ROLLING THUNDER Racing E News/Magazine
.
Brooke Tatnell GASC winner for the third time
BRAZIER AUSSIE CHAMP FOR THE SIXTH TIME
www.racermagazineaustralia.com.au
ROLLING THUNDER Racing E News/Magazine
CONTENTS — Issue 6 Quick News. Grand Annual Classic. Blast from the past. Australian Production Sedan Title. West Coast Classic. NSSS @ Avalon. RTS Chassis Stampede Series F500 wrap. Reidy Memorial 4 AMCA. NOS Title. VSC Sprint Title. VMPA @ Avalon. Drouin—The family Speedway. SRA—Hamilton. All Stars Shine. SDAV Rods. Ricochet Ray wins again after 20 years! Classic and Oz Sprint Title Stats.
2
PHOTO’S Courtesy of: Brett Swanson Media. brett.swanson@optusnet.com.au CLT Photography. (Cassie Tuckett) cassie@speedway.net.au
www.rallydrive.com.au
Darren Winter - Frosty Photographics Corey Gibson Photography.
MEDIA RELEASES: Pirate Media—Brett Swanson Dean Thompson (DMT Media).
Published by: Racer Publishing Pty Ltd. ABN 69 122 820 348 P O Box 1047, Bacchus Marsh. Victoria. Australia. 3340. Editors: Brett Swanson, Ray Solomon. Contributors: Dean Thompson (DTM Media) Contributors; Please email contributions to chris@fmg.au.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 Racer Publishing Pty Ltd uses its best endeavours to ensure the accuracy of everything it publishes, the Fair Trading Act 1985 requires Racer Publishing Pty Ltd 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.
www.racermagazineaustralia.com.au
ROLLING THUNDER Racing E News/Magazine
3
QUICK NEWS Apology: We know it’s been quite a while between issues but , like most of you, we’ve all been very busy with Christmas, the holidays and all the racing that has been happening over the peak time of the season. With that said, we are now back with the next issue and while some of the stories are a little old, we still they were relevant. And besides, the magazine is totally free so don’t be too hard on everyone here at RTRE-Mag. Now, on with the news. O'Reilly All Star Circuit of Champions, Inc. agrees to terms to acquire IRS Late Model Series The All Star Circuit of Champions, Inc has purchased the Independent Racing Series (IRS) Late Model Series and has began to put together the most affordable premiere Late Model series in the country, the O'Reilly All Star Late Model Series. The O'Reilly Late Model Series is the newest series owned and operated under the banner of the "O'Reilly All Stars" which includes the O'Reilly All Star Circuit of Champions and the O'Reilly Midwest All Star Series.
of the schedule will be within eight hours from Columbus, Ohio featuring a base show of $5000.00 to win and $400.00 to start with many $7000.00 and $10,000.00 shows included in the 2009 schedule. The improvements will include a large point fund for the top 10 drivers and owners, appearance fees for the five chosen "All Stars," and a race format that will entertain and excite the fans. The multistate tour will feature some of the best drivers in the country going fender to fender at some of the best Late Model tracks in the country.
This is not the first time that there has been a companion Late Model series to the All Star Circuit of Champions. From 1980 thru 1993 Late Models raced their own schedule as well as partnered with the Sprint Cars in several events. Hall of Famer Charlie Swartz is at the top of the all-time wins list with 36 wins followed by Donnie Moran (26), and the final The O'Reilly All Star Late Model Series will have points champion Billy Moyer (15). approx. a 30 date schedule that will be focused in the Pennsylvania, Ohio, West Virginia, Indiana, Michigan, Maryland, Kentucky and Illinois states. Eighty percent
Victorian Formula 500 safety initiative. While the 600cc four stroke revolution is slowly taking over F500 racing, one unforseen issue has arisen when the carburettors get damaged during a racing incident resulting in a fire. Fortunately no one has been injured in Victoria as a result of a couple of these incidents but it has highlighted a particular problem and the Victorian F500 association have to their credit, been quick to act to try and remedy the situation and prevent any future occurrences. In the regulations and entry form for the upcoming Victorian F500 Stampede Series, the association has mandated the use of protection “nerf bars” for Car-
www.racermagazineaustralia.com.au
ROLLING THUNDER Racing E News/Magazine burettors on 600cc Left Hand Engined cars.
Tribute event at Parramatta City Raceway on October 18th.
It states. “The Victorian association has as a result of a recent serious fire, decided to mandate the use of a 28 year old Darley was a very dedicated, successful protection bar around the carburettors of any 600cc and highly respected competitor and was considered car with the engine mounted on the left hand side.” one of the up and coming stars of the sport. The problem seems to stem mainly from two factors: Firstly the 600cc left handed engines have the carbys’ mounted high and vulnerable to damage on the left hand side and secondly, the drivers have to virtually climb in and out over the motor on the left hand side.
The former Australian Litrecar Champion will be greatly missed by a large number of people both from within the Speedway community and his friends from other areas.
Rolling Thunder e-mag The suggested arrangement is a miniature nerf bar extends its condolences with two mounts behind the carburettors and one at to Scott Darleys’ family the front. The nerf bar is removable so that work can and friends. be performed on the motor and carburettors when needed. The Victorian association cannot make this a National rule, but they can introduce it as a sub regulation for the Stampede Series and are pushing to have it adopted by the Oval Express series and Nationally. Darren Mollenoyux’s Swift race parts has already tooled up to make a production run of clamps to help racers with this issue. The association should be applauded for their proactive action and kudos should also go to competitor Kevin Freeman who donated some fire extinguishers to be attached to the association’s quad bike after one of these incidents. Australian Speedway lost a great man and a fierce competitor when Sydney’s Scott Darley was tragically killed after crashing his Sprintcar during the C-Main of the George Tatnell
4 LOOKING FOR A COST EFFECTIVE MEDIA PACKAGE. Pirate Media has over 20 years experience in Motorsport media and more specifically in the exciting realms of speedway racing. Pirate Media can offer you a one stop media shop including the preparation and distribution of media releases, race photography, media kits, video presentations and even sponsorship proposals. Competitively priced it is cheaper than you may think to take care of all your sponsors and fans and get the message out and lift the profile of your team, track or series. Pirate media is the media outlet of choice for Troy Little Racing, Hennessey Motorsport, AMCA Nationals Victoria, Rolling Thunder Raceway. For further enquiries contact Pirate Media on 0410 198 138 or brett.swanson@optusnet.com.au
www.racermagazineaustralia.com.au
ROLLING THUNDER Racing E News/Magazine
5 FROSTY PICS
Above: Frosty Pics captured this great panoramic shot of the track and the packed infield on night 1 of the 2009 Grand Annual Sprintcar Classic.
their race teams, adding to the interna- half seconds of Cooks “Allan Pollard tional flavour of the event. Memrorial” quick time. This years classic really belonged to just one man—Brooke Tatnell. Tatnell was virtually unstoppable in the Krikke Motorsport entry and was only twice beaten in race situations, once by Cameron Gessner in a heat on Saturday and then again by Ryan Farrell on Sunday, also in a heat.
Grand annual Sprintcar Classic a financial bonanza(?) Based on quotes from David Mills, General Manager Premier Speedway, the 2009 GASC should be a financial bonanza given that 7500 people attended the The quality of the field was reflected in meeting on the first night with 11500 the time trials and then the heat racing. people on the final night. The overall event had a great atmosphere due in part to the decision of 3 Victorian car owners in deciding to import American drivers to compliment
Four drivers including fast man Ash Cook broke Danny Lasoski’s one lap record in qualifying and all but three drivers were within less than one and a
Then in the heats no driver was able to win any more than one heat per night. Tatnell went closest with a pair of wins and a pair of seconds to earn him pole for the feature. For the second straight year the main event ran 40 laps non-stop.
BENDIGO Grant Phillips Franchise Owner 261 High Street Kangaroo Flat Victoria Australia 3555 Tel: +613 5447 0009 Fax: +613 5447 2229 Email: bendigo@pedders.com.au Multi Award Winning store Top Regional 03, 04, 06, 07. Top Store 2005.
Very few teams packed up and “sooked” off after a poor performance on night one. Even those who tore up cars, such as Brett Milburn (who also tore up the fence), Wayne Johnson, Jason Tranter and Mitchell Dumesny all repaired chassis damage and returned to race on night two knowing full well quick fix on the fence after Milburn they were really up against it. tried to tear it down. Once again Rob Rankin’s supreme welding skills were called upon to do a
www.racermagazineaustralia.com.au
ROLLING THUNDER Racing E News/Magazine
6
Pictorial highlights of the GASC:
the Jacobs ladder on the car. Stewart still Check out the graphics on the Mathew Reed Westside Honda #92 highlighting moved forward to the contribution by the great Danny Smith to the Australian Sprintcar scene over eventually finish in 2nd the past 26 years.. Well done Matty!. Pic by Brett Swanson place. Pic by Brett Former Victorian 125cc GP Motorcycle and Sprintcar racer Colin Bulmer jumped Swanson.
Fellow Victorian Rod Mathews decided to import WoO star, Terry McCarl, to take up the driving position in the PEX Exhaust #9 machine. This oil leak, while looking spectacular was not really an issue for McCarl or the team. The Altoona, Iowa veteran brought the machine home in a strong 5th place in the final in only his third appearance at the fast little bullring. Pic by Frosty Pics.
back into the winged warriors in a big way putting together a new car and team and then getting silky smooth Shane Stewart out from the USA to steer it over the long weekend (right). Stewart rewarded Bulmer’s faith aboard the USA2 Bayaire Industries Eagle by claiming second on the last lap. In the feature event Stewart clipped the wall coming out of turn 2 whilst checking his gauges as a result of the oil smoke coming off the headers. The impact broke
www.racermagazineaustralia.com.au
ROLLING THUNDER Racing E News/Magazine
7
Randy Hannagan (below) in the Harry Droste USA36 normally driven by finished mid field in the B Main. Darren Russell put on the charge of the race finishing strongly in 4th place Pic by Brett Swanson. after storming through the field from the 17th starting position. With a mid race yellow Hannagan may have been able to finish even higher up Danny Smith (below) returned the list. Pic by Brett Swanson down under with his own equipment ably supported Phil Johnson, Carl Ludeman, John Sidney and a number of sponsors including Ian Grant. Things started brilliantly after scoring a win in the Adelaide round of World Series on boxing day but from there they weren’t so good. At what was probably his last Classic, Smith was caught in the wrong place at the wrong time on more than one occasion, sadly keeping him from having a real impact. Pic by Brett Swanson
Also from the USA was Wayne Johnson (right) driving the #V39 of Brett Smith. After crashing on the first night the chassis had to undergo some fixing prior to the final nights racing. Wayne was certainly up with fast guys on the final night but was reportedly still suffering some discomfort from his earlier crash. This wasn’t helped when he slammed into a stricken Eddie Lumbar who’d hit the wall after a Max Dumesny slide job had resulted in contact. Johnson www.racermagazineaustralia.com.au
ROLLING THUNDER Racing E News/Magazine
8
Chris Campbell running an ASCS 360 engine was very competitive throughout the event given his obvious engine capacity disadvantage. His aerial display in the back straight will also be remembered by the fans and Chris…..How high did he go!. Incredibly the car stood up to the impact extremely well as did Chris. Pic by Brett Swanson
Nick Lacey (above right) is getting faster and faster. The mere fact he made the final with over 60 cars competing at the event, suggests he is one to watch in the future and will be as good as both his Australian Championship winning father, Brett, and Grandfather, Ray “Nippa” Lacey. Pic Brett Swanson.
The presentation of most of the cars was superb, none more so than the T55 of Jamie Bricknell (winner of the best presented car & crew—above) and the N94 of Darryl Campbell (right). Well done guys . Pics by Brett Swanson
www.racermagazineaustralia.com.au
ROLLING THUNDER Racing E News/Magazine
9
Grand Annual Sprintcar Classic Statistics Pos. Driver State 1 Garry Rush NSW 2 Danny Smith USA 3 Max Dumesny Vic 4 Brooke Tatnell NSW 5 Kerry Madsen NSW 6 Donny Schatz USA 7 Jac Haudenschild USA 8 Skip Jackson NSW 9 Garry Brazier NSW 10 Bill Wigzell SA 11 Jimmy Sills USA 12 Jack Hewitt USA 13 Danny Lasoski USA 14 Zeke Agars SA 15 Sid Hopping NSW 16 Trevor Green SA 17 Joey Saldana USA 18 Steve Brazier NSW 19 Greame McCubbinVic 20 Shane Stewart USA 21 Bill Barrows SA 22 Gerry Clarke Tas 23 Kevin Yoeman Vic 24 Bob Aylesbury SA 25 Les Harrower Vic 26 John Walsh NSW 27 Mike Ward USA 28 Greg Hodnett USA 29 Chad Kemanah USA 30 Jason Johnson USA 31 Phil March SA 32 Alan Jones SA 33 Dave Pollock NSW 34 Noel Bradford WA 35 Brett Lacey Vic 36 Sid Moore NSW 37 Ian Lewis Vic 38 George Tatnell NSW
Wins 7 6 3 3 3 2 2 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
2nd's 3rd's 7 2 3 2 5 5 1 2 1 1 1 1 1
2 1 1 1 1 1
2 2 2 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
3 1 1 1
BENDIGO 2 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
Grant Phillips Franchise Owner 261 High Street Kangaroo Flat Victoria Australia 3555 Tel: +613 5447 0009 Fax: +613 5447 2229 Email: bendigo@pedders.com.au Multi Award Winning store Top Regional 03, 04, 06, 07. Top Store 2005.
www.racermagazineaustralia.com.au
ROLLING THUNDER Racing E News/Magazine
10
DRIVERS FROM PAST Do you know who these drivers are???
Darryl Campbell Great paint job!.
www.racermagazineaustralia.com.au
ROLLING THUNDER Racing E News/Magazine Australian Sprintcar Championship. Finishing positions A-Main 1. A1 Garry Brazier 2. S4 Trevor Green 3. W95 Ryan Farrell 4. W2 Brooke Tatnell 5. N18 Ian Loudoun 6. Q7 Robbie Farr 7. V45 Steven Lines 8. V5 Max Dumesny 9. W8 David Priolo 10. W51 David Murcott 11. W45 Daryl Clayden 12. W99 Jamie Maiolo 13. W87 Carl Dowling 14. NT11 Warrenne Ekins 15. V37 Grant Anderson 16. S24 Ricky Maiolo 17. W17 Luch Monte 18. V35 Jamie Veal 19. NT5 Danny Reidy 20. Q25 Andrew Scheuerle 21. N10 Adrian Maher 22. W34 Kris Coyle 23. W21 Mark Wells 24. W44 Ben Ellement B-Main 1. Q25 Andrew Scheuerle 2. W87 Carl Dowling 3. W21 Mark Wells 4. V35 Jamie Veal 5. S24 Ricky Maiolo 6. W18 Scott Reilly 7. W82 Steven Ford
11
8. W59 Kane Manuel 9. W5 David Hall 10. W57 Shaun Bradford 11. Q29 James McFadden 12. Q16 Bryan Mann 13. S91 Ashley Cook 14. NT61 Alan Barlee 15. W68 Jodi Waldron 16. W11 Jason Kendrick 17. W35 Wayne Russell 18. W65 Shannon Peet C Main 1. W65 Shannon Peet 2. W35 Wayne Russell 3. W97 Mark Hales 4. W66 Robert Watson Jrn 5. NT14 Matt Brown 6. N77 Mitchell Dumesny 7. W25 Scott Milling 8. W55 Darren Mewett 9. W98 Adyme Harvey 10. W32 Garry Miller 11. W83 Troy Lawson 12. W15 Greg Fisher 13. W53 Matt Muir 14. N36 Eddie Lumbar 15. W88 Grant Bevan 16. W71 Jamie Moon
Sprint Car Series (ASCS) engines that have proved so successful in Victoria over the past few years. This bolt on weight option was presented to 360 drivers in Victoria at the recent All Stars event held at Simpson Speedway on 17th January 2009. Phil Lock was the winner of the event with an SCCA 360 engine.
360 Sprintcar drivers from South Australia have presented a “bolt on No doubt there will be plenty of discusengine weight� option to the Sprintcar sion regarding 360 Sprintcar engines Control Council of Australia (SCCA) for specifications over the coming months. their analysis which may pave the way for the current SCCA steel headed 360 engines to compete with the American
AMB Timing System for Hire.
AMB timing system is available for hire to speedways throughout Australia. Up to 140 transponders and 3 decoders are available. For further information, contact Chris Olsson on 0410 308 398 or Ray Solomon on 0407 801 513.
www.racermagazineaustralia.com.au
ROLLING THUNDER Racing E News/Magazine Australian Sprintcar Championships Statistics Pos. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32
33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40
Driver State Wins Garry Rush NSW 10 Garry Brazier NSW 6 Dick Britton NSW 5 Max Dumesny Vic 3 Brooke Tatnell NSW 3 Steve Brazier NSW 2 Jim Winterbottom NSW 2 Ron Krikke WA 2 Graeme McCubbin Vic 1 George Tatnell NSW 1 Robbie Farr NSW 1 Kerry Madsen NSW 1 Brett Lacey Vic 1 Bill Willis Vic 1 Bill Warner NSW 1 Noel Bradford WA 1 Bill Wigzell SA 1 Bob Tunks NSW 1 John Moyle SA 1 Todd Wanless Qld 1 Phil March SA 1 Skip Jackson NSW 1 Les Harrower Vic Ray Brett NSW Ryan Farrell WA Ray Forrest NSW Ray Skipper NSW Dave Lander NSW Joe Skruise NSW Phil Hereen SA Alan Jones SA Jimmy Sills USA
Alf Barbagallo Bill Barrows Bob Kelly Lee Foster David Anderson Paul Lindberg Trevor Green Mark Wells
WA SA Qld WA NSW Qld SA WA
2nd's 3rd's 3 5 3 1 1 6 4 2 3 1 2 2 2 2 1 1 1 1 1 1
1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
1 1 1 1 1 1 1
3 3 2 1
2 1 1
Pos.
41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56
Driver
State Wins 2nd's 3rd's
Cameron Gessnor Qld George Polley NSW Tony Ward NSW Peter Dickerson NSW Wayne Fisher SA Ron Clark Vic Ron Smith Vic David Conlon Vic Tim Moncrieff Tas Ian Samms NSW Nippa Lacey Vic John Walsh NSW Ian Lewis Vic Rod Bowen NSW Nathan McDonald.Qld Ian Loudon NSW
2 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
Individual Winners from each state Pos. Pos. Wins 1 NSW 12 2 Vic 4 3 SA 3 4 WA 2 5 Qld 1 Individual Podiums from each state Pos. Pos. 1 NSW 23 2 Vic 10 3 SA 8 4 WA 6 5 Qld 5 6 Tas 1 USA 1
2
Statistics courtesy of Kevin Reeves
www.racermagazineaustralia.com.au
12
ROLLING THUNDER Racing E News/Magazine LACK WINS HARD FOUGHT AUSTRALIAN TITLE Story & Photos by Peter Whitten Twenty-two year old Wangaratta mechanic, Chris Lack, has survived some of the toughest conditions imaginable to take out the Australian Championship for Production Sedans at the Wangaratta speedway on Saturday night.
13
afternoon. When the Production Sedans final started at 9.45pm, the temperature was still 39 degrees. After four heats, Holt and his Falconpowered Cortina went into the final the favourite, with Western Australian Ron Belfield (Holden Torana) and Stephen Laidlaw (Commodore) pushing him hard.
But from the start of the 35 lap final it was clear that the race was going to In weather conditions which can only be a battle of survival. There were be described as brutal, Lack survived stoppages galore as cars spun off the track, hit the concrete wall and retired the 35 lap final to win the title, in a with mechanical problems. By the time An exhausted Chris Lack celebrates his Australian race which claimed three quarters of 15 laps had been completed, only nine Title win, after a 35 lap final that lasted 90 minutes. the field. of the original 20 finalists were left, The Holden Commodore driver fought with locals Shane Box and Trevor Mills victory was left to Holt and Lack. after an incident packed race. Holt a battle for most of the final with Port- already out of the running. was fifth – the last of the finishers in a land’s Adam Holt (Ford Cortina), but Holt was expected to hold on, but race that claimed some of the counHolt spun on the second last lap, ena- The race looked like being a battle beLack wasn’t backing down and amaztry’s best Production Sedan drivers. tween the experienced Belfield and bling Lack to take victory ahead of the young charger, Holt. However the ingly worked his way to the lead, Broken Hill’s Clint Jones, and Danny Despite the scorching weather condipair came together on lap 21, with the much to the delight of the parochial Harrison from Leeton. Wangaratta crowd. Try as he might, tions, the Wangaratta Motor Sports West Australian being sent to the rear Holt couldn’t retake the lead, and Club were praised for their running of As the state of Victoria baked in record of the field for his part in the incident. when he spun with just a lap and a the national championship. Track contemperatures, Wangaratta was no difhalf remaining, his challenge was over. ditions were ideal, and although crowd ferent. The two-day event put drivers In the meantime, Lack had been slownumbers were lower than expected ing chipping away at the leaders, and, and their machines under extreme A jubilant Lack took the chequered due to the extreme heat, those in atstress, with 41 degree heat on Friday, now up to second place, he saw his flag and did a lap of honour, with his tendance were treated to some brilchance of a home town victory. When followed by 46 degrees on Saturday fellow Wangaratta drivers the first to liant racing. two-time Australian Champion, congratulate him. Clinton Jones and Stephen Laidlaw, hit the wall and reDanny Harrison survived the drama to In the support categories, the winners tired on lap 27, and Belfield was disfinish second and third, while Leeton’s were: Luke Dinsdale (Vic Sports Sequalified two laps later, the fight for Rodney “Angry” Anderson was fourth dans), Jake Mills (VSC Juniors), Gary
www.racermagazineaustralia.com.au
ROLLING THUNDER Racing E News/Magazine
14
Evans (Standard Saloons), and Kay Howie (Ladies).
Final Results; PRODUCTION SEDANS – AUSTRALIAN TITLE 1. Chris Lack (Wangaratta), Holden After the success of their biggest Commodore meeting of the season, racing returns 2. Clint Jones (Broken Hill), Holden to the WINSEC Securities Wangaratta Commodore City Raceway on February 21. For fur- 3. Danny Harrison (Leeton), Holden ther information go to the club’s web- Commodore site at www.wangcityspeedway.org.au 4. Rodney Anderson (Leeton), Ford Falcon Adam Holt (Portland), Ford Cortina
Above Ron Watts tried hard in his colourful Commodore, but failed to make the 20-car final of the Production Sedans. Left Wangaratta’s Chris Lack leads the field on his way to victory in the Australian Championship for Production Sedans on Saturday night.
www.racermagazineaustralia.com.au
ROLLING THUNDER Racing E News/Magazine
Hickman Stars - what a way to end 2008. Fire Service Plus Sprintcar All Star’s are all still celebrating the awesome win by current Series Champion Darren Hickman at Avalon Raceway on Boxing night. Hickman’s #40 J&J put on an awesome race on the traditional Boxing Night A Main event with a field of 30 plus Sprintcar’s. Want to receive future “We had a couple of our 360 comcopies of ROLLING THUNDER petitors decide to have a run and Racing E News/Magazine support the S.R.A Via email ? at Avalon just to Register now by emailing get some laps and have some fun,
15
never even considering the chance of winning the main event” says series Promoter Mandy Searle. “Darren told me he thought he would have a run at Avalon before he had some time off to go fishing – he mentioned that his original ambition was to just qualify in the A, that would have been enough to satisfy his night. To walk away with a feature win was just amazing!” “The jovial Bendigo competitor is such a gracious guy everyone from the All Star’s are just so pleased for him. At Round 3 at Mildura’s Timmis Speedway #V3 Phil Lock managed to swoop past Hickman to take the feature win. At the Presentation straight after the event anyone would have thought Darren won the race himself. He was so happy for Phil, shaking everyone’s hands and beaming from ear to ear, telling everyone Locky won, Hickman (above left) slides underneath Grant Locky won - how awesome for him !” His sports- Anderson to take the lead and then (above manship in a real credit” laughs Mandy. “What a high right) celebrates atop the rollcage of his Deep Creek Marina Hotel V40. for 360’s to finish the year and this is Griffey (Front) Hill (Behind) side by side at Avalon the way we want to start the New Year- on the same high”
ray@fmg.au.com www.racermagazineaustralia.com.au
ROLLING THUNDER Racing E News/Magazine
2 IN A ROW FOR LOCK Fire Service Plus All Stars put on the fireworks at Simpson Raceway on January 17. After 2 attempts to get the start underway the feature developed into a great battle between the top 5 cars. It was taken out by local town hero #V4 Phil Lock. This was a deserving win as Lock lead the last half of the race but was being challenged by #V11 Brad Foster in the final laps. Phil was congratulated by a huge crowd at the Presentation all obviously proud of their local boy. Foster had his best result for the season finally giving some encouragement and confidence to the team for all their hard work and effort.
ADVERTISE Advertise in future editions of ROLLING THUNDER Racing E News/ Magazine. Rates $110 per page, $55 per half page, $27.50 per quarter page. Contact Ray Solomon email ray@fmg.au.com
A strong car count of 23 cars were in force to support the Series and the night was certainly action packed with current 1st & 2nd placed in the Series both having eventful nights. #V40 Darren Hickman sustained major car damage after taking out his first Heat win. His Wife Sandi offered to step out of her #V30 mount to let hubbie take over for the night. “Darren was not too sure about this and told me he would have preferred to let Sandi have the experience and it wasn’t fair to let her sit out for the night” says Mandy Searle, “but I guess they can sort that out over breaky this morning!” Tony Bartlett’s # SA75 Cool Chassis of Colin Brooks also had dramas with Colin having to go to rear after a 2nd push start at the start of the feature after lining up in position 3. #V53 Tony Moule also sustained major damage hitting the wall hard on the main straight at the 2nd attempt to start the feature. Tony was fine but his car not so lucky. Terang’s V61 Ricky Barrand was also taken out in this stoppage. “If I can only get this monkey off my back and get to finish a race this season I will be rapt” – tells Ricky, after a season so far he would prefer to forget. ACT’s #8 Shaun Forrell took at fairly hard dump in the B Main ending his nights racing abruptly. After what had been a good start to the night ACT’s # 26 Ben Reid lined up in position 10 in the A only to be another car involved
16 in the mishaps at the start of the A. “Ben hasn’t had much seat time lately and I am sure the team would have been happy with his night overall” Mandy tells us. Final placing as follows – 1st - V4 Phil Lock, 2nd - V11Brad Foster, 3rd - V7 Paul Solomon, 4th - V83 Chris Solomon, 5th - SA83 Shannon Barry, 6th -V24 Chris Campbell, 7th - V30 Darren Hickman, 8th – S11 Karl Ender, 9th - S75 Colin Brooks, 10th Colin Barker. Heat wins were taken out by SA11 Karl Enderl, V40 Darren Hickman, SA83 Shannon Barry, V25 David Cook, SA75 Colin Brooks, and V53 Tony Moule. Contingency Prizes winners Idigit $50 Lucky Draw – Gavin Taylor, Red Ed Sheds Lucky 7’s – Darren Hickman, Hoosier A Main – Phil Lock, 1-11 Last Man
Standing – Karl Enderl, Fire Service Plus Hot Arse – Mark Charge Smileys Hard Charger – Darren Hickman.
www.racermagazineaustralia.com.au
ROLLING THUNDER Racing E News/Magazine FINALLY DREW WINS THE CLASSIC AT AVALON RACEWAY
17
sliced his way into the runner up spot start in the final. Another driver who while Cockerill managed to fend off impressed was Mount Gambier’s Chris Victorian champion Andrew Blackwell Hayden who failed to start the final for third. Anthony Wilson rounded out due to low oil pressure in his Falcon. A Local hero and former national cham- the top 5. heat win and a pair of second place pion Justin Drew finally added the results also had him well placed for Modified Production West Coast Classic “It was a great night for Justin as he the final. to his impressive list of achievements has wanted to win this event for so when he defeated a quality field at long. This was the thirty first running James McDonald shot to the lead of Avalon Raceway on Saturday night, of the West Coast Classic and Justin the Junior Sedan feature following a January 10. Defending event winner was quick to say that this win rates restart with four laps remaining to Mark Carlin raced into second while alongside his national title win a few take the win. Jesse Nicholas enjoyed a early race leader Darren Cockerill filled years ago,” explained Avalon Raceway great run in his Daihatsu Charade until the final podium position. spokesman Jeff Drew. he left the bottom of the track wide Cockerill maneuvered his Monaro to open at the restart allowing McDonald the early lead and ran the low side of Hetherington failed to finish the event through to the lead. Hayden Reeves the circuit ensuring any challenges due to steering failure mid race. Ear- filled third place in a great display of would have to come around the out- lier, Hetherington won two heat races racing from the future stars of the side. Drew quickly found himself in before a power steering belt failed in sport. second while Mick Hetherington also his third heat to deny him a front row made a great start to be in the top 3. Four laps in and the red lights halted proceedings when Graham Cox exited in spectacular fashion barrel rolling his Victory spoils for Drew Chrysler in turn 1. Fortunately Cox © CLT Photography 08 Cassie Tuckett managed to walk away from the scene unharmed. Controversy then followed when Cox removed the ignition key from the car of the driver he believed responsible for helping him over and a short delay followed as a replacement ignition switch was borrowed from another competitor! Cockerill led away however Drew made his outside move for the lead work and popular local never looked back taking a commanding win. Carlin
South Australian Mathew Coombs raced to the Speedcar feature win from multiple Victorian Speedcar champion Darren Power and Tim Crouch in third. Coombs was the inaugural winner of the Dot Allwell Memorial and her husband Frank was on hand to witness the race. Queenslander Clayton Walker rounded out the top four finishers. The V8 Dirt Modifieds were also in action on Saturday night and Trevor Perry impressed everyone with his excellent drive in the final to win comfortably. Daryl Hickson raced into second and Tony Moore scored third. Troy Scott raced into fourth while Avalon Raceway spokesman Jeff Drew found enough time to race his way into fifth driving son Scott’s V8 Dirt Modified. 2008/2009 AVALON RACEWAY SEASON RACE DATES March 7 – Sprintcars SRA Eureka Series R9 (Great Southern Showdown), V8 Dirt Modifieds, Street Stocks March 21 - Wingless Sprints, Super Rods, Junior Sedans, Modified Production Sedans April 10 – Sprintcars Easter Trail Night 1, Super Rods, 4 Cylinder Demo Derby, Fireworks
www.racermagazineaustralia.com.au
ROLLING THUNDER Racing E News/Magazine KANE’S SUCCESS AT AVALON NSSS Queensland Super Sedan champion Darren Kane dashed to the lead late in the National Super Sedan Series final held at Geelong’s Avalon Raceway on Saturday night, January 17. On a perfect night for racing, Kane enjoyed the spoils of the racing victory while Combined Waste Services fittingly sponsored the wildly popular Great Aussie Dunny Derby that thrilled the fans.
‘pocket rocket’ Formula 500’s also pro- Tasmanian Brad Smith however vided some popular results. gained the early ascendancy in the 35 lap final only to succumb to the “It was a full night of racing and we pressure from the duo behind. Pasappreciate the fans sticking with us to coe was committed to the highline enjoy one of the most entertaining on a rougher than usual surface that Dunny Derby’s we have ever seen,” provided plenty of exciting moments explained Avalon Raceway’s Jeff Drew. as he raced around the top. Just when Queensland Super Sedan ace Matt Pascoe looked to have the race win sewn up, Kane shot to the lead with only three laps left to run to
Darren Kane caught with the elbows and the wheels up in this brilliant pic by Geoff Gracie (left) was the A v a l o n round winner of the National Super Sedan Series recently. It was another action packed night of entertainment with a great family atmosphere as a healthy crowd enjoyed some close and exciting racing from not only the NSSS, but also the Modified Production Sedans while the
18
Kane eventually crossed the line to win the final ahead of Pascoe and Smith who performed exceptionally well to round out the top 3 finishers. Young New South Wales racer Lachlin Onley finished next followed by Wayne Brims, Shane Best, David Nicholls, Tony Barklimore and Ron Bergmeier. In a race that featured a high attrition rate, Bill Miller, Danny Amato and Lionel West were non finishers. Mick Nicola’s spectacular run also finished after he made unavoidable contact with a slowing Jarrod Harper on the back straight. Ron Pyne, Jack Childs, Sam Hughes, Craig Lappin, Mick Doblo and Steve Vaughan were other notable competitors to not finish.
steal a memorable win. Pascoe and Kane were heavily favoured pre race and they didn’t disappoint with their side by side battle proving to be a highlight.
“It was an exciting and dramatic finish to the NSSS round and it looked like Pascoe couldn’t run the bottom and slipped up track allowing Kane to shoot through to the win. Sometimes those late race cautions help you and it cer-
tainly helped Kane last night,” explained Drew. Local ace and former national champion Justin Drew has found some great form recently as he sped to the win in the Modified Production Sedan final. Being a series round, Drew outran some quality opponents including Mark Carlin who finished second while Victorian champion Andrew Blackwell filled third. Graham West also looked set for a strong finish in his Torana until contact with another competitor sent him spinning infield. Narre Warren youngster Liam Williams cruised to an easy win during the Formula 500 final. Victorian champion Jessica Moulden kept him honest while Jesse Ellston performed well to race his way into third. The Formula 500’s created some close racing from the future stars of the sport as the category has produced such names as Jamie Veal, Tim Rankin and Darren Mollenoyux in recent years.
www.racermagazineaustralia.com.au
ROLLING THUNDER Racing E News/Magazine
19
DREW DOMINATES VMPA AT AVALON fey across the line separated by paint their heats to claim victory. In heat nine a thicknesses in a decision to decide second start by Bryan Hart and Russell Hill had to January 17th saw the return of the ‘Bass from third. Nathan Drew couldn’t get his be aborted when Hill was squashed up Highway Waste’ Victorian Modified Produc- new VZ Commodore to fire and Russell Hill against the wall ripping out the front end tion Association to Geelong’s Avalon Race- shredded a tyre and pulled infield without of his car leaving it out for the evening. way for the second time after a number of a race start after a coming together with Hart was deemed the cause of the acciseason’s absence from the venue and the Kellie Atkins in the first attempt to get heat dent and sent to the rear of the field for fans were treated to a wonderful display of one underway. the restart. Blackwell didn’t get to start his racing from all the drivers especially the heat either as his window net fell down winner, Avalon’s own Justin Drew. H4) Watts, Blackwell, R.Hill when a bolt broke holding it up before the H5) Carlin, Drew in action © CLT Photography 08 Cassie Tuckett Backing up from a win the previous week Griffey, Verat the same venue Drew led high point’s hoeven scorer Mark Carlin and Victorian state H6) Wilson, champion Andrew Blackwell home in front Hetheringof the large crowd. This weeks racing ton, Drew brought together the series travelers like Blackwell, Graham West, David Smith, Jer- Calvin Watts emy McClure, Anthony Wilson, Phil Pottage showed imand Neil Watson up against local regulars pressive Drew, Carlin, Mick Hetherington and Calvin ability to Watts. hold off Blackwell In a change from the usual three sets of from last green flag could be waved to send the two heats Avalon were able to give the two second in taking victory with Carlin heat racing. VMPA nine heat races to determine the getting by Griffey who had held off Carlin qualifiers for the all important 25 lap final. for 7 laps also a fantastic heat race. The The 25 lap feature race for round four of Mark Carlin in the ‘Vickery Brothers Ground final heat in this round had four of the the ‘Bass Highway Waste’ VMPA series had spread’ BF Falcon rode out a clean sweep states best in a close finish when Wilson a grid for eighteen starters. of his three heats winning them all with defeated Hetherington, Drew and West The race got away with Drew stamping his Drew taking two heat wins to clinch the who all crossed the line within half a secauthority early by claiming the lead coming second position on the front row. ond of each other. out of turn two down the back straight for H1) Blackwell, Watts, Hetherington H2) Drew, Smith, Kenny Griffey H3) Carlin, West, Wilson The most impressive of first round heat winners was Drew coming from sixth to take victory in his heat which also seen a wonderful battle between Smith and Grif-
H7) Drew, Watts, Hetherington H8) Smith, McClure, West H9) Carlin, Wilson, Atkins
the first time. Carlin and Watts tucked in behind him with the rest of the field 10 metres back in their own battle for position. West in the LJ Torana was going on strong moving through the field to challenge the front runners as was Blackwell.
Whilst Drew romped to victory from the front row of his heat both Smith and Carlin Watts was the first major casualty to drop had to push through from the third row in out of the race when a he had the tyre
come off the rim. Unfortunate part about it is that this could have been avoided if only Watts had bead locks which he hasn’t gotten around to purchase. West had a moment in turn two where he came off the race track and lost ground from the top four and slipped back through the field after re-joining in about tenth. Michael Solomon in the BMW 2.8 litre pulled infield with smoke coming from under the bonnet when a rod broke in the engine whilst Griffey pulled infield when he lost fuel pressure due to damage on the adjuster of the regulator. Out front it was Drew who led all the way and went on to record victory ahead of constant adversary Mark Carlin and Blackwell, Smith, Watson and the field. After victory Drew had this to say “We are on our way right now. Everything about the car feels good and it’s coming around to state title time with events at Murray Bridge and Warrnambool coming up. I’d like to thank my family (the Drew’s) for getting the VMPA event back on the calendar for this season and look forward to more good fortune in the coming weeks.” The series now heads to Moama for January 24th and round five of the ‘Bass Highway Waste’ series with points at the top end interesting given that Drew who has won two rounds didn’t compete in round two and failed to finish round three. Blackwell has finished with a fourth, second, first and a third across the four features run and looks to be the man they all need to defeat.
www.racermagazineaustralia.com.au
ROLLING THUNDER Racing E News/Magazine
lead on the opening turn ahead of Lines and Rankin.
MOLLENOYUX WINS EUREKA SERIES AT HORSHAM.
Lap traffic was heavy at times and with the track wearing, Mollenoyux handled the conditions extremely well and pulled away from the rest of the pack and at one stage even had series leader Reed in sights to lap.
Warrnambool’s Darren Mollenoyux has reduced the gap between himself and Eureka Garages and Sheds Sprintcar Series leader Matthew Reed to just 50points after a convincing win ahead of South Australian Glen Sutherland and Victorian Mike Van Bremen last night (January 10) in the sixth round at Horsham’s Blue Ribbon Raceway. Mollenoyux was highest on points after the qualifying heat races, with his only blemish of the night coming in the top six time trial where he set the third fastest time, which meant he had to start the 30-lap final from the second row, rather than pole position. South Australian Steven Lines was prominent with quick time, moving himself to pole position for the main event. Simpson youngster Tim Rankin was the big mover after qualifying sixth on points, he then set the second fast-
20
est time to set up a mouth watering front row alongside Lines. Sutherland, Brett Milburn and Carl Ludeman were also strong qualifiers in the top six leading into the round six
Youngsters Lines and Rankin raced closely, which proved their undoing with a handful of laps remaining the pair became caught up in turn four and lost multiple positions. This opened the door for Sutherland, who has been closing in on a big result Eureka Garages and Sheds Series fea- and Horsham was his night as he held ture race. on for second place. Van Bremen started the final from seventh position The 30-lap event went non stop in and looked solid throughout the 30front of a large Horsham crowd, with laps to record third place. Mollenoyux sliding through for the race One of the drives of the night went to last seasons rookie Sprintcar racer Harley Bishop. The renowned
www.racermagazineaustralia.com.au
ROLLING THUNDER Racing E News/Magazine Speedcar racer won the B-Main event to qualify for the final, where he started 13th on the grid. With a perfect setup, Bishop rattled around Blue Ribbon Raceway passing nine cars to finish fourth ahead of Lines, Milburn, Rankin and Reed. Eureka Series regular Ron Dalton had a strong night at the office, qualifying 11th for the final to eventually finish ninth ahead of Ashley Bourke, Carl Ludeman, Nick Lacey, Phil Lock, Charles Hunter and Dennis Jones. Three time series winner John Vogels was the only casualty from the final, pulling infield during the race. The top three podium drivers all showed wearing signs of a 30-lap non stop race, with winner Mollenoyux crediting his crew for building a new car through the week. “Full credit to the crew – it’s a new car we built through the week. We got a little bit lucky at the start to hit the lead, we stuck in on the bottom and the car stuck nicely. I didn’t make any mistakes throughout the race and was actually surprised how quick the feature went, the chequered flag took me by surprise, but I was very happy to see it,” said Mollenoyux.
the car on the podium, the cars been going really well and everything has jelled together tonight. Hopefully we can continue on from here,” the South Australian said. Van Bremen had an up and down first half of the season, but the third place now gives him a good foundation for the remaining four rounds of the Eureka Series. “We’ve fell behind in points a bit lately, so this result has helped us keep in touch with the leaders. It was a tough race 30-laps non stop, which was pretty exciting,” he said. Earlier in the night 29 cars took the track for six heat races that seen a lot of exciting passing, with wins going to Reed, Lines, Sutherland, Ludeman, Mollenoyux and Dalton. The next round of the Eureka Garages and Sheds Series will be held at Hamilton’s Western Speedway on February 21.
21 6-16 in A-Main – V23 Ashley Bourke (10th) D&F RACING PRODUCTS Hard Luck of the Night – V11 Brad Foster CASCADE SOLUTIONS FOR CLEANING 5th place in B-Main ($100) – V51 Peter Milnes SMILEY’S RACING PRODUCTS Discount Voucher for 1st place in BMain– V91 Harley Bishop JOHN SIDNEY RACING most cars passed in A-Main (end of series award) – V91 Harley Bishop Overall leader – 1st V91 Harley Bishop (23), 2nd V6 Mike Van Bremen (14) 3rd V73 Charles Hunter (13) HIGH ACE WINGS most B-Main main wins (end of series award) winner on the night – V91 Harley Bishop RACER INDUSTRIES most heat wins during series (winners on the night) – V91 Matthew Reed, V45 Steven Lines, S20 Glen Sutherland, V14 Carl Ludeman, V52 Darren Mollenoyux, V44 Ron Dalton. Series Overall – Equal 1st V52 D Mollenoyux, S97 D Murcott, V9 Rod Matthews, V92 Matthew Reed, 3 heat wins each.
Eureka Garages and Sheds
:
Series Vmoto top ten
1st. V92 Matthew Reed – 1827 2nd. V52 Darren Mollenoyux - 1777 3rd. V6 Mike Van Bremen - 1652 4th. V91 Harley Bishop - 1460 5th. V47 Tim Rankin - 1446 6th. V9 Rod Matthews - 1429 7th. V68 Brett Milburn - 1410 8th. V37 Grant Anderson - 1330 9th. V70 John Vogels – 1322 10th. V14 Carl Ludeman - 1297
The EUREKA GARAGES & SHEDS Super Sprint Series sponsors: EUREKA GARAGES & SHEDS, VMOTO, JOHN SIDNEY RACING, D&F RACING PRODUCTS, MAXAM PRINTING, COREY GIBSON PHOTOGRAPHY, AMERICAN TIRE & RACING SERVICES, HI ACE WINGS, CAMDEN NEON SIGNS, RACER INDUSTRIES, SPRINTCARWORLD, SMILEY’S RACING PRODUCTS, LACEY PANEL WORKS, CASCADE SOLUTIONS FOR CLEANING.
Eureka Garages and Sheds Sprintcar Series contingency awards: LACEY PANEL WORKS ($100) Top
Sutherland was rapt with his second Point Scorer – V52 Darren Molplace, admitting both himself and the lenoyux car jelled together. AMERICAN RACER TIRE Award
(New American Racer R/R) ran-
“It’s been a long time coming to get dom draw between finish position
www.racermagazineaustralia.com.au
ROLLING THUNDER Racing E News/Magazine PITCHER PERFECT AT ROSEDALE
The SDAV Rods returned to Rosedale for ‘Open Wheel Night’ with seven of their finest making it into the pit enclosure before cut off time. A new edition to the category was Ron Gilligan in the # 92 ‘L & L Smash Repairs’ race car whilst Vaughan Matthey didn’t make it into the pit enclosure before cut off and missed the chance to debut in the category however his crew stayed on to help others. There was also a welcome return to Allan Pitcher after recovering from burns suffered at Portland’s Southern 500 Speedway earlier in the season. The first of three heats began with Kali Hovey and Pitcher on the front row and Pitcher sporting 7 Steel sponsorship on his #7 self made race car made the most of the front row start leading all the way from Jenkins who assumed second position right from the first lap and was able to hold that position ahead of Hovey, Dean West, Ray Welsh (#75 Donna’s Hair Designs) and Ron Gilligan until the finish. Glenn Lawless had a
22
rotten start to the night when bolts West and Jenkins front row with the broke on the axle and he pulled infield Victorian Champion Jenkins leading after lap one. upto lap four before Pitcher roared on past. Pitcher held the lead until lap West in the # 4 ‘Blackwood’s Industrial seven when he came off turn two and Supply’ car started pole position in spun and the car caught fire. No lastheat two and had Pitcher alongside ing or serious damage was caused and him. Once more Pitcher hit the lead the car whilst Jenkins recorded the win quickly with Jenkins claiming second from West, Welsh, Hovey, Gilligan and spot on lap two from West. Hovey was Lawless (#99 AJD Autotech) who was suffering major handling issues with pleased to finish his first race of the her car and she dropped back through evening having missed out the second the field whilst Pitcher had a second all heat repairing the axle. the way victory of the evening from Jenkins, West, Welsh, Gilligan and The feature race grid lined up as folHovey. lows: Phil Jenkins The final heat of the evening had a Allan Pitcher
Dean West Ray Welsh Kali Hovey Ron Gilligan Glenn Lawless It was a great start for the # 1 P & S Automotive Services race car of Jenkins as he led early from Pitcher and West. Pitcher though assumed the race lead by lap 4 with Jenkins tucked in second. On lap twelve West spun and lost third place to Hovey who also had spun earlier in the race. The battle between Jenkins, West and Hovey was fierce and clean whilst Pitcher headed to victory. West reclaimed third spot from Hovey on the final lap with Pitcher, Jenkins, West, Hovey (# 22 Dandenong Iron Foundry), Welsh, Gilligan and Lawless being the final results. The next round of the Thunder Down Under series heads to Drouin Speedway for a traditional Sunday race meeting with an 11am start on February 1st followed by Rushworth on the 14th of February and Rolling Thunder Raceway on the 28th of February. In between these events on the 7th of February the SDAV Rods support the ‘Podger Memorial’ at Simpson for the traditional SDAV vs Super Rod clash.
www.racermagazineaustralia.com.au
ROLLING THUNDER Racing E News/Magazine NYORA SPEEDBOWL January 31st 2009 VSC SPRINTCARS. IT’S WAYNES WORLD AT NYORA Saturday the 31st of January all Gippsland Sprintcar fans were at South Gippsland’s Nyora Speedbowl for the 08/09 VSC Sprintcar title where Peter Logue would defend his title against the inform drivers this season of Mitch Foster, Michael Phillips and Wayne Logue.
Wynns/Pennzoil – Maxim Chassis) and Dennis Jones got past front row starters Bowman and Phillips in the second heat and they led home all challengers in that order with Cook, Bowman, Wayne Logue, Siely, Foster, Taylor, Fisher and Phillips making up the complete result.
Wayne Logue (# 6 U Pick Car Wreckers – XXX Chassis) made the most of his first front row start in the final heat for Sprintcars by going on to lead home fellow front row starter Mal Siely. Peter Logue was in third spot with Foster, Jones, Fisher, Cook, Phillips, Bowman and The category is a very evenly matched Taylor the official results. class and despite the inform drivers for the season it was possible that Dennis The qualifying order for the 30 lap VicJones, Mal Siely, Rod Bowman or Mick torian Speedway Council Sprintcar title Cook could figure in the results. was Peter Logue. Wayne Logue. Dennis Jones, Mitch Foster, Mal Siely, Mick In the first of three heats our pole Cook, Rod Bowman, Warrick Taylor, starter Foster (# 4 Market Street Autos Shane Fisher, Michael Phillips and – Foster Chassis) led for complete race Graeme Davies. distance leading home fifth place starter Jones and tenth place starter The race began with Wayne Logue Wayne Logue. Peter Logue was next in getting the lead early. Bowman pulled the bunch from Siely, Cook, Shane out turn one on the first lap whilst Fisher, Warrick Taylor and Graeme DaJones collected the front straight wall vies. Disaster in this heat for Phillips causing damage to his front end and and Bowman who had a coming tonursing the car around to turn two and gether avoiding a spinning Davies in infield dodging the pack on his way off the first attempt to start. Both cars the track as they came through to put were left to park infield. him a lap down. At the eight lap mark it was Wayne Logue leading Peter The second row of Peter Logue (# 8
23 Logue, Foster, Siely, Cook and Phillips. It took until lap 12 before the leader was able to put a lap on the last placed car which gave an indication of how evenly matched the race cars were for pace given the track is 380 metres long. Turn two proved to be the place to make the moves as Foster
picked off Peter Logue and moved into second and then the very next lap Siely (# 87 Plumtec/Clifton Mobile Homes) did the exact same thing shuffling Peter Logue back into fourth. Lap 22 brought the next caution flag when Phillips hit the wall and ended
Victorian Speedway Council Sprintcar Champion Wayne Logue © CLT Photography
www.racermagazineaustralia.com.au
ROLLING THUNDER Racing E News/Magazine his night in the middle of the race track go accept straight into him. Warren was reinstated at the front row for the watching. restart. Warren the eventual winner Last year Wayne Logue in the eyes of ahead of Bairnsdale’s Bowden then Dumost was probably robbed of title vic- bois, Walsh (# 22 Oval Action Race tory and this year he made good by Products – Maxim), Small, Robson, Milroaring home ahead of Siely, Foster, burn, McKay, Attewell, Bessler and Peter Logue and Mick Cook to become Sam Wren. the 2008/2009 Victorian champion for The fifteen lap feature event began VSC Sprintcars. with the following grid: Warren, Robson, Dubois, Small, Walsh, Bowden, Milburn, McKay, Bessler, Attewell and Wren. For the Nos Sprints making their first official Nyora appearance Dan Robson (# 29 Van Breman Motorsport – Foster Chassis) blasted away from the field to take victory in heat one from Dan Dubois and Brett Milburn in the Mick Parry J & J # 44. Brad Warren, Troy Small, David McKay and Heidi Bessler tailed the top three home.
Warren got the early lead whilst McKay spun and joined the back of the pack. Dubois great night of racing ending early when he pulled infield on the restart lap. On lap four Warren spun in turn four and Small in turn two and Warren lost the lead. Walsh took over the lead with 11 laps to go. Milburn and Robson were in hot pursuit and contact between them both put Milburn back in the pack. On the last lap having a crack at third place Milburn spun and the chequer flag dropped with Walsh the winner from Warren and McKay.
Heat two began with Milburn being sent rear of field for a clash of wheels between her and Mark Walsh. Young Gun Brad Warren in the KFC Warrnambool # 84 took the win ahead of Walsh, Small (#88 Brumbies Bakery – J & J Chassis), Robson, McKay, Gary Visiting Sedan class Marsh Modifieds Bowden, Dubois and Grant Attewell. attended with a healthy field of cars The final heat for Nos Sprints began and the stand out driver of the night interestingly when front row starter Dale Kakoschke driving a EF Ford took McKay went around through turn three the feature race spoils ahead of Craig and four and Warren had nowhere to Devlin (BA Ford), Dale Hallett (VL Com-
24 Nos Sprint Feature Winner – Mark Walsh © CLT Photography 08 Cassie Tuckett
modore), Gregory Knight, Stewart Knight, Brett Orr, Michael Campbell and Phil Botheras. Earlier the heat victories went to Dale Kakoschke with 2 and Devlin with 1. Jonathon Knight finished in the top three in all heats.
to finish his night.
Speedcars were low in numbers with the president back at home ensuring that his house was protected from fire and as a result Brad Jackson took the win from Craig Smith and Dean Rick McCormack once again took the Kavathas. honours in the Open Independent Sedans with Ray Gould, Mick Evans, Tim Finishing out the results in what was a Cole, Dale Meade, Trevor Wise and massive race program was the Karts. Aaron Cook took out the Modified ClubDarren Skilton all finishing behind. man feature ahead of Brad King and Ryan McKenna was the standout driver Jamie Budge. Rex Gourlay defeated in Mini Sprintcars taking victory ahead Lloyd Hobson in the Outlaw category of Danny Milton, Jason Andreatta and and William VanDerark defeated Jamie Murray Miles with Terry Williams the Gourlay and Jack King in the juniors. recently crowned Victoria #3 having a rollover in between turn one and two
www.racermagazineaustralia.com.au
ROLLING THUNDER Racing E News/Magazine
25
Rory on the Button @ first ever NOS Sprint National Title. Mt Gambier’s Rory Button added a historic first ever NOS Sprint Australian Championship to his South Australian title after beating a huge field of highly fancied runners at Warrnambool’s Sungold Stadium on February 14th. Button won the inaugural Heytesbury Stockfeeds Australian NOS Sprint Title before a vocal crowd who were equally impressed with the stand out performance from highest qualifier Brad Warren who filled second ahead of local surprise packet Gary Bell in third. The A-main for the championship was a fitting decider after whitling down the huge 58 car field to the top 18 after a series of 15 heat races. Starting from position four, after a false start due to pole sitter Brendan Balcombe going early. Button jumped into second place behind Warren. Warren was running up high against the wall as he led the first 10 laps of the 30 lap final before Button made the pass turn 1 and took the lead. Warren was then second ahead of another Adam Sealey followed by Mark Balcombe, Andy Hibbert, Luke Weel, Brendan Balcombe, Damien Meade, Gary Bell and Jack Meade in tenth. As hard as he tried Button was unable to shake Warren (pictured left). Bell was on the move and swept past Meade, Balcombe, Weel and Hibbert to find himself in fifth as the race was drawing to a conclusion before the events only caution period when local chassis constructor Leigh Giblin coasted to a stop in turn 1 while he was running just outside the top 10. With 8 laps left to run it was left to Button to lead away at the start from Warren while it was the all or nothing move of Bell that thrilled the fans as he raced from fifth to third in one move in turn 1. For the first time in the event Button opened a handy break over Warren as he crossed the finish line to win the inaugural Australian NOS Sprint Title from Warren
www.racermagazineaustralia.com.au
ROLLING THUNDER Racing E News/Magazine and Bell. Sealey managed to maintain fourth while Hibbert also was a big mover over the final handful of laps in fifth. Mark Balcombe followed in sixth while B-main transferor and eighteenth starting Steve Trigg finished a credible seventh. Sixteenth starting Damien Meade was eighth ahead of Weel, Jack Meade and pole sitter Brendan Balcombe. West Australian Lee Nash was twelfth ahead of Phil Micallef. Sprintcar ace Brett Milburn and Murray Lock were the final pair of finishers.
fuel pump failed at a restart causing the chain of events that caused Shane Stevens to upend his mount. Ronald Trigg won the C-main ahead of Andy Caruana, Paul Drew and Peter Walters in fourth. All four advanced to the B-main while it was the end of the weekend for WA champion Marshall
26 McDiarmid, Peter Merrett, Steven Hodder, Trevor Bullock, Gary Walsh and David McKay in tenth. Sean McKeever, Ash Armistead, Dan Robson, Grant Attewell, Jye Saunders, Mark Sinnott and Marlin Walsh were also done for the weekend. Jeff Judd (2), Mark Balcombe, Warren
(2), Sealey (2), Bell, Nash, Sam Wren, Scott Drew, Button, Micalleff, Giblin and Brendan Balcombe all took heat wins.
Inaugural Australian NOS Sprint champ Rory Button in action at Sungold Stadium (below).
Hard luck story of the night wopuld have been Camperdown’s Jeff Judd who after some excellent heat race performances including a pair of wins and a fifth in his third heat with an ailing engine would see him as the second highest qualifier and drawn to start alongside of Warren in the championship final. A holed piston would stop him starting in the final. Milburn won the B-main ahead of Damien Meade, Murray Lock and Steve Trigg. Finishing fifth was Jamie Veal ahed of Daniel Dubois, Jason Langdon, Peter Walters, Kane Newcombe and Paul Drew in tenth. Ronald Trigg, Lee Meade, Ash Van Der Stelt and Tim McAvaney rounded out the finishers in fourteenth. Current Victorian champ Paul Robilliard didn’t get out of the B-main after his
www.racermagazineaustralia.com.au
ROLLING THUNDER Racing E News/Magazine Sinclair Tames Tolmer.
said Sinclair. “We’ve now had a look at the place and got an idea about gearing and set-up for the title. We’re not overly confiTolmer Speedway – Bordertown, South dent about the title because there’ll be a Australia – February 7th. lot of good drivers there but if we make the feature we’ll be happy.” February 7th will go down as the hottest day in Victorian history, and just over the Williams (Autobarn Narre Warren V62) was state line at Bordertown South Australia’s’ originally not scheduled to contest this Tolmer Speedway it was Victorian Dale round but made a late decision to do so Sinclair who was the hottest thing taking his maiden RTS Chassis Australia Stampede Series for Formula 500’s feature win. Sinclair, in his Powermac Racing Products V95 Yamaha (pictured) was part of a great battle between himself and fellow front row starter Liam Williams, with the pair sharing the lead before a critical series of events saw Sinclair hold sway ahead of Brett Willsher and South Aussie Scott Dungey with Williams a frustrated fourth. “It was a very hot trip over there but I guess it was worth it in the end.” Said Sinclair, the 20 year old university student. “It was a fairly simple night, we didn’t change anything on the car all night.” Round six of the RTS Chassis Australia Stampede series proved useful as a final warm-up for the pocket rockets before the National Title returns to the venue in March, and many drivers took advantage of the opportunity for some familiarisation laps. “It was good to run here prior to the title,”
and would have been pleased with that choice as he scorched from fifth to first in the opening heat setting the fastest lap along the way as he beat pole sitter Kevin Freeman (Red Dust Role Models V66) and Ian Smith (RTA Automation V13). Surprisingly, current Victorian Champion and defending series champion Jessica Moulden (McDonalds Excavations V1) started ninth and finished in that same position.
27 Sinclair went one better in heat two tearing through from seventh to first with an even quicker lap time as he beat Jason Pearson (W J Pearson Transport V16) and Phil Smith (SPW Engineering & Powdercoating V25).
“The track was a bit better for the early heats where you could pass up high.” Sinclair explained. “We set our car up differently to run the top and early on you could run the top and make the passes but then it went slick for the last couple of heats and the feature.”
Williams’ performance in heat three was The final two heats saw no heroic charges almost identical to his first heat win as he to victory as Stewart Townley (SA55) won heat five from pole ahead of Scott Dillon (Hoppers Crossing Smash Repairs V19) and Grant Fleming (Webber & Chivell V26). Townley, however was quick, setting the fastest lap of the night on the way to the win. Fellow crow eater Dungey (SA27) won the final heat from Willsher and Tim Hicks (CDS Welding Services V9) after starting from pole and leading every lap. Both Williams and Sinclair paired up on the last row of the final heat but could only manage fourth and fifth respectively. Sinclair had also been caught up in a mid race crash with a spinning back marker that bent the front axle. “It wasn’t too bad, it just tweaked the front axle a little so we had to change it before the feature.” Stated Sinclair.
again pushed through form fifth place to take the win with a new fastest lap. This time around Moulden was firing and charged from seventh to second ahead of Freeman. The heats were like de ja vu as Sinclair again came from seventh to win his second heat, heat four, this time from Willsher (K & C Garages & Sheds V14) and Phil Smith.
After a pair of heat wins each it was Williams who would start on pole for the 20 lap final from Sinclair separated only by their final heat results. Dungey, Hicks, Phil Smith, Willsher, Ian Smith, Freeman, Jack McCarthy (SA23), Matt Turner (Four Seasons Waste V32), Shane Van Duynhoven (Dutchman Performance V52), Pearson, Jeremy Beddison (Wimmera Machine Shop V45), Jack Lee (Lilley’s Lane Quarries V5), Dillon, Steven Horton (V91), Fleming and Townley were next.
www.racermagazineaustralia.com.au
ROLLING THUNDER Racing E News/Magazine On the first attempt to race Williams got the jump on Sinclair then on the next attempt Sinclair got the jump and led the first three laps before Williams worked his way underneath and into the lead where he stayed until lap eighteen when he and Sinclair crossed the finish line side by side with a lapped car in between. Sinclair at that point was about a wheel in front of the lapped car (this proved to be pivotal) with a similar gap back to Williams who shortly after crossing the line retook the lead. The lead pair completed a further lap and a half before there was a caution period. Unfortunately, even though the leaders had completed another full lap, the majority of the field hadn’t so the restart order was to be as at lap 18 when Sinclair was leading. Up until this point it had been an amazing race as the lead pair had diced their way through the field lapping cars left, right and centre. “No one else was even in the ball park!” Exclaimed chief time keeper Chris Olsson. Williams then pulled infield to question why he was being restarted in second believing he should be restarting in the lead. When he was told he was not the leader for the green, white, chequered two lap dash he was obviously upset with the decision and his exit from the infield led to him being put back two spots before the restart due to the manner in which he angrily rejoined the track. This allowed Willsher to take the runner up position ahead of Dungey, an irate Williams, Phil Smith, McCarthy, Lee, Hicks, Ian Smith, Freeman, Van Duynhoven, Dillon, Turner, Fleming and Horton.
race with Liam and it’s unfortunate for him about the circumstances.” Said Sinclair about his second ever feature victory and first Stampede Series win. “I want to thank my Dad - Mack, Nathan Rees and Johnny Pearson and also Powermac Racing Products, Ash Sinclair Signs and Christian’s Bus Company for their support.”
28
Round four – Mt Gambier January 10th. Making a one off series appearance in Brett Willshers’ K&C Sheds and garages, Swift racing Products, Jettco Developments #14, Sullivan made the most of the opportunity taking a dominant victory at the track in which the cars owner won the correspondThe next round of the exciting RTS Chassis ing round last season. Australia Stampede Series which has seen a different winner at every round so far, is Unlike the last time the pocket rockets hit scheduled for Avalon Raceway on February the Borderline Raceway, there were no ma21st. Round five winner Williams will be jor incidents and crashes and while some looking to break the trend and get his sec- drivers said the track was a little rough, the ond win of the season while defending racing was trouble free. champ Jessica Moulden is due a change of luck and will be looking to reproduce her The heat races were a case of if you started up front you were likely to finish up win here from last season. front as Moulden (McDonald excavations
#1) led home James Hennessey and Tim Van Ginneken (Pre Mix King #15) in heat one. South Australian Michael Wise (Wise Truck Repairs #88) led all the way to win heat two from Jeremy Beddison (Wimmera Machine Shop #45) and Dale Sinclair (Powermac Racing Products #95). Moulden scored again in heat three from Van Ginneken and Matt Turner (Four Seasons Waste #32). Sullivan was clearly getting comfortable in the Willsher #14 as he pushed from 10th to 4th. Wise copied Moulden by winning his second heat this time from Scott Dillon (Hoppers Crossing Smash repairs #19) and Ash Hicks (RTS Chassis Australia #28).
Sullivan and Williams take RTS Series wins at Mt Gambier and Avalon. With the hectic Oval Express International Series over, there has been no let up for Victorian Formula 500 runners with two rounds of the RTS Chassis Australia Stampede Series conducted over consecutive weekends at Mt Gambier on January 10th and Avalon on January 17th.
Young Victorians were to the fore in both round four and five where Chad Sullivan took the win at Mt Gambier with Ash Hicks and defending series champion Jessica Moulden next while Liam Williams scored the series win at Avalon beating home “We were probably not the fastest car Moulden and Jesse Ellston in a time trunthere but we got the result. It was a great cated feature.
www.racermagazineaustralia.com.au
ROLLING THUNDER Racing E News/Magazine
29 th
nd
Moulden charged from 8 to 2 ahead of Van Duynhoven. Simon Craven (LGM Race Products #20) finally got a good Williams (Autobarn Narre Warren #62) led all 14 laps of Again Dillon led early before Williams came through. run going to win heat five from Shayne Van Duynhoven the feature which was cut short due to time constraints. (Dutchman Performance #52) and Hicks after Kate Searle Heat four fell to Mollenoyux again from (Leading Car Care Centre #36) and Phil Smith (SPW EngiBlackstock and Beddison. neering & Powder coating #25) had spent some time at the Brady Cudia scored the win in heat five pointy end of the race. leading home Series sponsors Baker and Ash Hicks. The final heat was an all the way win for Dillon from Sinclair and Sullivan who’d started 8th. Moulden defeated Turner and Williams in From pole position Sullivan led every one of the 20 laps the final heat. while the battle for second place was not so straight forIn the feature event Williams and Moulden ward as first Dale Sinclair held the spot until Moulden took held first and second for each of the 14 over. Series sponsor Ash Hicks, then put his RTS chassis to laps while Ellston grafted from ninth to good use after making a run from his seventh place startthird. Behind them came Beddison, Sinclair, ing position and taking the runner up place on lap 17 pushIan Smith, Van Duynhoven, Freeman, Phil ing Moulden back to third. Smith and Searle. Behind the top trio came Turner, Dillon, Ian Smith (RTA #13), Jock Baker (RTS Chassis Australia #29), Steven Hor“Things went really good for us, it all went ton, Kate Searle and Grant Fleming (Webber & Chivell smooth.” Said Williams who is not chasing #26). the whole series. “I used to like the hooky tracks but this new car seems to work Sullivan’s win was amazing considering he hasn’t been in a Moulden again finished on the podium in second with Jesse good on everything so I’m looking forward to the rest of race car for nearly two years. “We didn’t set out to win, we were just here to get a feel Ellston finally getting the two stroke engine going well and the season now.” for the car,” understated Sullivan. “After 21 months out of grabbing the final podium position after starting back in 9th the seat I was a bit rusty in the first couple of heats but place. you’d expect that.” “I have to thank Ken, Cheryl and Brett Willsher for giving Dillon led heat one for the first six laps before Williams took me this opportunity.” Continued Sullivan. “Ken is great with over for the win with Avalon veteran Kevin Freeman (Red this cars. I told him what needed changing, he’d change it Dust Role Models #66) back in third. Jock Baker aims to keep his own series sponsorship money and I think that was the difference between us and the in his pocket after taking his maiden F500 feature race vicGraham Mollenoyux was back in the fold and scored the tory in round two of his self sponsored RTS Chassis Austraothers.” heat two win from Andrew Blackstock (Jig g Ag Contracting lia Stampede Series at the egg shaped Simpson Speedway Round five - Avalon January 17th. #75) and Phil Smith. last Saturday (December 6). For round two of the series it was an all new podium with After his mega performances against the all conquering The first two heats had been only eight laps long due to a Brady Cudia and Ian Smith completing the top three. It Americans in the oval express series, Narre Warren’s Liam programming error but the remainder were contested over was a good night for the series sponsors with two of the Williams missed round four of the RTS Chassis Australia the scheduled ten laps. three top place-getters driving 2008 model RTS chassis. Stampede Series but returned with a vengeance at Avalon for round five. Williams scored his second heat win in heat three while Some observers thought Baker was quick and was going to
Baker cooks in Simpson RTS Chassis Australia Stampede.
www.racermagazineaustralia.com.au
ROLLING THUNDER Racing E News/Magazine win the feature with or without others misfortune. nine of the ten lap heat. Smith was followed across the line “I don’t know about that.” Said a modest victor. “I thought by Matt Turner. I was lucky to win. Jess (Moulden) was pretty quick. Moulden finally showed the form that everyone was exThe win was Bakers first in the Formula 500 ranks in what pecting as she started fourth but hit the front by lap three will be his first full season in the little cars. of the final heat. Mark Smith had led the first two laps be“I was pretty pumped about the win. I was pumping my fore finishing second with Hennessey again making ground fists in the air and it was really good especially seeing as going from eighth to third. we sponsor the series.” He expressed. Rookie Hennessey had secured his first pole position in Heat racing was again an open affair with no single driver only his second round of competition with Tim Van Ginnecapable of taking more than one win. Young Scott Dillon got the meeting off to a great start by leading home Brett Willsher and Phil Smith in heat one. Defending series champion Jessica Moulden found the early going hard and was only able to move from her eleventh place starting position to an eighth place finish. Tim Van Ginneken was the big mover jumping from ninth to fourth.
Trucks crew. At the half way point Hennessey was still leading with Moulden now in second and Baker back in fifth. Moulden hit the lead on lap eleven as Hennessey’s great run ended after he unsuccessfully tried to squeeze past a lapped car and rolled. Baker was flying and had now moved to second. The weather had affected the track and a rut had developed in turn three and four, which many drivers continued to hit lap after lap. With just five laps left to run Mouldens' night was over after she hit the rut and spun. She re-fired but then pulled infield with damage to the VIC1. Baker was now in unfamiliar territory at the head of the feature, while Ian Smith and Cudia, from 12th and 11th respectively, were now fighting hard for the runner up position which Cudia captured on lap 19. Baker went on to win by just under one second from Cudia who opened a similar gap on Smith over the last two laps. Completing the runners were Mr. Consistent Matt Turner, Mark Smith, Ellston, Searle, Tim Hicks, Van Duynhoven, Freeman. Towan and Fleming.
Twin brother Leigh Van Ginneken driving the W98 jumped pole sitter and co-series sponsor Tim Hicks at the start of heat two and was never headed on the slippery rain affected track as Ash Hicks and Jesse Ellston led home rookie James Hennessey who’d charged from ninth to fourth. Heat three was waved off a lap early after a communication error between the lap scorers and the flaggie, however Tim Van Ginneken had more than half a second lead over Willsher and Mark Smith at the time. Van Ginneken had started ninth but a demon first two laps set up the win. Moulden again struggled from deep in the pack starting tenth and finishing sixth.
30
ken alongside followed by Sinclair, Leigh Van Ginneken, Mark Smith, Moulden, Turner, Kieran Towan, Baker, Tim Hicks, Cudia, Ian Smith, Searle, Shane Van Duynhoven, Steven Horton, Grant Fleming, Kevin Freeman, Jesse Ellston and Marcus Hienrich.
From his pole start Hennessey led the field away who After dropping out of his first heat, Ian Smith made quickly fell into line pretty much in qualifying order except amends by winning heat four from Dale Sinclair and Hen- for Baker who’d jumped two spots on the initial lap. nessey. Smith had started fifth and had passed the potent Leigh Van Ginneken on the way to the front. Hennessey led on from Tim and Leigh Van Ginneken with Moulden starting to work through with Baker following her Kate Searle put a score on the board for the girls by win- example. As positions behind him changed about, Hennesning heat five after she took the lead from Ian Smith on lap sey continued to lead much to the delight of the Aus-Crane
“In the first heat I missed the set-up and spent plenty of time on two wheels out of the ruts,” Admitted Baker. “We made some changes for the second heat and got the car handling a bit better. We made some more changes for the feature but I think it was more that the track changed and suited our car rather than our changes suiting the track.” “I made a good start and was up to fifth and then I was dicing with Leigh (Van Ginneken) until he dropped out. Then when Hennessey rolled it was just me and Jess (Moulden). She got a good jump on me at the restart but then I came down into the corner and saw she had spun.” “I only raced six meetings last season so to win this is just great.” Said the 34 year old Horsham resident. “I like Hamilton, I’ve had a lot of success there in the limited Sportsmans.” Said Baker ahead of the up coming event. “I’ve never run a (formula) 500 there though and we go in the opposite direction so we’ll just have to see how it all goes.”
www.racermagazineaustralia.com.au
ROLLING THUNDER Racing E News/Magazine
Wallis wins warm-up and nabs night one of the AMCA Barry Reidy Memorial @ Avalon.
Triple Australian AMCA Nationals Champion Adam Wallis had the best possible warm up to his National title defence when he punted Paul Sullivans’ Container Fumigation Services #28 to the win in the traditional Boxing Day event at Avalon Raceway last night (December 26th). The event which was also the first leg of the two night Barry Reidy memorial, was the perfect tonic for Wallis who has had a limited season in other peoples cars. “Adam felt he needed the extra miles under his belt, so we offered him our car.” Said an obviously happy car owner, Sullivan. “Adam’s good with these chassis and we learnt a lot tonight so it was good for both of us.” “I have to thank Paul for letting me run his car, and I’m glad we could get a win for him.” Said Wallis. “This will give us some confidence heading into the title.” Wallis didn’t have things all his own way and was made to work hard for the win having to overcome pole sitter and quick contender Mick “Action” Jackson (Kingston Automotive #39) and Bendigo’s Darren Clarke (DC’s Car Carriers #66).
31
Wallis however, was able to find a way forward to take the from Rod Duncan (T C Oakley Automotive #57) and win from Frank Thierry (Juicy Boy Citrus #7) and Kevin Robert Taylor (Braybrook Auto Wreckers #14). Peachey (Hot Impressions Cool Images #51). Heat 2B was pretty clean with Clarke winning from Heat 1B was still one lane and slippery but Chris Overall Hughes and Scott. (Ballarat Driveshafts #10) was trying to bring the high line in to no avail. Sandi Hickman (Beeps Auto Parts #19) won The final heat was a bit scrappy with a few incidents but in from pole ahead of Daniel Scott (Laffans Accident Repair the end Jackson scored again from Kristy Ellis (Outlaw Centre #91) and Clarke. Campbell Hughes had been run- Race Trailers #58) and Shea Bradley (Hilltop Security). ning third in the Voodoo Ride #21 until it lost a fan belt late in the race. The B-Main was straight forward with Darran O’Reilly (Justin O’Reilly Race Engines #99) leading from go to whoa. David May (Emjay Signs #98) worked his was into a transfer ahead of Bill Lodwick Jnr’s #13, Alan Howe (Victoria Gearboxes #64), Adam Timberlake (Bassett #33), Ellis, Jacquie Clark (Star Studio Performance & Arts Space #29) and Reddecliffe (TKP Transport #95).
Heat 1C saw Muir (Devonport Discount Meats T79) drop in on his way north and he was in the mix until caught up in a melee. Jackson scored the win ahead of David Best in Chris Best’s Hogan’s Truck alignment #27 and Grant Cullinger’s unsponsored #41.
With some contenders electing to save their machines for the National Championship, which was just four days and two states away, a couple of regular aces were absent, however a good field of 27 cars were on hand including rookie Marcus “Lightning McQueen” Reddecliffe and first When the cars came out for their second set of heats the time Avalon visitor Kallan Muir from Tasmania. track was in much better shape. Wallis had a lucky escape The AMCA’s were out very early in the night and for the when a start line shuffle saw him spat out of the pack spinfirst series of heats the track was slippery and one lane. ning onto the infield. A complete restart was in order Wallis worked through a number of stoppages to take the win
The two dual heat winners Jackson and Wallis would start the 20 lap feature from the front row and it was Jackson who made the best start to lead away and open a small gap over Wallis and Clarke. Hughes was on a highline charge and would work his way up to fourth and was challenging Clarke. Meanwhile out front Jackson had a small gap over Wallis but then Wallis started to close in. As the lead pair closed in on lapped traffic things got exciting as they raced side by side for a couple of laps. Wallis was in the box seat and using the lapped traffic snookered Jackson and took the lead. Tim Reidy (Reidy the Wreckers #3) spun and was left on the infield for a couple of laps before re-firing and then with four laps to go Hughes sheared the left side wheel studs off the #21. “It was better that it happened here rather than in Queensland (the Australian Title).” Was his outlook on the incident. When Duncan, Hickman and Thierry had a group spin with three laps left to run the race was declared with Wallis the victor (pictured) from Jackson, Clarke, Best, Cullinger, Reidy, Bradley, O’Reilly, Peachey, Duncan and Thierry.
www.racermagazineaustralia.com.au
ROLLING THUNDER Racing E News/Magazine
32
BLAST FROM THE PAST - LES FELTHAM Lucky Les Feltham, a force to be reckoned with in sedan car racing in Victoria during the 70,80 and nineties Right: Who could forget the wing number on the HQ Monaro. Les claimed that the rules stated that there was only a minimum roof number size with no maximum, hence the Sprintcar side board. Left: Les about to board the Chev Camaro. Les is still involved in Speedway as the pace car driver at Rolling Thunder Raceway.
www.racermagazineaustralia.com.au
ROLLING THUNDER Racing E News/Magazine DROUIN SPEEDWAY
Jason Nash and Scott Randall whilst Lennard took the win in the fourth heat from Watson and Langston who started eighth. The final two heats two offer qualifying points began with Hooper victorious over Langston and Watson and Cradle taking a clean sweep when he won the last ahead of Ardley and Randall.
Six heats were on the cards to determine whom was going to be top qualifier and defending champion Paul Cradle from the Rosedale Speedway club in a XF Falcon began his title defence well with victory in heat one after starting at the rear of the pack. Jaryd Hooper came second and Shane Ardley third. Rob Langston from the front row took victory in heat two from Jason Lennard and John Watson who pushed forward from fifth.
The feature field lined up with the following order: Cradle, Langston, Hooper, Ardley, Watson, Lennard, Randall, Andrew Morris, Jay Miles, Nash, Lachie Lebrun, and Wayne Tooze.
The Family Speedway Drouin Speedway was once again full noise on Sunday 1st of February with the annual Riley Memorial for 6 Cylinder Standard Saloons sharing the limelight with the visiting SDAV Hot Rod’s who travelled to Drouin for the first time in more than 25 years.
33
At the drop of the green Cradle SDAV Rods at Drouin © CLT Photography 08 Cassie Tuckett asserted authority to lead from Hooper and Langston. The race was fast at the front with some passing moves taking place before Nash The minor placings changed a number place on the grid Alan Pitcher stormed became the first major casualty in the of times and Lennard was a serious through the pack to take the lead on Cradle again won in heat three from event to pull infield as a non finisher. challenger for a top three place before the 7th lap from Phil Jenkins and go on finding himself at the rear to win with Jason Kavanagh in third of the field. Cradle took the ahead of Maryknoll’s Dean West then win from Langston and Rod Smith & Vaughan Matthey. Drouin Speedways Hooper. Randall, Tooze, Morris, The second heat gifted an all the way Miles and Lennard all fin- victory to Kavanagh whom started pole and led home Pitcher, West and Matished. they. Smith and Jenkins didn’t finish The thunderous SDAV Hot when Smith spun in turn 3 and 4 and Rod’s set Drouin alive with Jenkins with no room ploughed into the roar of their V8’s and him. they dished up plenty of action in their three heats The final heat Smith didn’t make the and a final. From seventh field as he was still repairing massive
www.racermagazineaustralia.com.au
ROLLING THUNDER Racing E News/Magazine front end damage and Kavanagh led the complete race from the front with Pitcher second again then Kali Hovey who drove fantastically well, West, Ray Welsh and Matthey. The grid for the feature race began with top qualifiers at the rear of the field and Welsh on pole. Smith was alongside, then Hovey and Matthey, Jenkins and West and Pitcher and Kavanagh on the last row. Smith made the field with assistance from Hovey who lent him a beam to help fix front end damage. Fellow car owner Ron Jones chipped in to help as did Mattheys crew.
went to John Dike Jnr and Craig O’Connell whilst the feature was won by Dike Jnr in a hard thought victory ahead of O’Connell, Gavin Allman, Trish Dike, Rob Tatterson and Ame O’Connell.
V8 Standard Saloons feature race went the way of Leigh Gooding from Terry Bullard and Justin Low. Junior Standard Saloons once again attended with a healthy field of cars and after Cameron Dike’s seat belts came undone and forced him infield Cindy-Lee Drewery went on to take the win from Justin Smith and Anthony Brennan. At one stage Mal Brennan had the race shot to pieces before an accident and spins forced him to the very back of the Old timer and legend of the sport Ray field. Welsh must have thought he was at Tracey’s Speedway in a field of dreams as the 70 year old led the first three FULL POWER AT DROUIN FOR laps ahead of Jenkins and Smith before DARREN POWER Jenkins grabbed the lead. Pitcher got Drouin Speedway roared to the sound past Welsh around lap 7 and jumped in of the visiting Speedcars on Sunday the lead on lap 9. Welsh held the pack 11th of January with a handful of drivat bay as he chased Jenkins for second ers backing up from the night previand when the chequer dropped it was ous at Avalon Raceway by making the Pitcher, Jenkins, Welsh, Kavanagh, trip to Drouin in Gippsland. Some Smith, West, Hovey and Matthey fin- wonderful local sponsors chipped in to ishing the 15 lap feature. support the Speedcars with West Also on the program the ladies Stan- Gippsland Welding Supplies, Victory dard Saloons once again provided a Lane Racegear, YGP Trafalgar and DP great battle between Anne Gooding Blasting adding extra spice with prizes and Teagan Bullard with Gooding tak- donated to the first four places. ing the spoils with Darlene Parkinson Brad Jackson in his Mopar Aggressor third. did the job in heat one taking victory from Dean Kavathas, Darren Power, Division 2 Hot Rods heat race victories David Crabtree, Craig Smith and Rich-
34 ard Emmerson whilst the second heat was Powers leading home Jackson, Emmerson, Smith, Crabtree and Kavathas. The final was fast and furious with a drum of methanol up for grabs for first and a right rear tyre for second, steer tyre for third and Racing Optics for fourth. Jackson got away early with Power chasing until Jackson spun sending him to the rear and Power into the lead. Not long after at the restart Kavathas went high into turn one and collected his right rear on the concrete wall ending his feature race. Power motored on in front without too much trouble to defeat car owner Crabtree, Smith,
Jackson and Emmerson. Program CoOrdinator Matt Eastham was pleased with the Speedcars racing. “The racing was wonderful and they handled the sand based track here well. I hope the Speedcars can continue to gain numbers in Victoria and would love to see them back here next season. Thanks to the sponsors that helped us out here to convince the Speedcars to come out to go racing here at Drouin.” Division 2 Hot Rods attended with 10 race cars and that meant a lot of competition for locals John Dike Jnr and Trish Dike and visitors Craig O’Connell, Gordon Angus and Scott Laidlaw were the first three home in heat one whilst Gavin Allman, Angus and Rob Tatter-
Dean Kavathas at Drouin © Cassie Tuckett 08 CLT Photography
www.racermagazineaustralia.com.au
ROLLING THUNDER Racing E News/Magazine
35
son took out placings in the second. The feature race was fantastic. O’Connell, Angus, Tatterson, Allman and Laidlaw had a wonderful five way battle early in the race whilst both the Dikes were at the back of the field. As the race rolled on, Angus found himself towards the end of the field and John Dike Jnr stormed forward to snatch
Gooding winning all three events however Teagan Bullard did a fantastic job chasing Gooding in the big V8 sedan not letting her get far away at all. Feature race placings Gooding, Bullard and Darlene Parkinson. Men’s Standard Saloons also had a larger than average entry list with drivers entering next months 6 Cylinder Standard Saloon feature having a go on Drouin to try to get an advantage over others. Four victory on the last lap coming out of turn heats were run with Terry Bullard, Leigh two to lead home O’Connell, Tatterson, Gooding, Jacob Vuillerman and Jarryd Trish Dike, Laidlaw, Gordon Angus and Hooper. The feature race was fantastic Daniel Angus. with a massive fourteen cars finishing comImportant club category the Standard Sa- plete race distance with the Commodore of loons once again ran Men’s, Ladies and Gooding leading home Jason Leonard, Junior events. The Juniors had great num- Terry Bullard, Shane Ardley and Hooper. bers with representation from Drouin, Alex- Mini Sprintcars heat victories went to Matt andra, Moe, Nyora and Rosedale SpeedParsons and then Chris Milton before the ways and it was local driver Cameron Dike feature race was won by Jason Andreatta and Alexandra driver Anthony Brennan from Milton and Murray Miles after Ray who won the heats before Rosedale’s John Aarts had a massive crash coming out of Scandrett took out the feature from Cindy- turn four ripping out his front end and Lee Drewery and Cameron Dike. damaging his right rear when he collected Ladies racing was fantastic with Anne the concrete wall.
Division 2 Hot Rod feature winner John Dike Jnr © Cassie Tuckett 08 CLT Photography
www.racermagazineaustralia.com.au
ROLLING THUNDER Racing E News/Magazine WREN RACING TEAM “HAPPY AT HAMILTON” Western Speedway in Hamilton was where the 3 Litre Sedan Association headed on Australia Day weekend for round three of this years Ramsdale Wreckers/Horvath Transport Services series. More than twenty cars attended the race meeting with the biggest show of support from the drivers so far this season. Amongst competitors were the current State Champion Rodney Burr, home track hero Jack McClure, Modified Sedan regular Justin Alberni and in form young gun James Wren. The round was well supported by a number of drivers from the Horsham Speedway Club and some drivers making a welcome return for the first time this season to association racing such as Lennie Clark, Scott Mallon, Ross Burrows and Peter Bodger.
The first of six heats began with front row starter Burr shooting away quickly only to spin on lap one and find himself joining the rear of the field. Horsham’s Brett Luey from fourth position on the grid went on to win from Scott Mallon in the Nissan Skyline after he took the lead in turn one on the last lap then came Dale Morrison, McClure who had started tenth, Troy Simpson who followed him through the field having started eleventh then Burr, Peter Temby, Burrows, Steve Hately, Zac Swanson and Andrew Wilson. Commodore driver Damian Miller in a former Victorian championship winning Andrew Blackwell car made the most of his front row start in heat two by going on to defeat Jeff Leahy, Wren, Matt Gerlach, Alberni, Nick Hill, Clark, Bodger, Steve Sutherland and Will Lamb. Alberni discovered after the heat that he had a blown head gasket whilst Sutherland had water leaking from a welsh plug, the Lamb team were coming to grips with set up as they tried something new and Peter Temby unfortunately blew a gearbox and saddled up to go home. From fifth position Simpson from fifth came home the winner in the third heat with McClure, Burrows, Swanson, Morrison, Hately, Luey and Mallon. Mallon was suffering over heating concerns which despite the new turn of speed the Skyline was showing was a re-occurrence of trouble from last season. The major news from this heat
36
COMMERCIAL AUTOMATICS Specialising in Heavy Vehicle
Automatic Transmissions Service - Repairs - Exchange Units Commercial Automatics is an authorised Allison Dealer. Commercial Automatics specialize in MercedesBenz Truck and Bus, Voith, Renk Doromat, Z.F.2 Speed & Z.F.Ecomat, Scania, Industrial & Marine
7 Lambeck Drive Tullarmarine, Victoria. Australia. 3043 PH: 03 9338 0120 FAX: 03 9338 0315
www.racermagazineaustralia.com.au
ROLLING THUNDER Racing E News/Magazine was that Burr the man to beat in recent seasons was out for the weekend after sustaining major damage during the hustle and bustle of the racing before a loose front end on the car turned him inwards off turn four and into the path of Morrison who had nowhere to go and punched the Burr race car into the wall where a tail shaft broke amongst other race components. Pole position was all Wren needed to assure himself of a victory in the fourth stanza when he led home Sutherland, Alberni, Clark, Hill, Bodger, Gerlach, Miller, Lamb and Leahy. The Leahy team had major spring and shock issues causing them to not go forward in this heat and Alberni looked impressive in the Russell Hill VS Commodore he was driving for Hill Family Racing. McClure in the Hamilton registered UC Torana took the win in front of family in heat five with Swanson following him then came Simpson, Burrows, Morrison, Luey and Hately. Wilson lost a right rear wheel that came completely off the race car and was unable to finish. The final heat of the evening resulted in Sutherland taking the win from Bodger in his best drive of the evening holding out Wren who was on a charge from eight. After them came Lamb, Gerlach, Hill, Miller and Alberni. Massive action in this race came when Clark and Alberni came side by side out of turn two where it was likely that Clark hit a rut and washed up the track that resulted in Alberni coming around the boards being crashed into sending the ‘Ramsdale Wreckers/ GB Race cars’ Commodore upside down and into the fence. Clark was unable to finish whilst Alberni sat infield and somehow managed to cross the start finish line in his demolished race car before heading to the pit enclosure to put it on the trailer for the long trip back to the car builders for inspection.
37 Nick Hill – Ramsdale Wreckers/GB Race cars. Will Lamb – Daylesford Dyno/ A & J Asphalting and Bobcat Hire. Lennie Clark – Permapave/Richies Auto Reconditioning. Steve Hately – Horsham Concrete Racing got underway for twenty five laps with Wren gaining the advantage early and McClure, Simpson, Sutherland, Luey and Miller all close behind as they shuffled themselves into an order. McClure was the first to buckle when braking issues seen him start to slide backwards in the field. Luey drove well early in the race only to find himself out around one third distance. As the field forged forward Lamb, Swanson, Morrison and Hill were the secondary group on a charge. Controversy reigned when for a number of laps McClure drove around with his window net down before the chief steward finally noticed it. As he was about to pull on the yellows. Sutherland spun out of turn two and Lamb went around also. The steward put the drivers back into their positions in the field much to confusion of the other drivers. McClure was deemed to be the cause of the stoppage as the steward was calling for a yellow at the time of the spin. Whilst the steward told the race driver who had his window net up in place by now he could start rear of field, the driver himself chose not to as his brakes were well and truly stuck and dangerous by now.
The race resumed and Wren, Simpson and Sutherland roared around Western Speedway at a great rate of knots with Lamb coming on strong in the set up his father Albert Lamb was trying for this evening. Morrison put the pressure on as the race neared an end and when the chequer flag dropped the results stood as The field for the feature qualified as follows: Wren, Simpson, Sutherland, Lamb, Morrison, Swanson, Miller, Hill, Burrows, James Wren – Bluescope Steel Ballarat/Wren DieselJack McClure – Daylesford Bodger, Gerlach and Clark. Luey didn’t finish due to over heating, Mallon pulled Dyno/A & J Water Cartage infield when a coil wire came off and Hately didn’t finish due to a flat left tyre. Troy Simpson – O’Brien’s AMS Race Engines/Simmo’s FibreglassSteve Sutherland – Ansell Dyno Tuning/Pioneer Earth The race winner was delighted. “Wow, what can I say the feeling at the moBrett Luey- Warners Service Station Dimboola ment is fantastic. We have worked hard for this victory. I’d like to thank the Damian Miller – Town & Country Tennis Courts/Bob’s Dyno Tuning whole team for their efforts and Troy and Steve for the fast clean racing at the Dale Morrison – Pakenham 4 x 4 Recyclers/Blackwell’s Bodyworks. front. Thanks to Hamilton Speedway club also for supporting the association.” Zac Swanson – Skyrider Tower Hire/Trueline Steering & Suspension. Ross Burrows – Sebastopol Smash Repairs/Richard Burrows Plumbing. The 3 Litre Sedan Association thank its major season sponsors for 08/09 in Peter Bodger – WJ Pocock & Sons Transport/Lara Auto Wreckers. Ramsdale Wreckers. Horvath Transport Services and B & H Scrap Recyclers and Matt Gerlach – Horsham Professional Photo graphics/Horsham Auto Wreckers. look forward to the next round at Rushworth Speedway on the 14th of February. Scott Mallon – Rentchs Auto Salvage/Dingo Autosport.
www.racermagazineaustralia.com.au
ROLLING THUNDER Racing E News/Magazine WELSH WINS IN A RUSH AT RUSHWORTH
Autotech).
Lawless began in pole position for the second stanza with Jenkins alongside and it th was Jenkins taking the lead early with February 14 the SDAV Hot Rod crew eight spot starter Pitcher charging through headed up the Hume Highway to Rushworth Speedway as guests of the Goulburn the field to take the lead on the fifth lap. Valley Auto Club for round 6 of the Thun- Chris Shaw (# 6 Andersons Wholesale der Down Under Series in what was to be Fruit and Vege Stanhope) had his first spin a landmark day in the club with the return in the class having stepped out of his Suto the winners circle of veteran Ray Welsh, per Sedan for this race meeting. Pitcher won from Jenkins, West, Smith (# 14 good ole ‘Ricochet’! Complete Signs), Hovey, Welsh, Shaw and Lawless. The first of three heats was led away by Kali Hovey (# 22 Dandenong Iron FounThe final heat of the evening had Hovey dry) and Rod Smith with Allan Pitcher on the second row with Glen Lawless. Before and West at the front and it was Hovey who led with West being passed by Pitcher the field crossed the start line to end the early and then involving himself in a great first lap, Pitcher was leading with Hovey battle with Jenkins. Jenkins (# 1 P & S behind him and Phil Jenkins third. That’s the way the top three stayed whilst Smith Automotive Services) passed West and lost a brake caliper and Ron Gilligan broke West (# 4 Ace Timber & Fencing) got him and axle. Dean West finished fourth, then again later. Hovey however did a fine job in the lead right up until the last lap when rookie Chris Shaw the President of GVAC Pitcher pinched the win. After Jenkins in and Welsh then Lawless (# 99 AJD fourth came Shaw, Welsh and Lawless.
38 through the night. Welsh stuck his car into second right from the first lap and it took until lap five for Pitcher (# 7 Seven Steel) to come through the pack into the lead. Welsh was still in second and Pitcher wasn’t getting too far out of sight at his top speed.
With five laps to go Pitcher’s bubble burst when he got a flat and Welsh (# 75 Donna’s Hair Design) took the lead. Although Hovey was chasing she really wasn’t getting closer and Jenkins couldn’t get by Hovey who was doing a great job herself. When the chequered flag dropped Welsh was the victor, Hovey, Jenkins, The feature was to be Shaw, West, Smith and Lawless all finished fifteen laps with the behind. lowest heat point’s scorers to the front. It was a wonderful sight at the end of the The grid began as race when the old stager didn’t want to Smith, Lawless, take the chequer flag as he soaked in his Welsh, Shaw, West, victory doing around three extra laps beHovey, Jenkins and fore we could bring him to a halt to give Pitcher. After a horrid him the chequered flag. After an emotional night Smith got a week for all Victorians those at Rushworth great start with Shaun had an injection of morale with a famous Walsh the former victory at 70 years old that will never be state champion help- forgotten. Those there can say we witing with the set up nessed the ole ‘Ricochet’ win at Rushy.
The next round of the Thunder Down Under series heads to Rolling Thunder Raceway on the 28th of February and Heartland Raceway Moama on the 14th of March before heading to the Victorian Title at Nyora Speedbowl on March 21st. The SDAV Club would like to thank their minor sponsors: Mega Auto Parts Ribeau Interstate Transport Carrier Tony Delmo Radiator Service Bob Fisher Automotive Meehan’s Race Engines
www.racermagazineaustralia.com.au
ROLLING THUNDER Racing E News/Magazine
39
DMT Media Dean Thompson 0412061208 dmtmedia@speedeway.net.au All your Speedway media needs including: Media Releases. Commentating. Sponsorship Proposals Arranging Photography. Arranging Quality Websites Existing Clientele include: Rolling Thunder E Mag, Rolling Thunder Raceway, Nyora Speedbowl, Avalon Raceway, Speedway Sedan Digest. Peter Whites Speedway World, Leader Newspaper Group. Team Drew Motorsport, Team Galley Motorsport, SDAV Hot Rods. 3 Litre Sedan Association, Victorian Modified Production Association.
.
www.racermagazineaustralia.com.au
ROLLING THUNDER Racing E News/Magazine
40
RACESAFE RACESAFE is Australia's largest specialised motorsport safety service and the only organisation providing a full range of racetrack emergency services. RACESAFE personnel are a specialised team including
Trauma Doctors & Surgeons
Paramedics
Nurses
Fire and Rescue / Safety crews
Recovery teams
RACESAFE personnel are a group of medical and safety professionals with a common interest in motorsport, providing their time and professional skills in the interests of motorsport safety.
RACESAFE is the nation’s premier Motorsport Emergency Response Service providing motorsport events with:
Trackside Medical Teams
Fully equipped onsite Trauma and Medical Centres
First Intervention (high speed response to crashes)
Specialised Medical Extrication teams
Fire Fighting
Driver Rescue (jaws of life)
Specialised race car recovery
Incident control
Emergency management planning
Experience in motorsport safety is what sets RACESAFE Motorsport Safety Services personnel apart from the rest. This experience stretches back 15 years and during this time we have spearheaded major changes in the approach to the sports safety. This experience has included such major projects as
Emergency Medical Coordinators for the Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix
World Superbike Championships
V8 Supercars Series - SANDOWN 500
Winton V8 Supercars
FIA Asia Pacific Rally Championship - Rally of Canberra
Official Medical Team of the Australian Superbike Championship.
RACESAFE is dedicated to continual improvement of motorsport emergency services. As the standard and technology of professional motorsport increases, so must the medical, fire and safety standards to ensure that the expectations of RACESAFE as an organisation exceed that of the competitor and promoters.
www.racermagazineaustralia.com.au