ROLLING THUNDER Racing E News/Magazine
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Issue 12,
COLIN BROOKS ALL STARS SERIES CHAMPION
BLACKWELL AUSTRALIAN CHAMPION
VOGELS SRA SERIES CHAMPION
STEPHEN BELL VICTORIAN SPRINTCAR CHAMPION
TROY LITTLE WINS Inaugural 360 Sprintcar Gold Cup
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PHOTO’S Courtesy of: Brett Swanson Media. brett.swanson@optusnet.com.au CLT Photography. (Cassie Tuckett) cassie@speedway.net.au Darren Winter - Frosty Photographics Corey Gibson Photography. Caption Photography. inactionphotos.com.au Pit Pics MEDIA RELEASES: Pirate Media—Brett Swanson
Dean Thompson (DMT Media).
SRA Media. (Jarryd Stokes & Ian vale).
Avalon Raceway—Gavin White.
Formula Motorsports Group Pty Ltd.
All Stars Media ( Mandy Searle)
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COPYRIGHT: Material contained in Rolling Thunder Racing E news is protected under the Commonwealth Copyright Act 1968. No part of this publication may in any form or by any means be reproduced without the prior written permission of the Publisher. The publisher has taken all reasonable precautions to ensure the complete accuracy of material contained in this publication, however, it is a condition of receiving this magazine that the Publisher does not assume any responsibility for any loss or damage which may result from the content of material published in this magazine. Although Racer Publishing Pty Ltd uses its best endeavours to ensure the accuracy of everything it publishes, the Fair Trading Act 1985 requires Racer Publishing Pty Ltd to disclaim any belief in the truth or falsity of information whish is supplied to it and which is published in other than editorial comment. Unsolicited editorial contributions are welcome, how ever, no responsibility can be accepted for their safety or return. The options of contributors are not necessarily those of the Publisher.
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QUICK NEWS CHRIS BEST. Ex AMCA driver Chris Best has taken Williams Grove, Brad ran the plunge and purchased the ex Darrin Hickman 360 ASCS engine and a brand new sprintcar roller and spares for next year.
hard from 26th place up to 9th position before running out of fuel. ED: Well done Brad…….Brad,
Dean Thompson (DMTMedia) is a major contributor of media releases in Rolling Thunder Racing E News Magazine. Call Dean for all your Speedway media needs including:
Matthew Reed has won the Essendon Ford sponsored Avalon track championship. In doing so he wins the mighty FORD Fiesta.
Media Releases. Commentating. Sponsorship Proposals Arranging Photography.
Arranging Quality Websites Phone 412061208 or email mtmedia@speedway.net.au
Matt In Victory lane at Sharon Speedway
Brad Cox the young speedway driver from Australia now competing in the USA received major injuries to both lags after a driveline failed during a practice event. One ankle and foot was severely broken. . Brad has been attending a hyperbaric chamber twice a week in an effort to speed up his recovery. On the 30th April at
stage. Pictured above is Matt’s first feature win in the USA when he beat Ed Lynch Jnr at the famous Sharon Speedway. On that tour, he also set a new lap record at Skyline Speedway and had a pair of podium finishes behind veteran Danny Smith.
Matt is currently stripping down his race cars and engine ready for shipment to the USA. Matt is only a handful of Australian drivers that Throughout his previous tours, Matt also managed to send back very detailed media releases covering all the have ever won a feature race in races that he raced in. Lets hope that he finds time the USA. this tour to continue this. Matt’s motors are being freshened in the states by Kistler in preparation for his assault on the USA
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SCCA Congratulates Victorian Champions And Officials. The Sprintcar Control Council of Australia (SCCA) congratulates the winners of Victoria’s main events for the 2009/2010 racing season. The SCCA also acknowledges the work of the officials of SRA Victoria who have worked through a busy schedule of racing striving to provide its drivers with plenty of competition within their home state. The 2009/2010 Victorian Open Sprintcar Title has gone to Stephen Bell. Bell captured the crown at Sungold Stadium Premier Speedway Warrnambool despite having competed at only a handful of meetings for the season. He showed that he still has what it takes to be a ‘champion’.
John Vogels proved that you don’t have to win to be a winner by finishing on top of the points and taking the winner’s cheque of $10 000 in the 2009/2010 Eureka Garages and Sheds Open Sprintcar Series. Vogels proved that reliability and consistency can take you to the top as his fourth placing in the Grand Final round gave him a 47 point win in the series.
SDAV — Fast, competitive and a lot of fun. It is not by accident that the SDAV has remained a strong tight knit section. Long serving and very competitive racers and club members including President Phil The 2009/2010 Victorian 360 Sprintcar The class is now Victorian based, however Jenkins, Ray Welsh, Russ Hovey, Darryl Title was won by Phil Lock. Lock won the championship honour at Simpson Speed- in days of old, SDAV Hot Rods have raced Whitlow fill the engine room of the club, supported by newer members like Dean way, capping of a very successful season. across Victoria, South Australia, New West, Kali Hovey and others. Even long South Wales and Queensland. He just missed a podium finish with his serving former racers like Keithy Sell, fourth place in the 2010 Australian 360 Graeme Pitcher,and Chris Howard can Sprintcar Championship at Murray Bridge Few will remember when SDAV raced at often be seen at race meetings. Calder Park. The results of SDAV racing and won two rounds of the Sprintcar Allwould feature prominently in the sporting stars Series. The SDAV is often referred to as the sensections of Capital City Newspapers. SDAV Hot Rods have been around speedway for as long as most people can remember.
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timental favorite of many spectators. And the club has no illusions of grandeur, they know they are not the crowd favourite like Sprintcars, however the club knows it still has a role to play in Speedway. SDAV Hot Rods have not stood still over the years. The cars have maintained progression with technologies albeit at a pace ac-
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FOR SALE
SDAV
CALL 03 9398 4064
ceptable to the members. It is the members who decide on uptake of new technologies as they all know to well, how early adoption of the latest technologies can quickly drain any bank account and render competitors unable to afford to go racing. SDAV Hot Rods are an affordable v8 open wheel class, they have big engines, wheels, and tyres that crowds love, yet are surprisingly affordable. You can get into a race car from as little as $8,000 such as car 99, which is currently on the market. So if open wheel v8 action is what you want, call Club President Phil Jenkins on 03 9398-4064, if the experience of the current membership is anything to go buy, it might be the best decision you have ever made.
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ROLLING THUNDER Racing E News/Magazine
BLACKWELL
- IT’S IN THE BOOKS!
After trying in 2008 at Maryborough in Queensland only to finish second and trying again in 2009 at Albany in Western Australia only to lead 35 laps of 40 before the front end came loose in the VZ Commodore, Team Blackwell finally laid claim to the Australian Championship courtesy of a barnstorming victory at Latrobe in Tasmania on February 13th.
proved to be the best in the nation with victory after leading all 40 laps in the title race having earlier pushed hard in two rear of field heats and doing what was expected in two front of field heats. Victory came ahead of Queenslanders Steve Price, Aiden Raymont, New South Welshman Greg Worling and another Queenslander Shane McDonald in what was consider by many one of the best speedway events in Tasmania ever.
Over a 3 day race weekend incorporating a practice day and two race days Andrew Black- Prior to the event the team picked up sponsorship from multi functional website ‘Luv Ya well, Crew Chief Steve Grguric and team
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THE AUSTRALIAN CHAMPIONSHIP Life’ before heading out for practice on a bumpy track that contributed to the Victoria # 1 car bending a right rear arm that was quickly noticed during the Blackwell crews routine going over of their race machine. The team’s grid draw for the first of 4 heats began way back in 10th position with good friends Kellie Atkins and Wayne Ramsdale ahead of the team. After rounding up Atkins, Darren Pottage, Jeffery Barclay, Brendan Hucker, Barry Youl and Justin Goss the team were pleased with a fourth place finish behind
winner Peter Grey then Ramsdale and Raymont. With no wear and tear to deal with the team just set about getting closer to the set up required for later in the evening before hitting the track in their second heat back in eighth place behind Raymont, David Jacobi and Nathan McDonald. Blackwell made a good fist of his second heat coming past all but Raymont to end in second place and looking forward to front of field starts in his next two heats. Shock Changes were the next occurrence to deal with as the team prepared for the third and final heat of night one where they were starting in fourth behind John Purser, Josh Marston and Dale Grotherr. Victory was the only result the team were after and they completed the mission with ‘Blackwell Race Engines’ customer Wayne Ramsdale crossing the line behind in second some 6 seconds back on the track which equates to around 1/3 of a lap. At the end of night one Shane McDonald led the points tally with Blackwell in second, then reigning Australian Champion Mark Carlin, Raymont, Price, Graham West, Trent Warren, Anthony Wilson, Wayne Ramsdale and Martin Hawson.
Overnight the team reset the car and changed the differential to a configu-
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ROLLING THUNDER Racing E News/Magazine ration which was going to best suit the track later in the second night for the championship. The change took into consideration that it might slow them a little in the final heat and also considered that the Sprintcars were on the track also and they were going to change track conditions for the sedans. In the final qualifying heat for the ‘Pakenham Plumbing Services’ Commodore a pole position start with the fantastic Worling alongside, the diff change proved the difference as Worling took the win ahead of Blackwell and Raymont.
Ken Alberni who all made the trip from Victo- Horvath Transport Services ria to crew and Latrobe Speedway and its vol- Dukes Bodyworks unteers for a fantastic weekend. Repco Pakenham Blackwell Race Engines Team Blackwell Motorsport would like to Quadrant Suspension thank all the teams’ sponsors: Pakenham Plumbing Services DMT Media Luv Ya Life 0412061208 Pakenham Crane Trucks dmtmedia@speedway.net.au
The final round result placed the team as the number one qualifier and choice of front row starting position for the ‘Edgewater Hotel’ Australian Championship. Blackwell elected to start in the outside front row position with Price alongside. Nathan McDonald and Ramsdale were placed right behind with Raymont, Carlin, Worling, Andy Russell, Wilson, Ash Barron, West, Shane McDonald, Trevor Mills, Glenn Pagel, Justin Drew and Andrew Williams the other automatic qualifiers. With 3 initial starts 7 cars were lost before the drivers got past 2 laps. Australian Champion Carlin was one of those to come to grief whilst only 8 of the 20 starters finished. Blackwell had taken the outside pole on a track that had slickened off down on the pole line and it proved to be the right decision as the lead was taken right from the drop of the flag. Blackwell roared through the field lapping 8 cars right up fifth place before coming home in front by the length of the straight. Blackwell Motorsport would like to thank Tasmanian driver Jason McPherson for his hospitality and for the use of his shed during the weekend. Steve, Ash, Bec and the kids and
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ROLLING THUNDER Racing E News/Magazine on a mission was Steve Broadbent making some risky outside passes to eventually take the win from Bill Lodwick, Darren Clarke and Frank Thierry. Ffrench was the going to be the man to beat after his strong drives in the heats but Kiraly had different ideas. With the fall of the green flag Kiraly took the lead and never looked back. Mick Kiraly and his self built Panther AMCA Nationals race- Ffrench tired to chase but could not quite catch Kiraly who cars have hit a purple patch of form recently with Kiraly doing started to make a small buffer between himself and the rest of a double, double taking his second feature win of the Avalon the field. As the laps continued to count down Kiraly continued on his season, when he snared the prestigious 50 lapper before a way starting to lap the field as many experienced tyre issues. quality field of local and interstate competitors, and his second straight feature win following last weekends win at Red- As the final went on the last 13 laps ran without any stoppages and in the end Kiraly took the win from Ffrench and in what is line Raceway Ballarat,. Kiraly’s AMCA constructions have been very successful over becoming a habit this season, Chris Best filling the final porecent seasons in the hands of other drivers however, this sea- dium position. son Kiraly decided to have a big crack at his own driving ca- The list of remaining runners included Jackson, May, Alan Howe, Darren Clarke, Grant and Alan Cullinger, Lodwick and reer and the results have been very rewarding. Robert Taylor. Avalon. Last Saturday night (March 20) at Avalon International Race- The Smileys' drive of the night went to Jackie Clarke. way for the traditional 50 lapper, Kiraly faced stiff opposition from former state title holders Michael Ffrench and Mick Jackson, and form racers Mick Brougham, David May, Tim Reidy, and Chris Best. The week prior (Saturday 13th) at Ballarat’s Redline Raceway, Kiraly though started outside of pole sitter Mick Ffrench in Kiraly was also victorious after leading home fast turk Tim the annual 50 lap marathon and duly jumped to the lead and Reidy and Chris Best. was never headed. Ffrench was never far behind and despite occasional caution periods was never able to usurp the leader. On this occasion however, Kiraly had a bit more opposition Kiraly crossed the line ahead of Ffrench and 2008 winner with the pacy Reidy challenging for the lead at one stage. Best. Again Chris Best, who has only done a handful of races this Heat races went the way of veteran Kevin Peachey, Ffrench season due to business commitments, completed the podium. (2), rookie Jamie Collins, Bruce Tait and Mick Brougham. Brougham’s impressive speed failed to translate into an AHeat wins were recorded by Reidy, Paul Sullivan, Best, Stemain start with a suspected motor problem following his heat ven Broadbent, Jackson and Kiraly. races. The last chance B-Main saw some great racing and the man
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Kiraly bags AMCA double, including Avalon’s 50 lap mini enduro.
Redline Raceway March 13.
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Taylor and Peter Hickford fought out a gruelling 12 lap BMain with Hickford winning from Taylor, Allan Cullinger and Shea Bradley. With the first four from the B-Main joining onto the back of the A-Main a total of 20 cars took to the track for the 20 lap final. Kiraly started from pole from Jackson on his outside. After what was to be a controversial start Jackson led the field away with Kiraly on his heels. Kiraly took the lead on lap 2 and never looked back for the remainder of the feature. The other places were undecided with Lincoln taking over 2nd place from Jackson on lap 7. Luck was still not on Jackson's side with Reidy moving up to 3rd on lap 14 and then passing Lincoln the very next lap to move into 2nd. In the meantime Best was making his way through the field and had passed Jackson and to move into third with 2 laps to go. Coming home behind the top trio were Lincoln, Daniel Scott, Jackson, Sullivan, May, Paul Forrest, Lodwick, Clarke, Howe,
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Alan Cullinger, Taylor and Bradley. The controversial start was an error by the chief steward which caused some tempers to flair, but had no effect on the final outcome. As the cars came around to take the green flag, the Chief Steward accidentally hit the caution lights instead of the green light. However, quickly surveying the scene and observing that no-one had been disadvantaged by the error, the yellows were extinguished and the race allowed to continue rather than be restarted. Post race however, despite the chief steward manfully admitting the mistake, some drivers felt aggrieved and verbalised their frustrations. The Victorian AMCA Nationals teams are set to blast off into a new season with their now traditional season opener at the Goulburn Valley Auto Clubs Rushworth Raceway this weekend (Saturday 17th).
BLACKWELL TAKES TASSIE TITLE TOO! Not content to leave Tasmania with the Australian Championship and prepare the teams race car for the next round of the Victorian State series, Team Blackwell Motorsport decided to head to ‘Mountain Dew Ice ‘ Raceway at Hobart to contest the Tasmania Modified Sedan title on March the 20th and the decision paid off handsomely with yet another victory. Contesting two heats and a final the Australia # 1 car started in second position and won comfortably leading home Quintin Clarke of NSW and Shane McDonald of Queensland over 10 laps distance in the first heat of the night. The track went black real quick and during the first heat the car shredded both its rear tyres sending the team to tyre rack to find suitable replacements before starting from seventh in the next heat and leading to the finish line Shane McDonald and Max Clarke. Preparing for the feature the team made suspension alterations and put on hard rubber for the 30 lap Tasmanian title. Nathan McDonald started on pole position with Blackwell alongside and Greg Worling and Mark Carlin the defending Tasmanian Champion on the second row. Nathan McDonald jumped away to the better start and led early for 5 laps before Blackwell made his first attempt to take the lead by racing side by side pushing McDonald up high only for McDonald to shut the gap and Blackwell pulled back and waited to try the same move the very next lap in turn three where the first attempt was made. This time McDonald went high and Blackwell went right under here through turn three passing cleanly. Blackwell led the rest of the way and despite a couple of caution periods was never troubled and won ahead of Nathan McDonald, Carlin, Worling, Quintin Clarke, Trent Warren, David
Photo by Damon Kingshott © 2010
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ROLLING THUNDER Racing E News/Magazine Jacobi, Justin Drew, Peter Gray, Wayne RamsHaving secured his own spondale, Travis Barron, John Purser, Ron Watts, Shane McDonald, Fiona Verhoeven and Max sor LP GAS 1 as the major event sponsor also, McKenna Clarke. set about securing the current Australian Lightning Sprint Crew Chief Steve Grguric spoke about the Champion Karl Geddes and latest title victory. “It has been a big two weeks for the team and the season is well and the Victorian Mini Sprint truly on track after winning the Victorian title, Champion Shane Cooper both from NSW as competitors in the VMPA round at Ballarat, the Australian the event. title and now the Tasmanian title in our last four race meetings. Andrew and Ash work McKenna had a close and perhard and long preparing the engines and as a sonal connection with Geoff sponsor I appreciate their efforts. Pakenham Moule who along with son Plumbing Services is privileged to be associTony built much of the early ated with such an ambassador for the sport.” Mini Sprints that changed the Team Blackwell Motorsport would like to direction of how the category thank all the teams’ sponsors: looked on the race track and set the tone for what the cars Pakenham Plumbing Services look like today. Luv Ya Life Pakenham Crane Trucks Over three heats and a final Horvath Transport Services McKenna proved to be a deDukes Bodyworks served event winner. A middle Repco Pakenham of the pack start in the team’s Blackwell Race Engines first heat resulted in a second Quadrant Suspension place finish behind Steve Trewin the pole sitter. The team changed a right rear tyre at the completion of the heat due to not being able to bed the tyre down on the track and suffering MISSION ACOMPLISHED wheel spin.
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RYAN McKENNA: MISSION ACOMPLISHED
The final heat was won by Cooper after early leader McKenna lost his complete top wing as he roared through turns one and two whilst leading by some distance. The yellow light came on and this sent McKenna to the rear where he still came through wingless to place well. Stuart Ferguson was in second then Trewin also won the next heat again beating There are two events on the Melbourne Mini Sprint race calendar that every driver wants to McKenna who started on the second row. The Kevin Bomford , McKenna, Wayne Milburn, team new that Trewin had the right set up so at Wayne Herford and Amy Phillips. win more than others. The Victorian title and the ‘Geoff Moule Memorial.’ This season the the completion of the second heat the McKenna race crew moved the right rear tyre Crewman Thomas McKenna commented on Victorian title eluded Pakenham (South East the wing flying off the car. “I’ve not seen anyVictoria) race driver Ryan McKenna, however out and slipped in a hold down shock as the thing like it. The cars obviously are going the Lightning Sprint Moule Memorial didn’t as car was handling soft and bouncing through quite a bit quicker than they ever did when victory was sweet in an event McKenna spent the ruts in the second heat. they were 1200cc engines and the wing just much time in recent weeks organising.
RYAN McKENNA:
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ripped clean off whilst we were way out front. Ryan had to change his driving style just to finish this heat. The mounting brackets snapped when the wind ripped over the wing.” With the 30 lap final ready to go McKenna lined up third behind Danny Milton, Trewin, McKenna, Cooper, Ferguson, Matt Parsons, Herford, Owen Bulman, Phillips, Jason Lynn, Geddes, Milburn and Bomford. The race of Trewin, Milburn and Bomford ended before crossing the start line after Trewin was forced up high on the racetrack
ROLLING THUNDER Racing E News/Magazine after exciting turn 4 as the field headed to the green flag and had nowhere to go and collected the wall. Milburn and Bomford from deep in the pack had nowhere to go in a bunched start. Whilst Trewin was relived to walk away un-injured McKenna was pleased to have missed all the carnage and live to fight the next restart.
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McKenna quickly stamped his intentions on the race when it began again rounding up Milton and hitting the front. Cooper got by Milton and Ferguson and Geddes were all in the top five. Cooper spun sending himself to the back of the field whilst McKenna, Milton and Geddes still headed the pack. McKenna out front took the win with Geddes second, Milton third and then Cooper, Parsons and Lynn as first 1200cc finisher ahead of Herford. McKenna commented just after the win. “I am absolutely stoked to win this event. With Danny Milton and Steve Trewin qualifying so well and Geddes and Cooper also in the field this event was never going to be easy. My crew Mark Glass, John McKenna and Thomas McKenna were awesome tonight and I would like to thank everybody involved including Nyora Speedbowl, Melbourne Mini Sprint Club and LP GAS 1 who is the event sponsor and my sponsor and Sandra Moule (Geoff’s wife) for rushing from the airport to be here which made it all the more special. Ryan McKenna Racing would like to thank his own personal sponsors: LP GAS 1, Rayco Stump Grinders, Victory Lane Racegear dmtmedia@speedway.net.au. 0412061208
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ROLLING THUNDER Racing E News/Magazine ANDERSON CONTINUES HIS LOVE FOR HEARTLAND IN EUREKA THRILLER
12 COMMERCIAL AUTOMATICS Specialising in Heavy Vehicle Automatic Transmissions Service - Repairs - Exchange Units Commercial Automatics is an authorised Allison Dealer.
Albury’s Grant Anderson secured his
third A-Main win at Moama’s Heartland Raceway Anderson got the ideal jump at the start of the 30-lap A-Main, while not as fortunate was in the last five years by leading a hectic 30-lap A-Main that saw 20 cars take the green flag in an Van Bremen who lost multiple positions early exciting event last night (March 20) for the sec- in the race. Four laps in and Nick Lacey, startond last round of the Eureka Garages and Sheds ing from position 14, rolled over in turn four to end his night. Sprintcar Series. With the final round of the Eureka Series this Saturday night (March 27) at Ballarat’s Redline Speedway, Lilydale’s Mike Van Bremen ensured it will be a thrilling ending by finishing runner up last night and in doing so reduced John Vogels series lead to 71-points. For the second week in a row, Anderson was the Elf Racing Fuels top point scorer after qualifying heats and had the honour of selecting position number two on the front row after setting quick time in the top six shootout. Last start A-Main winner at Heartland Raceway Jamie Veal was the second fastest, ahead of Van Bremen, Charles Hunter, Brett Smith and Darren Hickman.
On lap seven, Veal was looking promising chasing down race leader Anderson until New South Wales lady racer Taylor Johnson spun in turn four leaving Veal with no where to go amidst lap traffic. Both cars restarted at the rear and a fired up Veal was one of the main stars in the remaining laps as he passed cars at will to eventually finish third in a stunning recovery.
Commercial Automatics specialize in ; Mercedes-Benz Truck and Bus, Voith, Renk Doromat, Z.F.2 Speed & Z.F.Ecomat, Scania, Industrial & Marine Transmission repairs. Commercial Automatics has “Change Over units for most makes of transmissions”.
KTM top 10 driver Brett Milburn was set for a strong top five finish, until he was checked and lost plenty of ground. In the end, Milburn was unable to finish along with Lacey. It was all class from Anderson in heavy traffic throughout the race, but he held on comfortably for his fourth A-Main win in his career, his third at Moama. “It was definitely hairy out there, some of those guys we must have come around three or four times to lap. We are really comfort-
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7 Lambeck Drive Tullamarine, Victoria. Australia. 3043 PH: 03 9338 0120 FAX: 03 9338 0315
ROLLING THUNDER Racing E News/Magazine able in this car and a lot of people have a go at us because we don’t win many races, but we do chase the biggest ones around the country and I think it shows when we come back to club level, not that it’s easy here. It’s good to get the win and some confidence before Easter where we hold the title,” said Anderson.
Finishing in fourth place was Bacchus Marsh’s Charles Hunter, a key player in the A-Main. Hunter was locked in for a podium result for the majority of the race and showed come excellent car speed all night. Series leader Vogels dug deep, starting from tenth Second placed Van Bremen was pleased with his position to finish fifth. efforts, when he had to work overtime after los- Hickman, from Bendigo, again showed his ability ing early ground. behind a Sprintcar and should have finished in the top five but had to settle for sixth ahead of “Jamie (Veal) and I did what we had to do to Ashley Bourke who started from position 17 and close the championship up, so bring on Redline. finished in seventh place. Rounding out the top We had a pretty ordinary start and I was back to ten were Brett Smith, Rod Matthews and Ryan seventh or eighth and I thought my race was Davis. done and dusted. The race sort of went non-stop towards the end which allowed us to pick off a Domain Ramsay, Eddie Lumbar, Peter Milnes, few cars,” ‘The Flying Dutchman’ said. Ron Donaldson, Johnson, Ron Dalton, Clint Dalton and Brett Harvey were the remaining finishVeal’s effort gives him a mathematical chance of ers of the A-Main. winning the Eureka Series and acknowledged that he has been unlucky in the last two rounds. Earlier in the night, late nomination Matthew Reed looked promising by winning the first heat, “It was the second week in a row we’ve been but pulled infield in his second heat and failed to unlucky, but it was a great effort to come from start the main event. Hunter, Veal and Anderson right back in the were the other heat race winners. field and finish on the podium. Hope- This Saturday night (March 27) the final round fully we have done of the Eureka Garages and Sheds Series will be enough to finish in a must see when the series returns to Ballarat’s the top three of Redline Speedway. Eureka Garages and Sheds Series continthe series,” said gency awards after round 11: ELF RACING FUELS top point scorer – V37 Grant Anderson AMERICAN RACER TIRE random draw between position 6th and 16th – V29 Ron Donaldson (14th) D&F RACING PRODUCTS hard luck of the Veal. night – V92 Matthew Reed
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JOHN SIDNEY RACING most cars passed in AMain (end of series) cars passed on night V23 Ashley Bourke (10) – OVERALL – 1st- V35 Jamie Veal 24 cars, 2nd V70 John Vogels 23 cars, 3rd V9 Rod Matthews 22 cars Eureka Garages and Sheds Series – KTM Top 10 after round 11: 1st. John Vogels - 3198 2nd. Mike Van Bremen - 3127 3rd. Jamie Veal - 3027 4th. Domain Ramsay - 2802 5th. Rod Matthews - 2613 6th. Brett Milburn - 2584 7th. Charles Hunter - 2540 8th. Eddie Lumbar - 2210 9th. Nick Lacey - 2138 10th. Ryan Davis – 2046
ROLLING THUNDER Racing E News/Magazine SDAV HOT RODS The SDAV Rods ventured up to Moama in NSW and ‘Heartland Raceway’ for their latest Thunder Down Under Series round with a healthy field of race cars looking to come home the winner and it was Shaun Walsh (# 32 Daves Kustom Rods) in his last SDAV Rod race meeting before changing race categories that came out the winner at the end of the evening. The first of three heats began with eleven starters and Shannon Meakins (# 25 Northern Auto Recycling) and Glen Lawless from the front row. The action came from back in the pack though as sixth place starter Russell Hovey led the field across the line on lap one, he stayed there until lap five was done and then daughter Kali Hovey who began in eighth ripped past him to take the lead on lap six. Dean West came home behind Kali Hovey in second with Walsh who started seventh came in third. Russell Hovey held on for fourth with Mick May, Meakins, Phil Jenkins, Steve Robertson, Ray Welsh, Vaughan Matthey (# 12 Werribee Hire a Hubby) and Glen Lawless completing the results.
safety belt issues pre race.
Mick May who recently returned to racing in the SDAV ranks led from second on the grid for the complete eight laps in heat three to defeat Walsh who was second right from the green flag and Kali Hovey. Welsh (# 75 Donna’s Hair Design) was fourth then Jenkins, Robertson, Matthey, Russell Hovey, Meakins and Lawless (# 99 Andrew Wallace Truck Fit Outs) with West the only non finisher after the steering broke. The 15 lap Feature race then got away with Kali Hovey (# 22 Dandenong Iron Foundry) and May at the front and Walsh and West on the second row then Jenkins, Welsh, Russell Hovey, Robertson, Meakins, Matthey and Lawless.
14 Lap one was led by the pole sitter Kali Hovey with Walsh second. Walsh took the lead on the second lap whilst on lap three Robertson spun in turn three causing a caution. Walsh led away with the Victoria # 2 Hovey chasing and on lap six a couple of spins again brought out a caution with Matthey spinning alone before spinning again at a re-start with Welsh. On lap five Kali Hovey was passed by West (# 4 Ace Timber & Fencing) and May and she dropped to fourth. Walsh was still leading and at the chequer flag he took the win in what he decided would be his final SDAV race for now with West, May, Kali Hovey, Jenkins (# 3 P & S Automotive), Welsh, Russell Hovey and Matthey the others to cross the finish line. Meakins didn’t finish due to steering issues and Robertson and Lawless copped flat tyres and sat infield. After the race Walsh spoke of his final race. “You never say never but for now this is my last SDAV race as I have decided to chase new challenges in another race category. I have made some great friends in the SDAV class and my family and I have a great history in the archives. I
Russell Hovey (# 26 Todd & Todd Cores) and Jenkins began at the front in heat two and it was again Kali Hovey this time on the second row who assumed the lead this time on lap one and she led all the way with May in second until West got past him on the sixth lap. West second, then May, Walsh, Jenkins, Welsh, Robertson (# 69 Solar City Canvas), Meakins, Lawless and Russell Hovey with Matthey not even getting start due to
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wish the SDAV category well in the future and will see my friends around the traps during the season next year.” The next stop on the tour is ‘Thunder Down Under’ series racing at Southern 500 Speedway in Portland on April 17th and then Redline Track Championship on May 1st at Redline Speedway. The SDAV Club would like to thank their minor sponsors: Mega Auto Parts Ribeau Interstate Transport Carrier Tony Delmo Radiator Service Bob Fisher Automotive Meehan’s Race Engines
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ROLLING THUNDER Racing E News/Magazine Alberni, Verhoeven (# 8 Blue Power Race Developments – BA Falcon), Bent, Brown and Blackwell. The heat was pretty quick with an indication of how strong it was by Blackwell finishing last with no mechanical issues to attribute to the car not moving forward.
MODIFIEDS MOTORING AT MILDURA The Victorian Modified Production Association travelled up to Mildura on April 2nd for the fourth round of the ‘Bass Highway Waste’ series and put on a great show for the locals with the rampant Andrew Blackwell winning his fifth feature straight on an unbeatable run the last two months.
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Alberni, Paul Sheen (# 45 Red Cliffs Auto & Marine – AU Falcon) and Graham West. West was way down on where he expected to be and soon set about a spring change after this heat whilst Blackwell emptied his radiator as soon as he returned to the pits due to an air lock.
Hucker got his car back on track in the last heat and elected to start at the rear of the pack due to not knowing how the car will handle after the last heat concrete wall impact. Atkins in her # 0 Atkins Autoworks VL Commodore then jumped quickly to the lead with a good Bent (# 13 Blackwell Race Engines – AU Fal- turn two passing move under Symonds. She went on to win from Symonds, West, Wilson, The numbers were a little down with plenty of con) took an all the way win in the next heat McCarthy, Pottage, Sheen and Hucker. A with Brown racing through the pack from drivers feeling the pinch of finance and car crunching last lap finish with a three battle wear and tear after the recent titles in Tasma- eighth to take second then series sponsor nia. Eighteen drivers unloaded in the pit enclo- Felsovary, Hawson, McCarthy, Atkins, Sheen between Symonds (# 18 Mt Barker Engine Reconditioning – XF Falcon), West and and Pottage (# 8 Holden Trade Club – VZ sure to try to take the win in Mildura. Commodore). Hetherington didn’t finish when McCarthy seen Symonds and West collide into he broke a power steering rack and split a fuel the turn 4 wall and McCarthy coping the wrath Local driver Marty Hawson (# 72 Sunnyland of the steward after being blamed for the inciPress – VS Commodore) began on pole in the filter and the car caught fire. Crash crew at dent and being put back two spots whilst SyMildura quickly extinguished that however first heat of the night and led all the way to monds and West were reinstated 2nd and 3rd. win from the other front row starter Fiona Ver- Hetherington’s run was over. hoeven who drove a fine race. Both drivers finished clear of the pack with Darren Pottage For the third time in the night pole position In his best performance in a number of seasons third, Russell Bent, Anthony Wilson, Brendan won with McClure taking the next heat ahead Rusty Felsovary’s (# 16 Bass Highway Waste Hucker, Jeremy McClure (# 2 AC Delco – VS of Blackwell, Alberni (# 4 Ramsdale Wreckers VZ Commodore) consistent evening resulted – VS Commodore), Ramsdale, Wilson, West, in him winning the ‘Northern Auto Recycling’ Commodore), Kellie Atkins and Mark SyVerhoeven and Symonds. Hucker had a huge monds. pole sitter award ahead of McClure who was collision with the turn four wall coming out second in points then Hawson and Blackwell. Starting from position five the national cham- worse for wear with a stub axle broken clean off the car and the K frame bent and an adpion Andrew Blackwell did well to get past The rest of the feature field was Brown, Bent, Terry Brown, Mick Hetherington (# 40 Wayne juster castor snapped. The Hetherington crew Ramsdale, Atkins, Verhoeven, Alberni, Wilwere amongst others that chipped in to get the son (# 5 Thrifty Car Rental Ballarat – VS Horne Earthmoving – VZ Commodore) and Wayne Ramsdale to Hucker (# 23 Vestas – VS Commodore) car Commodore), West, McCarthy, Sheen and win the second heat mobile again for his third heat. Hucker with Pottage and Symonds unable to with those three bestart due to mechanical issues for Pottage and hind him in the same In the fifth qualifying heat Ramsdale (# 11 time out for Symonds who was repairing his MCF Trailers – BF Falcon) and Alberni began car after the last heat crash and just ran out of order. Rusty at the front however it was to be Felsovary off time to get on the track. Felsovary moved the second row that ripped past them and led from eighth to fifth strongly with McClure on a charge chasing then came Peter Over 25 laps Felsovary and McClure started him. Ramsdale finished third, then Hawson, McCarthy, Justin well however Blackwell and Brown (# 9 East-
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side Bearing & Brakes – BA Falcon) started better as Blackwell went around the outside of the leaders through turn one and two and Brown charged through down on the low line to take positions one and two with Felsovary in third. In the frantic chase to keep up with Blackwell (# 1 Pakenham Plumbing Services – VZ Commodore) Brown became the race’s first casualty when he hit the wall and damaged his right rear rim and pulled infield. During the pack battles Hawson lost his left hand side doors however lost none of his pace. Blackwell charged off into the distance whilst Hawson got past McClure who lost a radiator hose and pulled infield. Hawson then got past Felsovary whilst West (# 56 Bendigo Home Tuning – LJ Torana), Wilson and Verhoeven battled further back. Blackwell took the win by a quarter of a lap distance with Hawson second, Felsovary, Ramsdale, West, Wilson, Verhoeven, McCarthy (# 6 Mildura Crash Supplies – VE Commodore), Sheen, Hucker and Atkins. Alberni dropped an engine whilst Bent gained a flat during the race and both failed to finish. Third place Felsovary spoke after his third place result. “I am just blown away. This engine still has a lot more development I can do with it. It just comes down to what I get Blackwell to do with it and how much I can learn in
ROLLING THUNDER Racing E News/Magazine order to maintain it. I would like to thank my wife Andrea for all the hard work she puts into this for myself and dad (Bent). Thanks to mum (Glenda Bent) also and Bruce who has been great helping out through the year. Thank you to Mildura for supporting the VMPA once again, we look forward to racing here again next season”
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the cars system overnight and the car pulled infield without firing a shot in hot laps. This meant them team had some frantic adjustments to make in a short period of time before their first heat.
The track was hooky and fast from the drop of the flag in heat one which suited the Petch car to the ground. A fourth position start with Ash Bergmeier and Danny Amato on the front row the team Dean Thompson. DMT Media was banking on a top 0412061208. dmtmedia@speedway.net.au three result, however those electrical problems hadn’t blown away and following a puff of smoke TOUGH EASTER the # 46 pulled infield after two laps. Fingers CAMPAIGN FOR were crossed that this PETCH FAMILY RACING wasn’t going to be one of those nights you don’t Over Easter weekend the Victorian Super want to have. The time between heat one and Sedan Association entourage ran a two two was a little longer due to the support night program at Moama’s ‘Heartland The going was supposed to be much classes running and the team were able Raceway’ and Swan Hill’s ‘Sonic Speedtougher in the third heat with an eighth to isolate and rectify the problem. way’ and Petch Family Racing was keen place start. Petch went straight to the to capitalise on their recent success at highline and dropped backwards a little Heat two began from third on the grid Wangaratta with further chequer flag as he created a high line to run on during with Craig Lappin in pole and George glory. the initial laps. Petch then set about Napier alongside Petch in fourth. Lappin led for the first three laps before Petch’s Before night one at Moama the team night finally came good with an outside travelled up on the Friday and enjoyed some camping at the track with some of pass on Lappin and heading off to a four the other competitors. The track through car lengths win. The track conditions were coming on nicely and the team the Friday night and Saturday looked toyed with shock and spring adjustments well prepared and James Petch couldn’t before the next heat before settling on a wait to hit the track in hot laps. Only problem was everything didn’t go to plan set up.
The VMPA would like to thank ‘Bass Highway Waste’ and ‘Northern Auto Recyclers’ for their support. The final round of the season will be at Nyora Speedbowl on April the 17th on the same program as the Victorian Super Sedan title.
and wiring gremlins somehow snuck into
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moving forward and as the laps progressed. At turn four on the last lap Petch passed Mick Burke and came home for the win. This had the crowd in attendance standing on their feet applauding the drive and the skills it took to be pa-
ROLLING THUNDER Racing E News/Magazine tient and create a highline and then use it two Petch got out of shape lost control of the car ripping across in front of the field confidently. and finding the infield. At the restart Petch began at the rear of the field and Starting from fifth in the pole shuffle made it back up to fourth with a car that Petch defeated fourth, third and second before Lucas Roberts the top point scorer still needed more adjustments. ended the streak. No changes were With the team having turned the car upneeded after the pole shuffle and the team readied themselves to begin out of side and inside out, Petch began his second heat in third with Roberts ahead. position two for the final. Petch followed Roberts home in second spot at the end of heat two and went The thirty lap final began with an unback to immediately work on the perfect eventful initial run on what had now beset up for the wide opened sand based come a track of varied surfaces. In the initial laps Petch followed Roberts . There track. had been a couple of restarts and on the Starting from sixth in the team’s final third restart it was Roberts and Petch who came together. Petch’s bumper was heat in a much better handling car Petch hooked over Roberts left rear tyre taking managed another second placing behind Brad Parker. In the pole shuffle after officials and a crane fifteen minutes to beating Bergmeier, he then lost to Parker separate the two without breaking the and this meant a fifth place feature race cars. Neither car sustained severe damstarting position. age and the race resumed with Roberts going on to secure victory with Petch secAgain a thirty lap final was the last event ond and Ash Bergmeier in third. of the night and with a track that had After spending time at the track Saturday changed considerably and slickened off through the turns, Petch made the highnight repairing cosmetic damage to the line choice to run. He was making ground race car the team headed to ‘Sonic on others and was actually third when a Speedway’ Swan Hill for racing Sunday caution light came on. He was put into and Petch was looking forward to the fifth at the restart and nothing he could race meeting since it was his first time do about it despite knowing he had been racing at Swan Hill. put in the wrong position. Petch full of steam worked his way around the two During hot laps the team had underestidrivers he had already passed and wound mated the track conditions and the car was proving a handful to swing around on out the race in third with Roberts the the surface which meant some hasty and winner again. major changes before heat one to the set After the event Petch spoke about the up. car. “The testing and experimenting is starting to pay off. I’m sure we have hit A start in heat one from position two the sweet spot with our overall set up with Lappin on pole and Roberts back in and this will give Kristy (wife) a lot of the pack Petch hoped to get an early confidence going into her Victorian title break as far as points were concerned over Roberts. However on lap one in turn race at Nyora on April the 17th.”
18 Petch Family Racing would like to thank their current sponsors for their support for the season. Anybody wishing to compliment the existing sponsors can call through to their Media representative to arrange contact with the team. This year’s sponsors include: YGP Trafalgar West Gippsland Welding Supplies Australian Racing Products Power House Engines Ward Signs Kincrome Creative Machining Trafalgar Panels Wunghnu Auto Wreckers Bullet Chassis
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VOGELS CLAIMS EUREKA SERIES
front row for the 30-lap final also appealed with fourth highest on points Jamie Veal setting quick time in the shootout to start from position one alongside Van Bremen. South Australian The Grand Final of the Eureka Garages youngster Daniel Pestka set the third and Sheds Series last night (March 27) fastest time, while Victorian young gun at Ballarat’s Redline Speedway was built Ashley Burke, highest on points started as the John Vogels vs Mike Van Bremen from fourth. Eureka battle and it delivered in a nervous ending with lightning and thunder a Brett Milburn and Vogels rounded out perfect backdrop for the thriller. the top six and with heavy rain minutes 71-points separated series leader Vogels and second placed Van Bremen heading into the final round of the Eureka Series and when Van Bremen, sixth highest on points after heats, set the second quickest time in the top six shootout to start the A-Main from the front row, the series final result was still open. Vogels qualified third highest on points, but set the sixth quickest time in the shootout which put him in a precarious position on the starting grid. The equation was simple enough, for Vogels to win the Eureka Garages and Sheds Series he had to finish within six positions of Van Bremen. Not only was the battle between Vogels and Van Bremen enthralling, but the
away with lightning and thunder nearby it had the ingredient to be a memorable Grand Final event.
Van Bremen won the important start against Veal and set about opening a lead. Nine laps in the red light came on after rookie driver Brad Warren rolled over in turn two. A couple more mid race yellow lights allowed Van Bremen clear air to control the race and the only thing out of his control was Vogels.
In the dieing laps, Pestka announced himself, rattling home on the highline in an impressive finish. Pestka closed in on race leader Van Bremen and was the quickest looking car late in the race to finish second. Burke’s form late in the season has been notable and finished third for his second podium result. Celebrating in fourth place was Vogels, knowing he had done enough to secure his fourth Eureka Garages and Sheds Championship by 47-points and a $10,000 cheque.
“I knew I had to finish no more than six behind Mike (Van Bremen) and I was in about sixth place at one stage and I was Early in the race Vogels had some nerv- thinking ‘this is not good’ and in the end I plucked a few off which is just great. ous times, but towards the end of the The last few rounds we have just taken event he made some series winning it safely and did what we had to do to moves to be fourth on the racetrack. Veal was unlucky, the Warrnambool tal- win the series,” said Vogels. ent was in striking distance of the race lead but as drizzle fell he had problems Van Bremen did everything in his power to win the series, but he was over the and pulled infield. moon to be a three time A-Main winner
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ROLLING THUNDER Racing E News/Magazine
20 LOOKING FOR A COST EFFECTIVE MEDIA PACKAGE.
in a season he rates as his best.
draw between position 6th and 16th – “Good job to Johnny (Vogels) he had V39 Brett Smith to run in the top six or seven and I’m D&F RACING PRODUCTS hard luck sure he was making sure he did. We of the night – V10 James McDonald are happy to get our third A-Main win CASCADE SOLUTIONS FOR CLEANING 1st competitor not to for the year, I reckon it’s the best season I’ve had and it shows how transfer from B to A-Main – V31 Antough it is to win a series. I’ve had a drew Dyson really good season and it’s been a lot SMILEY’S RACING PRODUCTS 1st of fun racing against these guys,” place in B-Main – V26 Nick Lacey said Van Bremen. JOHN SIDNEY RACING most cars passed in A-Main (end of series) cars Finishing in fifth place was Ballarat passed on night - V83 Chris Solomon driver Rod Matthews who secured (4 Cars) OVERALL – V70 John Vofifth in the Eureka Series, while Brett gels (25 cars) Milburn finished sixth in the points HI ACE WINGS end of series B Main and sixth in the final. Dennis Jones, wins, winner on night – V26 Nick Chris Solomon, Brett Smith and Nick Lacey Lacey rounded out the top 10 in the final, with Eddie Lumbar and Darren Eureka Garages and Sheds Series Russell the remaining finishers. – KTM Top 10: 1st. John Vogels - 3574 In the B-Main Chevvy Cooper left 2nd. Mike Van Bremen - 3527 many fans with a long time memory 3rd. Jamie Veal - 3311 as he tore down a part of the main 4th. Domain Ramsay - 3025 straight catch fence in a scary roll5th. Rod Matthews - 2962 over. Ryan Davis also rolled over in 6th. Brett Milburn - 2940 heat races, costing him a position in 7th. Charles Hunter - 2698 the KTM top 10. 8th. Eddie Lumbar - 2507 9th. Ashley Burke - 2433 Heat race wins went to Van Bremen, 10th. Nick Lacey - 2418 Milburn, Burke, Matthews, Jones and Vogels. The Sprintcar Racing Association of Victoria thank the following Eureka Garages and Sheds Series Eureka Garages and Sheds Sprintcar Series sponsors: contingency awards: ELF RACING FUELS top point scorer EUREKA GARAGES & SHEDS, KTM – V23 Ashley Burke AUSTRALIA, CAMDEN NEON SIGNS, AMERICAN RACER TIRE random AMERICAN TIRE & RACING SER-
VICES, HI ACE WINGS, JOHN SIDNEY RACING, CASCADE SOLUTIONS FOR CLEANING, D&F RACING PRODUCTS, SMILEY’S RACING PRODUCTS, ELF RACING FUELS, COREY GIBSON PHOTOGRAPHY, MAXAM PRINTING, SPRINTCARWORLD, QUEENSLAND SPEEDWAY SPARES.
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Pirate Media has over 20 years experience in Motorsport media and more specifically in the exciting realms of speedway racing. Pirate Media can offer you a one stop media shop including the preparation and distribution of media releases, race photography, media kits, video presentations and even sponsorship proposals. Competitively priced it is cheaper than you may think to take care of all your sponsors and fans and get the message out and lift the profile of your team, track or series. Pirate media is the media outlet of choice for Troy Little Racing, Hennessey Motorsport, AMCA Nationals Victoria, Rolling Thunder Raceway. For further enquiries contact Pirate Media on 0410 198 138 or brett.swanson@optusnet.com.au
ROLLING THUNDER Racing E News/Magazine
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FIVE FEATURES IN SUCCESSION FOR TEAM BLACKWELL! Team Blackwell Motorsport’s hot streak continued with their fifth feature win in succession starting back in the last week of January with the Victorian title at Horsham before stringing together wins at Ballarat in the VMPA series, Tasmania in the Australian title and Tasmanian title and now Mildura in the latest round of the Victorian Modified Production Association series. The haul to Mildura on ‘Good Friday’ was relaxed as ever with the team expecting that the bubble of success may burst at any moment and that moment didn’t come as Blackwell won ahead of home town ‘hot shot’ Marty Hawson and series sponsor Rusty Felsovary.
of field in one heat and bottom half in the other format for the third round of heats. Ahead of Blackwell from pole were Ramsdale, Alberni, Fiona Verhoeven, Felsovary, McClure, Russell Bent, Hawson and Brown. The heat was nonstop over 10 laps with Felsovary and McClure getting out front and stretching the field with great pace and Blackwell back in ninth with a set up ready for the final unable to make up any positions at all with a tail of the field result. Felsovary, McClure, Ramsdale, Hawson, Alberni, Verhoeven, Bent and Brown all in front of Blackwell.
and Ash and on occasions my partner and our kids come along. We three boys though go through everything on the car between races and events to ensure we are right to go. It’s great reward to be winning so many races against so much tough competition.”
Luv Ya Life Pakenham Crane Trucks Horvath Transport Services Dukes Bodyworks Repco Pakenham Blackwell Race Engines Quadrant Suspension
Later in the evening Team Blackwell Motorsports stayed at the comfortable residence of Mat McClure and family and would like to thank them for their hospitality.
Dean Thompson DMT Media Rep 0412061208 dmtmedia@speedway.net.au
The 25 lap feature field lined up and the # 1 was shuffled back to the second row and fourth position with Felsovary on pole then McClure and Hawson and Brown and Bent behind on the next row.
Pakenham Plumbing Services
Team Blackwell Motorsport would like to thank all the teams’ sponsors:
The first of three heats began in fifth spot behind Paul Sheen, Terry Brown, Wayne Ramsdale and Mick Hetherington and finished with the lead quickly assumed and a victory over the old Ford enemy (Brown) and Hetherington, Rams- With a sweeping outside move through turn one and two and dale, Felsovary, Peter McCarthy, Justin the speed to dash down the back Alberni, Sheen and Graham West. straight Blackwell took the lead right from the start and was The car was set up a little tight as was never headed. At times the lead most of the drivers and as a result was stretched to a third of a lap changes were made to the shocks and before Blackwell eased off a little springs in the set up in readiness for and eventually one by ¼ of a lap heat two. distance in front of Hawson, Starting sixth the ‘Pakenham Plumbing Felsovary, Ramsdale, West, WilServices’ VZ Commodore mowed down son, Verhoeven, McCarthy, Anthony Wilson, West, Brendan Hucker Sheen, Hucker and Kellie Atkins. and Alberni before finishing second behind Jeremy McClure. At this point of the evening after two heats Blackwell was top points and this meant a 9th place start in the fifth heat was mandatory under the VMPA top half
After the win Blackwell spoke of the success he was having. “We work really hard for a small team. There is myself and Steve
Photo by Damon Kingshott © 2010
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ROLLING THUNDER Racing E News/Magazine
SUPPORTERS OF AUSTRALIAN SPEEDWAY
Show your appreciation by using these these products and services where possible Sponsors of the Sprintcar All Stars Series. Proud Sponsor of the V20 Sprintcar of Domain Ramsey. Supplier of the Ford Festiva which is the first prize for the for the Sprintcar with the highest point score at Avalon Speedway.
Proud Sponsor of Troy Little in the Aussie Stop Leak # N20 sprintcar.
Sponsor of the SRA Sprintcar Series by providing a KTM 450 XC ATV motorbike valued at over $16,000. To be in the running for the KTM, the driver must finish inside the top ten point score and attend the end of season presentation dinner where there will be a draw for a 1/10 chance of winning the outstanding quad bike.
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ROLLING THUNDER Racing E News/Magazine
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LEAHY LANDS THE BIG ONE Over two nights of Easter at Alexandra Speedway Jeff Leahy has won the Victorian Saloon Car Federation 3 Litre Sedan title further stamping his dominance on the season in which he has won four times with more races to come. Competing in five heats over the two nights Leahy started in position four in his first heat and made a couple of attempts to take the lead however a driver error dropped the EL Falcon back to third at race end.
In the final heat for the team Leahy changed springs before the heat and then proceeded to move to second from fourth on the first turn of lap one and stuck in behind Sutherland and followed him across the line in second. Unhappy with the springs in that last heat Leahy changed them back to the originals for the Victorian title feature.
With fresh rubber on the car Leahy began from third position in the thirty lap final. In the first turn of lap one Leahy moved into second batSome adjustments after heat one made the car tling with Sutherland for second and third whilst Nick Hill led. At lap thirteen Leahy was feel a little more comfortable in heat two and with a pole position start Leahy led from start outright second and started the chase on Hill as they lapped backmarkers. At lap seventeen the to finish on a wet and greasy track. In heat caution lights came on and bunched up the three it was much the same again as far as track conditions were and another pole position field for the restart. start was going to help the cause. On lap one Hill, Leahy and Sutherland hustled and bustled though Lennie Clark took the lead only for at the restart and on lap eighteen Leahy took Leahy to get in back on lap two and hold the the lead and stretched the distance between lead until the end. himself and Hill by some eight car lengths After the first night the team was very pleased when the caution came on again on lap 20. When the race resumed it was Leahy, Hill and with the cars performance although they will Zac Swanson the top three. A couple more still chasing the perfect set up for a loose wet track. In points after night one Leahy was sec- yellows resulted in a five lap sprint at the end ond behind equal leaders Steve Sutherland and of the race to win the Victorian title and breaking the one lap record by Gary Sessions along Nick Hill. the way. Greg and Jeff then spent Sunday checking over Jeff would like to thank his Mum and Dad and family and friends for being there and supportthe car making sure everything was in tip top ing him throughout his racing. Thanks also to shape for championship night making minor his pit crew Dad (Greg), Mark, Rob and Miadjustments to tyres and shocks. chael and sponsors. In heat four a great tussle with Matt Gerlach resulted with Leahy coming out on top again Dean Thompson moving from fourth to first to make it three DMT Media 0412061208 wins from four heats. dmtmedia@speedway.net.au
Leahy Speedway Racing would like to also thank their valuable sponsors: Steve & Craig Garlick at G.B Race Cars, Lou at Dandy Race Engines, Gary & Mark at Protrack Automotive Services, Paul at Visual Signage Solutions Rob at Patch’s Panel & Paint, John at Impression Fibreglass, Team at Precision Balancing,
Photo by Leigh Reynolds of Inaction Photo’s
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Want to promote your team and sponsors ? Send your media releases, including pictures of your car and team members, to ray@fmg.au.com Alternatively, contact Pirate Media (Brett Swanson) or DTM Media (Dean Thompson) for professionally produced media releases and videos. Publication of media releases in Rolling Thunder Racing E Magazine are free. Charges apply for advertising in RTR e magazine, send email to ray@fmg.au.com for more information
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BRIMS AND RAMSDALE TAKE BIG WINS AT NYORA A large crowd settled in at Nyora on Saturday the 17th of April to watch some of the nation’s best sedan drivers across the Super Sedan and Modified Production Sedan categories do battle for the Victorian Super Sedan Title and the Vic Hallas Memorial for Modified Sedans with Wayne Brims all the way from Lismore New South Wales defending his Victorian championship whilst local driver Wayne Ramsdale took his first big win in the Modified category in leading home a great field in the Vic Hallas Memorial.
erts x 2, Lionel West, Steve Vaughan, Mick Nicola Snr x 2, Gary Bryans, Brims and Craig Lappin.
Roberts and Nicola began on the front row and with Brims right behind the three got a handy break across the field early. Nicola took the lead on lap four down in turn four before a number of caution periods interrupted proceedings. Brims took second around mid race Nine heats for the Super Sedans resulted in wins to Lucas Rob- and then snatched the lead with around 15 laps to go. Nicola held on to second with Roberts third and then West and Bryans rounding out the top five. Brims retains his already held Victorian title for another twelve months as the Victorian season draws towards a close with a couple of race meetings left. In the Modified Sedans the annual Vic Hallas Memorial doubling as a round of the Victorian Modified Production Association final ‘Bass Highway Waste’ series round Wayne Ramsdale raced to a popular victory. Nine heats were run also with Martin Hawson, Anthony Wilson, Andrew Blackwell, Russell Hill, Rusty Felsovary, Darren Pottage, Nick Hill all taking one win a piece whilst Justin Alberni was the only driver to win two heats. Alberni took pole with Ramsdale alongside and Pottage and Russell Hill on the second row. Ramsdale jumped to the lead at the start. Alberni, Pottage and Hill had a strong battle as Blackwell the Australian Champion pulled infield on lap one with steering issues. A crash a third in of
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the way into the race with Russell Bent, Graham West, Ross Madden, Alberni, Kellie Atkins and Darren Forrest all involved put into the infield Bent, West and Alberni. Ramsdale couldn’t be touched at the front as he held a clear advantage knowing chasers were behind. Pottage second, Felsovary third and Mark Carlin and Wilson the top five. In Wingless Sprints Dan Dubois and Dan Robson took heat wins whilst Travis Effern won the feature over Adam Greenwood and Robson. In Juniors Dylan Campton had a car wrecking rollover in heat one whilst in the lead. Whiting went on to take both heat wins and then the final with Mitch Smith and Kye Walters filling the minor placings. In Open Independent action Rob Bickham and Simon Bent won the heats before Bent went on to take a comfortable feature race win ahead of Mick Evans and Rod Edwards. Press Release Written by Dean Thompson Nyora Speedbowl Media Rep dmtmedia@speedway.net.au 0412061208
Nyora acknowledge their fantastic sponsors:
Aarons Car Removals – 93086555 Aggreko - 95865000 Allcare Exhausts Pakenham – 59413488 A.P.S Service Centre 97838300 Ballarto Transport – 0418347288 Ballarto Water Cartage – 0418347288 Bass Highway Waste – 56788994 B & H Scrap Removers – 0411 556 746 Blackwell Body Works -59416999 Blackwell Race Engines – 0418588711 B.O.C Tyres – 59401800 Cranbourne Cycles - 59961049 DML Security Management – 0411664465 Economy Bolt Company – 9768 2599 Hillview Quarries - 59872600 Horvath Transport Services – 97031099 Kool Freighters – 0418 347 288 Lake Eildon Houseboat Sales – 57742899 Lazy Frog Gift Shop – 5941 2225 Monckton Concrete - 59412152 Northern Auto Recycling – 9305 2100 or 0412333830 Oz Moulds & Rubber - 97031522 Pakenham Plumbing Services – 0439 372 039 Rescue 1 Fire Co – 0428 888 353 Shanks Electrical – 0407 862 901 TGS Sand and Soil - 56590090 Universal Contracting Services – 59791499 www.racermagazineaustralia.com.au
ROLLING THUNDER Racing E News/Magazine Smiley’s Racing Products Unit 19/12-20 James Court, Tottenham Victoria 3012. Phone 03 9315 2007 Fax 03 9315 2070 Email: Tyson@smileysracing.com.au.
Modern Stainless Fabrications from Bacchus Marsh, pride themselves in quality stainless steel manufacturing. Specialising in Balustrades, Railings and Marine work. To contact them phone 03 5367 7333 or Email: info@modernstainless.com.au
Dyno Shock Service Pro Shock Sales & Service Repairs to all Brands. Importers of Shark Chassis and components. Australian Importer of G-FORCE Racing Apparel Phone 02 9686 4873 Mobile 0411 470 712 www.grizzlyracing.com Email: bill@grizzlyracing.com
Eureka Garages and Sheds manufacturer a full range of steel buildings suitable for domestic, rural and commercial purposes. The expanding product range includes:Garden Sheds Greenhouses Garages Carports Double Storey Lofty Garages Workshops Farm Sheds Machinery Sheds Barns Light Industrial Factories Contact Eureka at: Ballarat 202 Learmonth Street ALFREDTON VIC 3350 Phone: (03) 5336 2227 Fax: (03) 5336 2557 Bendigo 303 Midland Highway EPSOM VIC 3551 Phone: (03) 5448 3099 Fax: (03) 5448 3088 Hume 1840 Hume Highway CAMPBELLFIELD VIC 3061 Phone: (03) 9357 9590 Fax: (03) 9357 9437 Laverton 24-26 Little Boundary Road LAVERTON VIC 3026 Phone: (03) 9314 1245 Fax: (03) 9314 6640 Shepparton 7833 Goulburn Valley Highway KIALLA VIC 3631 Phone: (03) 5823 5233 Fax: (03) 5823 5747 Traralgon 188 Argyle Street TRARALGON VIC 3844 Phone: (03) 5174 5311 Fax: (03) 5174 5322
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27 Aussie Stop Leak is an automotive cooling system stop leak. It repairs leaks in radiators whether there copper, aluminium, plastic or combinations of these, as well as gaskets, Welsh plugs, cracked blocks or heads, pipes, heaters, leaking liners but of course will not fix a split hose as nothing will fix that but replacement. email: enquiries@aussiestopleak.com.au Web; aussiestopleak.com Call Matt Ferris 0400560598 1300 DAYTEC DAYTEC provides internet services in all areas of Australia, supporting all internet related products such as ADSL Broadband, website design, hosting & email access. Contact : DAYTEC on (03) 9888 3333 for further information or fax (03) 9809 5000
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DMT Media
RAMSDALE & FORD
Dean Thompson 0412061208 dmtmedia@speedeway.net.au
For the second time this season the Victorian Modified Production Association travelled to Nyora Speedbowl for a round of the ‘Bass Highway Waste’ series only this time it didn’t rain and home town hero Wayne Ramsdale went on to record his first big win as a Modified Sedan driver bringing home the # 11 MCF Trailers BF Falcon home ahead of the field much to the delight of Ford fans on the spectator hill. In line with VMPA format guidelines nine heats were run followed by a twenty five lap final. The heats produced 8 different winners with another local driver Justin Alberni the only driver to win two heats. In round one of heats Mildura visitor Martin Hawson (# 72 Sunnyland Press) began on the third row was able to rocket past Darren Pottage, Rusty Felsovary, Bryan Galley and Darren Forrest to take the win. Galley had led most of the race before oil pressure got the better of him and he backed off to take second. Third was series sponsor Felsovary in the ‘Bass Highway Waste’ Commodore. Anthony Wilson (# 5 Thrifty Car Rentals Ballarat) took victory in the second heat leading from start to finish with Graham West and Russell Hill tailing him across the line to make it a Holden 1, 2, 3 finish. In the last heat of the first round the new Australian Champion Andrew Blackwell and the former champion Mark Carlin (# 12 Vickery Brothers Groundspread) began on the front row and it was Blackwell that went on to win with Russell Bent third.
All your Speedway media needs including: Media Releases. Commentating. Sponsorship Proposals Arranging Photography. Arranging Quality Websites Existing Clientele include: Rolling Thunder E Mag, Rolling Thunder Raceway, Nyora Speedbowl, Avalon Raceway, Speedway Sedan Digest, Peter Whites Speedway World, Leader Newspaper Group, Team Drew Motorsport, Team Galley Motorsport, SDAV Hot Rods, 3 Litre Sedan Association, Victorian Modified Production Association.
Alberni got the second round off to a good start in the # 4 Ramsdale Wreckers VS Commodore leading home Mark Symonds all the way from Mount Barker in South Australia and Pottage who began at the tail of the field. Galleys bad luck continued this time connecting with the back straight wall and shredding his right rear tyre.
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Russell Hill drove strong in the next heat getting past Kellie Atkins and Nathan Drew (I & J Speedway Spares VZ Commodore). Hill took the win ahead of West and Bent. Then in a great old Holden vs. Ford stoush Ramsdale and Felsovary traded 1st and 2nd places before Felsovary who began in fifth took the win with Blackwell (# 1 Pakenham Plumbing Services) finishing third having began in 7th. In the last round of heats the top seven point scorers after two rounds began in heat seven with top points to the rear. Ramsdale Ramsdale jumped and Alberni began up front and to the lead right at top points at this stage Russell the start with RusHill (# 21 Ramsdale Wreckers sell Hill heading in Monaro) began in seventh. Anhard to try to get other good old Holden vs. Ford through turn one battle with Alberni taking the into third. Pottage second of his heat wins with and Alberni and Ramsdale and Felsovary trailing Hill all stoushed in a continuing dual from their with each other as prior heat. In this heat, BlackRamsdale settled well damaged his car hitting the THREE WIDE, BRYAN GALLEY #0, DARREN FORREST # 28 AND RUSTY FELSOVARY #16 comfortably and back straight wall and coming Blackwell pulled to a halt in turn three after award went to Alberni who last heat win cata- infield with steering issues. mum points with a win in the # 8 Holden bouncing all the way down the back straight pulted him to the top of the points for the Trade Club VZ Commodore with Bent and against the concrete. A early crash in the race with Bent, West, night. Ramsdale , Pottage, Russell Hill, Symonds taking second and third. Madden, Alberni, Atkins and Forrest all inFelsovary, Bent, West (# 56 Bendigo Home Scott McElroy began on pole in the next heat volved ended with Bent, West and Alberni all In the last heat Nick Hill in his underpowered Tune LJ Torana), Wilson, Symonds (# 18 which had the next top seven in points after two rounds with Galley alongside. At the start 3 Litre Sedan took a win over the more power- Mount Barker Engine Reconditioning XF Fal- suffering enough damage to end their races. con), Blackwell, Carlin, Nick Hill, Forrest (# Hawson and Symonds had a coming together ful Modifieds with Atkins (# 0 Atkins Auto28 Atco Structures), Atkins, Ross Madden (# At the restart Ramsdale again led away works) and Darren Forrest taking the minor with Hawson suffering sufficient rear end 14 Octane Alley VZ Commodore) and Galley quickly in his ‘Blackwell Race Engine’ powplaces. damage to be towed infield whilst officials ered ford with an engine provided by Russell (# 0 Family Hotel Drouin VE Commodore). deemed McElroy the cause of the bingle due Hill. Pottage and Felsovary traded places as The ‘Northern Auto Recyclers’ pole position to a baulked start. Pottage picked up maxi-
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BRYAN GALLEY
WAYNE RAMSDALE Hill found himself at the tail of the field after Carlin and Pricey (Steve Price) can count on washing high in turn one and two and looping. another Ford being up at the front with them.” Ramsdale continued on and took the annual ‘Vic Hallas Memorial’ trophy in the final ‘Bass Highway Waste’ series round from Pottage, Felsovary, Carlin who pushed up the field having begun in eleventh. Then came Wilson, Galley, Hill, Forrest, Madden, Atkins and Symonds. After the race Wayne was delighted. “I have a lot of people to thank amongst friends and family I really appreciate their support to get this car to where we have it now. There is still a tonne of development to do with it yet but
The VMPA would like to thank ‘Bass Highway Waste’ and ‘Northern Auto Recyclers’ for their support. The final event of the season will be the series presentation night on June 19th at Bendigo. Any interested parties should contact the VMPA via details on the website. Written by Dean Thompson VMPA Media Rep 0412061208 dmtmedia@speedway.net.au
WAYNE RAMSDALE, DARREN POTTAGE, RUSTY FELSOVARY
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ROLLING THUNDER Racing E News/Magazine heats two drivers were out for the night, the inform Phil Lock had motor problems to end his shot at the Gold and the luckless Wayne Smith was to suffer major damage to the rear of his machine and received a sore leg from the torque tube hitting him it the accident. Heat wins went to Brad Foster, Ricky Barrand, Ron Donaldson and Troy Little. After the heat points were added up the next event was the all important top Six qualifiers Time Trial, Little, Foster and Donaldson were to advance up the starting order to P1, P2 & P3 while Barrand, Solomon and Enderl dropped down to positions P4, P5 and P6.
Little Snares Inaugural 360 Sprintcar Gold Cup Troy Little snares the gold in the inaugural 360 Sprintcar Gold Cup feature race at Western Speedway Hamilton last night. Little in the N20 car did not have it all his own way in the early stages, little got the jump at the start but a fast Brad Foster put a move on Little to steal the lead on laps six and started to move away until a lapped car had a moment and caused Foster to spin and be sent to the rear of the field for the restart that set up a remarkable drive from the V11 driver. The night started with some good close heat racing that had produced a few highs and lows, at the completion of the
Eighteen cars took to the track at Western Speedway for the start of the 360 Gold Cup, before one lap was down the V77 machine of Parr was out with a flat tyre. take two and Little grabs the lead, lap one down and it was Little with Foster, Donaldson, Barrand, Chris Solomon
31 who moved past his Brother Paul from starting position eight to be in fifth place and then the rest of the pack. Lap five and the leaders move into lapped cars with Foster working up the top of track looking very fast, without hesitation Foster took the lead on lap six and opened up a near two second lead. Lap eight it all goes wrong for Foster a Lap car make a small mistake that causes Foster to spin and be sent to the rear for the restart. Little resumes the lead with Donaldson and Chris Solomon in tow but a couple of laps further on a spinning Paul Solomon is cleaned up by Milburn, both cars out but before another lap is completed the V15 of Fraser and Q39 of Heathcote join the parked cars on the infield then Wayne Logue also joins the car park with mechanical problems.
Sprintcar Gold Cup from second place man Foster followed by Chris Solomon in third, Barrand taking position four from Donaldson on the last lap with Enderl, Moule, Taylor, Searle, Kelly, McDonald and Noonan rounding out the finishers. A jubilant Troy Little was please to take the victory after making the big trip from Dubbo the night before where the team was competing. “It was good to get a win, it has been a while so I am please and we look forward to being back next season” As usual there is always high and lows but with some of the best 360 Sprintcar Racing to be conducted once again all competitor put on a great nights entertainment at Western Speedway Hamilton.
The race restarts with Little still in control but back in the pack Foster starts to work a good racing line up top again and has moved back into contention lying in seventh place behind South Australia Carl Enderl. With the action starting to heat again Moule in the 53 car move into P5 and lady racer Kate Seale moves forward to eight place. Lap thirteen and Foster is now into sixth place, over the next few laps things settle down with Little, Donaldson, Solomon and Foster trying to find a way a past Chris Solomon a couple of laps latter Foster puts a move around the outside to pick off both Solomon and Donaldson to grab second place. Next lap and Solomon gets by Donaldson for third. Lap twenty five, Little takes the chequered flag taking out the Inaugural 360
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ALL STAR LOGIES The Fire Service Plus Sprintcar All Stars celebrated their end of season on the Mundoo Paddle Steamer , Mildura. “What a special way to end the Series for us, with a 1920’s Gangster theme night it was a great fun and everyone enjoyed themselves. Keeping our Series theme going strong “We are here for the Party” we managed to do this very successfully.” Series Promoter Searle tell us.
ROLLING THUNDER Racing E News/Magazine “We kicked off with our traditional Party night at the Sandbar Hotel on Friday night, car display at Auto Pro in Lime Street Saturday morning, racing Saturday night and then celebrated together some more on Sunday night.” “ Our major sponsor Fire Service Plus owner , Steve & Dee Caunt were there to help us celebrate and we hoped they enjoyed themselves. We appreciated their efforts in attending this function with us.”
32 Contingency Awards that were presented with trophies were : Series winner - 2 rear Max Wheels from M.D.Motorsport Outstanding Achievement Award – 2 front Max wheels from M.D.Motorsport Encouragement Award – Engine Dyno from John Sidney Racing Rookie of the Year – BCM Motorsport web site construction & Maintenance for 1 year Crew Chief of the Year – 1-11 Tool Storage Specialist tool box Battle of the Year – Modern Stainless Fabrications set of nerf bars Most Improved Driver – Red Ed Sheds 2 x Hoosier front steer tyres Acknowledgement Award – Red Ed Sheds 1 x drum Methanol
COLIN BROOKS SPRINTCAR ALL STARS SERIES CHAMPION
A unexpected announcement on the night was the recommitment of Fire Service Plus to the All Stars Series for another 2 years. I was really excited when Steve mentioned this to me and to lock in 2 years gives us more security. Steve Timmis owner of Big Screens Australia has also committed to sponsoring the Series for the next 2 years . Timmo has been one of our supporters since the start of the Series and I cant thank him enough for taking the next step.” Mandy says. End of Season Logies were won by : 1st Overall – Colin Brooks 2nd Overall – Chad Ely 3rd Overall – Phil Lock Outstanding Achievement Award – Mark Caruso BCM Motorsport Rookie of the Year – Chad Ely Most Improved Driver – Chris Solomon Best Presented Car & Crew – Kate Searle 1-11 Tool Storage Specialist Crew Chief of the Year – Tony Bartlett Battle of the Year – Bill Fraser JSR Encouragement Award – Mark Noonan Vortex Wings Altitude Award – Ron Donaldson Acknowledgement Awards – Karl Enderl & Paul Solomon
“I cannot thank all our Series Sponsors enough for the commitment they have shown us. I know that all our Drivers really appreciate these Contingency prizes. It helps keep them on the race track and therefore coming back to compete in the Series.” says Mandy. Top 10 in Points 1. SA75 Colin Brooks 2. SA22 Chad Ely 3. Phil Lock 4. Karl Enderl 5. Chris Solomon 6. Paul Solomon 7. Mark Caruso 8. Mark Noonan 9. Kate Searle 10. Bill Fraser
TONY BARTLET Crew Chief of the year
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2273 2228 2227 2215 2212 2207 2167 2144 1883 1688
CHAD ELY SA 22
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