May 2014
Geoff Ensign
KING OF THE MOUNTAIN
ANTHONY BEARE 1
Rolling Thunder e-Mag. Issue 23 May 2014 Editors; Ray Solomon, & Brett “Pirate” Swanson PHOTO’S Courtesy of: Pirate Media. Swanson.1@bigpond.com inactionphotos.com.au MEDIA RELEASES: Pirate Media—Brett Swanson Dean Thompson (DMT Media). Formula Motorsports Group Pty Ltd. CONTRIBUTORS; Brett Swanson, Ray Solomon, Dean Thompson Got something to contribute? All contributions welcome send to swanson.1@bigpond.com or ray@fmg.au.com COPYRIGHT: Material contained in Rolling Thunder Racing E news 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 permission of the Publisher. The publisher has taken all reasonable precautions to ensure the complete accuracy of material contained in this publication, however, it is a condition of receiving this magazine that the Publisher does not assume any responsibility for any loss or damage which may result from the content of material published in this magazine. Although Rolling Thunder Raceway Promotions Inc uses its best endeavours to ensure the accuracy of everything it publishes, the Fair Trading Act 1985 requires Rolling Thunder Raceway Promotions Inc to disclaim any belief in the truth or falsity of information whish is supplied to it and which is published in other than editorial comment. Unsolicited editorial contributions are welcome, how ever, no responsibility can be accepted for their safety or return. The options of contributors are not necessarily those of the Publisher.
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AVALON March 29 Round 1 of the two-part Barry Reidy Memorial was an anti-climax of sorts after the feature event for the AMCA Nationals was curtailed early at Avalon Raceway last weekend (March 29). Grandson of the events namesake, Tim Reidy (pictured below) was at the head of the pack when the chequered flag waved but the event was declared a non-event due to only running about five of the allotted 15 laps. Mick “Action” Jackson was running second with Trevor Thierry in 3rd but points will not be scored on the feature event, only from the heats.
Tim Reidy
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Avalon 29 March 2014
win from the fighting duo of Dean Heseltine (Rylude Haulage #93) and Jackson (Kingston Automotive #39). A little further back was another tight battle between Jamie Mills and Grant Trevor Thierry was at the wheel of dad Cullinger (Cullingers Service Centre Franks’Juicy Boy Citrus #7 for the first #55). Brendan Jarvis (Tyrepliers #15) heat and scorched away to a handy and Sharon Tindall (GDL Excavations
#4) competed the field. Heat two saw the young guns Reidy (Titan Bike & Trike #79) and Jamie Collins (AAA Above Plumbing #34) continue their personal battle but it was veteran Bruce Tait (Bridgestone Kyneton #9) that led the opening cou4
ple of laps from Reidy before the younger driver worked past into the lead.
extinguished Thierry was looking to restart but was directed to the infield.
Budget racer Jarvis had held out Jackson prior to the stoppage and continHeath Bunting (DMT Sports Media #78) then brought the whole venue to ued to do so after the restart and by a standstill when he hit the turn three/ races end there was a three way battle with Cullinger tagging onto the back of four wall and suffered a significant Jackson for third. Ashlee Harris (Harris knee injury that required hospital Concrete Constructions #12), Hetreatment. seltine, Jamie Mills and Tindall completed the heat. After a long delay the heat resumed and Collins made up ground on Reidy The final heat belonged to Collins from and as much as he pushed Reidy for Reidy, who may or may not have the lead he was unable to make the made too good a start. Matt Mills was winning pass. Paul Sullivan third ahead of Tait, Lovski, Peachy and (Thoroughbred Automotive #28) James. struggled on to third despite engine and diff problems ahead of Tait, Kevin In the final Collins and Reidy shared Peachey (Hi Assist Property Services the front row from Jackson, Heseltine, #51), Matt Mills, Hans Loveski Jarvis, Tait, Cullinger, Matt Mills (Race (Highport Cylinder Heads #88) and Robyn James (Cullingers Service Cen- Art #20), Thierry, Jamie Mills (Phil tre #41). Ed Comments; If there was going to be a stoppage, there was a good chance it would be during an AMCA race and in heat three it was spectacular when fuel was leaking from the rear of Thierry’s machine leaving a flaming trail emanating from the rear bodywork. With the flames
Mundays’ Repair Management #91), Peachey, Lovski, Harris, Tindall and James. At the drop of the green, in fact before the drop of the green, Collins jumped and was subsequently sent to the back of the pack for the do-over. Jackson now moved up to pole and he and Reidy ran the opening couple of laps side by side in a great display of racing. Reidy finally edged into the lead as Matt Mills had a fish tail out of turn four and took Peachy with him to
Given the number of incidents over the past few years whereby deflated tyres have caused mud to be flung into the crowd, (with some people being seriously injured) it’s about time all speedway administrators included in their rules, “that if a RH tyre deflates for any reason , the driver must immediately pull infield and/or the event is red flagged immediately until the offending car goes infield” 5
the infield. His brother Jamie had suffered a flat right rear tyre and as the wheel dug into the track a clod of clay is suspected to have flown over the fence and hit a spectator. Again the AMCA’s needed the ambulance but this time it was not for a driver. Thankfully the fan was not seriously injured and after being attended to, the race resumed but only ran a couple more laps before Heseltine spun with Harris doing the same to miss the melee. At this point the race was declared due to a large number of events still to be run and the lateness of the time. Trophies were still awarded as compensation, but no points were earned from the feature.
Any guesses where this picture was taken and in what year??? Send your thoughts to ray@solomongroup.com.au
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Sprintcars returned to Redline Raceway with the 360 and VSC Sprintcars on the same program.
REDLINE REPORT FEB 1st 2014 (Left) Redline Raceway facilities have improved immensely in recent years, the pit area now has a large shed (Club Rooms) courtesy of FairDinkum Sheds (Ballarat) and the track is wide and banked which provides the opportunity to race side by side.
(Right) Mark Weaver, Paul Solomon and Chris Solomon struggling to keep up with Kyle Hurst (who started at the rear of the field), Cory Lincoln and all the way winner, Geoff Ensign who was just sensational all night. Cory Lincoln was also very impressive in the heats and the final. 8
USA Driver Geoff Ensign dominated the heat races and the Sprintcar final at Redline. (1st of February 2014)
Geoff also took home the Victorian 360 Championship held at Avalon Raceway during his vist to Australia
9 See Video Interview with Geoff Ensign at; www.youtube.com/watch?v=pfhf0NNQbCI&list=UUrLpNl9sKR69zrbzY6IzGWQ
VSC Sprintcars were also very impressive at Redline, they looked good and performed well.
This celebratory win “Dough Nut� by Dennis Jones resulted in a $200 fine.
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Sedan Racing at Redline Raceway
synonymous with fast, close and competitive racing
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DUO MOBILE KING OF THE MOUNTAIN WINNER - ANTHONY BEARE
ANTHONY BEARE JASON DEGOLDI 12
LEWIS CLARK 2nd
MICK CLARKE 3rd
JASON DEGOLDI 5th
BRAD McCLURE 4th
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BALLARAT
14
15
16
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MILLER MOTORSPORTS VIC OPEN SEDAN CHAMPION division.
A healthy field of twenty cars arrived at Alexandra Speedway for the annual running of the Victorian Open Sedan title on Saturday May the 3rd and going to form three of the pre event favourites filled the top three positions at the conclusion of the big race. Damien Miller from Pakenham was too strong for Darren Nelson (# 28 Rixon Engineering) of Werribee at the finish with Michael Wicks and Harley Nicolaisen both from the Bendigo area third and fourth and Tim McPherson (# 98 Lincolns Earthmoving) with a flat tyre dropping back from third to fifth still his best result in a state title nevertheless. Six heat races were won and the first was a cracking race between uncle & nephew with Darren Nelson and Matt side by side for almost the complete eight lap distance before Darren got the better of Matt. Miller from last in
Bendigo racer Joshua 'Brown Daawg' Brown (# 72 Libbo’s Automotive) was a strong winner in the next heat with Wayne Gilsenan, Sonia Nelson, Sam Williams and Jaedn Alberni closing out the five. Craig Phillips was the best of the rest with Corey Gantley (# 15 Modern Stainless Fabrications), Amanda Bickham and Greg Parks closing the field out. McPherson then had a sensational drive on a rain affected race track after a ten minute shower when in the third heat of the night he led to the finish Harley Nicolaisen (# 40 Kyabram Wreckers) in evidence of how tough the field was with these two finishing at the tail of their first heat. Third was Wayne Alberni (# 4 Alberni Engineer- Wicks then Sonia Nelson (# 96 Wayson ing) blew an engine within the first Oils), Jaedn Alberni, Andrews and Gilcouple laps and earnt himself the eve- senan. nings hard luck award from Rick McCormack an Open Sedan original Drama began the fourth heat when who was on hand to watch his beloved the heat pushed forward to finish third with Wicks and then Nathan Fawns (# 2 JP Automotive). Jay Nicolaisen, McPherson, Joel Andrews (# 43 BNeeta Bin Hire) and Harley Nicolaisen completed the field.
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stewards deemed that the front row of a Fawns and Williams (# 29 Goodguy’s Performance) jumped the start and both were sent to the rear of the field to begin the race. Matt Nelson suffered mechanical issues and finished infield whilst Miller won from Jay Nicolaisen, Brown, Fawns, Darren Nelson, Williams, Bickham whom was also the best presented car for the evening with Gantley and Phillips (# 37 Kouda Sign’s)trailing her to the line. The last round of heats began with Matt Nelson (# 61 SRE Engines) from back in the pack winning with a sensational drive ahead of Jay Nicolaisen, With the race finishing just as Harley Nicolaisen crashed into Wicks in turn four, Wicks was given third place from Alberni, Fawns, Gilsenan (# 53 WG Panels), Sonia Nelson, Harley NicoPhillips, Bickham (# 19 Ramsdale laisen and Matt Ahearn. Wreckers) and Gantley. The final heat race was closed out by The thirty lap final began in the followMiller being the only driver on the ing order: Miller, Brown, McPherson, night to take two heat race wins. Miller Darren Nelson, Jay Nicolaisen (# 34 was to strong for everybody blowing DMAC property Service), Matt Nelson, the field away as McPherson headed Wicks (# 14 Wicks Transport), Sonia the rest to the line then came Darren Nelson however she did not start, GilNelson, Brown, Williams, Andrews, senan, Jaedn Alberni (# 44 JA Signs &
Graphix), Fawns, Williams, Harley Nicolaisen, Andrews whom also didn’t start, Phillips, Bickham & Matthew Ahearn. Come the time to rumble in the concrete jungle Miller (# 6 Houghton’s Constructions) charged early to begin the thirty lap race with distance be19
ers behind sorted themselves out. Harley Nicolaisen was stoked with his result of fourth whilst McPherson finished in the top five of a Victorian title for the first time. Official placings were Miller, Darren Nelson, Wicks, Harley Nicolaisen, McPherson, Jaedn Alberni, Gilsenan & Bickham.
Tim McPherson V98 tween he and the rest for some time before challenged by Matt Nelson. Through the race, Fawns and Jay Nicolaisen were the first two competitors to pull out of the running of the event. Fawns popped a right rear tyre & Nicolaisen a fuel pump failure put him out of the race. Brown and Williams had a coming to-
Miller was a delighted winner. "I knew Matty Nelson was on my tail and I had oil spewing over me. Fortunately for me Nelsons crash allowed me to cool the car down in the caution period and we went from there to win. I couldn't have done it without the support from all my friends, family and sponsors, we set out finished in 5th Place to win Opens or Sports title this season and now that box is ticked we can enjoy the upcoming Sports title a little gether on the back straight resulting in more." Brown’s wheel/tyre being put out of action and he headed to the infield park- Written by Dean Thompson DMT Sports Media for Victorian Speeding lot also. way Council When Nelson felt something break on his car his race was done as he crunched the concrete wall and retired infield. Miller then went in to win despite having a gearbox leakage that spewed oil across the driver as the oth20
Thunder on the Mountain Sprintcar Series Round 2. 10th March 2014 There’s an old saying in racing – I’d rather be lucky than good, and if you’re both then you are almost unbeatable. A combination of both was all it took to put Chris “Lucky” Solomon back into victory lane at Redline Raceway last Saturday night (March 8) for round 2 of the 3 round Thunder on the Mountain Sprintcar series.
made contact and stalled. Solomon however was still mobile and continued on while Corey Lincoln was sent to the rear of the field. Clearly annoyed that Chris Solomon had restarted at the
head of the field, Corey Lincoln then drove the wheels off the GYB #8 in a perfect display of aggression and speed on a slick and loose racetrack. For his part Chris Solomon was making
Chris Solomon from Gisborne in the Fair Dinkum Sheds #83 took the win in the main event from Colin Lincoln, Chris’s brother Paul Solomon (West Coast Concreting) and Colin’s son Corey Lincoln who put on the drive of the night. Tim McCubbin who was back after a decade out completed the top five with Bendigo’s debutant Darren Clarke next ahead of James Ryde in his VSC Sprintcar. The lucky break for Chris Solomon came on lap 2 of the main event when he got loose in turn one and looped his machine. Corey Lincoln, who was in second, spun to avoid the leader and
Chris Solomon in action @ Redline Raceway – Picture Kieran Swanson – Pirate Media.
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the most of his lucky break and scorched away to the win setting the fastest lap along the way as big brother Paul Solomon in Gary Bruce’s #59 battled with Corey Lincoln and just managed to hold him out by less than 1 second.
cars. David Dennison (DQRR #15) took the win from Shane Steenholdt (Great Wall Westpoint #5), Andrew Hughes (Grime Stoppers Car Wash #22), Mal Sealy (Westpoint New & Used Vehicle Sales #35), Bobby Daly (Trenack Excavations & Plant Hire #88). James Ryde The big Kiwi Vern Wiley (Topcoat Pow- (Roadsafe Assistance #99 - who ran dercoating #33) was a frustrated non- both features) and Max Boyle #GV55. finisher after twice spinning to avoid other spun cars and being sent to the Steenholdt and Dennison had each shared a heat win. infield under the 2 restart rule. The big fella could be heard venting his bewilderment from the infield with offi- See interview with VSC driver Andrew Hughes at; cials as neither incident had been caused www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Sc7Zwmrofc&list=UUrLpNl9sKR69zrbzY6IzGWQ by himself. Corey Lincoln had earlier beaten his Dad Colin (Lincolns Earthmoving, wexcav8 #85) to win the opening heat while Chris Solomon won heat 2 with Colin Lincoln again 2nd.
VSC Sprintcars were also part of the program but strangely all but Ryde elected not to contest the 360 feature. As a result, with an impending curfew the VSC drivers only got a 4 lap feature due to a number of cautions for spun 22
The sky’s the limit for Young Speedway racers. 12 year old Zoe Young, aided and abetted by the equally young Seth Bent, stole the spotlight Saturday night (Feb 1st) with a spectacular double rollover and sky high launch during heat race action for the 1200cc Junior sedans at Nyora Raceway. Thankfully and incredibly neither driver was even slightly injured and will have a wild tale to tell come show and tell at school this week.
round winner Travis Mills in the Sacrifice Scooters #10. In earlier heat action straight after the Junior Sedan flip fest, Keith Astrella added to the upside down action when he rode the wheel of Matt Coombe and endured a series of
high speed barrel rolls into the turn one fence. Astrella emerged unharmed. Jordan and Andy Pearce (Lucas Oils #5) had shared the heat wins. Local ace Daryl Hickson (Mornington
The headline act was meant to be the Lucas Oil Southern Speedcar Series and the big banger V8 Dirt Modifieds but they were both outdone to an extent by the spectacular Junior Sedan Mishap. After an absence of some time, the mighty midgets or Speedcars returned to the tight Nyora Raceway and here it was that Troy “Flash” Jordan returned to victory lane in his CycleHouse #11 after leading every lap of the main event, Paul Farrell in the Moto Tech #2 chased valiantly but was unable to mount a pass on the leader despite getting close on numerous occasions. Finishing third after a torrid night was last
Leigh Reynolds from Inaction Photos captured this incredible image as Zoe Young launches off an upside down Seth Bent during Junior Sedan action at Nyora Raceway. 23
Garden Supplies) was the big winner in the V8 Dirt Modifieds leading home veteran Trevor Perry and Andrew Katz. Katz and local legend Lloyd Hobson won the preliminary heats.
In the final the depleted field saw Donald Young take the win from Shona Bent, Courtney Meakins and Jack Ramsdale.
Standard Saloons featured in the Miles Elimination Cup which saw Chris Stewart take the win over the three part, two directions, 30 lap race. Stewart never hit the lead until the last lap of the second 10 lap stanza and then went on to lead the final portion to the chequered flag with Gordon Russell grabbing a late second place from Nick Chrystie, early race leader and pole starter Leigh Gooding and local racer Ash England in fifth. Mark Miles, Gordon and Stewart won the first three heats while Stewart crossed the line first in the fourth heat but was black flagged for oil smoke handing the win to Jason Parsons.
VSC Open Sedans were also in the house and Dale Meade took his first win of the season from Darren O’Brien and Marcus Reddecliffe. Meade and O’Brien shared the heat wins.
The Junior sedans for drivers between the age of 10 and 16 started out sedately with Donald Young leading the first heat before Seth Bent took control. These two finished heat two in the same order and then all hell broke loose in the third heat. As the field raced three wide into turn three Seth bent got sideways in front of the pack and was hit by Zoe Young. As Bent’s Daihatsu Charade started rolling it became a spring board for Young who drove up and over Bent before landing and then rolling over also. Bent gave the big thumbs up as he exited his car while Young sagely stated later that what goes up must come down. The heat was declared a nonrace.
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REDLINE RACEWAY APRIL 5, 2014
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Rocky Grima
Brett Swanson and Mick Purdie On commentating duties 26
FORMULA
V8s
Anthony Wilson leading Kieran Brennan and Scott Purdie
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Sunday - FUN DAY AT NYORA Russell Hill (Standard Saloons Zone Championship) and an emotional Andrew Galley (Division II Hot Rods Dave Maslen Memorial) were the big winners at the end of a great days racing at Nyora Raceway today (18 May). Also in the winners’ circle were Dale Hallett (Open Sedans) Shona Bent (1200cc juniors), Kevin Bomford (Mini Sprints) and AJ Lawrence (VSC Juniors).
A competitive 6 heats had earlier been won by Russell Hill x 3, Stewart, Dale Morrison and Craig Templeton. The Dave Maslen Memorial means a lot
to both the Division II Hot Rod drivers and also the Nyora Speedway Club and it was obvious from the tremor in his voice on the presentation dais that it meant everything to Andrew Galley (Casey Automotive #N15 – pictured above) to win the
A big field of Standard Saloons were on hand for the Gippsland Zone Championship and the class provided sensational, close racing throughout the day. Even in the final the result was still unknown as they headed into the final turn where a slight error by the challenging Shane Stewart allowed Russell Hill (Ramsdale Wreckers/Casey Accident Repair #DS76) to maintain his race long lead with his nephew Bradley Hill completing the podium back in third place. Behind them came a huge multi car battle for the remaining positions that saw Aaron Price just get the nod ahead of Scott Roberts, Andrew Miles, Rob Bushell, and Colin Cull. 28
event after leading from go to whoa. Rick Mills and Scott Laidlaw however were relentless in their pursuit and the pressure applied to Galley and were worthy podium finishers after some very hard and at times bruising and controversial heat races. Behind the top trio came Broderick Stray, Daniel Angus and Paul D’Arcy. Heat race wins had been shared around between Mills and Galley x2 with Laidlaw narrowly missing out on a couple of occasions.
Sprint final as the car overheated in the closing laps and the computer kicked in to slow the thing down meaning he took the chequered flag at less than full speed. Dave “I’ll race anything” May was second driving Peter Schnoors machine while Darren Schnoor completed the podium ahead of rookie Jim Evans with Jack Day next. Bomford was the dominator winning all three of the preliminary heats.
The younger boys and girls had two divisions to battle within those being the The other big boy sedan class was the Standard Saloons and the 1200cc JunOpen Sedans where Dale Hallett (Ripper iors. Sticker #RD15) proved too strong downing the normally unbeatable Simon In the Standard Saloon category it was Bent with Justin Paull third. Russell Hill AJ Lawrence (Bob Jane T-Marts #RD55) had jumped into his Monaro for this who took the spoils from Tyson Cull, Micategory and came home 4th ahead of chael Suckling and Bailey Perkins. Mick Evans, Andrew Suckling and DarIn the earlier heats Lawrence x 2 and ren O’Brien. Ally Morrison had taken the wins. Hallett had served notice by winning the open heat before Bent exacted revenge In the 1200cc division it was Shona in heat 2. Paull was the final heat victor. Bent (Ramsdale Wreckers #N0) who dominated taking the final and all of the Kevin Bomford (Elite Metals/Maroondah heat wins. Jack Ramsdale pulled a last Auto Elec #32) was fortunate that he turn pass to grab second from Josh had established a big lead in the Mini
Stewart. Also on the program were some vintage Sprintcars including the superb Sammy Swindell TMS Challenger replica of Larry Fitzpatrick and the cars of Bob and Rob Noonan. The next and final event of the Nyora season is the now traditional Southern 2000 Bob Hickson Memorial for Open Sedans with Ladies and Juniors also programmed for Sunday June 29.
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ALEXANDRA SPEEDWAYS BIG SHOWS CONTINUE. LAMB & HEIN TAKE WINS Alexandra & District Speedway Club continued its long list of big events this season when on Saturday night the 17th of May the club hosted the Victorian Sports Sedan title along with the Mick Woodhams Memorial & Ladies of the Dirt Wingless Sprint Challenge at their Alexandra venue and wins in the big events went to Woori Yallock’s Matt Nelson, Ballarat’s Will Lamb and South Australian Mikayla Hein respectively. The Victorian Sports Sedans title attracted around thirty competitors including drivers from New South Wales who were down to challenge local Alexandra member drivers for the chance to obtain the number one plate and Nelson in a sensational closing to the big race mowed down and passed Damien Miller to take victory with Ben Moon, Sam Williams & Andrew Jordan completing a top five white wash for the Alexandra Speedway Club. In a race of attrition cars started to drop out of the race from lap three beginning with two potential top five finishers Tim McPherson and Darren Nelson. Another driver who showed his
Ladies Wingless Sprints Winner
Mikayla HEIN
best form during the heats Wayne Nelson dropped out at lap eleven all three with mechanical issues. Alex Cheney & Rhys Collins two young guns both dropped out on lap thirteen after earlier Collins qualified in third and ran in the top five up to this point.
Heat races were won by Matt Nelson, Moon, Miller, Wayne Nelson, Jordan, Miller again, Dale Smith, Matt Nelson & Miller completing a clean sweep of his three heats in the fastest heat of the night. In the Mick Woodham’s Memorial for 3
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Litre Sedans Will Lamb continued his dominance of the event winning a third successive Memorial ahead of Scott Mallon & Adam Monti. Lennie Clark and Daniel Wilson finished fourth and fifth. Mallon chased hard however Lamb was sensational in the final steering the red rocket to victory. Mallon won heat one
earlier before Lamb won heat two and three. In the Ladies of the Dirt Wingless Challenge ten lady racers including some of Australia’s best racers regardless of gender were competing to win the final round of the series. Kristin Brown visited from Queensland, Mikayla Hein
MATT NELSON Victorian Sports Sedan Title Winner
from South Australia plus former national champion in the Formula 500 division Jessica Moulden also. Brown was defending her win at the same venue from the season prior and she began well winning the first heat ahead of Moulden & Hein whilst Hein in her first time at the venue was the fastest of the three in some very close lap times. Hein went even quicker in the second heat race this time defeating Brown with Renae Eastham in third place. The final was entertaining with the racing as the girls went below the 19 second per lap mark for the first time in the nights racing and as it turned out were the fastest racing division on the night. Hein, Brown, Moulden, Jodie Leworthy & Bianca Reeves were the lead five drivers motoring on at the front. Disaster on lap seven though as third placed Moulden & fourth placed Leworthy rolled at opposite ends of the race track on the same lap with Leworthy collecting the track wall on her way over. Both drivers were extricated from their cars safely.
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Hein continued on at the front and went on to defeat Brown, Reeves, Samantha Millar & Meg Carra at the line in a great victory on her first time at the venue. The Wingless Sprints on the same program also ran a club aggregate round which began after the ladies series heats and final were completed and some of the ladies continued on to race in the aggregate round such as Hein & Eastham. Peter Logue, Tim Ludeman, Stephen Spark & Hein won the four heat races on the way to qualifying for the feature event. In the fifteen lap final Logue put himself into the lead right from the start with Hein, David McKay, Luke Cole, Troy Small amongst the lead drivers. Again Hein was setting the fastest lap times with the guys .1 of a second behind her on lap times, Hein tried a couple times to pass Logue however his experience made a successful pass difficult and Logue went on to win from Hein, Cole, Small & Spark. In other racing the VSC Junior Sedan final ended with victory to Shane Kruger ahead of Donald Young, Bailey Perkins, Zoe Young and Ally Morrison. It was Krugers first final win at Alexandra Speedway this season in a much improved result for him. The Standard Saloon final began with the top two qualifiers Dale Morrison & Warrick Howie electing to start at the rear of the field, it mattered little though as Morrison was in the lead before the cars exited turn two on lap
one. Howie worked his way through the field and made it to second and chased the leader with Morrison winning from Howie, Aaron Meakins, Aaron Field & Jaimi Barber. In the national speedway division of the 1200cc Junior Sedans there was a bucket full of action with a number of quality future open speedway stars. Cameron Pearson, Caleb Lincoln, Jackson Lunt and Dean Burton were all up the front and swapping positions early and by the time they come to the race close after a couple of mistakes as drivers felt the pressure it would be Burton who would win from Lincoln, Lunt then Thomas Burton in a sensational drive & Cameron Pearson. Alexandra Speedway fires up again next time on Queens Birthday weekend the 7th and 8th of June with the annual 100 Lap Derby for Sedans, the Alexandra Cup for Standard Saloons and the Victorian Short Circuit Championship for the 1200’s over both days. There will be a combined 160 plus cars at the event and the township of Alexandra will fill up with drivers, family, friends and supporters beginning on the Thursday before race day starts on the Saturday.
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VSC - VICTORIAN SPORTS SEDAN TITLE CROWN TO MATT NELSON The Victorian Sports Sedans lead drivers produced a sensational finish to the Victorian title on May the 17th with a top five finish to Alexandra Speedway Club members showing the strength of the division at the venue and it was Matt Nelson who went on to win ahead of Damien Miller, Ben Moon, Nelson’s buddy Sammy Williams and Andrew Jordan ahead of a appreciative crowd that enjoyed the grand stand finish.
Speedway Club finished third ahead of Alan Kruger, Craig Phillips all of whom were on the lead lap then came Sharon Finning, Wayde Little, Shane Frost & Mark Pollard in a green to chequered race finish.
A lap five crash marred the result for some in heat two with Dale Smith and Jack Chiminello scrapping panels and swapping paint. The stewards pinged Nine heat races were completed in order Chiminello for the offence when on lap five Chiminello, Smith and the unfortuto set the title field and of course their drama a plenty during the heats includ- nate Sonia Nelson ended up nose first into the wall at turn two. ing crashes, breakdowns, disqualifications and even drivers coming out for race starts in the wrong events. Moon after trailing Steve Sheppard earlier won from Sheppard of the Heartland Round one racing began with victory to Speedway Club, David Cherry, Tim McPherson, Ricky O’Meara, Smith, NaMatt Nelson ahead of his father Wayne than Shortis & Sam Williams a few laps by .082 of a second as the two diced through traffic to the finish line. Wayne down with a flat tyre. began in fifth and was leading by end of Miller won the third heat by over eight lap one, whilst Matt started in eighth po- seconds after starting fifth as he hiked it sition and was in second on lap two be- around the massive track to defeat Jordan in a race without stoppage, Darren fore passing his dad on the final lap. Nelson with engine electrical dramas, Rhys Collins from the Mount Beauty
Russell Smith, Alex Cheney the 16 year old down from Wagga Wagga, Martin Heiner & John Patton. The second round heat races started with Wayne Nelson winning by over five seconds ahead of McPherson and again a non stop race went in the books with Nelson leading start to finish. Williams, Heiner, Warren Alexander from the Goulburn Valley Speedway Club, Sheppard, Phillips and Pollard finished behind the lead two drivers. Russell Smith, Little & O’Meara were all non finishers in the fifth heat, the latter two with blown engines. Jordan who took the lead on lap two having moved forward from fifth defeated Chiminello, Dale Smith, Cheney, Cherry, Sonia Nelson & Shane Frost all finishing on the lead lap. Another black flag in the sixth heat race this time went to the eventual title winner Matt Nelson. A host of drivers failed to finish including another event favour33
ite Moon, Kyle Apps for a second time after not finishing his first heat and Patton whose engine electricals continued to play havoc with his racing. Miller won from Collins by a massive eleven seconds, Darren Nelson and Sharron Finning one of two lady racers in the field were the other finishers in order. Dale Smith led every lap in a close finish held out Williams to win the next heat by .280 of a second. Chiminello had a second strong finish after his first heat disqualification. Pollard finished fourth with Kruger, Frost & then Finning in the slowest of start to finish races for the evening. Matt Nelson fired up after the previous heat disqualification defeated McPherson by almost 8 seconds and this time it would be Wayne Nelson who earned a black flag from the stewards with Matt taking the lead after his father parked his car infield. Collins finished in third to make it three top three finishes from his three races then Nathan Shortis, Alexander.
Ben Moon
Matt Nelson
Damien Miller
The final heat race for the event had all seven starters finish on the lead lap in the fastest heat race that ran a time of 2:51.973 as Miller again won by eleven seconds after leading every lap pushing forward from sixth place on the first lap. This time he won ahead of Cheney, Jordan, Russell Smith, Heiner, Sonia Nelson & Sheppard. 34
The qualifiers for the Victorian title for Sports Sedans were as follows: 1) Damien Miller – Alexandra S.C – VS Commodore 2) Andrew Jordan – Alexandra S.C – VS Commodore 3) Rhys Collins – Mount Beauty S.C – VK Commodore 4) Tim McPherson – Alexandra S.C – XF Falcon 5) Matt Nelson – Alexandra S.C – VS Commodore 6)Dale Smith – Alexandra S.C – VR Commodore 7) Wayne Nelson – Alexandra S.C – VS Commodore 8) Alex Cheney – Wangaratta S.C – BA Falcon 9) Sam Williams – Alexandra S.C – XF Falcon 10) Jack Chiminello – Alexandra S.C – EL Falcon 11) Steve Sheppard – Heartland S.C – VK Holden 12) Darren Nelson – Alexandra S.C – VR Holden 13) Martin Heiner – Mount Beauty S.C – LJ Torana 14) Ben Moon – Alexandra S.C – VS Commodore 15) Dave Cherry – Alexandra S.C - VS Commodore 16) Sharon Finning – Heartland S.C – VL Commodore 17) Russell Smith – Alexandra S.C – VR Commodore 18) Alan Kruger – Alexandra S.C – XF Falcon 19) Mark Pollard – Mount Beauty S.C – LJ Torana 20) Warren Alexander – Goulburn Valley S.C – TE Cortina
Miller led from lap one with Jordan behind him. Matt Nelson was coming quickly and moved to second on lap four whilst Moon moved to third on lap seven when he passed Jordan. Williams, Jordan, Cherry, Dale Smith, Collins for a period of time were all in a battle together in top ten positions trying to scrap their way into the top five. Alex Cheney & Rhys Collins two young guns both dropped out on lap thirteen after earlier Collins qualified in third and ran in the top five up to this point. Lap fourteen Williams was in seventh and the very next lap he was in fourth and never looked back. Jordan dropped to seventh by lap eighteen however clawed his way back by the time the race finished. Miller was strong at the front of the field with Matt Nelson chasing and Moon not far behind as the top three weaved through the field.
Nelson in a sensational closing to the big race mowed down and passed Damien Miller setting the fastest one lap time of the meeting for the Sports Sedans in the process with a In a race of attrition cars started to drop out of the race from lap three beginning with two potential top five finishers 20.880 time to take victory by .379 of a second with Ben Moon less than a second behind the leader himself, Sam Tim McPherson and Darren Nelson. Another driver who Williams & Andrew Jordan completing a top five white wash showed his best form during the heats Wayne Nelson for the Alexandra Speedway Club. dropped out at lap eleven all three with mechanical issues. Cherry finished in sixth just outside the top five then came
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Sheppard, Finning & Pollard closing out the field. Nelson thanked those important to him after the race finish. “I have to thank mum and dad for everything they do for me to go racing. For this race meeting in particular thanks to Wane Sheerman at Smooth Suspension for setting up the car on Friday night. Lenny Bates from Good Guys Performance & Simon for the Dyno work throughout the year & Chris at Spencer Race Engines & Proflow Geelong for the reliability in the engines we get from him. Also Sean Clegg and Sam Williams for helping out as crew.”
VICTORIAN WINGLESS SPRINTS PARR MOTORSPORTS SEASON WRAP UP The 2013 – 14 season Parr Motorsport Victorian Wingless series has been run and won having been wrapped up at ‘Sungold Stadium’ Warrnambool and what a popular and well deserved winner of the series was Andy Hibbert from Geelong almost 400 points (over one complete round) from Portland’s Daniel Storer whom missed a round and another Geelong based racer Peter Green a further 200 odd points behind Storer completing the top three.
where he left off the season prior as the driver to beat taking the win whilst Rhys Baxter, Sam Wren, Peter Green and Adrian Densley all had a strong round. Densley set a new ten lap record benchmark for Wingless at the Place for Pace.
Hibbert then won at Borderline Speedway, Mount Gambier superbly with Sam Wren, Peter Green, Marlin Walsh & Jason Langdon had great rounds as did Storer who joined the series at this Eighty one race drivers started the se- event. ries at some point of the season inStorer then used his great form to go cluding a Western Australian (Tom on to Southern 500 Speedway at PortPayet) and a few South Australians land to win and set tongues wagging leaving seventy seven Victorians also as the new kid on the block who could to make up the entrants. soon do big things. Hibbert, Green, The series began at Avalon Raceway in Luke Cole & James Wren were the other drivers to perform well at the November with James Wren starting third round. Hibbert became the first driver to win two rounds when round four at Bairnsdale Speedway was locked away.
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Storer finished again up high in the points and the local Bairnsdale contingent made things very difficult for others with Peter & Mark Laity and Gary Bowden all in the top five drivers as far as point’s earnt were concerned. Sam Wren had a round to forget as his car was totalled and he went home with a wrecked car and kissed good bye to his series chances.
sham with Sam Wren returning to the series and Luke Weel, Peter Logue two irregulars in the series throwing themselves amongst the top bunch. James Wren again was consistent.
Hibbert again shot to top spot when the series did reach Heartland Raceway in Moama New South Wales. Storer again was right there with Hibbert as was Weel, Warrnambool former Sedan racer James Wren bounced back with a win at Ryan Callow and Brett Neylan. Rosedale Speedway the very next evening and again Densley proved to be If only Luke Weel had done the whole amongst the best in Victoria when he series things might have been a lot difgave Wren a hard time in the feature ferent at the top end of the field by the before trailing him to the finish. Hibbert, end of the series. He was most certainly Wayne Hurford and Dayn Bentvelzen very consistent in the rounds he did run two more Gippsland locals also were and finished with a win at Sungold Staamongst those at the front of the field. dium, Warrnambool his home track.
The Parr Motorsports Wingless Series top ten results were as follows:
Andy Hibbert - Grovedale Daniel Storer - Portland Peter Green - Geelong Sam Wren – Delacombe (Ballarat) James Wren - Delacombe (Ballarat) Jason Langdon - Colac Brett Neylan - Cranbourne Luke Cole - Terang Luke Weel - Warrnambool Adrian Densley – Traralgon
Only five drivers competed at every round officially. Parr Motorsports provided vouchers for the season for each round and for an The series next headed to Horsham’s Storer, Sam Wren, Baxter who returned end of series prize fund that is yet to be Blue Ribbon Speedway as it continued to the top of the field after some medistributed until the gala presentation its journey that took in three states chanical issues through the middle of night coming up soon. when you consider Borderline in South the season and Hibbert closed out the Australia and Heartland in New South top five drivers on the final night of the Also Parr Motorsports where possible attended many of the rounds with actual Wales still to come. series. parts to keep drivers on track to complete rounds and this service was much Storer became the third driver to win appreciated by competitors. two rounds when he took control at Hor-
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Racer packs were awarded at each round and of course there is the $1250 value complete front end that will be going home with Hibbert after his fantastic season. Everybody knows the name Parr Motorsports and Adrian and Kim will be only to glad to kit you up to go racing. Modern Stainless Fabrications provided a front end nerf bar to the fourth and ninth placed drivers in the A Main at each round and are contributing a set of high quality nerf bars at the presentation night. The Victorian Wingless Sprints recommend Ken & Benissa at Modern Stainless for all your balustrading, railings, racing or marine steel fabrication work.
agement which will be collected by John Agosta who finished in twelfth this season with five rounds competed in. Agosta will be able to use the voucher to get quality service from Murray Lock at Lock Shocks. Lock Shocks can test, diagnose & revalve your shocks. Last but not least Caruana Motorsports through their distributor Parr Motorsports are contributing a set of engine mounts to the end of series prize fund for a random draw on presentation night. Caruana Motorsports develop a range of products that you can discuss with Adrian at Parr Motorsports beginning with the quality engine mounts they produce.
VIDEO HIGHLIGHTS SEARCH; YOUTUBE/ROLLING THUNDER TV Or Click on the link
KYLE HIRST
www.youtube.com/watch?v=WQo4hZvBt-4
The Victorian Wingless Sprint Lock Shocks are contributing a committee thank all sponsors, congratulate all drivers for their voucher to end of season Parr Motorsport Series point score in results and thank them for their their first season supporting the support and thank their volunVWS. This will be awarded to the teers that kept the show on the road through the season such as first driver outside the top 10 Layton Orchard, Courtney who has competed in the most amount of rounds as an encour- Hibbert, Ian Vale & the VMS 38
Graeme Pitcher
LEFT; Interview with Graeme PITCHER at Redline Raceway. www.youtube.com/watch?v=rmiSJaWoK6E
VIDEO HIGHLIGHTS SEARCH; YOUTUBE/ROLLING THUNDER TV Or Click on the link
Graeme Briggs RIGHT; Interview with Graeme BRIGGS
at Redline Raceway www.youtube.com/watch?v=i4x9yJ-mQU0
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