeting held at Wangaratta some years back that featured Queensland Hot-shoes Peter and Kevin Britten and David Clark. The Victorian Clarke with an ‘E’ had not raced anything at that point, but felt this form of Speedway was something he would like to become involved with. He then decided to purchase the TMI Chassis formerly campaigned by 5 time National champ Tim Morse. “It was the divisions exciting style of racing that captured my interest.” enthused Clarke. Clarkes urge to update his equipment took hold at seasons 2013-14 end and it was not long before an order for a new race car was completed. “I have invested in a brand new 2014 Bicknell for this coming season and I thought the best way to gain experience in racing the machine was to get involved in the American scene.” Clarke said. The USA designed chassis was considered to be a completely different kettle of fish, so I decided it was best to head straight to the nucleus of the brand and take direction from the renowned Pete Bicknell whilst competing against the likes of Danny Johnson.” Clarke’s self-funded tour saw him negotiate an 8 week stint with a local team managed by John McKenny and Randy Mallory that took in a hectic 16 shows in the 358 powered 19J. “I would like to thank John, John McKenny Jnr, Randy and Dave Fla-

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nagan Motorsport for their support.” Clarkes campaign was not all glory, “I have to admit that I was running near rear of field during the early shows but, then very happy to be getting on par with the top half of the field by tours end.” Clarke said. “I loved racing at the Ohsweken Speedway in Ontario, Canada with my result highlight being a top 10 finish in a 50 lap event at Ransomville Speedway in New York State.” Clarke enjoyed the race craft of the regulars and believes he has gained a wealth of knowledge in regards to the preparation and setup of his new In2Parts Truck and Trailer Spares No. 11 Bicknell. “The Chassis is totally different to drive and I am very happy with the car speed we have, some reliability issues have clouded our results since lauching the new chassis recently.” Clarke said. In his most recent Avalon start, Clarke scored his maiden Feature win, defeating a stout field which included defending Austraian Champion David Clark. “In the feature I was starting on pole beside the Aust 1, Dave gave me a very tough battle off the start and then through lapped traffic, but my car was good enough to keep me out in front at the end,” Brett said. “It’s really good to know leading up to the title that I have a fast car around Avalon and that I can run up the front with the best from up north as well as the other fast Victorians.” Clarke is also looking forward to competing this weekend, the event doubles as round 1 of the DMA 5 Star Dirt Series supported by Speedway Australia and Brett has indicated Murray Bridge and Heartland Raceway , Rounds 2 and 4 of the Series, are on his radar. “If all goes well, I would then attend the Series Finale in the division’s Australian hub at Archerfield on May 9.” Clarke said.

Photo: L-R John McKenny Jr, Brett Clarke,John McKenny and Randy Mallory with the 19J

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If there is one driver who comes to Avalon supremely motivated it is Grafton (NSW) racer Jai Stephenson. After racing his Big River Steel Troyer to the runner-up spot in last year’s Championship, Stephenson is looking to go one better in 2015. “ It would have been good to get the win, but it was a good race and we got a podium out of it so we will just have to go one better this year” lamented Stephenson. “We’ve just go to work out how to be on in the top spot on the last lap. We can be really fast, but it’s a driving mistake or some other drama that sees us down the back. We are always fast at the end of the race, we have got that bit worked out. It’s just a matter of putting the whole race together” While still quietly disappointed with his 2014 result in Lismore, he didn’t go home totally empty handed, taking out the Steve Robinson Silver Fox award for pole position, earning an $800 Tomas Sabo watch in the process. “I’ve made a trophy cabinet and its sitting there in the kitchen” he said. “The missus doesn’t like it but that’s where it is displayed and I like it. If we can get a trophy to go with it I will make the cabinet a bit bigger and fit it in there for sure.” Although he hasn’t raced at Avalon since 2012, Stephenson isn’t overly phased at his lack of recent laps

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at the host venue. “We’ve got a bit of an idea” he said, “but it would have been good to have at least one run down there before the title. The last Australian Title down there we got a bit unlucky with the diff coming apart half way through the feature. We were really coming on song there, Morsie gave us a tip last time where we should be racing so we will get up high and get on it.” He is however happy with his preparation leading into the 2015 event. “We have been pretty fast so far this season. That’s the one we want to win so all the work we do now is towards that. It’s a waste of time going to the Australian Title if you’re not keen. I’ve been to six now and qualified straight into the Feature for all of them. We have always come out with a good result or been fast throughout the weekend” Stephenson will be competing at Avalon alongside younger brother Brayd, who is now in his second full season of V8 Dirt Modified competition. “Taking two cars down does make it a bit more of a logistical headache” he conceded. “We haven’t got big

money to go throwing around but we have got enough to get 2 cars there. We help each other setup wise at home but once we get to the track, they are different model cars and they do different things” And what of any on-track rivalry with his younger sibling? “I tried to take him out at Lismore a few times when he tried to pass me” he joked. “But give him a couple more meetings and he will be punching up at the front” In 2013, David Clark won the Steve Robinson Silver Fox award for pole position. In 2014, Clark won the Australian Championship. In 2014, Jai Stephenson took out the Silver Fox award. Will that trend continue in 2015? Only time will tell.

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Words Fail Me

Warrnambool’s John Morse is Grand Marshall for the 2015 Australian V8 Dirt Modified Championship. The former committee member of the Victorian V8 Dirt Modified Association and Board Member of DMA is chuffed by the honour bestowed. “Words fail me at this point; I accept this as a true honour.” John said. John is the dad of former National Champ Tim Morse, who he successfully mentored and worked as Crew Chief for, while on their way to 20 State Title wins and 5 National Title victories. John also enjoyed a stint in racing himself, but retired just prior to Tim’s racing career kicking off. John raced a Super Modified, the forerunner to the Sprintcars we see today. “I thought I would miss racing but the role of Crew Chief for Tim was exciting and satisfying.” John said. President of DMA Brisbane’s Garry Wathen said honouring dedicated people within the division is another example of DMA being proactive in the promotion of our sport. We welcome John and wife Liz and trust he will enjoy his role within the championship.

Avalon Raceway Promoter Jeff Drew and Victorian DMA board member Murray Atkin supported the honour. “Good Choice” Jeff said. “We look forward to involving John in the celebrations at Avalon” John will be involved in the presentation of the 2015 Championship, John and Liz were guests of DMA and the Victorian Association at the Australian Title Dinner held on Thursday Evening in Geelong with John giving the official command of ‘drivers start your engines’ just prior to the start of the A-Main event.

Message from John

Welcome fans, drivers and crews to Avalon. With the very best drivers from all over Australia entered, it will be a great challenge for just one driver to greet the chequered flag first and become Australia 1. I am sure you will witness many scintillating side by side battles so sit back and enjoy two nights of dynamic V8 Dirt Modified Action. Cheers

John

Championship Grand Marshall John Morse (left) sits alongside his multi-Australian V8 Dirt Modified Championship-winning son Tim at their Warrnambool workshop.

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Toowoomba V8 Dirt Modified veteran Ray Klarich has confirmed season 2014/15 will be the last hurrah in what has been a racing career that has spanned over two decades. While not using the word 'retirement', Klarich say's he is defiantly winding things down. " I want to give it a real good shake because I am winding down" he said. " I defiantly want to do 12 more months of racing, but after that, if I did come out again it would only be for the occasional night here or there" While in the twilight of his career, Klarich is still very much at the top of his game, being awarded his tenth Club Championship at the 2014 Queensland V8 Dirt Modified Association presentation. " It came very much as a surprise" said Klarich. " I know we were consistent all year, we had one win and we were close to a few more but something

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Pic: Ben Graham

Is 2015 The Year of the Super Rooster? silly would always happen. In the company that we have got, with my little team, my young crew chief Sam Brown, he was over the moon and I was happy for everybody who has helped us out during the year" While the Club Championship win came as a shock, it was a peer-voted honour that left the Super Rooster proprietor lost for words. "The thing that really took me was when people voted for me as 'Drivers Drivers'. I know I've been a little bit cheeky at times but obviously everybody else is cheekier! For people to feel that way, and to be respected in that way, I don't think there is any greater honour for a driver. At my age, to win stuff like that, I'm surprised and honoured" There is no doubt that Klarich comes to Avalon as one of the leading contenders to capture what would be a fairytale Championship win, a perfect bookend to what has been a storied V8 Dirt Modified career.

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Brisbane’s Andrew Pezzutti comes into this year’s Australian V8 Dirt Modified Championship as one of the most experienced drivers in the field. And its experience he will be counting on in the hunt for his third Australian Championship. “To some degree it (experience) helps” he said. “But there is also the advantage of youth sometimes. But if a guy is going to be quick he is going to be quick” The current NSW Champions pre-Title preparations were thrown into chaos on January 1 when he backed his Wes-engines powered BozMac Troyer into the turn one concrete at Archerfield, causing significant rear end damage. Despite the pressure of repairing his car in time for Avalon, Pezzutti is remarkably calm heading into the biggest race of the season. “ I am trying not to worry about it too much because we have had a pretty bad run ever since we came back to V8 Dirt Modifieds” he remarked. “I say it every year, I just try and treat it as another race, hopefully it will fall into line this time” Despite not competing at Avalon since the last Australian Title held at the venue back in 2012, Pezzutti doesn’t see the lack of recent laps as a too much of a disadvantage. “Maybe just a little bit” he offered. “If you’re half ok you should be able to adapt to the track. Back in the 1991 Australian Title at Avalon we put it on pole in the old 327, we have run there a few times and generally run good if we can keep it running. I don’t think that’s an issue” As a former Byron Bay local, Pezzutti called Lismore Speedway home for many years. Rewind 12 months to the 2014 Australian Championship in Lismore and Pezzutti went into the event as one of the favourites. It’s fair to say the event was nothing short of disastrous for the Pezzutti camp, something Andrew is hoping not to repeat at Avalon.

“It was just one of those deals” he said. “We had a pretty shocking first night, recovered well in the second night and then had a shock fall off in the first corner of the Feature. That sort of stuff just never happens but it happened! You try not to dwell on those things too much and just move on but it’s always in the back of your mind no matter what you try to say” Not surprisingly, the two-time Australian Champion will be aiming for a solid qualifying performance on the opening night of this year’s Championship to maximise his chances come Saturday night. “You really want to be in that top 6 to have a serious shot at it, unless the track is so dramatic that you stumble onto a setup for the feature and can come from the back but that doesn’t happen very often these days” “The heats on the first night are pretty critical to your whole weekend, just having a good couple of good heats and then starting up the front somewhere in those mini features. If you’re already down on points in your heats and you’re starting down the back in the mini features your just about buggered because it is hard to pick up points from there. That’s why it is so important to do well in those first 2 heats, it sets you up for the second night” And what would a victory in the 2015 Australian Championship mean for a driver who has already had a long and stories career? “It might be a nice way to nearly cap off the career possibly! At the end of the day as long as I am having fun I don’t care. It would be a nice thankyou to my parents and the crew for all their years of perseverance as well” Look for the NSW Champion to figure prominently at this years Championship.

NSW Champ Andrew Pezzutti is chasing his third Australian Title at Avalon.

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If there is a sentimental favourite heading into the 2015 Australian V8 Dirt Modified Championship it would have to be local veteran Lloyd Hobson. A mainstay of V8 Dirt Modifieds for longer than he cares to remember, 2015 may well represent Hobson’s best chance in recent time to take out the coveted ‘Australia #1’. “Who knows” offered Hobson of his Title chanced in his usual laid back style. “Avalon is one of my favourite places and if the track is heavy we will be there” And while sentiment is one thing, make no mistake that Hobson is not coming to Avalon to make up numbers. “We have been going pretty well again this year, we’ve had a few mechanical details that have been stopping us but we have been up the front anyway. It would be a big goal to reach, it wouldn’t end my racing my racing career but it would be a pretty big accomplishment for a 62 year old!” Hobson will be piloting his familiar Tim Morse-built machine come Championship weekend, opting to stay

away from the imported American factory cars. “Tim’s cars have always been good cars, you just have had to know how they really work” he said. “The American cars are good on dry slick tracks, but you can’t drive them like you can drive the Australian ‘birdcage cars’. Hobson, who also serves as President of the Victorian V8 Dirt Modified Association, is predicting a strong showing from the local contingent over the course of the Championship weekend. “ It’s going to be one of the hardest Titles in a while because there are a lot of good hard chargers down here now, I think it will be a pretty close race. Daryl Hickson, he goes good, young Brett Clark he’s got a new Bicknell, he’s come of age a bit and he has been going exceptionally well. You’ve got Mick Kiraly in the background, Daniel Scott, he’s always on the door knocking and at the end of the day there are a lot of good cars here” And while he will be focused

on his own Championship success, he will also be keeping a watchful eye over teenage daughter Ebony, who will be competing in her first Australian V8 Dirt Modified Championship “She’s alright, she’s a good racer” he said. “It’s not the flashiest car in the world but she seems to get it humming around pretty nicely. Hopefully things can run alright for her and I reckon she’ll surprise a few. And what is it like competing against your daughter in a 600hp V8 Dirt Modified? “I just treat her as another competitor and I give her a wheel if she gets in my way” he joked. “Patience is not a problem with her, she is pretty calculated and she does a pretty fair job.” And if having one teenage child racing is not enough of a headache, youngest son Todd will also step into the V8 Dirt Modified ranks later in the season. Will 2015 be the year Lloyd Hobson can finally lay claim to the Australian V8 Dirt Modified Championship? Only time will tell…

Pic: Darren Hastings

Hobson Still In Championship Hunt

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Crew Chief Recognised

Dirt Modifieds Australia is proud to add the Crew Chief Award to the list of recognition awards associated with the Australian Championship. The award supported by 5 time Australian V8 Dirt Modified Champion Tim Morse, is in recognition of the tireless hour’s crew members invest in the support of racing and their associated driver, with DMA now recognizing their commitment and ingenuity at a National Level. In post-race celebrations, the Crew Chief (representing the winning team of the A-Main Feature event) will now stand tall with the Morse Power trophy and with the top 4 place getters of the Australian Championship. Race fans would be familiar with this honour, bestowed on teams like Formula 1, Indy Car, DTM, V8 Supercars, Moto Gp and now V8 Dirt Modifieds. DMA is proactive in taking the next step in promotion and administration of its events and thanks Tim for coming onboard with support of this award. MORSE POWER is an engineering design and product development company specialising in design, drafting, product development, reverse engineering and CNC manufacturing. In conjunction with some of Australia’s leading power companies, Morse has developed a range of high

quality, safety conscious specialised tooling and equipment for the Power Industry offered through the Morse Power division.

Former Australian Champ Tim Morse (above) and Morse Power are supporting the 2015 Crew Chief Award.

Cannon Fills Off-Track Role

While he may not be competing in this weekends event, 2001 Australian V8 Dirt Modified Champion Scott Cannon will be playing a vital role, filling the position of will be the driver’s rep throughout the Championship weekend. Cannon accepted the DMA role following the decision Cannon Motorsport will not actively campaign during season 2014/15 “I see accepting a role such as Drivers Rep as a way of giving a little back to the division. I have competed for a long time now and realize that stewarding is no easy task at this level of competition, so if I can assist than I’m up for it.” Cannon said. Cannon, a former DMA Board member will miss racing in season 2014-15 but has plans to return in 2016 with fresh equipment ready to enjoy his racing. “I’ve grown to realize racing is not all about winning, primarily it’s about enjoyment and while I still love performing at podium level, if that does not happen then so be it.” Cannon said.

2015 Drivers Rep Scott Cannon (right) and his father Paul (left) have been mainstays of the V8 Dirt Modified community for many years.

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The Race For Best Presented The 2015 Best Presented Race car at the Australian Championship will be decided by a panel that includes State Technical Officers of Sate Associations plus the President of Dirt Modifieds Australia. The panel will allocate points to multiple criteria with the highest pointscore announced as the winner. The award recognizes the

team who have presented their race car at the highest level in regards panel presentation and interpretation of the specification, safety equipment and apparel among the categories. A key benefit of taking out Best Presented honours is the ongoing exposure gained as part of the DMA’s advertising campaign over the following year.

Associate Sponsor of the Award Phil Jordison of Oval express Magazine said “Presentation plays an key factor in securing unsolicited media. Well-presented raceacars make for strong visual presence and are a bonus to the media” The Award is also supported By Zoomxtreme Speedway Photography and SVMtv, a TV/Print/Radio Commercial production based company in Northern NSW. Brandon Rawlings (left) took out Best Presented honours at the 2014 Australian Championship in Lismore.

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TINDAL FOCUSSED ON AUSTRALIA 1

Bendigo’s Paul Tindal has focused on an intense preparation schedule leading up to this weekend’s Australian V8 Dirt Modified Australian Championship. “January 2015 is hectic for Victorian V8 Dirt Modifieds, with the ‘Grand in the Hand V8 Dirt Modified Shootout’ at Nyora Speedway held on December 27, the Aussie Title this weekend and ‘The Garden State Shield’ at

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Avalon again later this month.” Tindal said. “The Grand in the Hand feature race was a good yard stick going into the National Championship and it was great to re-ignite the rivalry for race wins between Daryl Hickson and myself.” Tindal claims he is working hard to find ‘side bite’ if his No. 17 GLD Excavations Ford powered Xcelerator is to dominate in this championship. Tindal has shared the

local spoils to date with Hickson, the pair wowing fans at local venues. “Add Mick Kiraly, Dan Scott, Lloyd Hobson, Brett Clarke and Steve Milthorpe to the fray and I will have my hands full.” he said. Tindal’s Motorcraft Racing Engines Ford has the grunt required and Tindal himself is a proven race winner, but it will take commitment and attention to detail if he is to taste the champagne. “Our team is dedicated, my brother Darren will Crew Chief for the event and

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Pic: Ben Graham

that will lighten the load on me considerably, but my nephew Harley is also knocking at the door following his recent podium finish at Rushworth and wants more attention.” Tindal said. Harley Tindal is considered a rookie of the division, so his podium did come as a surprise for the team. “Harley began racing in Junior Sedans and has since enjoyed a stint in Super Sedans before purchasing his first V8 Dirt Modified from family friend Darren Clarke.” Paul said. “But it’s his

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passion for racing that drives him forward. He will enjoy and learn heaps from this weekend, especially taking on the experience of the visitors like National Champ David Clark, NSW Champion Andrew Pezzutti, Victorian Champ Kevin Britten, Mark Robinson and Jai Stephenson.” Paul said. The 2 day Australian Championship is a real celebration of V8 Dirt Modifieds for the Victorian Association and Dirt Modifieds Australia. “It’s not often we have the pleasure of the interstate

visitors and considering the hotbed of talent we now enjoy locally, all is looking good for a fantastic competition.” Tindal said.

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Championship Fan Guide Event Schedule Thursday January 14

Scrutineering Championship Dinner & Calcutta

Friday January 15

2 x rounds of qualifying heats per car 2 x 15-lap Silver Dollar Features

Saturday January 16

2 x rounds of qualifying heats per car Last-chance B-Main 35-lap Australian Championship Finale

Event Format 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) 36-28-23-17-13-10-8-6-5-4-3 2 points to all other finishers

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 4 finishers from the B-Main will transfer to the Championship Finale and will start from positions 17 to 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.

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Championship Honour Roll 1991 Steve Robinson Year

Driver

Year

Driver

Year

Driver

1991

Steve Robinson

2000

Stuart Herne

2010

Peter Britten

1992

Steve Robinson

2001

Scott Cannon

2011

Peter Britten

1993

Andrew Pezzutti

2002

Stuart Herne

2012

Mark Robinson

1994

Andrew Pezzutti (Hot Rod Title)

2003

Tim Morse

2013

Mark Robinson

1994

John Brown

2004

Tim Morse

2014

David Clark

1995

Steve Robinson

2005

Mark Robinson

2015

???

1996

Stuart Herne

2006

Tim Morse

1997

Steve Robinson

2007

Tim Morse

1998

Stuart Herne

2008

Tim Morse

1999

Stuart Herne

2009

Peter Britten

Fast Facts

Current State Champions: VIC Kevin Britten NSW Andrew Pezzutti QLD David Clark WA Brandon Rawlings

Previous Championship Winners Competing This Weekend: David Clark (2014) Mark Robinson (2005, 2012, 2013) Andrew Pezzutti (1993, 1994)

The 2014 Australian Championship drivers pose on the Lismore Speedway infield for the now traditional â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Class Photoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;.

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U O Y S E V I G W O N ! E C I O H MORE C

s (April 4), Saturday night 5-Star Serie round with the fourth just one will contested Graham for V8 Dirt Modifiedsated to be Words: Ben (April 11) at l 5-Star Dirt Series week later much-anticip venue. The HE second-annuavenues in 2015, including Murray Bridge the Moama on & Sheds visit three new Machining “Certainly Series will wrap up SA’s Murray in Moama (NSW). returns to rounds have May 9 when Brisbane’s Heartland Raceway Heartland Raceway Shawn Ausdeck Patios Archerfield Speedway and Bridge and and final round. coordinator taken out by both the Murray of interest,” said series well the Series was Speedway hosts the fifth 5-Star Dirt Series was r is how inaugural going and the Queenslande happy with generated plenty “This Last season’s were pretty David Clark that momentum tournament. Mortimer. “We and we want to keep in the 2015 final Australian Champion year round to the the figure prominently to received last with double points chase that will go Avalon Raceway moved the p expected this season.” Championshi season we have we will see another points kick off at Geelong’s V8 Dirt Modified advised. think The Series will Bridge for Round round and I Mortimer also 2015 Australian to the wire,” running of the before moving on to Murray Lismore Speedway right down Oil 16-17, Lucas Easter on January The picturesque to the third round on host 2 (March 14). NSW will play in Northern but we are going like this again, otte anything if we can do l Charl Schatz their know he added. chase over, Sensationa up racing across Bad to try our best,” both his of a championship competing in Model. Outlaws wrapped fashion at the on With the pressure in Charlotte, Late HE World of spectacular Carolina divisions in for double-duty well as his own Rocket North racing night’s elected of as trio in Charlotte, he made each A-Features you’d familiar TSR Sprintcar, World Finals in the world, A-Main laps entertaining Boy Buggies of whom against the best for 80 gruelling Six of the most but crowd, many ride Incredibly, in both classes, calling November 6-8. delighted the capacity no a problem, Kinser’s final see “Physically it’s main event of his arduous ever wish to of ‘King’ Steve each night. dusty, an to be part champ relayed succession on being unbelievably you out,” the were in town red clay in Outlaw. Despite th abuse of the mentally it wears a 15 and ninth as a full-time of the continuousmachines (49 Big Block feat. (r), impressive with V8 multiobvious by-product was indeed Darrell Lanigan a highly powered Sprintcars), the wide, While Schatz his great mate, p with surface by 179 and 56 action and Model mains, Championshi 50Late Models side-by-side in the Late Late Model win Friday’s Modifeds, 74 his third WoO Madden to produced scintillating Rico clinched last corner pass on Chris 17th victory of the season. groove raceway all weekend. chased down Lanigan’s event saw ‘The Daryn Pittman season on Friday thrilling thrilling finishes The win was competition tin top main lap A-Main. a raceof the 2014 th In Sprintcar Saturday night’sOwens triumphant after his 14 victory scored his maiden Jimmy Abreu to recordexcited Brian Brown finally off Stevie Smith. Meanwhile, and Scott Bloomquist. Stewart an Newport Nightmare’ narrowly holding night, while nt fifth, after long dice with Tim McCreadie Block Modified maestro night, Saturday after a not-too-dista was Big for on Friday WoO win on Madsen finished right against the wall Not to be upstageda highline driving clinic Kerry Howard, Duane Australia’s cushion y, Ian Madsen Friesen, who put on Brett Hearn, By treacherous pounding a journey. Unfortunatel emphatic victory. past Matt Sheppard, entire 30-lap to record an mains. A-Main, behind Donny wheeling virtually the and company qualify for both compete in Charlotte, Jimmy Phelps finish in Saturday’s Decker (l) was to fail to in to of Outlaws a fourth-place Friesen, New York’s Billy of World signing STP virtue p, narrowly his sixth By merely Hearn and that saw the centre) claimed Peter Danny Johnson, Super DIRTcar Series Championshi 2014 season Schatz (below a dominant lane on 26 a third Sheppard. Australia’s with p following All #15 in victory new recruit came claimed Charlotte, Championshi Racing STP/ArmourDakotan pro racer. “We lofty edging out Troyer’schallenging weekend in Brisbane racer a Tony Stewart North The pretty the for endured result. some set only record Britten DIRTcar A-Main his occasions, a consistency and the championship, in the Super for wins and 13th in Friday’s ninth overall was winning out looking season. a finish a creditable Donny. “First mark of last and was to goals,” revealed topping the 23-win both of those was l standings. to accomplish and second organisationa we were able It was a total Remarkably, I don’t Knoxville Nationals. these new heights. win another to reach enabled us effort that

Modified

December 2014 Pic: Phil Jordison 6

Memory Lane with

ne rchase the fi u p to e u n ti n ier you co tralia’s Prem Not only can s u A f o n io rs d ve uy each quality printe ow you can b n , n o ti a c li al b u ine in a digit z Speedway P a g a M s s re al Exp edition of Ov format.

Words: Phil Jordison

– Part 3

THE KING Pics: Phil Jordison

sellout crowd descended upon Charlotte, North Carolina recently for the season-ending World of Outlaws World Finals. The monstrous 14,144-seat grandstand at The Dirt Track At Charlotte Motor Speedway was positively jammed to capacity, while the pit enclosure was populated to almost dangerous proportions. It was stark evidence of the fact that this year’s event was no ordinary conclusion to the 88-race STP World of Outlaws schedule. Instead, it marked the final goaround as a full-time competitor for the undisputed King of Sprintcar racing, Steve Kinser. Sprintcar fans had literally turned out in droves to pay competitors for the final time (pictured above). Spontaneously, homage to their King and it was indeed awe-inspiring to observe race fans conveyed their appreciation by way of a rousing firsthand the outpouring of respect, adulation and, at times, standing ovation. It was a moving and fitting conclusion to a unbridled emotion directed towards a dirt track racing legend World of Outlaws career that, almost certainly, will never be who has no equal. But for Steve, the uncomplicated bloke from eclipsed. Bloomington (Indiana) who, inadvertently, excelled to become As a result of the unprecedented response to the opening two an all-American hero, it all seemed a little too overwhelming. instalments of our comprehensive journey back down memory Don’t get me wrong, deep within he would’ve been undeniably lane with King Kinser, we felt that it was of utmost importance grateful, yet one could sense he was uncomfortable with all the to be trackside in Charlotte to document Steve’s final ride as a attention. full-time racer. As we suspected, the conclusion of the ‘Salute to It truly was a momentous occasion in speedway’s history that the King’ tour was indeed a poignant moment, previously unseen reached a crescendo when Kinser’s famed #11 led the traditional in our sport. Please enjoy our third and final chapter of ‘Memory pre-main event four-wide procession of his fellow Outlaws Lane with The King’. 26

December 2014

2008

THE FANS

For almost four decades Steve Kinser’s sublime skills and neversay-die attitude has captivated a legion of devoted race fans. “There are a lot of great fans and you see the same ones, no matter what part of the country you are in. You get to know a lot of them, but I have sure met a lot more this year,” suggests Steve of his loyal supporters, while also alluding to this year’s particularly demanding ‘Salute to the King’ tour. “Whether they maybe haven’t always been Steve Kinser fans, they have still come up and thanked me for all the races and all the times I have entertained them.” As a consequence of his supreme standing in the sport, fans of all ages have regularly queued just to get their personal moment with The King, as well as acquire the superstar’s special moniker. Therefore, has Steve ever gotten tired of signing his name? “Oh, I do and I don’t. It is part of it and I enjoy it and enjoy the race fans. It is something that my dad taught me to do; to make sure I did it and it is something that I have always tried to do.” 27

December 2014

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