Who is Highline Magazine Editor: Brett Swanson Contributors; Kaylene Oliver, Grant Woodhams, Ray Reed, Andy Ticehurst Artist/layout; Andy Ticehurst / PRM Group 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 You – The Speedway fans Facebook Contributions / Criticism welcome. High Line Magazine Brett Swanson 0410 198 138 brett@piratemediagroup.com.au
Front Cover: (MAIN) Australian SGP winner Greg Hancock leads Aussie charger Jason Doyle under the roof of Etihad Stadium. Inset: Two time world SGP Champion Tai Woffinden in his “gold”
Kasey Kahne’s Steve Caunt Fire Service Plus Entry. KK certanly entertained the aussie crowd on his lastest tour.
OUR VIEW......
With Highline Editor Brett Swanson
H new year.
ello Everyone, I hope you all had a Merry Christmas and a very happy
This is without doubt the best time of the year for every speedway fan in the country and especially Sprintcar fans. Right now in Sydney you’ve got an abundance of shows with top international drivers such as Kasey Khane, Brad Sweet, Kraig Kinser and Carson Macedo while further south we’ve got the World Series Speedweek with the
Top Aussies Veal, Tatnell, McFadden, Murcott, Lines etc. and ace Americans Kyle Hirst, Randy Hannagan and Thomas Meseraull. And all of this is leading up to the big one, the 44th Lucas Oil Grand Annual Sprintcar Classic, plus just a week later, the other most coveted race, the 54th Lucas Oil Australian Sprintcar Championship. When last I spoke with track manager David Mills he said numbers for the Classic were over the 90 mark and were not yet closed (“They don’t really ever close” Mills stated) while the entries for the Title had reached an even 100 by the cut-off date with some drivers entering for the title but not for the Classic(?). What a huge 10 or so days this is going to be.
How cool is Jeff Gordon? The recently retired NASCAR Superstar was down-under on a family holiday and then showed up unannounced to watch his budRIGHT: NASCAR Star Jeff Gordon
bier in the previous round. These barriers caused further issues when they were hit and a lot of cars were damaged by them. Not just the cars that hit them, but the cars that were innocently caught up in a huge B-Main pile-up when T-Mez broke one and water spewed onto the track surface ahead of the leaders who had no time to react when WSS officials were too slow to pull a yellow. The simple solution is leave the barriers off the track, or at the very least fill them After taking in the Avalon round of World Series with some sand or soil, and be firm and alert when Sprintcars, I have to question whether our premier stewarding the corners. If someone passes another touring series is still that – the premier series. Punters and competitors pay a premium to attend a WSS car using the infield, be ruthless, call it no matter who round, but there are some serious issues that need to it is and put them back two spots each time they do it. They will quickly realise the cost of the manuevre and be addressed. will stop passing cars that way. For the first time in years, the Avalon track crew were I know from the reaction of the crowd that they were forced to grade the track at the dehest of WSS offinot happy about the infield barriers and I’m sure they cials after the first set of heats because the drivers would rather not have to sit and wait while the grader complained that the track had gone black and slick. Of course it had! Cars were on the track shortly after and water truck cut laps. Let’s see, a higher entry fee, less cars, a ridiculous format that is all about time 5pm on a sizzling hot 39 degree day. What do you trials rather than racing, and a grader race! Makes an expect? SRA series round look like a much better proposition doesn’t it especially when all of the WSS Hot shots Secondly, WSS mandated the use of something, (in this case water filled barriers) strategically placed just have been part of the local SRA Series of late. Just saying! off the pole line to stop drivers using the infield as part of the racing line as had happened at Mt Gamdy Kasey Kahne race in Sydney. Gordon has never turned his back on his dirt track roots and this just shows that he truly does still enjoy the gritty, less glamourous side of speedway racing that is the awesome Sprintcar scene.
Thinking about the grader at Avalon made me think about slick tracks versus hooky tracks. Moist tracks are fast no doubt, but in reality at most venues this just means fast, freight train racing with virtually no passing. Slick tracks on the other hand generally mean a wider racing surface as drivers use all of it looking for moisture which tends to dry the tack out evenly and leads to a wide surface and by and large better racing with cars on the top and others on the bottom and slide jobs and passing galore. True you do get a bit more dust at times and the lap speed is slower, but the racing generally is better. Ask the punters on the hill who pay to be entertained. Do they want a fast nose to tail procession or a slower real race. It’s not all just about the speed. Of course not all slick tracks are great. January 1st at Warrnambool saw the track rubber up in the main event. Until that point we were all enjoying the sight and sound of Tatnell and Veal, running the wall foot buried to the floor. Then the rubber went down on the pole line and Hirst was the first to find it and it launched him screaming past those on the wall and into the lead taking McFadden with him. Tatnell and anyone else on the wall dropped immediately to the
bottom and motored around in line at less than full throttle. I can tell you as a photographer on the infield I put my camera down because nothing much was going to happen now. The only drama to ensue was when both Hirst and McFadden blew their right rear tyres apart due to blistering handing the lead back to Tatnell. The next thing to happen was to show real contempt for those fans on the hill, as the race did not restart until the TV crews had finished their interviews with Hirst and McFadden. The remaining field rolled around in formation for no reason other than the TV crews were busy and obviously couldn’t wait. WTF.
To Speedcar racers Mark Brown and Brett Thomas who both suffered injuries recently, get well soon guys.
OGGIE OGGIE OGGIE.... Oi! Oi! Oi! Story: Brett Swanson
Images: InactionPhotos.com.au/ Pirate Media Group
Morris “Oggie” Ahearn has had his troubles in life recently like everyone else but it seems now that great things are happening for the big fella. His off track life is good and on track things can’t be any better.
Ahearn broke through for his first Street Stock feature win on Boxing day at Wahgunya, and it was no token win with a small field at a country venue. No, it was a big field of highly rated racers that he defeated. Sure
he had some luck go his way, but at the end of the night he stood proudly atop the dais Less than 24 hours later Ahearn was getting used to the winning feeling backing up his maiden win with a 2nd feature this time at Sonic Speedway Swan Hill. Clearly Ahearn likes the bigger tracks. It didn’t take long before Ahearn was back in victory lane this time driving from 8th to the win in the Go, stop, go feature event at Warrnambools premier speedway, before a good World Series Sprintcars crowd. Three wins from four events, you’ve got to be happy with that. By the way, the only event he didn’t win in this quasi Street Stock Speedweek was Hamilton, but then again, you can’t win them all.
T
he Victorian Speedcar Drivers Association (VSDA) is starting to bear fruit from its sustained efforts of recent seasons to make Speedcars a more attractive proposition for competitors than in years gone past.
In early October as support to the Sprintcars a solid field of cars were on hand including a couple of newbies to the division, with still a few regular cars not making it out which promises continued growth in the garden state. Rookies included the highly rated Jessica Moulden, Justin McMinn, Jack day, ian Jones and Nick Parker. As mentioned earlier Domain Ramsey (pictured) got the win in the little cars on a night where he was doing double duty in his own Sprintcar as well. Veteran Paul Farrell looked good early on and for the majority of the feature but Ramsey ran him down
and snatched the lead in the dying stages. Most fans expected that Farrell had been cruising and would step up his speed once Ramsey woke him up but this was not to be as Ramsey edged away for the win. Both Stewart Grant-Campbell and Troy Jordan upended their machines but Jordan’s was more of a falling over and he was able to continue his night.
SPEEDCAR’S
IMAGE: Geoff Gracie
AUSTRALIAN SPEE
EDWAY GRAND PRIX TO HANCOCK .....
W
OW, what an event the 2015 Don Smallgoods Australian FIM Speedway Grand Prix at Etihad Stadium turned out to be, living up to every ounce of pre-event excitement culminated with an almost fairy tale ending that instantly reversed and shocked the vocal stadium into stunned, hold your breath silence. Over 26,000 fans, mostly it was indicated by preevent ticket sales that were from interstate, converged on Melbourne’s stunning Etihad Stadium for the final round of the FIM Speedway Grand Prix World Championship and to see the official crowning of an “Aussie” pom as a two time world champion.
Pedersen, who I think secretly thrives on the reputation as the sports bad boy and loves the jeers of the crowd at the mere mention of his name, was a significant player in gaining the sport national television exposure when he and his crew became embroiled in a punch-up with young Australian wildcard rider Sam Masters. Sadly the footage of Masters’ brilliant right hook to the jaw of one of Pedersen’s crew members who was in his face and allegedly threatening to “kill” him got plenty of coverage while the news outlets overlooked the potentially career ending injuries to our standout competitor Jason Doyle who suffered a broken C7 vertebra and punctured lung in a sickening crash just seconds after the start of the final, or the fact that Hancock had won the event.
To say the staging of the event was a herculean effort is an understatement. Behind the scenes, well under the surface to be precise, the floor of the stadium had to be braced with additional temporary supports throughout the underground carparks in the shape of the oval track layout that was installed above ground. In the end the amazing 45 year old American Greg Hancock won the final event and thereby secured the Triple world champion Ole Olsen explained the isrunner up position or silver medal in the world cham- sues when interviewed on the preceding Tuesday as the track was taking shape. pionship chase from the man in the black hat, who “The floor of this stadium is quite light and so we canironically wears white leathers, Nicki Pedersen. not have any piece of earth moving or other equipThe event had everything from glitz and glamour, scintillating racing, fists and falls and even culminated with a fireworks display within the enclosed roof of the stadium.
Previous Page: The honour of cutting the first ever laps at Etihad Stadium was left to Aussie 3 time world Champion Jason Crump.
ABOVE: The editor does an impromptu interview for channel 7 with track builder, legend, and former multiple world champion Ole Olsen.
ment within 20 metres of each other and we can’t have two trucks passing each other either.” He explained. “This is the 53rd time we’ve done this around the world and we’ve only got three days to build it then three days to tear it down.”
cious fans also stripped the vendors of all available merchandise.
Come race night and the noise just built as the clock ticked towards the 7:00pm start “We’re putting 5,000 tons of dirt in here and I must time. Then admit that I’m really happy with the soil compound the razand confident we will be able to control the surface due to the roof being closed which will lead to a good za-mattazz started as the track for the riders.” He continued. Olsen was also a little frustrated by Australia’s union lights dimmed and the 16 rules which kept his crew from getting really hands on with the construction. “I can’t even get on a forklift riders and the beautiand do things,” he lamented. He just had to watch and supervise and direct the Aussie crew on how he ful Monster Energy Girls wanted it done. were paraded All of Olsen’s frustrations were relieved on Thursday under spotmorning when our own triple World Champion Jason lights on Harley Davidson Crump was given the honour of cutting the first laps motorcycles of the brand new circuit, watched on by Hancock, Pedersen, Masters, Doyle, Chris Holder, Troy Batch- before each rider was elor and a surprising number of fans. introduced Amazingly a crowd of around 5,000 fans witnessed the 16 elite riders get their first official taste on Friday amongst afternoon in the strictly controlled practice. The vora- cheers, or
ABOVE: The Walsh family from Cobden V form it takes.
boo’s for Pedersen, and pyrotechnics.
Batch last.
The noise in the stadium was just like a European event with horns and the like and then Niels-Kristian Iversen made history by winning the first heat of the first world championship round held in Melbourne.
Australia’s best hope was up next in heat 3 and after a tough ride came up just short of grabbing second place behind Maciej Janowski and Pedersen.
Heat two had a lot for the crowd with Hancock, Tai Woffinden and Bachelor in the field. Surprisingly Hancock from gate 3 got the win ahead of Woofy with
Kildemand continued his assault in heat 5 taking the three points while Batchelor scored none. Heat 6 saw Hancock continue his winning ways on the big and fast “Aussie” style speedway. Holder increased his anxiety over his personal battle with Kildemand by not scoring any points. Doyle maximised his gate 1 start and had the crowd in raptures when he defeated Woofy who was yet to show his best form.
Victoria love their racing no matter what
Wildcard Masters gave the locals something to cheer about in heat 4 dicing for the lead before being beaten back to second by Peter Kildemand. The out of form former world Champion Holder trailed the young Aussie across the line but lost valuable points to Kildemand who was trying to steal the coveted 8th place in the championship from Holder.
The excitement reached a peak after heat 8 which was won by Matej Zagar. Young Masters had been in the midst of the battle again dicing for the lead until
a questionable move by Pedersen who appeared to “feed” Masters a wheel down the front straight. Postrace on the cool down Masters made his feelings known to the Dane who then rode into Masters stationary bike. Tempers flared and once officials got between the pair Pedersen started pointing fingers and giving the young gun some lip. Things escalated then when as Masters walked away one of Pedersen’s crew members got right into Masters’ face and young Sam let loose with the now famous right to the chin.
“I do regret it, punching and that, but it’s what happened,” he said. “I was trying to get away but he kept pushing me and saying stuff. I just cracked it, but I shouldn’t have.” While Master’s may have regrated it, the pro Aussie crowd certainly didn’t. Masters didn’t have long to think about things as he was straight back out for the next heat with compatriot Doyle but neither could defeat the unstoppable Hancock.
Masters later told the Newcastle Herald Newspaper that he regretted lashing out at Pedersen and punching the mechanic. “His mechanic came and grabbed me and told me he was going to kill me,” Masters told the Newcastle Herald. “He wouldn’t leave me alone, then he pushed me in the shoulder, and I let it rip.” He said he was also provoked in the on-track altercation with Pedersen. “He said: ‘You’re a f---ing XXXX. I’ll put you in the f---ing fence next time’. “I only threw my hands up at Nicki, then he came over to me, put his arms around me and said what he said. It’s obviously a big talking point but it’s a heatof-the-moment thing really, and it’s what happens, especially with Nicki.”
Andreas Jonsson scored in heat 10 with Pedersen back in third nursing his hurt feelings but still ahead of Batchelor. Holder scored a single point in heat 11 as Krzystof Kasprzak (KK) finally hit the win column. While Holder was still struggling Kildemand was pilling on the pressure for the coveted 8th place with yet another win in heat 12 defeating Woofy who was still winless after three rides. Woofy quickly made amends winning heat 13 from the inside gate with Pedersen and Holder third and fourth. KK was now in his stride winning again in heat 14
RIGHT: : Aussie Jason Doyle (69) leads compatriots Troy Batchelor (75), Chris Holder (23) and Slovenian Matej Zagar (55).
and doing Holder a favour as Kildemand could only score 1 point while Doyle surprisingly scored zero.
remained unbeaten after winning heat 16.
The final set of heats saw Iversen, Woffinden, HanJanowski took out heat 15 from Masters and Batche- cock (again) and Doyle take the wins while Masters lor in the re-run after Chris Harris was unfairly exclud- and Holder came up empty and Batchelor scored just ed for what appeared to be a racing incident. 1 point. Kildemand continued to chase Holders’ 8th Hancock’s favourable gate draws continued and he place position with another 2 points and the chance
for more in the Semi Finals and Final. The undefeated Hancock naturally selected gate 1 for his semi-final with Doyle alongside and that is how they finished with the local crowd ecstatic that Doyle had made it through to the main event. The second semi went to Iversen from Janowski and Kildemand’s challenge to Holder finally came up short with just a single point for third leaving him just three points shy of automatic qualification into next year’s SGP series. Woffinden uncharacteristically fell but saluted the crowd with a couple of wheelies. Again Hancock selected gate 1 for the final and Iversen went the extreme outside. Doyle surprisingly chose gate 3 leaving Janowski with gate 2. The crowd was on edge as Doyle stood on the precipice of his first GP win but he would have to beat the hitherto undefeated Hancock who also had the added bonus of gate 1. From gate 3 Doyle made a great start and slid into turn 1 half a bike in front of Hancock who suddenly realised he couldn’t make the turn without making contact with Doyle. Hancock laid his bike down in an attempt to avoid a clash but it was too late and Doyle was taken out and flung from his bike and was hit by Janowski who also hit the dirt as Doyle tumbled towards the air fence as his bike tried to vault it before coming to rest on top of it. In a heartbeat the raucous crowd become silent as the entire stadium held their breath. Hancock quickly got up and ran to check on the other riders, especially Doyle who was motionless on the track as medical personnel sprinted to the scene. Of great concern was the way Doyle’s head could be seen tucking under his body on the replay similar to that of Darcy Ward and the whole crowd knew the devastating outcome for Ward in that incident.
Eventually Doyle was carefully removed by the race safe medico’s and then transported to royal Melbourne Hospital where he was diagnosed as having suffered a broken C7 vertebra and a punctured lung as well as other minor injuries. Thankfully Doyle suffered no damage to his spinal cord. In the rerun of the final Hancock continued his dream run and scored the maximum 21 points going through the meeting undefeated and scoring his second Australian SGP round win, the last being in Sydney in 2002 the last time the event was held in Australia. Iversen claimed the runner up spot ahead of Janowski, but most of the crowd did not really care as the word on Doyle’s condition was still unknown as the post-race celebrations and presentations took place. Woffinden was then awarded his second Gold medal in three years with Hancock grabbing the Silver medal from Pedersen’s Bronze. The lights then dimmed as the aforementioned fireworks display went off to end an historic night at Etihad stadium, the first of five such events. October 22nd 2016 was announced as the return date and will see the troupe assemble at Etihad once again and hopefully the crowd will grow. As Woffinden said in the press conference, “Hopefully next year each person can bring two mates and then the next year they all bring two more mates and so on so we can fill this place.” Unfortunately we never got to see an Aussie on the podium but it was looking good for a while. What we did get to see however was some great racing, the emergence of another young Aussie in Sam Masters, who also has a wicked right hook, and we saw the crowning of an Englishman who sounds and acts more like an “Aussie” as a two time World Champion. I can’t wait for next year.
ABOVE: , Maciej Janowski (left) and Greg Hancock (45) both hit the dirt as Jason Doyle (partly obscured and already unconscious) slams the air fence while his bike tries to exit the arena.
ABOVE: Round winner Greg Hancock (45) leads Jason Doyle in earlier heat race action.
ABOVE: Jason Doyle displays the career best form that saw him threaten to win on home turf and that had the partisan crowd in raptures.
ABOVE: Niels-Kristian Iversen leads the pack on his way to a finals appearance and podium.
ABOVE: Niels-Kristian Iversen and Maciej Janowski flank the AGP winner with the biggest smile, the amazing American Greg Hancock.
ABOVE: : Newly crowned World Champion Tai Woffinden wears his gold “dress” leathers for the official presentation and with podiums like this it’s no wonder the young Brit enjoys them so much.
ABOVE: : World Championship top trio Greg Hancock (2nd and left) and Nicki Pedersen (3rd and right) spray the champagne with 2 time winner and honorary Aussie Tai Woffinden
CLUB INFO
Look and learn people.....
with Ray
Read
The Importance of AGMs
s
I
have spent a lot of time over the last 3 or 4 years writing about Speedway History. And the interesting thing about History is that it’s not just a story – there are many lessons to be learned from what has gone before. So hopefully, we can look back at what went wrong, and ensure that we do not repeat these mistakes in the future. I hope that I have made this point in both “Speedway’s Spectacular Seventies”, and the GVAC History book, “Go Fast, Turn Left.” As the 2014/15 Speedway Season drew to a close, we looked towards the upcoming Annual General Meetings for most Speedway Clubs and with this in mind it is appropriate to consider just what history has told us when we consider new leaders and committees for the coming year. In the late 1970s, many Speed-
way Clubs “went under” as a result of some relatively simple factors: financial mis-management, a tendency to ignore their members and spectators and take them for granted, a lack of effective communication, and Club Leaders who thought that just because they were a racing driver, they could run a club and a speedway. How wrong they were! Professionalism is now a critical factor. It is no longer sufficient just to have good cars and a nice track surface. In order to run an effective and profitable Speedway Club, and track, it needs to be run as a business. By people with business experience, and with a good business mind. To be able to put together a program of races with the knowledge of the financial implications, both short and long term. To create and follow an effective Business Plan for the
Club, and to communicate this to its members. It is also important that that plan includes the path forward, for several years and not just a program of races for the coming season. Once again that word “COMMUNICATE”. Talk to the members and spectators, our customers, about what they need and expect. Are the spectators happy with what we are serving up to them? Will they come back next meeting? If asked, most club executives will say overwhelmingly “YES!” But how do you know? Have you ASKED them? No? An occasional spectator survey may reveal some alarming perceptions that clubs may not have even thought possible. Things like the standard of toilets, food and commentating. Do they like the racing classes being offered? And if and when you do conduct such a survey, please take notice
of the results, not just sweep any perceived “negative” results aside without any due examination of
the facts. Are there regular and informative
newsletters that actually contain some news? Is there effective and adequate advertising and promotion? All of these things and many others can and do play a large part in retaining and growing the spectator crowd. Speaking of those Executive and Committee Members: to what extent, if at all, do they get out of their pit areas, infields and offices to actually mix and talk with the most important members of the speedway community – their
ABOVE: One of the Speedway Tracks that “Went Under”. Granite Park Raceway, Seymour Victoria.
customers, the spectators and club members? All too often it is obvious that those in an official position spend the vast majority of their time either racing, or executing the duties of their job. And as a result, they run the risk of becoming too “cocooned” in their own world and lose touch with the reality of those on whom they rely for the vast majority of their club’s revenue. I mentioned earlier “Speedway’s Spectacular Seventies”, my first book in which I emphasised the importance of “THE BIG PICTURE” and a management technique called “helicoptering”. Get above ground level, and look down. It’s only then that you can see where you have been, and from there, where you want to go.
any sense of professionalism is lost, together with innumerable customers.
The second essential “Front Door” is a good Media Rep. Someone who professionally handles regular and timely media releases, writes follow up stories for the media and is in partnership with a selected person, or group of professional speedway photographers. The same person can usually handle inputs to the club’s programs and newsletters. With an increasing focus on video rather than just still pictures, a professional videographer is always an excellent addition to the club’s media entourage. So ask yourself this question: “In the past season, under the current administration, has your club gone forwards, stagnated, or gone backwards?” There are several factors to consider – fiConsider also the “FRONT DOORS” of your club nancial, member and car numbers, track facilities, and speedway. By this, I mean the primary contact points between the “Business” and the “Customer”. In spectator numbers, etc. And most importantly, have you had a good look at your front door lately? the case of Speedway, there are essentially two elements. Firstly, the club Facebook page/s and Website. It is absolutely essential that these “front doors” And so, my friends, keep these lessons from history in mind at your Club’s AGM, and choose carefully display a professional and effective image. Regular reports, photos, track and race information will be the those who will lead you into the next year. Because essential items which will attract members and spec- your club’s future may well depend on it. tators. All too often, the Facebook page can degenerate into simply a toy or a plaything for the admins and
The Hulk hoists the top trophy.
F
inally Kevin “The Hulk� Britten has stepped out of his brother’s shadow to fulfil the enormous potential that he possesses when it comes to Australian championships by snaring the 2016 Austrlian V8 Dirt Modified Championship at Archerfield Speedway.
Britten has won a host of state and major titles previously but the big one has narrowly eluded him previously however that all changed after a particularly dominant weekend recently. Such was the calibre of drivers he defeated that the next four positions were all taken by former national champions in the form of David Clark, Mark Robinson, Andrew Pezzutti and Scott Canon. Defending champ Jai Stephenson finished 7th after engine dramas in his final heat set him back. Victorian Daniel Scott had been equal top point scorer on night one and eventually qualified third for the final but was unable to start his car for the all-important title event. Fellow Victorian Steve Milthorpe was running strongly in second on lap 22 when he was forced out and the other Garden Stater in the field Brett Clarke also failed to finish.
T-MEZ..... Exciting
I
ndiana’s Thomas Meseraull, or T-Mez as he is known, slipped into mainland Australia quietly aboard the Spirit of Tasmania as the driver of Robin Dawkins’ Kart Magic/Tamar Cars T29 Sprintcar and made an immediate impact. Initially it was not the impact he wanted to make as T-Mez was the guy that hit the controversial water filled barrier on the infield at Avalon that caused a major pile-up in the WSS B-Main on December 30th.
T-Mez made amends however on his first visit to Warrnambool for the two nights of WSS on January 1st & 2nd. For someone who has virtually no laps running a winged Sprintcar and absolutely none at Warrnambool, T-Mez was quickly on the pace and was rim riding the wall flat out just like veterans Tatnell, Lines and Madsen. Unfortu-
nately he brushed the wall at the flag stand while taking the white flag for what would have been his second heat win on night one and blew the rear tyre. January 2nd was another night and again he was enthralling to watch and this time made the final via the B-Main. According to T-Mez’s Facebook page the Indianan is here for some time so keep your eyes out for the normally wingless lead foot if he appears at a track near you.
HISTORY
Story: Grant Woodhams Images: Woodhams Private Collection
SUPER MODIFIEDS AND TH
HE LEGEND OF KEARNEY
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n the middle of 2015 I had the opportunity to travel to California. While I was there I watched three speedway meetings at three different tracks featuring the Legends of Kearney Bowl.
Kearney Bowl was a famous Super Modified track, initially dirt and then paved that ran from the 1950’s until 1970. It was located in the city of Fresno in Southern California. It was torn down to make way for houses. There is nothing there now that shows that a speedway existed.
But Kearney Bowl was the home to some of the most famous Super Modified drivers on the West Coast of the United States and was one of the tracks that the first Super Modified driver to visit Australia, Marshall Sargent, raced at. Sargent was an enormous star at Kearney Bowl. His battles with fellow Kearney Bowl regular Al Pombo were a massive drawcard and their on track rivalry is still spoken of today. They are both regarded as legends in Californian racing circles.
Less than ten years ago, several old Kearney Bowl drivers, plus their relatives, car owners and fans decided to form a group to go ‘vintage racing’. At the time some of them had rebuilt or restored their old cars and were showing them off at occasional meetings. But the LOKB – Legends of Kearney Bowl wanted to hold exhibition races at several venues and soon their numbers started to grow. This year their schedule saw them running fourteen meetings at six different tracks – Hanford, Madera, Roseville, Santa Maria, Stockton and Tulare, all in California. In addition they had several static displays at re-unions and car shows. They have over twenty cars that regularly travel to various speedway meetings where the LOKB are part of the main race program. I saw three of their meetings at Hanford (dirt), Tulare (dirt) and Madera
(paved), all in Southern California. I shot videos at those three tracks and I was lucky enough to spend quite a while in the pits with them at Madera, where the photos you see on these pages were taken. Madera is their ‘new Kearney Bowl’ and it is the closest track to their spiritual home in Fresno where the old Kearney Bowl and Clovis Speedways were. Those two tracks really put Super Modified racing on the map at the peak of their popularity back in the 60’s. The paved Madera Speedway, is about a half an hour drive forty kilometres (or twenty five miles) north of Fres-
no up California’s State Highway 99. Fresno has a population of over half a million while Madera has a population of over 60,000. Prior to the meeting ‘Outback’ Andy Foster, the Australian announcer at Madera Speedway told me that the meeting would be was one of their biggest of the year. “Get there early” He said. The Legends of Kearney Bowl would be there and it would start at 1pm in the afternoon! Madera is another paved track and like all the tracks I had been to its located in the local county fairgrounds with impressive grandstands, canteens and bar facilities. It was a mas-
sive program with hot laps starting at 1pm. I wandered the huge paved pit area taking photos of the fifteen Super Modifieds that had gathered for the night’s racing and I talked a while with some of the drivers including the owner of the purple number 7 Marshall Sargent Super Modified, Ed Barrios. Barrios said he had never raced, but when the chance came up to buy his former racing idol’s car he did and he tries to get to all the LOKB shows.
The Super Modifieds went out for time trials at around 2.30pm. The weather didn’t disappoint either, the temperature climbing into the high 90’s F as the V8’s strutted their stuff. Every division had their chance and then the program proper started at 5.15pm. Event 11 was the one and only race the LOKB Super Modifieds had. Their Feature race was a ten lap affair. An added bonus was the announcing by veteran Super Modified commentator Ken Takeuchi who had also called Super Modified racing back in their heyday at tracks like Kearney Bowl, Clovis and San Jose. His knowledge is without parallel and even in his eighties his great memory of the drivers and cars added another dimension to a highly entertaining night. Fifteen started and fifteen finished The Madera Speedway team put on an exceptionally
professional program and pulled a big crowd. Quite a few people I spoke to were there just to see the Legends of Kearney Bowl, a true testament to the massive popularity that Super Modifieds enjoyed in their glory days and a marvellous salute to their renewed following now that LOKB is back on the road and racing again. If you are interested in their racing calendar it can be found on their facebook page: Legends of Kearney Bowl. These drivers and cars are really part of the history of our great sport and if you get the chance I would encourage you to go to a Legends of Kearney Bowl event. You won’t be disappointed.
Press Releases, Articles, Features. Team, Sponsors and Venues C
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R.I.P
R.I.P LEGENDS.......
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A Des Moines, Iowa boy through and through Trostle fielded cars at Knoxville for 32 consecutive seasons during which time he had legends such as Doug Wolfgang and Steve Kinser in his cars for Nationals victories. Probably the highlight of his racing career would have been 1977 when he and Wolfgang won the Nationals and the track championship at Knoxville as well as a staggering 45 features for the season. Bob was 83 years old and is survived by his wife Two American legends that had a huge impact on the sport here in Australia in the form of Gene and daughters. Welch and Bob Trostle both passed away reWelch was such a likable character that he made cently. so many fans and friends, and continually visited Coincidentally both were responsible for or part down under well after his racing career was over of American squads that toured down under, Trostle with his four car Sprintcar squad in 1980 to visit his Aussie mates. comprising Jac Haudenschild, Mike Brooks, Rich He was an integral part of those early sedan test matches at Liverpool Raceway and took on the Vogler and Jimmy Sills, and Welch who was a leading Sedan racer ably assisted by the likes of role of wearing the “Black” hat with aplomb but not to the level of his mate Big Ed. Big Ed Wilbur and Larry Burton. He was also the one time owner of Volunteer Trostle’s Aussie connection goes way beyond Speedway in Bulls Gap, Tennessee as well as him bringing teams to Australia as he also assisted and influenced many of our leading racers crew chief for his son Mark “the rock” Welch who like his father won many championships at Rosboth here and in the USA including the likes of eville, California. Max Dumesny, Brett Lacey and David Murcott Welch was 90 when he died peacefully at home. just to name a few leading examples. hristmas can be a tough time for many people and it is made even more-so with the death of a loved one or family member and with this in mind we at Highline Magazine send our condolences to all the friends and family of three men who sadly passed away during the lead up to what is supposed to be a happy time of the year.
LEFT: Gene Welch
While Jason Forbes may not be internationally known like Trostle and Welch, he was none the less a great man that will be sorely missed by friends, family and the sport. “Forbesy� was the son of competitor Bob Forbes and unlike his dad who raced Grand National Sedans and Sprintcars, Jason spent most of his time in Speedcars where he was a much loved competitor. More recently however he did have a thrash in his dads 360 Sprintcar before being struck down with the curse of cancer. Forbes battled gamely throughout his career with equipment that probably wasn’t the best in the field but his ability and passion for racing saw him achieve some great results. More importantly than this however, was the person he was out of the car. He was a truly decent human being. Sadly, Jason was unable to win the biggest battle of his life and succumbed to this obnoxious and indiscriminate disease way too young. Highline magazine extends its deepest condolences and heartfelt sympathies to the Forbes families, friends and relatives. RIP.
LEFT: Bob Trostle
ABOVE: Jason Forbes
WSS... BREAKING DOWN THE BARRIE
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fter not really showing any significant form in the first half of the season, James McFadden and team 25 led by Tim Gleeson (AKA Scott Milling) have suddenly unleashed a burst of speed in the annual World Series Sprintcars speedweek competition.
McFadden opened with the win at Murray Bridge followed by a first across the line at Mt Gambier, which became a third place after a controversial decision to relegate him two places for allegedly passing erstwhile winner Brooke Tatnell with two wheels on the infield.
Because of this or in spite of this McFadden unleashed an awesome display at Avalon that saw him drive past the previously dominant Jamie Veal and race leader Kyle Hirst to then run away and lap all others, except fourth placed Tatnell. If not for a late race caution McFadden may have taken real satisfaction in lapping the nine time series winner and the beneficiary of the previous rounds
ERS.......
suspect decision. Even the likes of Steven Lines, Luke Dillon and David Murcott were lapped by J-Mac.
Also as part of the Avalon round was the absurd decision to place water filled barriers within a metre of the pole line to stop anyone cutting the pole or passing
others using the infield as happend at the Mt Gambier round. Shaun Dobson found out just how hard these barriers can be suffering chassis damage after a melee then when Indiana’s Thomas Meseraull clipped one and broke it spewing water all over the track in the B-Main, almost the entire field got caught up when officials took too long to call a yellow and most of the field piled-up into each other. The crowd cheered when the barrier was finally removed .
o t g n i d r o c c A d l r o W The . . . . . . Y E C A L K NIC
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he opening round of the SRA series was held back in October at Avalon raceway and it was third generation racer Nick Lacey who took the opening feature event in a final that had plenty of action and upheaval.
to avoid the sideways South Australian and was eliminated while Pestka was relegated to the back of the pack.
Mollenoyux was looking solid out front after the restart with Sutherland strong also until he spun from 2nd Following the top six pole shootout Darren Mollenoyux back to 7th. and Daniel Pestka had elevated themselves’ to the The consistent Lacey was now second from a recovfront row of the feature and the diminutive Warrnambool racer took full advantage to lead from Pestka and ering Milburn but no one had a shot at Molly, except himself and when he clipped the back of a slowing Glen Sutherland. James Hennessy he spun away a potential win. Brett Milburn made his task more difficult with a quick spin that dropped him to 7th and then Pestka made contact with Molly and spun. John Vogels was unable Lacey was now leading from Milburn and Dion Bell-
man who was having his first drive of the Hickman family 410ci Sprintcar and that’s the way they took the chequered flag with Domain Ramsey fourth after winning the Speedcar feature just minutes earlier. Just a few weeks later however the result was totally different for Lacey as he rode out this wild wreck in his opening heat ending his night.
Modified Production @ Avalon
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he best race I’ve seen so far this season would have to have been the Modified Production sedans final at Avalon raceway where the tin tops were the support(?) for the SRA Sprintcar event. While some of the heats started out a little shabby with numerous cars spinning into walls or just generally crashing out the feature was a cracker with four wide racing, yes that’s right, four wide at Avalon, for
lap after lap and the action was two rows deep. Brody Chrystie, National champ Mark Carlin, Ty Galley, Leigh Bourke, Russell Felsovary, Kye Walters and more were involved in a cut and thrust fight that ended with Chrystie getting the well deserved win.
V8 Wingless
s e l g in W g in t r a t s f l e S . t is w t a h it w
ss Sprintcars
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raditional “Wingless” Sprintcars are arguably the most exciting form of our great sport of speedway with their bellowing V8’s and their old school “back ‘em in” style, and that is part of the reason the Australian
Wingless Sprints (AWS) have become such a successful category in such a short time (if you ignore the fact they use V6 engines and their previous long history as Sportsmans in Victoria).
Many people have proposed an all V8 wingless class in Australia, most notably AMCA Nationals creator Dale Matthews who envisioned a 410 cubic inch crate engined category (Wingless Sprints Australia or WSA), which sadly stalled in its infancy when Mat-
thews was afflicted with a bout of cancer and could no longer put his usual drive, determination and flair into progressing the class as he so wanted. The idea was not totally lost however, as veteran
racer Wayne Milburn looked at the concept from a similar, but different angle. The V6 powered AWS cars had taken off on a scale exceeding everyone’s expectations for one very simply reason – cost.
the class and the biggest advantage as happens now in VSC, 360 or open Sprintcars,” Milburn continued. “And the other thing that the tracks like about them is that you don’t need push vehicles and the loss of time that it takes to fire up winged sprintcars.”
The one down side to the AWS cars however was the Milburn shook down his prototype at Rolling Thunnoise – they didn’t have that raucous V8 sound that der Raceway back in 2011 with an engine that had most Aussies love to hear. over 100,000kms on it before it was installed into his sprintcar. With that in mind Milburn toyed with the idea of how best to develop a cost effective, low budget, “The car performed faultlessly and I was pleasantly self-starting, V8, wingless sprintcar and hit upon the idea of installing the 5.7 litre Holden alloy V8 engine surprised with its performance and how well it went,” Explained Milburn at the time. “Without a wing it had into a sprintcar chassis. enough kick to get loose and spin the wheels and was really responsive, and best of all it sounded “These GenIII Holden engines can be purchased second hand for as little as $500 from just about any right.” wrecker or on ebay,” stated Milburn. “With an adaptor Former Allstar Sprintcars Series Champion Paul Solkit that contains everything you need to install one omon and even this author also tested the car and in a sprintcar chassis and run them on methanol for about three thousand dollars, I believe you can build found it a great mix of speed, performance, balance and fun – especially if you like to back it in. a car for about $15,000 which is about the same price as a V6.” The car ran perfectly with various other invited and “The whole idea with the GenIII engine is that it stops experienced “winged” sprintcar racers all suitably impressed with its speed and ability. someone with a bunch of money coming in and spending a lot of money to have the best engine in
At the time Milburn stated, “I hope to have a number of cars up and running before the season starts now that I’ve got all the engineering sorted out and I’ll start building up more cars this week. My long term plan is to offer two options for drivers who can either buy the adaptor kit and build their own cars or they can lease a car from me where all they’ll have to do each night will be turn up and race.”
Matthews’ stillborn 410 crate engine WSA concept. V6 wingless sprint racer Paul Robilliard also installed one of Milburn’s motors into his wingless sprint and helped accelerate the development which highlighted an oil breathing difference between earlier and later versions of the engine.
Again various drivers were invited to sample the cars and provide feedback including Matthew Reed, who “On top of all that, this would be a perfect stepping stone for the V6 guys looking to step up to something was surprisingly unsure prior to his first drive stating he had never driven a Wingless Sprintcar before and a little quicker for very little extra money,” Milburn wasn’t sure what to expect. As expected from the concluded. classy Victorian it took only a lap or two before he was comfortable with the machine and setting a quick Originally Milburn had an agreement in place to pace around RTR and offering valuable feedback. demonstrate the car at every meeting at Rolling Thunder Raceway (RTR) back in 2011 but two things Multiple SRA Series champion Reed cut many laps happened to curtail that eventuality. One was that around the half mile oval while his father John Reed, Milburn himself suffered a heart attack which stalled uncle Peter Ellis, and local winged Sprintcar owner his efforts and by the time he was recovered and Kenny Hutchins worked on the breathing issue with ready to restart his project, the association that was Milburn while the original machine continued on faultpromoting events at RTR had ceased. lessly. Fast forward to 2015 and Milburn was now back in a Following on from the last development session, position to restart his realisation of a dream. A secclass creator Wayne Milburn is confident that some of ond car was developed, ironically using the same the minor issues uncovered have been overcome. chassis that had been the development car for Dale
“I believe that the oil breathing issues we unexpectedly experienced last time with the later model motors compared to our earleir model original engine have been resolved and even so we have a couple of other alternatives in place to try should the issue arise again,” Explained Milburn. “The whole purpose of these development sessions is to identify any issues and come up with a resolution so that the engine kit can be perfected and also to give as many different drivers as possible from different back grounds a run and to get there input and feedback.”
Speedway and Sarah had never cut any laps around the big half-miler. More recently Milburn completed the construction of two more cars and Open Sedan racer Marcus Reddecliffe sampled an ASSA Wingless Sprintcar. Development continues at an ever increasing pace with on track shakedowns and development occurring almost weekly now.
One of the more spectacular things about Wingless Sprintcars in the USA in particular is that with the V8 V8 Utes road racer and Mercedes-Benz Driving engine and open wheels they are very easy to flip Acadamy instructer Elliot Barbour, and lady racer Sarah Robilliard are amongst those drivers who have over, especially after making wheel to wheel contact. Milburn plans to hopefully reduce this issue by the tasted and been part of the continued development of the Australian Self-Starting Sprintcar Associations use of bigger, squarer side nerf-bars that will reduce the chances of wheels getting interlocked and drivers (ASSA) V8 Wingless Sprintcars. going off on a wild ride. “Elliot Barbour is a road racer so this was something Developing a concept is one thing, getting tracks to totally different for him, but then again it may feel a give you the opportunity to race is another and Millot like getting his V8 Ute sideways,” joked Milburn. burn understands that implicitly. For Sarah Robilliard however, the drive in dad Paul’s To that end and also to demonstrate his commitment V8 was a little unnerving initially. Sarah’s previous and seriousness about the ASSA Milburn recently start in dads V6 version ended with a Heli-flight to a purchased a multi-level car transporter so that in its Melbourne Hospital after a big wreck at Alexandra
early stages he can ensure a minimum number of cars for competition. “Tracks always want a minimum number of competitors, before they’ll give classes a run, especially new classes,” explained Milburn. “I know there will be resistance to my idea - we don’t need another Sprintcar class, there’s too many already etc. and I know that unless we’ve got six or so cars in existence the chances of tracks putting us on the program are reduced.” “That’s why I’m building a number of cars myself so that if need be I can put drivers in them and I can take the truck and show up to a track with a guaranteed number of cars to put on a show and help generate interest and growth in the concept,” Milburn reasoned. One other aspect of Milburn’s concept is that drivers can simply hire the drive on a race by race basis or have Milburn maintain and transport their cars to the venue enmasse, hence, the transporter. Milburn’s concept is not totally unique with a group in Western Australia also advocating a GenIII powered Wingless Sprintcar, however one significant difference is that the WA group are not self-starters. “I know a lot of people don’t like me personally, and some don’t
like the concept and others don’t want yet another Sprintcar class, but I’m hell bent on making this work and my transporter and commitment to continually building more cars proves that,” said Milburn bluntly. “I’ve been around this sport a long time and more recently I’ve been to tracks watching and observing were they have been running classes that only have 3, 4 or 5 cars in the field, so if I can guarantee to arrive with six or more cars in one hit, I don’t see any reason they shouldn’t take a chance and give us a run,” he continued. “We have had some interest from Sonic Speedway in Swan Hill and Redline raceway in Ballarat if we can guarantee a certain number of cars, and with Heathcote Park about to change hands there is a strong chance that we may be able to base ourselves there at the resurrected Speedway,” Milburn said. “I have also been negotiating behind the scenes at a couple of other venues and it looks promising that we will be assured of some runs elsewhere.” “I know it all comes down to being able to deliver a guaranteed number of cars, especially in our formative stages until we grow and prove ourselves as being a popular, crowd pleasing class and I am focused on doing everything I can to make it happen,” Milburn concluded. Wayne Milburn can be contacted on 0427 350 482, on facebook or email at waynemilburnracing@bigpond.com or at wayne@ waynemilburnracing.com.au.
r a c t n i Spr l a n o i t a t i v n I t o p k c Ja
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udos to the Drew family for trying to create something different with the Sprintcar Jackpot Invitational Event, but the crowd has suggested it just isn’t quite the right format.
Considered to be a premier event it comes with a premium gate price but in reality gives the punters a smaller field and less racing events than they had a few weeks earlier for the SRA series round.
In many ways the event is as we Aussie’s like to say “arse about”. It works as follows. Feature winners and heat race winners from the previous season at Avalon and a couple of promoters choices are invited to contest an event that offers at least $10,000 to win. The field is split into two and then teams draw for starting positions in one of two 25 lap heats. The first seven cars from each “qualifier” go into the 15 lap Semi-Main where they are joined by a few more drivers from the “non-qualifiers” race.
The top 12 cars from the Semi-Main then do 1 lap each against the clock and only the top ten fastest cars then compete over only 10 laps for the 10K prize lined up in time trial order. Basically if you are on the pole you have a hell of a shot at the 10grand. Admittedly, in order to spice it up there is a bonus if you accept the challenge which was an extra $6,000 if you gave up pole and started from sixth and still won the race. For the past two years Jamie Veal’s’ crew chief Glen Beaton has refused citing the lack of laps as the rea-
son and for the past two years he has made the right decision as Veal took back to back wins and each time he won by a considerable margin. Veal didn’t have it all his way however as he had to make the main event via the non-qualifier after drawing a low starting number in his qualifying event. However, once he made the final 12 in the Semimain it was almost a foregone conclusion due to his time trialling ability and the quality of his equipment. Conversely, young tyro Jesse “Jyro” O’Keeffe raced well all night at the front of the pack but was eliminat-
ed somewhat unfairly by timing in 11th fastest. Aussie Champ David Murcott had an even tougher night not getting past the first turn of his qualifier before going upside down. Then to make matters worse he tagged a sideways Tim Hutchins on the opening lap of the non-qualifiers race and again went upside down. Tim Rankin and Tim Van Ginneken also joined the upside down club.
Victorian young guns emerging as Late Model Stars......... IMAGES: InactionPhotos.com.au
16 Year old Cameron Pearson, put tears in the
eyes of his father Justin when in only his second ever race in a big boisterous Late Model Sedan he beat his father and all other comers at Redline raceway last December.
Justin Pearson was last season’s dominant driver in the Victorian ranks but on this night was overjoyed with the effort of his young son against a quality field. Justin no doubt was probably even happier with his son’s victory than he was for any of his own wins. Young Cameron did not lead from the front but rather he ran down and passed massively expe-
rienced veteran Scott McPherson and what made it an even more watershed moment was when Chevy Edwards who was celebrating his 19th birthday, followed Pearson through into second place. Local racer Mick Hetherington made a late charge onto the final step of the podium. An emotional father & son stopped for a chat with the announcer with Justin telling his son he will remember this moment for the rest of his life whilst Cameron was in absolute disbelief at what he achieved thanking all those that support him.
Cameron went on to say. “This is for Dad, Mum & everybody who has supported me with such a fantastic opportunity & lifestyle. I couldn’t think of a better way to enjoy life. I can’t believe what just happened, it will take a couple days to sink in. Thank you to everybody from Pa & Nan, to our crew guys & to our valuable sponsors. This is dedicated to you all.” More recently veteran Wayne Belk scored his first ever Late Model win at Mt Gambier. Congratulations to Belky who always presents a pristine car.
Geoff Gracie – Model Ci
itizen.....
IMAGES: InactionPhotos.com.au
IMAGES: Geoff Gracie
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hat does the title above suggest when you first read it?
Does it mean the Geoff Gracie is a model of how all photographers should compose photographs allowing for light, depth of field, shadow, speed or some other technical factor? Does it mean he photographs the worlds’ most highly paid super models or shoots fashion models for glamourous magazines? (He wishes!) Certainly no one ever said that Hamilton, Victoria’s Geoff Gracie was a glamorous model (and never will), but he is a first class speedway, wedding, landscape and general photographer amongst other things.
mention a little more dangerous as you are contained and confined between two fences. By coincidence we both discovered that my second ever Sprintcar race, at Western Speedway, was also Geoff’s second ever speedway meeting as a photographer.
While Gracie has been “Gracie” as he is known has been photographing speedway since around 1986 after starting out at his supplying home track of Western Speedway just a few minutes’ his various customers drive from his home in the heart of Victoria’s Sheep and national farming region. Back then the track had a policy of not allowing any photographers onto the infield which and internamakes it difficult to get those great action shots when tional magazines such as Highline Magazine, Oval Express, trying to shoot through chain mesh fencing, not to
Motorsport News, Flat Out (USA) and others with high quality images for years, there is one other little known aspect of the man, other than his quick wit and wicked sense of humour, that is absolutely first class and award winning, and that is the art of model making. Gracie is an award winning builder of plastic model kits and hand crafted, scratch built dioramas. Building and competing in model competitions can
be a real challenge as often a big model show will be programmed on the same weekend as a big Speedway meeting forcing Gracie into a decision he really doesn’t want to have to make such is his passion for both of his “hobbies”. Recently Gracie won the Diorama category with his magnificent ‘Mack’ logger (pictured) at the Ballarat NNL (No Name Luminaries i.e. no judges, people’s choice) held in the township of Buninyong, ironically the home of Redline raceway, a track that Geoff does not photograph at. Gracie’s dioramas are so well made and detailed that not only does he frequently win the critically expertly judged awards but he also regularly wins the peoples’ choice awards such as above at Ballarat. Ironically, with such a history and involvement in speedway Gracie tends not to build speedway or racing oriented themes or models. Such is Gracie’s eye for detail and modelling ability he was once approached by a semi-trailer manufacturer to build a dozen scale replicas of their product for a considerable amount of money for each unit. Gracie graciously refused the offer preferring to build
what he wants as a one off, rather than produce multiples of the same thing. The Mack logger pictured on the next page took Gracie 9 to 10 months to build. “It started life as a 1926 AC Mack, and well, it didn’t end up looking like that,” Gracie explained. “I shortened the chassis, turned it into a prime mover, got rid of the bonnet and turned it into a cab over truck, there’s no truck like it in real life, they were never made, I just thought it would look good if I played around with it, and the result is what you see.” “The trailer is scratch built, just made to look the era, late 20s – early 30s , logs are made out of balsa wood and painted, the trees in the diorama are turned pine for the trunks and hand painted, all the rock work is all fake, made out of high density foam, the type you find in cushions and seats.” concluded Gracie. Many hours of painstaking work goes into building each diorama but as you can see the end results are well worth it.
C I S S A L C S D OD
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n the lead up to the Lucas Oil 44th Grand Annual Sprintcar Classic, one man loomed large as a short-odds favourite, and that man was local Warrnambool resident Jamie Veal.
Veal had again started his classic lead up season in truly dominating style, as stated on the cover of our last issue, winning almost every feature he has finished including multiple features in Sydney and his home state of Victoria. Last season, Veal had a very similar start to the season and while he had a podium finish at the Classic, it was not the win that he so coveted.
“Yeah, he’s good at his home State venues and at Valvoline Raceway, all tracks that he has lots of experience on, but wait until the big guns arrive for the Classic”, you think to yourself. Well, I’d take little comfort from that thought because prior to Christmas Veal had beaten the cream of the crop – all the major contenders for the Classic, with the exception of perhaps three time Classic champion Kerry Madsen. Veal had beaten 9 time World Series Sprintcars (WSS) champion, 5 time Australian Sprintcar Champion and three time Classic Champion Brooke Tatnell at both Parramatta and
Sungold stadium (Warrnambool). In those same meetings he had also defeated two time National Champ and dual WSS Champ James McFadden, Two time and current Australian Champion David Murcott, dual Classic Champion Steven Lines and defending Classic Champion American Ace Kyle Hirst. Veal was hot, as hot as the recent Warrnambool weather and the only thing that will keep him from winning that most sought after Classic win, will be luck, or bad luck to be more precise. Of course just a week after the Classic, at the same venue is the 54th Australian Sprintcar Championship. So with a field that does not include a gaggle of American hot dogs, Veal’s odds there would be even shorter. Now, just after I wrote the above, WSS Speedweek kicked off and it also unleashed a James McFadden we hadn’t seen for a while. He won the opening round at Murray Bridge then crossed the line first at Mt Gambier before being controversially put back to third for using the infield.
He then kicked butt at Avalon (see story elsewhere) and was looking like taking third place at Warrnambool until he blew a tyre with just 4 laps left to run. A steering failure prevented him from starting the final speedweek round at Warrnambool and along with it went his speedweek aspirations. Tatnell was given the win at Mt Gambier but earned it at Warrnambool on January 1st with a cry of “take that you young punks”, while Dave Murcott passed race long leader Veal just a lap from home to win the speedweek finale on January 2nd (ouch that’s gotta hurt). In Adelaide on boxing day Veal was also beaten with Lines getting the win, although to be fair Veal was in an unfamiliar car being the Krikke Motrsports #2 usually driven by Tatnell So what was I saying about Veal being short odds? Not a single round win in speedweek although he did win the overall title, but he was twice beaten on his home track, the venue for the Classic and the Title. I reckon his odds might have just lengthened a little?