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DALE CAGNEY REIGNS SUPREME IN MOUNT GAMBIER
Dale Cagney reigned supreme at the SEAC Motorsport Park in Mount Gambier last month as he topped the time sheets in the opening round of the 2023 Motorsport Australia SA Autocross season.
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An impressive 43 competitors were entered in the South East Automobile Club (SEAC) event where they tackled multiple layouts featuring sharp corners, water hazards, crests and other obstacles designed to test drivers of all abilities and skill levels.
Competitors battled it out for the fastest times across each track, with Cagney posting the fastest cumulative time overall.
Behind the wheel of his Mitsubishi EVO6, Cagney was too good for the strong field as he posted the fastest times across all six heats to finish 14 seconds clear of the second-placed Ryan Poel in the Subaru WRX. Also running in a WRX was Oscar Farnden, who claimed the final outright podium place after consistent top four finishes saw him finish 14 seconds off Poel – his best result being a second place in the sixth and final run of the day.
Coming in fourth was Damien Wilson in his Nissan S13, and although he was 13 seconds off Farnden, he led a tight group of competitors behind including Dion Becker,
Adam Jesse, John Whitehead and Christopher Simmons.
Whilst the pack was only split by 10 seconds, the following ten placings were separated by a similar margin – emphasising the competitiveness of the field.
However the day belonged to the dominant Cagney, who was pleased to walk away with the win.
“It was really good; I drove consistently and quick all day,” Dale said.
“The track was prepped really well before we started - it was grippy and provided for a good day of racing.
“It is my home track, I am very familiar with it and it suited my car. There was a battle between the 4WD and the buggy as well, so it was a really good competitive day and it was a lot of fun.
“We had awesome weather that day, there was pretty much no wind or rain meaning there was no dust, so didn’t affect any of the racing.
“It felt like a matter of knowing the track and where you needed to be. Local knowledge definitely helps and the next round is in Adelaide, which I'm not so familiar with, so we will see how we go.
“The pressure will be on me because now when I go to other people's home tracks they will have the advantage, but I can't wait.”
The next round of the Motorsport Australia SA Autocross Series will take place at the Mid Murray Motorplex on 9 July.
