ISSUE 1. JANUARY 2014 Face to Face
Donny Schatz can he be beaten ION
EDIT C I S S A L C L A SPECI
Stan The Fan From the fans point of view
Knowing Your Competition....
We rate the top contenders
Editorial Who is Highline Magazine Editor: Brett Swanson Contributor; Brian Van De Wakker Artist/layout; Andy Ticehurst / PRM Publishing Photographers: Brett Swanson – Pirate Media Kieran Swanson – Pirate Media Matt Hines – Jigsaw Photography Andy Ticehurst – AndyTicehurst.com You – The Speedway fans Facebook Contributions / Criticism welcome. High Line Magazine Brett Swanson 0410 198 138 brett@piratemediaservices.com.au
Hello, and welcome to the first edition of High Line Magazine, a free online Speedway only magazine. The intention here is to provide you with many images and stories that capture the heart and soul of our great sport of Speedway. The photo’s will be almost totally exclusive to High Line and we hope you enjoy viewing the many images captured through the lenses of our ace photographers. As it is January when this first issue is coming out we thought we would dedicate it to the 2014 Lucas Oils Grand Annual Sprintcar Classic to coincide with the history making event that will see entry numbers approach the 120 mark with over 20 Americans and every top class Aussie who’s worth his salt. Names like Schatz, Pittman, Meyers, Tatnell, Lines, McFadden and the Madsens just to name a few have me salivating already at the prospect of what is to come. Spread over three days for the first time ever the event promises to return to a lot of the showmanship and razzle
dazzle that has been lost of recent years due to the immense popularity of the event amongst competitors and the forced requirement to fit over 30 heats of racing and an alphabet of mains into just two gruelling nights of racing. So sit back as we rewind the clock with a review of last year’s action packed event, then fast forward to look at the contenders for this year’s event and also evaluate how important the Classic has become on the world Sprintcar Stage. While my personal sojourns to the best Australian Sprintcar event date back to 1985, last year was the first time for a young man from the New South Wales central coast. We asked him to give us his views as he lost his classic virginity, and wonder whether the earth moved for him. We hope you enjoy the first issue of High Line and appreciate any feedback, both positive and negative. Please enjoy.
Brett Swanson
Pirate Media
SFI
REFRIGERATED TRANSPORT
FANS POINT OF VIEW
“My First Classic Views from a first time début
Brian Van De Wakker
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Brian Van De Wakker
Track manager David Mills wanders through the huge crowd on night o
one
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eople always told me, “You’ve got to go to the Classic, you have to go to the Classic, you’re not a true Australian Sprintcar Fan unless you go to the Classic.” So in 2013 I finally got the opportunity to travel down with a group of fans who had attended the event for the past thirty years, and most importantly fulfill a childhood dream - attend the Classic. Not only would I experience the Classic at Warrnambool, but I would get the op-
portunity to see the methanol winged beasts at Avalon and Mount Gambier as well. Yep, it’s the Classic Tour, 5 days, lots of miles, lots of coffee, tons of racing and no sleep. Having only attended races at the old Newcastle Motordrome and now Parramatta, my mind was about to be blown away and introduced to the real side of Sprintcar Racing and country tracks. Avalon, old stand, grassy mounds, tin sheds and one hell of a race track.
FANS POINT OF VIEW
Having watched Sprintcars at Parramatta for so long, I was quickly amazed at how fast the cars were whilst running so close to the walls. As the track’s credo suggests it’s ‘The Place For Pace’. That night the track was wide, cars were running inches from the fence and right down low on the pole line. It produced some spectacular racing. One thing I just had to do though was stand right down on the fence in the middle of the corner during a heat race. Never before has my heart raced so much whilst watch-
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People always told me, “You’ve got to go to the Classic, you have to go to the Classic, you’re not a true Australian Sprintcar Fan unless you go to the Classic.
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ing race cars. Nine hundred horsepower Sprintcars sliding towards you knowing that one mistake could prove disastrous, not only for you but the driver as well. Mhmm, that’s Sprintcar Racing! After a tremendous feature race that saw ‘The Real Deal’ Jamie Veal take the win, it was time to cross the border into South Australia and head to Mount Gambier. Borderline Speedway, small, round, fast. They were the first three words
Fan Appre
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that struck my mind as soon as I saw the track. The first thing that hits you about Mount Gambier is the noise. As the track is densely populated by trees, the place is a coliseum of noise as the 410ci motors echo throughout the trees. As far as tracks go, this had to be one of my favorites. It’s short track elbows out racing, as was displayed that night when Robbie Farr muscled his way around James McFadden to take the win. However, my week was about to get even better as the two hour trip back to Warrnambool began, and it was time for the Classic.
eciation Day is a huge hit for the kids and adults
When you travel into Warrnambool the first thing you notice is all the Sprintcar trucks that line the sides of the road. Every single hotel and motel downtown has at least one team staying there with their truck out the front. Most times after a night of racing the cars are out and the crews are working on them. It’s as if the entire town becomes a massive workshop, with teams scattered everywhere preparing their machines for the next night of battle. Before the first night of racing, most teams assemble outside the Flying Horse Bar and Brewery for the Fan Appreciation day. Fans have the opportunity to get up close and personal with their favorite cars and drivers, grab an elusive autograph and collect some posters and merchandise. Thousands turned out for this occasion with many activities happening throughout the course of
Wade Aunger haming it up
FANS POINT OF VIEW
the morning. It was a great to see the drivers without their race face on, cracking a few jokes and spending time to talk with their fans. It is the real calm before the storm because in just around eight hours’ time these drivers go into combat in one of the most prestigious Sprintcar races on the planet. When I first arrived at the track, never before in Australia have I seen such passionate Sprintcar fans. Hours before the gates are even open the
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This event is the Bathurst 1000, Daytona 500, Monaco F1GP or Indy 500 of the dirt world in Australia.
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crowds are banked back for hundreds of metres. The locals even lock their chairs to the gate days before so they can walk to the front of the line just before the gates open. Now I was in amongst the crowd pretty close to the front and as soon as the gates opened there was a stampede of people rushing to the top of Mount Max. It was a race of a different nature. Whilst carrying eskies, chairs and bags, you need to sprint your way to the top of the hill in order to claim your block of land on Mount Max. Luckily enough we
were right up the top overlooking the entire track. Within fifteen minutes of the gates opening, Mount Max was a sea of chairs and people claiming their favorite spot to watch the race. And ohh, have I mentioned the racing doesn’t start for another six hours. After a quick nap, a bit of music and sun baking in the Victorian sun, the time had finally arrived to witness Sprintcar racing around Premier Speedway. There was no greater feeling than hearing that first Sprintcar fire into life for that first hotlap session. Wow, I was blown away. The speed was immense. As many people say it’s like a mini Knoxville, fast and unforgiving. I was quick to realize there’s no small crash at Warrnambool. I remember in Qualifying Jamie Matherson got it slightly wrong right in front of us in three and four. He slammed into the outside wall and basically tore the right hand side off his car.
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Thankfully he was ok but I learnt that this place bites hard.
liant, but I knew the best was still yet to come.
It wasn’t until heat racing that I really understood how amazing this place was. It was slidejob city, cars running the fence and passing happening corner after corner. Without doubt it was the best Sprintcar racing I’ve ever seen. I was memorized and left speechless at one point as Brooke Tatnell ran an entire heat race just inches from the fence at remarkable speeds. I stood their wondering how that can be done. One tiny tiny mistake and your world turns completely (and literally - Ed), upside down. It’s on the edge racing. you need to think faster than what your brain is telling you. These guys are supreme athletes.
The final night of action arrived, once again we were presented with brilliant weather. The Kick It Down Under kick ball charity match was being played down the road. We didn’t make that but I hear it was a resounding success and a lot of fun. The week really starts to take its toll by now; you’re feeling tired but living on adrenalin. A few hours’ sleep went down well on top of Mount Max before being woken up by engine start up just behind me in the pits.
The Prelim feature for night 1 was a thriller; Tim Kaeding worked his way around Steven Lines in the dying stages to take the win. The opening night was bril-
Whilst reading the program that went into detail about the forty year history of the race, you began to realize that you were about to witness history. For any Sprintcar racer this is their Bathurst 1000, their Daytona 500, their Monaco GP, and their Indy 500. A CV isn’t complete unless you win the Classic. Nerves, excitement and anticipation started to hit as hot laps began (and that was just for me a fan let alone the drivers and teams). As heat racing progress and the alphabet of mains began the intensity lifted. Fans were on their seats as their favorite drivers either progressed or got knocked out en-route to the A-Main. Then before you knew it the field was set. It was an eerie feeling before the feature because the place was silent and calm, however you could feel the nervous tension in the air.
FANS POINT OF VIEW
Driver introductions started and the passion of the fans is incredible. The roar that shook the place when Steven Lines was introduced was like nothing you’ve ever heard. It was fair to say that Warrnambool was behind him. The race began and the dust was lifted, the track went slick and the elbows were out. Lines hit the lead and the crowd went off, you couldn’t even hear the cars at one point the cheer was that loud. You couldn’t help but support Linesy because you would probably start a riot if you were barracking for someone else. Ok, that might be a little exaggeration but the passion from the fans is that intense. After a dominant drive Lines took the win. Everyone was on their feet applauding a tremendous performance. What was even more remarkable is that nearly every fan went into the pits after the race, not only to enjoy the celebrations on the podium, but to have that final opportunity to get up close to the drivers and congratulate them on their efforts. Sprintcar drivers are so accessible and easy to talk to, unlike other forms of Motorsport, and maybe that’s why it’s so appealing to fans. Never before in a motorsport event have I seen so many people in the pits. It was fantastic! There was a tinge of sadness walking out of the venue knowing that weeks’ worth of excitement and months of preparation had all come to an end. Words couldn’t describe how incredible it was to attend the Classic and experience country tracks for the first time. It’s not just the racing that makes the Classic tour so special, it’s the road trips following Sprintcar Trucks whilst listening to country music (Country music Wakka – What the??? – ED). I think we all turned American at some point
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throughout the week. This for many is something they work towards every year, whether you’re a fan, driver or team owner, your dream is to be at the Classic. For any Sprintcar fan the Classic is a must, it has to certainly be on your list of things to do before you die. Lap it up, take in the atmosphere and most importantly enjoy the racing. There is no other motorsport event/tour in Australia like it and this year it’s only going to be better as the Classic is run over three nights. As most people say, the Classic is not just simply a race, it’s not just simply an event, for many it’s a pilgrimage.
W D V n a i r B The lines were long but worth the wait
Future crew chief right there........
Brett Swanson
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rand Annual Sprintcar Classic 2013 review.
Just how important has the Lucas Oil Grand Annual Sprintcar Classic become on not only the national Sprintcar landscape but the International Sprintcar scene? The answer? Almost critically important. In recent years, the importance of the event and the link it has with the Knoxville Nationals has become ever more critical. Participation in our home grown crown jewel gained any driver who raced in the Oval Express Magazine Australia – America Challenge, be they Australian or American, automatic entry into the World Challenge event at the hallowed grounds of the Marion County Fairgrounds in Knoxville, Iowa. Initially a slot in the world challenge was keenly sought after because it was a smallish field with some decent money paid on the nose, hence a good opportunity to make some money. But then one simple little change to that event at the 2013 race highlighted the importance of the Aussie Classic. Now, the winner of the Speed Sport
News World Challenge at Knoxville gets “The Golden Ticket” to the big dance. In other words, if you were not already qualified into the final, the winner of the World Challenge would get an automatic start in the biggest Sprintcar race in the universe. During the 53rd Knoxville Nationals, our own three time Classic Champion Brooke Tatnell, became the
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Win the classic and you’ve just qualified straight into the World Challenge at the 53rd Knoxville Nationals.
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first beneficiary of the Golden Ticket. What all this has meant over the past decade or so is that more and more Americans, and US based Aussies, have come down-under or returned home for the Classic weekend, chasing not only the $30,000 first place money, but also that invitation to the World Challenge. Last years classic entry list topped over 100 nominations, with a huge field of 17 top quality Americans. After the usual last minute no-shows 98 drivers attempted to qualify over a compact and brutal two nights of racing for the 18 car feature. The fact that 98 cars were on hand is a phenomenal reflection of the event when you consider that the Knoxville Nationals, drew only a handful more drivers to their event from a population
2013 Review
…. Well you know how BIG America is. The Premier Speedway club, led by Manager and fan David Mills, know that this event is their shining light and also their financial god send each season and to this end they go all out to make it a real “show” not just a race. Many features that are part of the classic event are unique to Warrnambool or were instigated here before being copied or exported elsewhere. Many times, a high profile visiting American has been blown away by the fan appreciation morning, including the big screen and the impromptu interviews by MC Gavin White. Sadly, the “show” has been a victim of its own success with huge fields over recent years meaning there just wasn’t the time available to squeeze in all the requisite racing and all of the glamour at the same time in just two days. The solution - expand the event to three full days with the qualifying fields split into two separate nights. This was
something that had been touted by many top level car owners such as Shane Krikke for a few years now. Sungold Milk Stadium manager David Mills also agreed in a candid conversation at Simpson in 2012 that for him a three day Classic was also a “no-brain-
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er”, however it wasn’t that easy to implement citing the need to get volunteers for all three days and of course the flow on effect it may have on Mt Gambiers’ companion Kings Challenge event. After some negotiation Borderline
Speedway somewhat reluctantly agreed to the expansion which meant moving their “prime” event from a Friday night to a Thursday which now dovetails beautifully with Avalon’s Presidents Cup which takes place on the preceding Wednesday. The biggest winners now are you, the fans, who can now get an awesome overdose of five straight nights of American laden Sprintcar action. Not even the highly touted World Series Sprintcars “Speedweek” can offer the same level of competitor numbers and quality US drivers. As an added bonus for fans the less congested schedule means the return of the unique and quirky Super Rods as a support division on the opening two nights. Their bellowing V8 powered back ‘em in style is a real crowd pleasure with more than one visiting American driver watching from the fence and expressing an interest in driving one. For this reason alone, the Grand Annual Sprintcar Classic is clearly head and shoulders above every other Sprintcar event held in this wide brown land and long may it remain that way.
Tim Kaeding (Krikke #2) Steven Lines (Hall #3)
2013 Review
In the mirror - 2013
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ne of the big music hits of 2013 was the song blurred lines by Robin Thicke, and similarly the winner of the 2013 Classic was a blurred line – Steven Lines. Lines was difficult to keep in focus as he sped to his second classic win in three years after he overpowered a stellar field of international invaders in his Brian Hall owned WA3 sprinter. American West Coaster Tim Kaeding in the Krikke Motorsports WA2, and Terry McCarl from the American Heartland, were the two guys looking most likely to fight out the win due to their vast experience especially on a slick track as was expected to occur over the 40 lap distance. And initially that appeared to be the case when Kaeding made the best start and Lines initially dropped to fourth behind McCarl and Jason Sides after starting on the front row alongside Kaeding. However, Lines was just settling in and finding his rhythm and by the lap 5 had passed Sides and would take just three more laps to blow past McCarl. A lap later he was into the lead as both he and McCarl passed Kaeding. McCarl was solid in 2nd and an aggressive Farr worked his way to 3rd with Tatnell 4th Kaeding slipping back to 5th. Within
article Crash Sequence – Mark House (TAS)
2013 Winner, Steven Lines
2013 Review
sight of the finish Farrs run ended as did the supply of methanol from the tail tank dropping to an eventual 12th place classification and leaving the top five as Lines, McCarl, Tatnell, Kaeding and Veal. Debutante Rico Abreau made a big impression both on and off the track and proved that he is not a token small statured driver with his high-line antics and a storming drive to 7th from dead last on the opening couple of laps. Sure there were a few cars in front of him that dropped out or crashed but he had shown over the two days that he was a real racer and has since gone on to even greater success back home in the USA. The only real dark spot on Lines’ weekend was Saturday nights Oval Express Magazine Australia – America Challenge. As a portent of things to come Lines dominated the 25 lap Knoxville World Challenge qualifier only to lose out to Kaeding on the last lap. Darren Mollenoyux grabbed an encouraging thrird place finish ahead of McCarl, Sides, Tim Shaffer and McFadden. Summary; Luke Dillon and Lines set fast time in each of the twin sessions. Dillon who had the better track conditions from the first session went around at 10.8692 (145.736kph) while Lines time of 10.9652 (144.46kph) was a harbinger of his speed. 32 heats Only Brooke Tatnell won 3 of his four heats over two nights. Matt Egel, Shane Stewart and Tim Kaeding were the only other drivers to
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take multiple heat wins but none could win more than one per night. 21 other drivers won a single heat each. Saturdays B-Main was won by Ian Madsen from James McFadden, Tatnell and Dillon. Kaeding then scored his first win for the Krikke team by taking out the Australia – America challenge from Lines, Mollenoyux and McCarl. McFadden was the best of the B-Mainers working through to 7th with Dillon 12th. Madsen fell out after 16 laps and Tatnell was the first non-finisher after a mere 5 laps. At the end of night one Kaeding was the man with 670 points from Lines 662, McCarl 650, Sides 642 and Mollenoyux 628. Garry Brazier
Trevor Green, Madsen, Tatnell, Dillon and McFadden were all in the top 18 points but were by no means secure. Former winner and crowd bad boy Garry Brazier was buried back in 82nd on 322 points while highly fancied American Daryn Pittman was 56th on 406. Kevin Swindell after his on track physical stoush with David Murcott was 47th (428) with 2010 winner Stewart 40th (446) just behind crowd favourite Max Dumesny in 38th (456). Sundays E main saw Brazier win from Jamie Bricknell, Brett Milburn and Adam King. Brazier used his sublime skill to charge to fourth in the D-Main behind Jason Johnson, Wayne Johnson and teenager Jake Tranter.
Daniel Peska #SA 27 Ryan Jones #SA 63
Dumesny kept his faint hopes alive with a victory in the C Main ahead of Pitman, Jason Johnson and Bryan Mann.
Braziers blazing run burned out in 14th position 1 lap down. The last chance B Main was a teasing affair as David Murcott, Rico Abreau, McFadden and David Muir earned a ticket to the big dance while Stewart and Dumesny narrowly missed out and would be the reserves reliant on someone else’s misfortune to make the show. Daneil Pestka was the unluckiest in the field while sitting handily in 2nd place and getting caught up in a backmarkers accident.
South Australia’s Jake Tranter went from this........
to this in less than 1/2 a second
Jason Myers is driving for Steve Caunt again this year.
Opening flag cars
Just moments before Danny Smith Turn
ns his Bottle-O car into a canoe
Terry McCarl was extreamly fast..... just a little unlucky
looking forward 2014 Version
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When entries closed there were 118 in total including 10 former champions contesting the event who between them share 22 victories out of the 40 decided so far.
A second Bill Wigzell memorial win at Murray Brdige, a World Series Sprintcars (WSS) Speedweek championship and various other wins against tough opposition including highly touted Americans has Lines in the best form of his career heading into a potential third Classic win.
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eading into the 2014 version Lines has an incredible tally of wins that could reach an even dozen by the time the Classic comes around.
Lines is confident and most importantly comfortable and loved in the team and has total confidence in crew chief Craig Bennett and that spells danger for everyone else. highly touted Americans has Lines in the best form of his career heading into a potential third Classic win. Lines is confident and most importantly comfortable and loved in the team and has total confidence in crew chief Craig Bennett and that spells danger for everyone else.
Donny Schatz in action at BIS - Jigsaw
The Worlds’ Best (?) As stated above, on form, Lines was looking the most likely to win a third Classic event. That was of course until the last minute entry was received by currently the worlds’ best Sprintcar racer, Donny Schatz. Schtaz won an incredible 23 WoO features last year, yet amazingly did not win the championship.
An abbreviated campaign at Queenslands’ Archerfield Raceway has highlighted Schatz’s current form and potentially pushes him to the number one ranking considering that in all rounds of WSS that he contested and won, he defeated our previously dominant Steven Lines.
last effort at Sungold Milk Stadium proved when he was beaten back to a second place finish. On top of that the field contains a number of compatriots such as Kaeding, Pittman, Gravel and Meyers that have been able to beat Schatz in the most recent WoO competition.
Having said that, the two We cast our eye over time Classic champion who we think will be the is not unbeatable as his contenders.
LOOKING FORWARD
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fter pulling out of the Krikke Motorsports WSS ride due to a full time World of Outlaws (WoO) ride being offered up and looking like a no-show this year, Californian Tim Kaeding has accepted a ride in the Sean Dyson #99. Kaeding, despite not doing a full WoO season still won more WoO races last year than anyone other than multiple champion Donny Schatz. Dyson made his Classic debut as a driver last season and will step aside for the lead-footed American and if the car goes half as good as it looks, TK will be a definite threat.
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ix time champion Danny Smith has taken up the seat in the Barry Lewis ACT11 that Brooke Tatnell vacated in order to resume his role in the Krikke Bunbury Toyota WA2 which was left empty by Kaedings WoO callup. While the Danville Indiana native has had incredible success here with six victories (second in terms of wins to Aussie legend Garry Rush), his time has passed and he is no longer considered an outright threat despite still being a crowd favourite.
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merican based Aussie Brooke Tatnell is always in the mix here and having re-teamed with Krikke Motorsports is keen beyond belief to redeem what has been a disastrous 12 months both here and in his US base. After “getting the band back together” the Tatnell-Krikke combo has already parked the “hot rod” in victory lane at the West Aussie state title and a round of the WSS speedweek. The biggest issue for us as a team is that Dylan (Busswell – crew chief) does things a little differently to what I normally do,” stated Brooke recently. “Dylan’s worked in the US before and we are both learning each others style and it is working well.”
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013 runner up Terry McCarl is back aboard the potent Colin Bulmer Bayaire Industries #2, a car and team which took compatriot Shane Stewart to the classic win in 2010. This car and team only sees the light of day for one week every year but it is always stout as proven by Shane Stewarts victory and McCarls’ podium finishes. The often outspoken and bullish McCarl is proving to be a very popular import with the fans as his persona is very ‘Australian’ with his lovable larrikin and fun loving nature.
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ultiple Chilli-bowl winner and son of a gun Kevin Swindell made an auspicious debut last year not least of all for his out of car confrontation with David Murcott. Despite the whole crowd witnessing Swindell strike Murcott while Murky was still strapped into his car, Swindell was still allowed to race-on without penalty. When questioned on Sunday morning as to whether he would be racing that night Swindell replied incredulously “Why wouldn’t I?” unaware that if it had of been a local driver they more than likely would have been looking at some time on the sidelines. This year Swindell will be making his appearance aboard the David Dixon owned Essendon Mitsubishi USA3 which has been tested and tuned locally by Victorian Justin Sadler. Swindell will arrive fresh off what may have been his fifth straight Chilli bowl championship win.
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ewly crowned outlaws Champion Daryn Pittman is back for Queenslander Brent Aprile with Brent “Glenno” Ingliss on the spanners. The Pittman - Ingliss combo is as good as any driver – crew chief pairing anywhere and this represents the second
LOOKING FORWARD
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utlaws rookie of the year David Gravel will mount more of a threat this time around teaming up with Matt Eastham in the Drysdale Chaff Mills V88. This is a much superior car than Bruce Stephens’ budget effort in which Gravel has spent the last couple of Classic events finding his feet. Gravel has proven he’s worthy of the seat having scored his maiden outlaw win last year.
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or the first time in a few years the ever popular Jason Sides went winless in WoO competition. Sides however is a multiple winner of WSS events here and with the backing of Queenslander Dave Horrell will pose a significant threat.
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ual Outlaws champion Jason Meyers will have the formidable resources of Steve Caunt racing at his disposal and has shown that a lack of full time racing is no deterrent to his immense capability. However he is yet to display his unquestioned talent on the southern oval. Without Joey Saldana’s name appearing on the entry list Meyers may be a little more confident of making it all the way through to the final and a good result.
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ormer Californian Outlaws racer Paul McMahan was a spectator last year assisting young Jake Tranter but is suiting up for the Downing Brothers in their understated but potent rebadged USA11 this year. McMahan is coming off a season ending Outlaws victory at Charlotte and a top three finish in the Outlaws championship.
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our time All Star Circuit of Champions series champion and the winningest driver in that series with 99 victories Dale Blaney, will be making his Classic debut in the potent David Doherty N6. The low-rider or the tall cool one as he is often called is a class competitor and will quickly adapt to the Limaland like venue. Blaney is a very classy competitor and it will not surprise me one bit to see him finish on the podium or at least in the top five.
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013 Kings Royal winner Brad “Tinkerbell� Sweet will be back down under driving for the Broken Hill brothers Josh and Isaac Ruhs after an absence of some years spent gaining heavy car experience in NASCARs second tier Nationwide Series. When opportunities have arisen Sweet still runs some grass roots dirt track speedway also culminating in his $50,000 win in the prestigious Kings Royal at the fearsome Eldora speedway. A WSS speedweek win has shown the pocket rocket may be a very strong outside chance.
LOOKING FORWARD
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alifornian Kyle Hirst is well ensconced in the second Michael Cunningham ART and is also in good form for PRP Engineering having scored a win at nearby Simpson speedway in an Allstar 360ci event and then following that up with a win in the Victorian Sprintcar Championship with a stellar drive from deep in the pack. Hirst himself though admits that he will have to step up his game even further if he is to bag a Classic win.
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ellow left coaster Geoff “The Human Highlight Reel” Ensign will make his Classic debut driving for Melbourne’s Smith Brothers. Ensign has already scored a pair of wins for the team albeit in 360ci competition including the Gold Cup and the prestigious Victorian Championship.
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exan Travis “I’ll tell you what” Rilat will definitely bring some excitement to the show after a lengthy absence. Rilat will bring the house down if he can pull off an underdog performance with the little PJS Motorsports team. All we need now is to receive an entry from Erin Crocker to make the picture complete.
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arry Rooke always provides good equipment to his American drivers and Justin Henderson will be very appreciative of that fact as he makes his Classic debut. Henderson has been grafting hard to make a career from Sprintcar racing with stints on the WoO trail and also the tough PA posse, but has not yet reached the level that would rate him as an outright chance at Sungold Milk Stadium.
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eteran Randy Hannagan returns for Matt Muir in the patrioticly painted USA53
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012 winner Ian Loudoun is back from the retirement he announced after winning the ultimate Aussie event having secured a ride for the WA based Peet Motorsport #65 team. The combo have shown some form recently out west but Warrnambool is very different to the Motorplex. Many highly touted WA teams have come here with high hopes and gone home massively depressed, however having Loudoun in the team should make a huge difference.
LOOKING FORWARD
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he Madman Kerry Madsen dominated from 2005 to 2008 winning all three events completed (2006 was the only classic final never to be run due to weather). Madsen is arriving off the back of a solid Outlaws season where he scored a number of wins and secured another top ten championship result. Madsen knows his way to victory lane at Premier Speedway having won his Australian title here as well. Unshackled from Geoff Kendricks sometimes quirky ways of setting up Sprintcars, Madsen will be on a mission.
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t’s hard to believe that Garry Brazier has only one entry in the Classic winners list and that was back in 1993. The man that the crowd either love or hate has been a regular at recent Classics but this year he will have given himself a much better hit-out leading up to the event as he and his son Jordyn contest the WSS Championship. If Brazier can stay out of other peoples accidents, unlike last year, then he should be a real contender on the track he labels as his favourite.
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ocally the fans would go mad, particularly those watching from the eponymous Mt Max, if “Mighty” Max Dumesny could get up for another win. Max is revered as a god around these parts and still has good speed despite being in the later part of his career. Dumesny seems to come alive at the Classic and drives each lap on memory alone. With an ounce of luck he could make the main event one more time, just like he almost did last year as he teased his massive fan base, with a charge through the B Main that came oh so close to succeeding.
Only time will tell who ultimately wins the 42nd Annual Lucas Oils Grand Annual Sprintcar Classic but if recent form is anything to go by, it will be an Aussie. Since 2004 only one American – Shane Stewart – has taken the crown and that is despite an increase in the number and quality of overseas competitors contesting the event throughout the same period, and that my friends, is a great reflection on just how good us Aussies are at not only driving these wild machines, but also at building, preparing and setting-up these beasts.
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010 Champion Shane Stewart will again saddle up for Monte Motorsport this time under the Milwaukee Tools banner. If ever a team has failed to deliver given the driving talent and the equipment at its disposal, then this would sadly be one of those teams. Yes it has had some success even taking a classic victory with Steven Lines at the wheel, but as quickly as Lines jumped at the chance to drive for the team, he soon departed sensing there were some things that didn’t quite fit right. Stewart was a coup as a replacement and despite changing chassis and brands on multiple occasions in an effort to find the solution, the team has not been anywhere near as successful as it should given their circumstances and backing and the passion and support of the owners and the ability of the driver.
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ual Aussie champion James McFadden is a quasi local now with his parents having relocated to Warrnambool from Alice Springs and with James doing a lot of his racing in the garden state of recent seasons. A multiple winner here in WSS competition, It’s only a matter of time before J-Mac scores the big win at his favourite track.
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printcar and Speedcar Champion Robbie Farr has had a stellar career to date but Premier Speedway just seems to be one of those venues that remains a hoodoo track for the multiple Aussie champion. A clean run and just the slightest amount of luck, plus a full tank of fuel, will put Farr into victory lane and launch a party that will go forever.
LOOKING FORWARD
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ultiple Aussie Formula 500 Champion Luke Dillon is probably the only other Aussie with a real shot at the win. The South Australian scored a couple of World Series wins last season and has been fairly dominant in his new west coast ride in the Diamond Bay Motorsports WA26. Dillon also knows his way around Premier having scored wins here in both Formula 500’s and Sprintcars.
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arren Mollenoyux also has shown blistering speed at his home track including a top three finish in last years Australia – America Challenge and if things fall his way should grab a top result. Another brief stint running against the famed PA Posse certainly hasn’t hurt.
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he intensity that David Murcott brings to any race meeting is at times scary, and when he brings his A-Game he can beat anyone. The Classic however is one event that seems to frustrate and befuddle Murky whose results here have never consistently matched the ability and effort that the team is capable of.
While realistically they could not be classed as contenders for the win, Rhiannon Burleigh a Kristy Ellis will no doubt be amongst the most popular drivers in the pits as testified by the huge crowd of women and kids who flock to the girls at nights end when the pits are opene up for all and sundry.
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haun Dobson is another Tasmanian who can bring burning intensity and aggression to an event in Murcott like proportions, just ask Tim Kaeding. After securing the ride in the once highly coveted Titan Q36, Dobson quickly vacated the “penalty box” and has ride hopped until landing in local identity Harry Droste’s V36. Droste once famously stated about a former driver “that he was fast – fast to the rear (of the pack)”. There have been no such statements since Dobson took over the seat. Dobbo’ has been a threat at every meeting this season and with Mark “Freddie” Walsh turning the spanners has scored an SRA Series win. Walsh is very underrated as a crew chief having tasted success with non other than the at times insanely difficult to deal with American Joey Saldana.
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y pick for a dark horse would be Gawlers’ Daniel Pestka. This kid has impressed since day one and the introverted steerer is a massive talent. As stated earlier if not for being an innocent victim in someone else’s stuffup, Petska would have made the main event last year.
rant Anderson in the stunning blue and yellow family owned V37 is also another chance at a surprise result. The now more or less part time racer has the goods to quietly go about the job of grabbing a good result just as he did from deep in the pack a few years back. A good result may surprise some but not the team or those who really know his capability.
Rhiannon Burleigh
Kristy Ellis
With a record field of cars having nominated for this w The following is the full nomination list Friday Night Qualifiers: A1 James McFadden V3 Kevin Swindell ACT4 Mitch Foster S4 Trevor Green N6 Dale Blaney NT6 Troy David W6 Sheldon Brady Q7 Robbie Farr W8 David Priolo USA7s Jason Sides T10 Callum Zizek V10 Kyle Hirst N11 Danny Smith V12 Kristy Ellis W12 Daniel Harding N14 Peter Gordon USA 15 Donny Schatz Q16 Bryan Mann V17 Dennis Jones S19 Bradley Keller V20 Domain Ramsay N21 Garry Brazier V21 Jamie Hennessy V25 Bud Kaeding V26 Nick Lacey W26 Luke Dillon S27 Daniel Pestka N29 Kerry Madsen T29 Robin Dawkins V29 Will Carroll
N36 Eddie Lumbar V36 Shaun Dobson N38 Max Johnston V40 Darren Hickman W41 Cameron Gessner N42 Justin Henderson V45 TBA W46 Lee Nash V47 Tim Rankin N48 Jackson Delamont V57 Matthew Dumesny Q58 Peter Lack Q59 Kevin Titman V60 Geoff Ensign Q64 Paul Rooks V70 John Vogels S72 Jamie Stark V72 Jacob Smith V76 Tyler Courtney Q77 Brent Kratzmann N78 Andrew Wright V84 Luke Nash V86 Tim Van Ginneken W87 Carl Dowling V96 Trey Starks N98 Kody Kinser ACT99 Jay Waugh N99 Tim Kaeding W99 Jamie Maiolo W99 Jamie Maiolo
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weeks 42nd Lucas Oil Grand Annual Sprintcar Classic, t and their respective qualifying nights: Saturday Night Qualifiers: V2 Terry McCarl W2 Brooke Tatnell W3 Steven Lines NQ5 Danny Reidy V5 Max Dumesny Q6 Steve Rowell NQ7 Shane Stewart N9 Jason Meyers USA9 Daryn Pittman V9 Rod Matthews T14 Mark House V14 Carl Ludeman ACT15 Harley Bishop V16 Kris Lacey V19 Daniel Newnham N20 Troy Little S20 Glen Sutherland Q21 Jordyn Brazier V22 Quentin Tanner S24 Ricky Maiolo V24 Brendan Balcombe W25 Taylor Milling N28 Darryl Campbell Q29 Ian Madsen S29 Matt Egel USA29 Travis Rilat V35 Jamie Veal Q36 David Muir V37 Grant Anderson N39 Jeremy Cross NQ42 Brent Aprile
Field
V44 Ron Dalton S45 Jake Tranter T45 Kurt Luttrell V48 Adam King V51 Peter Milnes N52 Mark Attard USA53 Randy Hannagan T55 Jamie Bricknell V55 Ashley Scott V58 Rhiannon Burleigh S61 Leith Ahlfors S63 Ryan Jones W65 Ian Loudoun Q67 Paul Morris V67 Luke Walker V68 Brett Milburn V74 Michael Cunningham Q75 Darren Jensen V77 Darren Mollenoyux W77 Bradley Maiolo Q79 Mick Sauer Q83 David Murcott V88 David Gravel V91 Liam Williams V95 Ryan Davis S97 Paul McMahan V98 Peter Doukas USA99 Brad Sweet
BREAKFAST WITH TH
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reakfast with the stars – Friday. This years, fan friendly events wi ing with the Classic Breakfast at th igmatic Wade Aunger as MC, various natio grilled about all manner of topic while patr year’s speakers will include Jason Meyers Premier Speedway Office and are strictly li
HE STARS FRIDAY
ill actually commence on Friday mornhe Flying Horse Brewery. With the enonal and international drivers will be rons enjoy a first class breakfast. This s and tickets are still available from the imited.
OFF Track ACTION
Saturday
Fan Appreciation
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an Appreciation – Saturday. Saturday mornings’ Fan Appreciation has continually grown and as a result has occupied a number of venues each of increasing size until settling on the current location in the car-park at the rear of the Flying Horse Brewery, which is also the venue for the Classic breakfast. In fact, at one stage the fan day was so successful at drawing crowds that the local traders, who traditionally support the Classic event wholeheartedly (and why shouldn’t they as it brings an additional economic input of many millions of dollars into the town and surrounding re-
gions) actually forced the relocation as it was near impossible for their regular clientle to get near the retail outlets due to the size of the interested gathering. Starting out as a semi-formal gathering of stars and sometimes their cars where the fans could walk amongst, view and touch the exotic machinery and talk to the drivers and team members, get photo’s or autographs and then in latter years purchase team apparel and merchandise, the morning has grown to the point of live driver interviews being televised onto the Big Screen for all and sundry to enjoy. It is a two-way street as fans get up close and
personal with their hero’s and the drivers get to interact with their most ardent supporters away from the pressures of that evenings races or the stresses of a bad night. Oh, and they also have the opportunity to make a few bucks from the sale of their merchandise. Many a first time overseas driver has been impressed with the professionalism of the event with comments like, “we don’t have anything like this back home” and “they should do this at the big events back home.”
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Sunday
Kick-it for Cancer
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ick-it for Cancer Sunday The newest addition to the off track entertainment is the light hearted but competitive international kick ball game that has significant undertones. The Jeff Gordon Childrens Foundation instigated a series of kick ball games (kind of like baseball except you kick a big bouncy ball) interspersed with auctions of racing related memorabilia with all proceeds going towards research into childhood cancers. The main driver behind the scenes of the Aussie version is Michelle Jordison, co-owner of Oval Express magazine and she
Danny Smith & Max Dumesny
can be justifiably proud of her first up effort. Held on Sunday morning at the Warrnambool & District Hockey complex from 10:30am, the two opposing USA and Australian teams will try to beat last years phenomenal figure of over $57,000 raised from donations and auctioning of memorabilia. At that point an time this eclipsed both the Knoxville Nationals and Gold Cup versions of the event which when the consider the comparative sizes of the Australian and US populations was beyond comprehension. Aside from the extreme generosity of the Australian speedway public, the game itself was highly
entertaining and at times hilarious. Don’t miss this years event as many great items were purchased at prices well within the budget of the average fan, and the on field rivalry was serious but humorous with an Aussie victory at the end of the event.
GRAND ANNUAL SPRINTCAR CLASSIC WINNERS 1973: Zeke Agars 1974: Bill Wigzell 1975: Sid Hopping 1976: Garry Rush 1977: Garry Rush 1978: Jimmy Sills 1979: Garry Rush 1980: Garry Rush 1981: Jac Haudenschild 1982: Jac Haudenschild 1983: Danny Smith 1984: Garry Rush 1985: Danny Smith 1986: Garry Rush 1987: Danny Smith 1988: Danny Smith 1989: Danny Smith 1990: Garry Rush 1991: Jack Hewitt 1992: Max Dumesny 1993: Garry Brazier 1994: Max Dumesny 1995: Brooke Tatnell 1996: Danny Smith 1997: Trevor Green 1998: Skip Jackson 1999: Brooke Tatnell 2000: Danny Lasoski 2001: Donny Schatz 2002: Donny Schatz 2003: Joey Saldana 2004: Max Dumesny 2005: Kerry Madsen 2006: Mother Nature (Rained Out) 2007: Kerry Madsen 2008: Kerry Madsen 2009: Brooke Tatnell 2010: Shane Stewart 2011: Steven Lines 2012: Ian Loudoun 2013: Steven Lines