ISSUE
22 2018
US..... MIDGETS WINGLESS LATE MODELS SILVER CROWN
Who is Highline Magazine Editor: Brett Swanson Artist/Layout; Andy Ticehurst Contributors; Kaylene Oliver, Grant Woodhams, Ray Read, Andy Ticehurst. Photographers: Brett Swanson – Pirate Media Kieran Swanson – Pirate Media Matt Hines – Jigsaw Photography Andy Ticehurst – PRM Group Rachel Cooper - Inaction Photos Leigh Reynolds - Inaction Photos Geoff Gracie Wayne Martin (WA) Dean Yoder - USA Stephen Pickering - Picko’s Photos James Selwyn - NZ You – The Speedway fans Facebook Contributions / Criticism Welcome. High Line Magazine Brett Swanson 0410 198 138 brett@piratemediagroup.com.au
Aussies Paul Stubber & Cameron Pe
www.HighlineMagazine.com.au Front cover: Brad Sweet wins the Knoxville Nationals, Spencer Bayston powers through Turn 1 at Lincoln Park (Putnamville) in the Keith Kunz Motorsports Spike Toyota.
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earson @ Oakshade hell tour 2018.
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Editorial Good Times, Bad Times, Great Pics. The sport of speedway racing is one that is full of ups and downs, the thrill of victory, the agony of defeat being just a couple of roller coasters we all endure as competitors, crew, sponsors or fans. The last few months have been a period of both the good times and the bad times with the reopening of Queensland’s Pioneer Park Speedway to a near sell-out crowd after a seven-year closure a good, if not great time. Originally opened in 1973, current owners Rod and Teri Heathcote first purchased the track back in 2000. After running events for a few seasons, the pair sold the track in 2003 and after a few changes of ownership, the last event at the venue was held back in December 2011. After seeing the state of the venue, the Heathcote’s once again purchased the property in 2016 and ever since have set about improving it. The venue, while predominantly a bike venue, will also run traditional 2 plus 4, bike and car meetings in the future. August saw the feel good story of regular Aussie visitor and our cover boy Brad Sweet scoring the biggest win of his Sprintcar career when he fairly dominated the 58th annual 5 Hour Energy Knoxville Nationals presented by Casey’s General Stores. 4
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POINT OF VIEW
just 6 days prior. Carson Macedo was given the ride in the Johnson #41 and had many hoping the fairy tale ending might happen when he won night 2 of the 28th Annual Knoxville 360 Nationals and then set fast time on his qualifying night of the 410 Nationals, but sadly it wasn’t happily ever after but a 6th place finish in the big dance was an extremely strong result after 50 gruelling, emotion filled laps for the Californian and the 41 team. This years’ Nationals however was a bittersweet event, as it was tinged with immense emotion and sadness following the recent racing death of former underdog Champion Jason Johnson. Like Sweet, Johnsons biggest achievement was dethroning Knoxville King Donny Schatz in a tight battle just two years ago. Many poignant and dignified tributes to Johnson “Forever 41” made up much of the week and it was probably appropriate that someone like Sweet should step up and take the win. Sweet had been on fire all week also scoring the win in the preliminary Capitani Classic at Knoxville
Another of those down moments was the passing of Victorian Formula 500 stalwart Ken Willsher. Willsher (Left) was a huge but humble figure on the F500 scene both locally and nationally as well as being a brilliant racer with numerous state titles and series wins, and National titles as a car constructor with his Kenser Chassis. Willsher was also a prime mover behind the awesome little Laang bullring and the creator of Australia’s pre-eminent F500 series, the annual speedweek that boasts a brilliant roster of Nationals and International racers over the years.
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Highline extends its sincere condo- to the new season that kicks off on lences to all the friends and families November 3rd. of both Johnson and Willsher. If you’ve always wanted to head Highline would also like to extend across the ditch to this world faits sympathies to the family of Fred mous racetrack you better do it Stewart who passed recently. Fred soon as its days are strictly numwas one of the fast and consistent bered following the announcement Hot Rod stars from back in the days that it will be moving to a new venue of the famed Tracey’s Speedway. after the 2018/19 season. A both good and bad story to come out not too long ago was the news that a new site has been found for the replacement of the famed Western Springs Speedway in New Zealand. The “Springs” has been home to NZ speedway since 1929 and sits almost right in the heart of Auckland.
The following was posted on the Springs website a little while back confirming the move for the 2020 season.
An opportunity presented itself whereby an alternate location has been offered to our sport, that location is the new purpose-built motorsport facility at Colin Dale Park, The Springs has long been a near the Auckland International “Mudget” (Speedcar/Midget) track Airport. This opportunity provides and the annual highlight is the Tria long-term future for open wheel Nations series between NZ, Austral- racing in Auckland at a stadium deian and American drivers (covered signed specifically for speedway. pictorially in this issue). In this issue This multimillion-dollar stadium we’re pleased to have some more will provide an unlimited number of James Selwyns awesome phoof meetings, purpose-built wide tos from last summer in the lead up track specifically designed for the
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POINT OF VIEW
wheel to wheel racing this sport is renowned for. It will have both terraced and grand stand seating options, International Series events for the premier classes, Mega Screen to watch those allimportant replays, pit access for fans and plenty of off-street parking, all created for our sport. Further information can be found at www.springsspeedway.com
cars, and Silver Crown cars and was also there to see Will Power become the first Aussie to win the Indy 500. Boulds photos are from both sides of the fence and include the Silver Crown cars at the Little Indy and on the huge and lightning fast Indianapolis Dirt mile. Bould has kindly given us a selection from that tour with his own captions that we present for you here.
In other big Springs news, a $1million dollar Sprintcar Shootout is scheduled for November 10. We contacted promoter Greg Mosen for more detail and was told an announcement would be made in the next few weeks – stay tuned. Also in this issue we are pleased to bring you some pictorial work by renowned Australian Motorsport photographer Darren Bould. Bouldy spent much of May and June on a Global Speedway tours journey taking in Midgets, Sprint-
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nship at the same venue when he was taken out of the event in someone else’s wreck.
Steven Lines in the Brian Hall WA3 was a surprise winner of the USC round at Warrnambool recently. What’s so surprising about Lines winning, right? The reason it was surprising was that James McFadden in the Monte WA17 was lead o
Brady Bacon runs high through Turn 1 at the Indiana State Fairgrounds 1 mile Image: Darren Bould 8 HIGHLINE MAGAZINE
| EDITION 22 |
ding all feature long until inexplicable spinning out of the lead a short distance from the chequered flag handing the win to Lines. Lines luck however, deserted him at the same venue a couple of weeks later in the Victorian Champi-
e oval (1.6km) in the Klatt Motorsports Beast Silver Crown car. /HIGHLINE-MAGAZINE
nship at the same venue when he was taken out of the event in someone else’s wreck.
Steven Lines in the Brian Hall WA3 was a surprise winner of the USC round at Warrnambool recently. What’s so surprising about Lines winning, right? The reason it was surprising was that James McFadden in the Monte WA17 was leadi o
The field forms up for the BC’s Indiana Double Sprintcar feature at the famed K 10pole with Dave Darland alongside followed by Tyler Courtney and eventual win HIGHLINE MAGAZINE
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ing all feature long until inexplicable spinning out of the lead a short distance from the chequered flag handing the win to Lines. Lines luck however, deserted him at the same venue a couple of weeks later in the Victorian Champi-
Kokomo Speedway, one of the raciest places in the USA. Shane Cottle is on nner Chris Windom. Image: Darren Bould
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Quick Pic
nship at the same venue when he was taken out of the event in someone else’s wreck.
Steven Lines in the Brian Hall WA3 was a surprise winner of the USC round at Warrnambool recently. What’s so surprising about Lines winning, right? The reason it was surprising was that James McFadden in the Monte WA17 was lead o
Kevin Thomas Jnr slides through Turn 1 at Terre Haute in the Hoffman Racing
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c
ding all feature long until inexplicable spinning out of the lead a short distance from the chequered flag handing the win to Lines. Lines luck however, deserted him at the same venue a couple of weeks later in the Victorian Champi-
g DRC. Image: Darren Bould
nship at the same venue when he was taken out of the event in someone else’s wreck.
Steven Lines in the Brian Hall WA3 was a surprise winner of the USC round at Warrnambool recently. What’s so surprising about Lines winning, right? The reason it was surprising was that James McFadden in the Monte WA17 was lead o
‘The view from the top row of the old covered wooden grandstand at Belle Clai This tiny one fifth mile banked bullring in the suburbs of St Louis produces som 14Image: Darren Bould HIGHLINE MAGAZINE
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ding all feature long until inexplicable spinning out of the lead a short distance from the chequered flag handing the win to Lines. Lines luck however, deserted him at the same venue a couple of weeks later in the Victorian Champi-
ir as the field rolls around prior to the feature on night 1 of Illinois Midget Week. me of the best Midget racing to be seen anywhere in the USA. /HIGHLINE-MAGAZINE
nship at the same venue when he was taken out of the event in someone else’s wreck.
Steven Lines in the Brian Hall WA3 was a surprise winner of the USC round at Warrnambool recently. What’s so surprising about Lines winning, right? The reason it was surprising was that James McFadden in the Monte WA17 was lead o
Tyler Courtney hard on the gas out of Turn 2 at Terre Haute in the Clauson Ma 16historic half mile track. Image: Darren Bould HIGHLINE MAGAZINE
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ding all feature long until inexplicable spinning out of the lead a short distance from the chequered flag handing the win to Lines. Lines luck however, deserted him at the same venue a couple of weeks later in the Victorian Champi-
arshall Racing Spike on his way to winning the 48th Tony Hulman Classic at the /HIGHLINE-MAGAZINE
nship at the same venue when he was taken out of the event in someone else’s wreck.
Steven Lines in the Brian Hall WA3 was a surprise winner of the USC round at Warrnambool recently. What’s so surprising about Lines winning, right? The reason it was surprising was that James McFadden in the Monte WA17 was lead o
Brady Bacon through Turn 2 at Terre Haute in his Brady Bacon Racing Triple X
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ding all feature long until inexplicable spinning out of the lead a short distance from the chequered flag handing the win to Lines. Lines luck however, deserted him at the same venue a couple of weeks later in the Victorian Champi-
X. Image: Darren Bould
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nship at the same venue when he was taken out of the event in someone else’s wreck.
Steven Lines in the Brian Hall WA3 was a surprise winner of the USC round at Warrnambool recently. What’s so surprising about Lines winning, right? The reason it was surprising was that James McFadden in the Monte WA17 was lead o
Chad Boespflug bounces off the cushion up against the Turn 2 wall at Terre Ha
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ding all feature long until inexplicable spinning out of the lead a short distance from the chequered flag handing the win to Lines. Lines luck however, deserted him at the same venue a couple of weeks later in the Victorian Champi-
aute in the NineEight Motorsports Maxim. Image: Darren Bould /HIGHLINE-MAGAZINE
nship at the same venue when he was taken out of the event in someone else’s wreck.
Steven Lines in the Brian Hall WA3 was a surprise winner of the USC round at Warrnambool recently. What’s so surprising about Lines winning, right? The reason it was surprising was that James McFadden in the Monte WA17 was lead o
It’s hard to beat the experience of standing against the inside guard rail at the h past. This was the 63rd Hoosier Hundred and it is Patrick Lawson in the #2. Th rapher John Mahoney, an inspiration to me when I was far younger! Image: Da 22 HIGHLINE MAGAZINE
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ding all feature long until inexplicable spinning out of the lead a short distance from the chequered flag handing the win to Lines. Lines luck however, deserted him at the same venue a couple of weeks later in the Victorian Champi-
historic one mile Indiana State Fairgrounds as the Silver Crown cars blast he guy standing against the guard rail is legendary American Sprintcar Photogarren Bould
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nship at the same venue when he was taken out of the event in someone else’s wreck.
Steven Lines in the Brian Hall WA3 was a surprise winner of the USC round at Warrnambool recently. What’s so surprising about Lines winning, right? The reason it was surprising was that James McFadden in the Monte WA17 was lead o
AJ Fike blasts out of Turn 2 at the Indiana State Fairgrounds. ( I love the way t 24the 1 mile track – ED). Image: Darren Bould HIGHLINE MAGAZINE
| EDITION 22 |
ding all feature long until inexplicable spinning out of the lead a short distance from the chequered flag handing the win to Lines. Lines luck however, deserted him at the same venue a couple of weeks later in the Victorian Champi-
the left rear tyres “grow� like a top fuel dragster tyre due to the high speeds of /HIGHLINE-MAGAZINE
nship at the same venue when he was taken out of the event in someone else’s wreck.
Steven Lines in the Brian Hall WA3 was a surprise winner of the USC round at Warrnambool recently. What’s so surprising about Lines winning, right? The reason it was surprising was that James McFadden in the Monte WA17 was lead o
This photo gives a great illustration of how air travels over a non-wing car. Cas State Fairgrounds mile. Image: Darren Bould 26 HIGHLINE MAGAZINE
| EDITION 22 |
ding all feature long until inexplicable spinning out of the lead a short distance from the chequered flag handing the win to Lines. Lines luck however, deserted him at the same venue a couple of weeks later in the Victorian Champi-
sey Shuman blasts through the dust on the long back straight at the Indiana /HIGHLINE-MAGAZINE
nship at the same venue when he was taken out of the event in someone else’s wreck.
Steven Lines in the Brian Hall WA3 was a surprise winner of the USC round at Warrnambool recently. What’s so surprising about Lines winning, right? The reason it was surprising was that James McFadden in the Monte WA17 was lead o
A great collection of historic race cars from different eras were given hot lap se long the straights are! Image: Darren Bould 28 HIGHLINE MAGAZINE
| EDITION 22 |
ding all feature long until inexplicable spinning out of the lead a short distance from the chequered flag handing the win to Lines. Lines luck however, deserted him at the same venue a couple of weeks later in the Victorian Champi-
essions on the Indiana State Fairgrounds mile. This picture shows just how /HIGHLINE-MAGAZINE
nship at the same venue when he was taken out of the event in someone else’s wreck.
Steven Lines in the Brian Hall WA3 was a surprise winner of the USC round at Warrnambool recently. What’s so surprising about Lines winning, right? The reason it was surprising was that James McFadden in the Monte WA17 was lead o
The Silver Crown cars parked on the front straight at the Indiana State Fairgrou er 100. Image: Darren Bould
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ding all feature long until inexplicable spinning out of the lead a short distance from the chequered flag handing the win to Lines. Lines luck however, deserted him at the same venue a couple of weeks later in the Victorian Champi-
unds mile on a beautiful Indiana evening prior to the 63rd running of the Hoosi/HIGHLINE-MAGAZINE
nship at the same venue when he was taken out of the event in someone else’s wreck.
Steven Lines in the Brian Hall WA3 was a surprise winner of the USC round at Warrnambool recently. What’s so surprising about Lines winning, right? The reason it was surprising was that James McFadden in the Monte WA17 was lead o
Thomas Meseraull slides through Turn 3 at Bloomington. Meseraull finished 4t 32Image: Darren Bould HIGHLINE MAGAZINE
| EDITION 22 |
ding all feature long until inexplicable spinning out of the lead a short distance from the chequered flag handing the win to Lines. Lines luck however, deserted him at the same venue a couple of weeks later in the Victorian Champi-
th in that nights 5th Annual Josh Burton Memorial for Sprintcars. /HIGHLINE-MAGAZINE
nship at the same venue when he was taken out of the event in someone else’s wreck.
Steven Lines in the Brian Hall WA3 was a surprise winner of the USC round at Warrnambool recently. What’s so surprising about Lines winning, right? The reason it was surprising was that James McFadden in the Monte WA17 was lead o
Typically great three wide racing at Bloomington. That’s Robert Ballou up on the what would Bloomington be without a Kinser in the field? – ED). Image: Darren B 34 HIGHLINE MAGAZINE
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ding all feature long until inexplicable spinning out of the lead a short distance from the chequered flag handing the win to Lines. Lines luck however, deserted him at the same venue a couple of weeks later in the Victorian Champi-
e high line with Kyle Cummins in the middle and Kellen Conover down low. (And Bould
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nship at the same venue when he was taken out of the event in someone else’s wreck.
Steven Lines in the Brian Hall WA3 was a surprise winner of the USC round at Warrnambool recently. What’s so surprising about Lines winning, right? The reason it was surprising was that James McFadden in the Monte WA17 was lead o
Braxton Cummings rides out a heavy flip in Turn 4 at Bloomington after tripping 36
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| EDITION 22 |
ding all feature long until inexplicable spinning out of the lead a short distance from the chequered flag handing the win to Lines. Lines luck however, deserted him at the same venue a couple of weeks later in the Victorian Champi-
g over the cushion. Image: Darren Bould /HIGHLINE-MAGAZINE
nship at the same venue when he was taken out of the event in someone else’s wreck.
Steven Lines in the Brian Hall WA3 was a surprise winner of the USC round at Warrnambool recently. What’s so surprising about Lines winning, right? The reason it was surprising was that James McFadden in the Monte WA17 was leadi o
The field rolls around about to start the 70th Annual Little 500 at Anderson. 33 to be believed! Image: Darren Bould 38 HIGHLINE MAGAZINE
| EDITION 22 |
ing all feature long until inexplicable spinning out of the lead a short distance from the chequered flag handing the win to Lines. Lines luck however, deserted him at the same venue a couple of weeks later in the Victorian Champi-
Sprintcars over 500 laps on a high banked paved quarter mile has to be seen /HIGHLINE-MAGAZINE
nship at the same venue when he was taken out of the event in someone else’s wreck.
Steven Lines in the Brian Hall WA3 was a surprise winner of the USC round at Warrnambool recently. What’s so surprising about Lines winning, right? The reason it was surprising was that James McFadden in the Monte WA17 was leadi o
The Modified racing in the USA is always super competitive with big fields and 40baum, Mike Learman and a wheel lifting Drew Smith. Image: Darren Bould HIGHLINE MAGAZINE
| EDITION 22 |
ing all feature long until inexplicable spinning out of the lead a short distance from the chequered flag handing the win to Lines. Lines luck however, deserted him at the same venue a couple of weeks later in the Victorian Champi-
great racing. This is Turn 1 at Kokomo with Josh Boller leading Dillon Nus/HIGHLINE-MAGAZINE
nship at the same venue when he was taken out of the event in someone else’s wreck.
Steven Lines in the Brian Hall WA3 was a surprise winner of the USC round at Warrnambool recently. What’s so surprising about Lines winning, right? The reason it was surprising was that James McFadden in the Monte WA17 was lead o
4 wide World of Outlaws parade lap at Lawrenceburg on another beautiful Indi Schatz and Paul McMahan. Hard to believe that less than a month later we los 42turns are at L’Burg – ED). Image: Darren Bould HIGHLINE MAGAZINE
| EDITION 22 |
ding all feature long until inexplicable spinning out of the lead a short distance from the chequered flag handing the win to Lines. Lines luck however, deserted him at the same venue a couple of weeks later in the Victorian Champi-
iana evening. Jason Johnson is on the outside alongside Kyle Larson, Donny st Jason. (Unless you’ve been there you won’t believe how steep and big the /HIGHLINE-MAGAZINE
nship at the same venue when he was taken out of the event in someone else’s wreck.
Steven Lines in the Brian Hall WA3 was a surprise winner of the USC round at Warrnambool recently. What’s so surprising about Lines winning, right? The reason it was surprising was that James McFadden in the Monte WA17 was lead o
Joe Stornetta Jnr kicks up a dust storm after running his Sprintcar up over the
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ding all feature long until inexplicable spinning out of the lead a short distance from the chequered flag handing the win to Lines. Lines luck however, deserted him at the same venue a couple of weeks later in the Victorian Champi-
cushion through Turn 4 at Montpelier. Image: Darren Bould
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nship at the same venue when he was taken out of the event in someone else’s wreck.
Steven Lines in the Brian Hall WA3 was a surprise winner of the USC round at Warrnambool recently. What’s so surprising about Lines winning, right? The reason it was surprising was that James McFadden in the Monte WA17 was lead o
Kyle Larson slams the Turn 3 cushion at Montpelier in the Keith Kunz Motorsp Week at Montpelier and swept the meeting setting quick time with a new track 46tion 6. Simply outstanding! Image: Darren Bould HIGHLINE MAGAZINE
| EDITION 22 |
ding all feature long until inexplicable spinning out of the lead a short distance from the chequered flag handing the win to Lines. Lines luck however, deserted him at the same venue a couple of weeks later in the Victorian Champi-
ports Spike Toyota. Larson made a one off appearance on the Indiana Midget record, winning his heat from position 6, then winning the feature from posi/HIGHLINE-MAGAZINE
nship at the same venue when he was taken out of the event in someone else’s wreck.
Steven Lines in the Brian Hall WA3 was a surprise winner of the USC round at Warrnambool recently. What’s so surprising about Lines winning, right? The reason it was surprising was that James McFadden in the Monte WA17 was lead o
The Midget racing on Indiana Midget Week was superb. This is Turn 1 at Linco cer Bayston 97, Jerry Coons Jnr 25, Kevin Thomas Jnr 63, Brady Bacon 76 an 48 HIGHLINE MAGAZINE
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ding all feature long until inexplicable spinning out of the lead a short distance from the chequered flag handing the win to Lines. Lines luck however, deserted him at the same venue a couple of weeks later in the Victorian Champi-
oln Park (Putnamville) with Holly Shelton 67K leading Jake Neuman 3N, Spennd Jason McDougal 15. Image: Darren Bould
/HIGHLINE-MAGAZINE
nship at the same venue when he was taken out of the event in someone else’s wreck.
Steven Lines in the Brian Hall WA3 was a surprise winner of the USC round at Warrnambool recently. What’s so surprising about Lines winning, right? The reason it was surprising was that James McFadden in the Monte WA17 was lead o
Inside the Keith Kunz Motorsports workshop in Columbus, Indiana. KKM were each night to strip, clean and prepare the cars for the following night’s racing. O 50Spencer Bayston and the following week’s POWRi Illinois Midget Week with Lo HIGHLINE MAGAZINE
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ding all feature long until inexplicable spinning out of the lead a short distance from the chequered flag handing the win to Lines. Lines luck however, deserted him at the same venue a couple of weeks later in the Victorian Champi-
running no less than 8 midgets on Indiana Midget Week returning to base One very impressive operation! KKM won the USAC Indiana Midget Week with ogan Seavey. Image: Darren Bould
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nship at the same venue when he was taken out of the event in someone else’s wreck.
Steven Lines in the Brian Hall WA3 was a surprise winner of the USC round at Warrnambool recently. What’s so surprising about Lines winning, right? The reason it was surprising was that James McFadden in the Monte WA17 was lead o
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ding all feature long until inexplicable spinning out of the lead a short distance from the chequered flag handing the win to Lines. Lines luck however, deserted him at the same venue a couple of weeks later in the Victorian Champi-
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nship at the same venue when he was taken out of the event in someone else’s wreck.
Steven Lines in the Brian Hall WA3 was a surprise winner of the USC round at Warrnambool recently. What’s so surprising about Lines winning, right? The reason it was surprising was that James McFadden in the Monte WA17 was lead o
One of the most famous names in American motorsport, Andretti. This is Jarret A 54 track at Lawrenceburg. Image: Darren Bould the HIGHLINE MAGAZINE
| EDITION 22 |
ding all feature long until inexplicable spinning out of the lead a short distance from the chequered flag handing the win to Lines. Lines luck however, deserted him at the same venue a couple of weeks later in the Victorian Champi-
Andretti, son of John, nephew of Mario, ready to take his Sprintcar out onto /HIGHLINE-MAGAZINE
nship at the same venue when he was taken out of the event in someone else’s wreck.
Steven Lines in the Brian Hall WA3 was a surprise winner of the USC round at Warrnambool recently. What’s so surprising about Lines winning, right? The reason it was surprising was that James McFadden in the Monte WA17 was lead o
The 8 car Keith Kunz Motorsports team lined up in the pits at Kokomo prior to t 27, Spencer Bayston 97, Holly Shelton 67K, Logan Seavey 67, Tanner Carrick 56night. Image: Darren Bould HIGHLINE MAGAZINE
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ding all feature long until inexplicable spinning out of the lead a short distance from the chequered flag handing the win to Lines. Lines luck however, deserted him at the same venue a couple of weeks later in the Victorian Champi-
the night’s racing. Ryan Robinson 71, Sam Johnson 72, Tucker Klaasmeyer k 71K, and Rico Abreu 21. They were all beaten by Kevin Thomas Jnr that /HIGHLINE-MAGAZINE
nship at the same venue when he was taken out of the event in someone else’s wreck.
Steven Lines in the Brian Hall WA3 was a surprise winner of the USC round at Warrnambool recently. What’s so surprising about Lines winning, right? The reason it was surprising was that James McFadden in the Monte WA17 was lead o
Tyler Thomas backs his Spike Toyota hard into the Turn 3 cushion at Kokomo.
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ding all feature long until inexplicable spinning out of the lead a short distance from the chequered flag handing the win to Lines. Lines luck however, deserted him at the same venue a couple of weeks later in the Victorian Champi-
. Image: Darren Bould /HIGHLINE-MAGAZINE
nship at the same venue when he was taken out of the event in someone else’s wreck.
Steven Lines in the Brian Hall WA3 was a surprise winner of the USC round at Warrnambool recently. What’s so surprising about Lines winning, right? The reason it was surprising was that James McFadden in the Monte WA17 was lead o
Brady Bacon wheel lifting through Turn 3 at Kokomo in the FMR Racing Beast
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ding all feature long until inexplicable spinning out of the lead a short distance from the chequered flag handing the win to Lines. Lines luck however, deserted him at the same venue a couple of weeks later in the Victorian Champi-
Toyota. Image: Darren Bould
/HIGHLINE-MAGAZINE
nship at the same venue when he was taken out of the event in someone else’s wreck.
Steven Lines in the Brian Hall WA3 was a surprise winner of the USC round at Warrnambool recently. What’s so surprising about Lines winning, right? The reason it was surprising was that James McFadden in the Monte WA17 was lead o
The always spectacular Tanner Thorson hard on it through Turn 3 at Kokomo in
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ding all feature long until inexplicable spinning out of the lead a short distance from the chequered flag handing the win to Lines. Lines luck however, deserted him at the same venue a couple of weeks later in the Victorian Champi-
n the Tri-C Motorsports Spike Stanton. Image: Darren Bould
/HIGHLINE-MAGAZINE
nship at the same venue when he was taken out of the event in someone else’s wreck.
Steven Lines in the Brian Hall WA3 was a surprise winner of the USC round at Warrnambool recently. What’s so surprising about Lines winning, right? The reason it was surprising was that James McFadden in the Monte WA17 was lead o
Sam Johnson powers out of Turn 4 at Kokomo in the Keith Kunz Motorsports S
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ding all feature long until inexplicable spinning out of the lead a short distance from the chequered flag handing the win to Lines. Lines luck however, deserted him at the same venue a couple of weeks later in the Victorian Champi-
Spike Toyota. Image: Darren Bould
/HIGHLINE-MAGAZINE
Holly Shelton rides out a wild flip at Belle Clair after bicycling into Turn 1 at full
nship at the same venue when he was taken out of the event in someone else’s wreck.
Steven Lines in the Brian Hall WA3 was a surprise winner of the USC round at Warrnambool recently. What’s so surprising about Lines winning, right? The reason it was surprising was that James McFadden in the Monte WA17 was lead o
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speed. Holly was shaken but OK. Image: Darren Bould
ding all feature long until inexplicable spinning out of the lead a short distance from the chequered flag handing the win to Lines. Lines luck however, deserted him at the same venue a couple of weeks later in the Victorian Champi-
/HIGHLINE-MAGAZINE
nship at the same venue when he was taken out of the event in someone else’s wreck.
Steven Lines in the Brian Hall WA3 was a surprise winner of the USC round at Warrnambool recently. What’s so surprising about Lines winning, right? The reason it was surprising was that James McFadden in the Monte WA17 was lead o
Team America strides forth atop Western Springs Speedways’ clay surface. US Champion Zach Dalm and man of a thousand driving talents and NASCAR sta 68 HIGHLINE MAGAZINE
| EDITION 22 |
ding all feature long until inexplicable spinning out of the lead a short distance from the chequered flag handing the win to Lines. Lines luck however, deserted him at the same venue a couple of weeks later in the Victorian Champi-
SAC National Midget Champion Spenser Bayston, Multi time POWRi Midget and out Kyle Larson. Image: James Selwyn
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nship at the same venue when he was taken out of the event in someone else’s wreck.
Steven Lines in the Brian Hall WA3 was a surprise winner of the USC round at Warrnambool recently. What’s so surprising about Lines winning, right? The reason it was surprising was that James McFadden in the Monte WA17 was lead o
If the reply is ‘oi, oi, oi’ then you know the call! Three of Australia’s finest speed national Midget Car Series. Sydney hot shoe Michael Stewart is joined by Wes 70Champion Kaidon Brown. Image: James Selwyn HIGHLINE MAGAZINE
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ding all feature long until inexplicable spinning out of the lead a short distance from the chequered flag handing the win to Lines. Lines luck however, deserted him at the same venue a couple of weeks later in the Victorian Champi-
dcar pilots take in the electric atmosphere during the United Truck Parts Interst Australia’s Dayne Kingshott and 4th generation racer and current Australian /HIGHLINE-MAGAZINE
nship at the same venue when he was taken out of the event in someone else’s wreck.
Steven Lines in the Brian Hall WA3 was a surprise winner of the USC round at Warrnambool recently. What’s so surprising about Lines winning, right? The reason it was surprising was that James McFadden in the Monte WA17 was lead o
The versatile Michael Pickens is joined by brother-in-law Brock Maskovich alon 72ing test racing series champion team, New Zealand. Image: James Selwyn HIGHLINE MAGAZINE
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ding all feature long until inexplicable spinning out of the lead a short distance from the chequered flag handing the win to Lines. Lines luck however, deserted him at the same venue a couple of weeks later in the Victorian Champi-
ng with Midget car racing veteran Shayne Alach to form the host and defend/HIGHLINE-MAGAZINE
nship at the same venue when he was taken out of the event in someone else’s wreck.
Steven Lines in the Brian Hall WA3 was a surprise winner of the USC round at Warrnambool recently. What’s so surprising about Lines winning, right? The reason it was surprising was that James McFadden in the Monte WA17 was lead o
Indianapolis, Indiana’s ‘Sunshine’ Tyler Courtney gets some hop laps at Weste Midget Car Series opener in his King Chassis, Toyota powered Midget. Not sur 74 HIGHLINE MAGAZINE
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ding all feature long until inexplicable spinning out of the lead a short distance from the chequered flag handing the win to Lines. Lines luck however, deserted him at the same venue a couple of weeks later in the Victorian Champi-
ern Springs Speedway, Auckland, New Zealand ahead of the International re he could get anymore sideways without losing it. Image: James Selwyn
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nship at the same venue when he was taken out of the event in someone else’s wreck.
Steven Lines in the Brian Hall WA3 was a surprise winner of the USC round at Warrnambool recently. What’s so surprising about Lines winning, right? The reason it was surprising was that James McFadden in the Monte WA17 was lead o
Pavement or dirt, quarter mile or two and a half mile. It seems like Kyle Larson o owned Bullet/Toyota through its paces at Western Springs Speedway. Image: J 78
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ding all feature long until inexplicable spinning out of the lead a short distance from the chequered flag handing the win to Lines. Lines luck however, deserted him at the same venue a couple of weeks later in the Victorian Champi-
of Elk Grove, California can win in anything. Here he puts the Harley Taylor James Selwyn /HIGHLINE-MAGAZINE
nship at the same venue when he was taken out of the event in someone else’s wreck.
Steven Lines in the Brian Hall WA3 was a surprise winner of the USC round at Warrnambool recently. What’s so surprising about Lines winning, right? The reason it was surprising was that James McFadden in the Monte WA17 was lead o
This is a New Zealand Three Quarter Midget Car utilising the traditional smaller pion Peter Hunnibell, the pocket rocket “TQ’s” make for close exciting racing aro 80 James Selwyn HIGHLINE MAGAZINE
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ding all feature long until inexplicable spinning out of the lead a short distance from the chequered flag handing the win to Lines. Lines luck however, deserted him at the same venue a couple of weeks later in the Victorian Champi-
r 10 inch wheels. Driven by former New Zealand National Midget Car Chamound the tight confines of the Western Springs quarter mile bullring. Image: /HIGHLINE-MAGAZINE
nship at the same venue when he was taken out of the event in someone else’s wreck.
Steven Lines in the Brian Hall WA3 was a surprise winner of the USC round at Warrnambool recently. What’s so surprising about Lines winning, right? The reason it was surprising was that James McFadden in the Monte WA17 was lead o
#1 USA Kyle Larson is pursued by Australian Michael Stewart in the Kiwi owned Boxing Night at Western Springs. (Take a close look and you’ll see Stewarts rig 82 and 1 or both of these guys were going for a ride they’d rather not have. – ED). HIGHLINE MAGAZINE
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ding all feature long until inexplicable spinning out of the lead a short distance from the chequered flag handing the win to Lines. Lines luck however, deserted him at the same venue a couple of weeks later in the Victorian Champi-
d, Blair Bertram CP3/Eagle during the International Midget Car Test races on ght front wheel tucked in tight to Larsons left rear and side nerf bar. Any closer Image: James Selwyn
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nship at the same venue when he was taken out of the event in someone else’s wreck.
Steven Lines in the Brian Hall WA3 was a surprise winner of the USC round at Warrnambool recently. What’s so surprising about Lines winning, right? The reason it was surprising was that James McFadden in the Monte WA17 was lead o
Driving one of the immaculately prepared HLR Racing Aggressor/Esslinger house Western Springs. Image: James Selwyn 84 HIGHLINE MAGAZINE
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ding all feature long until inexplicable spinning out of the lead a short distance from the chequered flag handing the win to Lines. Lines luck however, deserted him at the same venue a couple of weeks later in the Victorian Champi-
e cars, Auckland’s Chris McCutcheon lifts the front end in town bend at /HIGHLINE-MAGAZINE
nship at the same venue when he was taken out of the event in someone else’s wreck.
Steven Lines in the Brian Hall WA3 was a surprise winner of the USC round at Warrnambool recently. What’s so surprising about Lines winning, right? The reason it was surprising was that James McFadden in the Monte WA17 was lead o
One of the dominant forces in Auckland Three Quarter Midget car racing and ha his Harris/Suzuki machine in heat race action. Image: James Selwyn 86 HIGHLINE MAGAZINE
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ding all feature long until inexplicable spinning out of the lead a short distance from the chequered flag handing the win to Lines. Lines luck however, deserted him at the same venue a couple of weeks later in the Victorian Champi-
alf of the Baker Racing Team, younger brother Ryan Baker is pictured here in /HIGHLINE-MAGAZINE
nship at the same venue when he was taken out of the event in someone else’s wreck.
Steven Lines in the Brian Hall WA3 was a surprise winner of the USC round at Warrnambool recently. What’s so surprising about Lines winning, right? The reason it was surprising was that James McFadden in the Monte WA17 was lead o
The green flag drops Boxing Day at Western Springs as the Midget cars launch 88 stands off the line. Image: James Selwyn HIGHLINE MAGAZINE
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ding all feature long until inexplicable spinning out of the lead a short distance from the chequered flag handing the win to Lines. Lines luck however, deserted him at the same venue a couple of weeks later in the Victorian Champi-
h down the straight in front of the large crowd as 2NZ Brad Mosen wheel /HIGHLINE-MAGAZINE
nship at the same venue when he was taken out of the event in someone else’s wreck.
Steven Lines in the Brian Hall WA3 was a surprise winner of the USC round at Warrnambool recently. What’s so surprising about Lines winning, right? The reason it was surprising was that James McFadden in the Monte WA17 was lead o
A star spangled ‘Sunshine’ Tyler Courtney poses with the podium girls in front o Image: James Selwyn 90 HIGHLINE MAGAZINE
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ding all feature long until inexplicable spinning out of the lead a short distance from the chequered flag handing the win to Lines. Lines luck however, deserted him at the same venue a couple of weeks later in the Victorian Champi-
of his ride made possible by Cindy Elliott and the Tony Elliott Foundation. /HIGHLINE-MAGAZINE
nship at the same venue when he was taken out of the event in someone else’s wreck.
Steven Lines in the Brian Hall WA3 was a surprise winner of the USC round at Warrnambool recently. What’s so surprising about Lines winning, right? The reason it was surprising was that James McFadden in the Monte WA17 was lead o
Benjamin Mathews in his Formula two (F2) Midget Car. The F2 Midgets are a lo air intake. They provide a more cost effective way to get behind the wheel of a M 92 HIGHLINE MAGAZINE
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ding all feature long until inexplicable spinning out of the lead a short distance from the chequered flag handing the win to Lines. Lines luck however, deserted him at the same venue a couple of weeks later in the Victorian Champi-
ocal class and have no carbon fibre or titanium, a 2 litre motor and a restricted Midget car at Western Springs. Image: James Selwyn
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nship at the same venue when he was taken out of the event in someone else’s wreck.
Steven Lines in the Brian Hall WA3 was a surprise winner of the USC round at Warrnambool recently. What’s so surprising about Lines winning, right? The reason it was surprising was that James McFadden in the Monte WA17 was lead o
More F2 Midget Car action as North Shores’ Corbin Anderson seeks and gains t Image: James Selwyn 94 HIGHLINE MAGAZINE
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ding all feature long until inexplicable spinning out of the lead a short distance from the chequered flag handing the win to Lines. Lines luck however, deserted him at the same venue a couple of weeks later in the Victorian Champi-
traction a car width off the Western Springs poleline in Town bend. /HIGHLINE-MAGAZINE
nship at the same venue when he was taken out of the event in someone else’s wreck.
Steven Lines in the Brian Hall WA3 was a surprise winner of the USC round at Warrnambool recently. What’s so surprising about Lines winning, right? The reason it was surprising was that James McFadden in the Monte WA17 was lead o
A reflective Hayden Williams is interviewed by former driver and rapscallion Gr on the back straight of Western Springs opening feature race of the United Tru 96 HIGHLINE MAGAZINE
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ding all feature long until inexplicable spinning out of the lead a short distance from the chequered flag handing the win to Lines. Lines luck however, deserted him at the same venue a couple of weeks later in the Victorian Champi-
raham Standring after his high wire act, skimming the top of the safety fence uck Parts International Midget Car Series. Image: James Selwyn
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THE FIRST LIVERPOOL SPEEDW
By Grant Woodhams Images: Full Throttle Publishing 98
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WAY SUPER MODIFIEDS
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Liverpool Speedway in Sydney enjoyed a fantastic reputation for racing and entertainment over its twenty two year history from 1967 to 1989. When it closed in 1989 it ended an almost unrivalled chapter of speedway racing in Australia. And one of the major components of Liverpool’s success can be attributed to the popularity of Super Modified racing. By the early 1960’s Super Modified (often called Hot Rods) racing was going ahead in leaps and bounds and Sydney’s two winter tracks Westmead and Windsor both featured the division on a weekly basis. Windsor held the first three Australian Championships starting in 1963 and then Westmead held the next two before the 1968 Championship was held at the Sydney Showgrounds. Nineteen Sixty Eight was a huge year for Super Modifieds in Sydney and one of the main reasons was that both Westmead and Windsor speedways closed never to re-open again. Into this space came Liverpool Speedway, barely a year old, but it provided the opportunity for a lot of those who had raced regularly at Westmead or Windsor to continue to race. It also gave a chance for those new to the sport to gain a start in what was fast becoming a major speedway division. As well as selected Sydney Showground meetings drivers could also tow down to Kembla Grange south of Wollongong. But Liverpool was in suburban Sydney and it was a far simpler journey. However the closure of Westmead and Windsor didn’t mean that drivers simply migrated to Liverpool, far from it. The Morisset track which was two hours north of Sydney and about an hour south of Newcastle billed Super Modifieds as their main division. A large number of drivers opted to go there.
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So much so that the track held both the 1969 and 1970 Australian Championships. However the circuit couldn’t sustain its operations and racing there became sporadic. The outcome
was that most of those who had made Morisset their Super Modified home now decided that Liverpool, having successfully survived four years in the tough world of speedway would become their Sydney base. History will record that Super Modified and then Sprintcar racing at Liverpool would see Sydney’s best until the arrival of Granville (later Parramatta) Speedway in 1977. Liverpool Speedway saw the first fully imported Sprintcar which was driven by Californian Johnny Anderson. The car stayed in Sydney when he returned to the USA and local Gary Rush started to race it.
grounds.
But those early years of Liverpool Super Modified racing tell a fascinating story, particularly when you consider that many drivers had opted to go to Morriset or Kembla Grange and their only Sydney appearances were when they were invited to appear at the Sydney Show-
The first Liverpool meeting was held Sunday afternoon the 14th of May 1967. By this time
Windsor was struggling for competitors in all divisions and Westmead management knew that at season’s end they’d close their doors. Liverpool’s opening probably hastened Windsor’s demise and quite of few drivers from the track in the shadow of the Blue Mountains had already made the decision to shift down to Liverpool. The Liverpool programme from that first meeting listed fourteen Super Modified drivers. 1 Ray Murphy 2 Chris Badger 10 Les Smith 13 Keith Keating 14 George Polley 15 Max Denham 21 Fred Bowler 22 Frank Bowler 26 Les Hilton 44 Jim Griffin 48 John Phillips 49 Kev Worthington 92 Gordon Rundle 69 Trevor Griffin
Jaguar OHF OHF Jaguar Ford Jaguar OHF OHF Holden OHF OHF Kitten Pontiac OHF
Prominent among them were the well performed George Polley and Gordon Rundle along with Max Denham, Keith Keating, Les Smith and Kevin Worthington. Of those who appeared at that first meeting Fred Bowler, Les Smith, Kevin Worthington, Keith Keating and George Polley had already appeared in an Australian Championship. As the first few seasons progressed others started to join in the Liverpool action. Some were experienced and successful campaigners like Sid Hopping and Clive Sevenoaks who had both come from Westmead’s strong ranks, along with George Tatnell who had originally started racing at Windsor. Joining them were well known names in the Sydney Super Modified world Pat Heaton, Jim Powick and Charlie Lack.
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The cars were a mixture of home built specials and US copies. Some were still fairly primitive but a lot were becoming much prettier and lap times were coming down. By 1968 Hopping had established himself in the ex Marshall Sargent Corvette which was affectionately dubbed “The Beast”. Clive Sevenoaks was also in a Cor-
vette, but most of the engines were predominantly Holdens or OHV Fords, although there was the odd Valiant, Pontiac and Jaguar in the mix. After three seasons Liverpool’s Super Modifieds were well and truly established and drivers like Col Fullagar, Pat Heaton and Graeme Donney gained some popularity and prominence. However with the uncertainty surrounding Morisset all the ‘big guns’ came back to Sydney to play and Liverpool Speedway’s Super Modified racing virtually changed overnight. And after 1970 the only driver from the original group of Liverpool Super Mod’s to qualify for an Australian Championship was Kevin Worthington who made the Title race in 1982 and 1984. Worthington was the only competitor from that first meeting who was still racing when the track closed in 1989. As strange as it seems an Australian Super Modified (Sprintcar) Title was never held at Liverpool.
Woody
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58th 5 Hour Energy Knoxville Nationa presented by Casey’s General Stores
Brad’s Sweet dreams come true. Diminutive Sprintcar Racer Brad Sweet has dethroned the King of the Knoxville Nationals Donny Schatz in emphatic style with a dominant uprising that began the weekend prior at the Capitani Classic and culminated in a devastating drive to Knoxville Nationals glory. Sweets soon to be brother-in-law Kyle Larson completed the top trio after an awesome battle with Schatz. Sweet, who has strong ties to Australia through various individuals and teams, scored Kasey Kahne Racings single biggest victory when he took the $150,000 win. “This is surreal. I’ve been dreaming about this, working at this, my entire life,” Sweet said. “I am forever etched into the Knoxville Nationals history books.” When asked about the heartpounding Green-White-Checkered finish Sweet didn’t hold back, “I think I held my breath. I really had to buckle down and hit the bottom the best I can. I couldn’t see [Schatz], but I could hear him, I could hear a pitch of the engine on Steven Lines in the Brian Hall WA3 was a surprise winner of the USC round at Warrnambool recently. What’s thespinning outside It doesn’t matter how much inexplicable out of the of lead ame. short distance from the chequered flag handing win to Lines. Lines when taken of the event inthesomeone youhe winwas by as longout as you win,” a jubilated Sweet said. 104
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From an Aussie point of view it was a seemingly reduced field of antipodeans and the only members to represent the down-under brigade in the main event were the Madsen brothers Kerry and Ian, who ironically are both based in Knoxville during our winter.
als s.
Big brother and former podium finisher Kerry was solid throughout in the Go Muddy #2 and was in fact sitting in a top ten position (8th) until he crashed with just 2 laps to go. Younger brother Ian just missed a top ten result (11th) after being penalised during the half time break for taking too long. Jamie Veal (10th), Brooke Tatnell (15th) and Sammy Walsh (23rd) were our next best finishers in the B-Main, while James McFadden did not start the C-Main. None of Allan Woods, Jordyn Barzier, Lynton Jeffrey or Scott Bogucki took their starting positions in the D-Main.
nship at the same venue
so surprising about Lines winning, right? The reason it was surprising was that James McFadden in the Monte WA17 was leading all feature long until luck however, deserted him at the same venue a couple of weeks later in the Victorian Champio
else’s wreck.
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Compact Speedcars Australia – A fresh start.
Part way into the 2015/16 season, our governing body Speedway Australia informed the Australian Compact Speedcar Association (ACSA) of their intention to remove the divisions’ current national status (season following) unless the group could come up with a fourth state with 10 or more registered cars. At the time only Queensland, New South Wales and Victoria fielded competitors in the class. In short all three existing clubs began discussions in line with working towards a fourth state for the division regardless of the time line. In saying this the goal was to move towards the result as quick as possible but never with the type of haste that would see the problem become bigger. If we ran without the status for a year or two to build the best result so be it. To keep it simple the discussions between the three states fell short of a result. Proactive discussions then began with Speedcars Australia to negotiate the possibility of ACSA Compacts becoming part of what is already a strong national division. The idea was to bolster what is already in place and provide the perfect breeding ground for young racers that are looking to learn race craft before stepping up to the more powerful open wheel class-
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es. It would remove the initial problem also (national status) and in turn entice promotors to consider the added value of a group that offered a bigger, better show. Unfortunately at the final hour the wheels fell off again and negotiations ceased. From a QCSA (Queensland Compact Speedcar Association) point of view though this is still considered the obvious and best option. To better explain there have been several QSCA members step up already last season regardless of this deal falling short and some even running both classes on the same events. Darren Vine, Tim Farrell and Rob Stewart pulled double duties, Nathan Mathers, Audie Malt and Glenn Wright stepped up, and Mitchell Rooke collected Rookie of the year at the recent Midget awards night after just his second season on the dirt. Riki Harrison and Barry Gibbes will also step up for next season and Riki has talked of running both classes. There is also no denying where Australian Champion Victoria’s Justin Paull learnt his craft when running on occasions with the big boys this past season. Right, so for all of you folk that are wondering where this is leading, unfortunately when all roads shut down there must be another built. The QCSA is very aware of the history of this great division and the last three years had seen
–
some major improvements internally that were specific to building a better ACSA. The simple fact is that it could not be saved.
memberships are growing through transparency and good management.
A subsequent meeting was held to discuss which direction the club would head and after a full member vote was taken the Queensland committee with the backing of its members initiated what is known now as Compact Speedcars Australia and removed themselves from the ACSA.
“Our car count is the biggest it has been in my few years with the club (20 plus most meetings), and the cars are top level on presentation! We are looking forward next season and much bigger events. John Kelly has embraced our emphasis on building a better show and thus we have picked up some big shows in Toowoomba this coming season. We are running again on plenty of our home shows at
This brought about new problems but also a fresh start.
Archerfield too”. Enthused competitor Graeme Flynn!
From that day on the Qld Club have gone forward in leaps and bounds. A national meeting recently which saw Speedway Australia working proactively across all facets of the sport also reinforced the divisions position and they are now actively working with the forward thinking Queensland club.
The difference being the caliber of the home track events. We are super stoked to be running some big ones this season including the final night of the National Sprint Car Title come January.
The Club now has a one vote per car system which was previously 1 vote per state and
“Everyone in the club is really bloody proud of the results that have come from good teamwork. The racing is as good as I have witnessed in my time with this class and you can
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put most of that down to our ‘fastest to the rear rule’ It works, we have proven it!! Flynn continued
Flynn and fellow racer Robert Stewart decided they needed to create what is now known as the Fwordspeedshop.
Flynn had asked the club Secretary Sandra Stewart at the start of this season to keep track on cars passed and he would put up the trophy/ prize for the hard charger this year and the winner, Wayne Corbett (Q10) passed 154 cars
After two years of placing all the pieces together they are now up and running and the focus is always on improving the division.
in total and always from the back as is required when competing on an A grade level. To give you an idea of the scope of this achievement these places are only considered and counted if they stuck. The positions returned to the previous lap on any stoppage and or any cars being lapped obviously did not count. There were several other A graders that pushed near or just past the 100 positions collected also. For this class it’s a proven winner.
shop however is to run development classes/tutorials (first of their kind) and they have also put the word out for expressions of interest for the “pit walk” option for those who want to check out the class but have no connection to racers or owners.
On the back of his many, mostly avoidable, and let’s say interesting racing experiences early on 108
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The fundamental concept behind Fwordspeed-
Fwordspeedshop have tipped back in the vicinity of over $4,000 to the club already this past season through prizes and sponsorship. They have also aligned themselves with Glenn Revell’s P1 business which includes access to Bullet Racing Wheels specific to Midget/Com-
pact classes. Glenn’s business has been built on the same ethics and lines up perfectly with the Fword motto. “support your sport”. Fword have also built a close connection with Rick and Kylie Dryden from Dryden Signs whom they consider to be the best in the business. Fwordspeedshop chose to align themselves with all these folk due to the support levels their business’ already provide to the sport of Speedway and most importantly the fact that they all place integrity above profit margin. Based in Yatala with distribution also on the Sunshine Coast The Fword team manufacture all nonstandard items for Compacts/Midgets including full panel kits, nerf bars and pushers etc. They do the lot! All of this is made simple via the teams machine shop just a little further down the road in Beautiful Burleigh Heads. The machine shop is most important as it is key to nonstandard fabrication and the part of the business where all house motors are built and maintained. “Basically we have worked to keep everything this way so we can save our budget racing friends time and most importantly money.” Stated Flynn. Rookie Richard Treanor was one of those who took advantage of the Fwordspeedshop service. Richard was the first to take up Fword on their development class. And from what we can tell the first of its kind in Australian Speedway.
that I should start with for every meeting. Robbie then went on to describe optional setup changes to be made from this base setup as the track develops throughout the night.” “Already with only five full meetings completed this year as a Rookie I feel I have gained more Knowledge in one session with the FWORD team than I could in two or more seasons by myself. Having them at the track for support and to write that last minute prescription is invaluable, so a big thank you to the team at the Fwordspeedshop for a very educational chassis development session.” Enthused Treanor. “I’m Excited to get back to the track.” “We at Fwordspeedshop are very proud of what we have created and it was fantastic to receive such glowing feedback.” said a chuffed Flynn of Treanors assessment. “Not just because we had proof it works but because we were able to provide Richard with the satisfaction he had made the right choice in not just Compacts but the sport of Speedway.” Apart from the success of the Fword program, this year the club has also had competitor Riki Harrison donate $2,000 in sponsorship through his business Nupave Asphalt and fellow racer Jim Kennedy chipped in another $1,000 through Henchcraft Racing. All club members also receive 10% off Revolution Racegear products which also sits under this deal.
“I don’t know what the FWORD represents, but for me it is F@#K YEAH.” Exclaimed Treanor.
The work that the committee and members have done this year is proof the club is healthy.
“After years as a spectator on the other side of the fence I made the decision to do it in the dirt, knowing it would be a mountainous challenge to understand chassis setup, reading track conditions and everything else that comes your way in this sport.” Treanor explained.
If you are interested in joining the Compact ranks in Queensland you can find all groups related to this growing class on Facebook at Fwordspeedshop, Revolution Race Gear Sunshine Coast, Queensland Compact Speedcar Club (tq’s), or via the web on the Compact Speedcars Australia site. www.compactspeedcarsaustralia.com.au
“F@#K YEAH is also how my car felt and handled at the last meeting after a one on one with Robbie and the team at the Fwordspeedshop”, he continued. “The Chassis and suspension setup was given a full examination, with a few minor changes implemented as a base setup
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