Press Releases 2011/2012
Randall snatches last-lap V8 riches at Latrobe
4th February, 2012
Written by Martin Agatyn - Images by Angryman Photography & Media
Queensland V8 super sedan driver Wayne Randall only led the race for one lap of last night's $45,000 Bendigo Bank Grand Prix at Latrobe, but it was the most important one - the last lap.
Driving a car owned by Launceston's Steve Jessup, Randall took home the lion's share of Australia's richest speedway sedan event with a perfectly-timed run to win the main event on a big two-night programme over Friday and Saturday nights.
Qualifying on outside pole position for the 50-lap final, Randall slipped back as far as fourth, the veteran Queenslander came home with a late charge, regaining third place with nine laps to go and advancing to second with three laps remaining.
New South Wales driver Lachlan Onley was leading the final lap with Randall chasing and Tasmanian champion Jarrod Harper, of Hellyer Beach, close behind.
In a thrilling finish, Randall slipped by Onley less than 200m from the chequered flag to win by just 0.55 secs, with Harper third.
Harper seemingly had the race in his keeping after leading for 31 laps of the 50-lap journey, after starting strongly from grid four.
South Australian Dave Gartner qualified on pole position and led for the first 14 laps before Harper made his move.
Meanwhile, Randall started slowly and was passed by former Tasmanian champion Brad Smith, of Devonport, and current Victorian champion Lucas Roberts.
However, Smith's determined charge to second ended on lap 27 when he sustained a puncture and was forced in-field.
Roberts found some extra speed and grip late in the race and challenged Harper for the lead several times, before a rear suspension failure ended his race prematurely 12 laps from the finish.
Lachlan Onley, who had started from grid 16, was steadily forcing his way towards the front and passed Randall just before Roberts retired, inheriting second place with the Victorian's demise.
With just five laps remaining Onley powered past Harper to take the lead and hold it until Randall's last lap winning move, but was pleased to finish second after arguably the drive of the race.
Grand Prix victor Wayne Randall was elated after trying to win Australia's richest speedway sedan event for the past nine years.
"It was a pretty exciting way to win a race after only taking the lead on the last lap," Randall said.
"I thought I was going to get to the front much earlier in the race, but I lost my way a bit," he said.
"I just stick to my guns and persisted - I knew the car was good enough to win."
"We've had such a great run over the past three or four weeks and we've got a great package now and we've only been making very minor and basic adjustments and I've just got so much confidence in the car and the job the pit crew has done in setting it up."
"The harder I drive it, the more it seems to like it."
Randall rated the victory as one of the biggest in his career.
"It's always been a prestigious race and I've been trying to win it for a long time and it's great for the team too," he said.
Friday and Saturday night also featured the Doherty's Hotel Campbell Town Speedway Kart Mini-Grand Prix in three divisions, with Burnie's Ben Jackson winning his fourth grand prix in the premier modified clubman class with a brilliant drive in the 10-lap final.
After five extremely even five heats over two nights of racing Jackson qualified on pole position, started strongly and led from start to finish for a well-deserved win.
Devonport veteran Geoff Lawrence finished second after also enjoying a consistent weekend, with Cameron Abel, of Hellyer Beach, third.
The 125cc final was won by State champion Leigh Revell, of Penguin, after a race-long battle with Richmond's Laura Davidson, with Geoff Lawrence making his second podium of the weekend with a solid third place.
Western Australian Leigh Aylett repeated his victory in last weekend's Mini-Grand National in Hobart by again leading home his older brother Karl, with Brady Tyler finishing third.
RESULTS -
$45,000 Bendigo Bank Grand Prix (V8 super sedans) - Heat one: J Harper (Tas.), 1; D Gartner (SA), 2; D Korn (Qld), 3. Heat two: L Onley (NSW), 1; M Nicola (Vic.), 2; S Jordan (Qld), 3. Heat three: L Roberts (Vic.), 1; J McPherson (Tas.), 2; S best (SA), 3. Heat four: J Harper (Tas.), 1; G Aylett (Tas.), 2; D Korn (Qld), 3. Heat five: B Smith (Tas.), 1; S Hughes (Tas.), 2; D Kane (Qld), 3. Heat six: W Randall (Qld), 1; P Townsend (Tas.), 2; L Roberts (Vic.), 3. Heat seven: D Korn (Qld), 1; D Gartner (SA), 2; J Harper (Tas.), 3. Heat eight: D Kane (Qld), 1; B Smith (Tas.), 2; K Purton (Tas.), 3. Heat nine: W Randall (Qld), 1; J McPherson (Tas.), 2; S Best (SA),3. $45,000 Bendigo Bank Grand Prix (V8 super sedans, continues from Friday night) - Heat 10: D Gartner (SA), 1; S Hughes (Tas.), 2; W Randall (Qld), 3. Heat 11: B Smith (Tas.), 1; P Townsend (Tas.), 2; G Aylett (Tas.), 3. Heat 12: S Latham (Tas.), 1; S Jordan (Qld), 2; D Korn (Qld), 3. Heat 13: M Nicola (Vic.), 1; D Gartner (SA), 2; K Purton (Tas.), 3. Heat 14: S Jordan (Qld), 1; D Kane (Qld), 2; S best (SA), 3. Heat 15: S Latham (Tas.), 1; L Roberts (Vic.), 2; W Randall (Qld), 3. Neville Harper Memorial Pole Shuffle: Won by S Latham (Tas.). Final (50 laps): W Randall (Qld), 1; L Onley (NSW), 2; J Harper (Tas.), 3.
Doherty's Hotel Campbell Town Speedway Kart Mini-Grand Prix - Heat one: C Abel, 1; B Jackson, 2; G Lawrence, 3. Heat two: P Breitkopf, 1; B Tyler, 2; L Aylett, 3. Heat three: L Davidson, 1; L Revell, 2; H McBain, 3. Heat four: L Davidson, 1; D Orme, 2; Jory Breitkopf, 3. Heat five: K Aylett, 1; L Aylett, 2; B Tyler, 3. Heat six: H McBain, 1; L Davidson, 2; L Revell, 3. Heat seven: G Lawrence, 1; B Jackson, 2; Jory Breitkopf, 3. Heat eight: B Menzie, 1; L Aylett, 2; K Aylett, 3. Heat nine: L Davidson, 1; L Revell, 2.Heat 10: B Jackson, 1; G Lawrence, 2; Jory Breitkopf, 3. Heat 11: L Aylett, 1; B Boun, 2; B Tyler, 3. Heat 12: L Revell, 1; L Davidson, 2; H McBain, 3. Heat 13: L Davidson, 1; C Abel, 2; G Lawrence, 3. Heat 14: L Aylett, 1; T Auton, 2; K Aylett, 3. Heat 15: L Revell, 1; G Lawrence, 2; L Davidson, 3. Modified clubman final (10 laps): B Jackson, 1; G Lawrence, 2; C Abel, 3. Junior final (10 laps): L Aylett, 1; K Aylett, 2; B Tyler, 3. 125cc final (10 laps): L Revell, 1; L Davidson, 2; G Lawrence, 3.
Friday night only -
Central Steel Junior Sedan Championship Series - Heat one: J Smith, 1; L Bowerman, 2; J Nolan, 3. Heat two: J Smith, 1; L Bowerman, 2; A Gilbert, 3. Heat three: B Piper, 1; N Russell, 2; J Stephens, 3. Final (15 laps): J Smith, 1; B Piper, 2; N Russell, 3.
Formula 500s - Heat one: M Redpath, 1; M Kelly, 2; J Rattray, 3. Heat two: D Peck, 1; K Cruse, 2; M Redpath, 3. Final (15 laps): M Redpath, 1; D Peck, 2; K Cruse, 3.
Wingless sprintcars - Heat one: J Padman, 1; G Hoekstra, 2; B Herbert, 3. Heat two: S Bissett, 1; G Hoekstra, 2; T Watson, 3. Final (15 laps): T Watson, 1; S Bissett, 2; B Herbert, 3.
Saturday night only -
G W Landscaping and Timber Supplies Street Stock Sedan Series (round seven) - Heat one: J Riley, 1; M Farrell, 2; C Bauld, 3. Heat two: B McKendrick, 1; B Morrice, 2; L Williams, 3. Heat three: B Cooper, 1; S Spencer, 2; M Templar, 3. Heat four: D Riley Jr, ; R Riley, 2; J Young, 3. Final (15 laps): S Spencer, 1; T Auton, 2; J Riley, 3.
Lightning sprints - Heat one: B Webster, 1; K Short, 2; L Redpath, 3. Heat two: L Redpath, 1; S Pitt, 2; N Hale, 3. Final (12 laps): K Short, 1; B Webster, 2; S Pitt, 3.
Tassie sixes - Heat one: L Gunn, 1; M Cleary, 2; T Frankcombe, 3. Heat two: D Sonners, 1; M Cleary, 2; R Shaw, 3. Final (12 laps): D Sonners, 1; M Cleary, 2; L Gunn, 3.
Latrobe V8 invasion for Australia's richest prize
1st February, 2012
Written by Martin Agatyn - Images by Angryman Photography & Media
Australia's best V8 super sedan drivers will descend on the Bendigo Bank Arena at Latrobe on Friday and Saturday night for Australia's richest speedway sedan event, the $45,000 Bendigo Bank Grand Prix.
The talented field will include the current Australian champion Steve Jordan, of Queensland, three former Australian champions and State champions or former State champions from just about every other state, including a strong contingent of Tasmanian drivers more than capable of holding their own against the nation's best.
Saturday night's racing in the Grand Prix will also double as round six of the National Pies Super Sedan Series, with Tasmanian drivers keen to gain valuable points in their own domestic series as well.
The action will blast off with nine heats of the Grand Prix on Friday night, with six more to follow on Saturday, plus the Neville Harper Memorial Pole Shuffle and the all-important 50-lap final, which carries with it $100 per lap for the leader, meaning a $5000 bonus for any driver who leads from start to finish.
Friday's support programme will include round seven of the Central Steel Junior Sedan Championship Series, plus racing for modified production sedans, wingless sprintcars, Formula 500s and speedway karts.
The karts will be competing over two nights for the Speedway Kart Mini-Grand Prix.
Racing for the karts on Friday will start at 5.00 p.m., with the main program getting underway at 7.00 p.m.
Saturday's support programme will feature round seven of the G W Landscape Street Stock Sedan Series, plus racing for lightning sprints, Tassie sixes, and speedway karts, with racing for the karts from 4.00 p.m. and the main program starting at 6.00 p.m.
The main event, the Grand Prix, boasts one of the best fields in the history of the event, with Tasmania recently played host to three rounds of the Carline Mufflers National Super Sedan Series, and the majority of the field staying over for last weekend's Tasmanian Grand National in Hobart and this weekend's Grand Prix.
The three national rounds and the Grand National produced four different winners, indicating this weekend's Grand Prix will be extremely close.
Winners over the past four events have included South Australian Dave Gartner, Devonport's Brad Smith, Queensland's Wayne Randall and NSW driver Lachlan Onley, who could all figure again this weekend.
Australian champion Steve Jordan was second in all three national rounds and keen to break through for a Tasmanian win before he returns home, while former Australian champions Darren Kane, of Queensland, and Deloraine's Kevin Purton, will be out to turn around the disappointment of not finishing the Grand National in Hobart after suffering punctures.
Former three-times Australian champion Mick Nicola, of Victoria, did not race in Hobart, but is also a former three-times Grand Prix winner and keen to become the first four-time winner.
Reigning Tasmanian champion Jarrod Harper, of Hellyer Beach, has suffered engine dramas in recent weeks and is keen to turn his luck around with a home track victory, also chasing his fourth win in the prestigious Grand Prix.
V8 speedway history heading to Latrobe
19th January, 2012
Written by Martin Agatyn - Images by Angryman Photography & Media
Latrobe's Bendigo Bank Arena will be part of a historical Tasmanian debut of the Carline Mufflers National Super Sedan Series on Saturday night when it hosts the seventh round of the series.
The series has been going for seven years, but has never visited Tasmania until now, with Latrobe hosting the second of three rounds to be held in this State.
Carrick will host round six on Friday night, followed by Latrobe on Saturday and Carrick again next Wednesday.
With Latrobe also the home of Australia's richest annual V8 super sedan event, the $45,000 Bendigo Bank Grand Prix, many of the 15 mainland drivers entered for the Tassie Triple Challenge will be familiar with the track, ensuring the Latrobe round, presented by Fuso Truck and Bus, will be the pick of the Tasmanian leg of the national series.
The series is currently being led by former Australian champion and former Hobart driver Darren Kane, of Queensland, who is also a former four-times Tasmanian champion and no stranger to Latrobe.
Launceston-born reigning Australian Steve Jordan is second in the series and returning to the track where he won his national title last year, hoping for another big result.
In fact all of the top 10 drivers in the series points chase at the moment, have all raced at Latrobe in the past, which should add to the excitement.
Included in the top 10 are current Tasmanian champion Jarrod Harper, or Hellyer Beach, and former Tasmanian champion Brad Smith, of Latrobe, who will both be racing on their home track, while Launceston's Sam Hughes and former six-times Tasmanian champion David Nichols, also in the top 10, have an intimate knowledge of Latrobe.
A number of strong locals, who have not contested the national series are also expected to make a bold showing on familiar ground, including third generation V8 driver Callum Harper (Jarrod's son), former Tasmanian champion Phillip Townsend, of Ulverstone, former two-times Australian champion Kevin Purton, of Deloraine, and the hard-charging Adam Beechey, from Launceston.
The national series round will consist of nine action-packed heats, a B Main qualifying final and a 35-lap final.
Adding to the excitement on Saturday night on the support program will be the State title for Tassie sixes, plus racing for lightning sprints and wingless sprintcars.
Gates will open at 3.00 p.m., with racing from 6.00 p.m.
Dobson wins, but US star Dollansky robbed
14th January, 2012
Written by Martin Agatyn - Images by Angryman Photography & Media
A last-lap incident at the Bendigo Bank Arena last night, robbed American speedway ace Craig Dollansky of what may have been back to back victories two years apart at the Latrobe venue.
Dollansky, from Princeton, Minnesota, ranked fifth in the world, was leading the final of the Metro Auto Spares Sprintcar Shoot-out with a lap and a half to go when he tangled with Launceston's Jamie Bricknell.
It was the American driver's first appearance on his current Australian tour in a brand new car, which ended up on a two truck hook on the in-field with front-end damage as a result of the incident.
Dollansky qualified on pole position for the 30-lap final, but it was Bricknell who started the better from the outside front row grid spot to claim the early lead.
Hobart's Shaun Dobson also started brilliantly from grid three and passed Dollansky on the opening lap.
However, the experience of the international driver saw Dollansky re-take second nine laps into the journey, only to have Dobson snatch it back six laps later in lapped traffic.
Dobson then proceeded to battle with Bricknell for the lead, hitting the front for half a lap before Bricknell countered in a thrilling duel.
Dollansky and Dobson traded places at a hectic pace in amongst the lapped traffic in a spectacular display of high-speed precision driving, while all the time keeping Bricknell within reach.
With three laps to go, Dollansky made his move and took the lead from Bricknell, only to come to grief a lap and a half later as Bricknell challenged again for the lead, resulting in the first stoppage on lap 29 of 30.
Officials ruled Bricknell the cause of the stoppage and sent his un-damaged car to the rear for the re-start, while Dollansky looked on from the in-field.
Dobson inherited the lead and was untroubled for the remaining two laps, winning from Forest driver Mark House and former Tasmanian champion Kurt Luttrell, of Launceston.
Earlier in the night, officials reacted quickly to quell an engine fire in the wingless sprintcar of Latrobe's Scott Bissett in the first heat for his division.
With Bissett out for the night, Devonport's Josh Padman went on to win the final _ his first in the newly-formed category.
On the same programme Latrobe's Kallan Muir continued his impressive run of victories in the V8 AMCA division, winning the final, hot on the heels of an unbeaten run at Carrick the previous week.
Muir won one heat and finished third in his other race to claim pole position for the final and lead the 15-lap final from start to finish, winning by half a lap in a race of attrition, with Damien O'Connor, of Devonport, a distant second, ahead of Sheffield's Matthew Graham.
In the Tassie sixes final, State champion Luke Gunn, of Hobart, held on for a gutsy victory after the power steering in his car expired midway through the race to just hold out Duane Sonners and veteran Marcus Cleary, while in the junior sedan final Launceston's Brody Piper came from behind to win a closely contested final, just winning from Mole Creek youngster Josh Stephens and Ethan Cole, who started the final on pole position.
RESULTS -
Metro Auto Spares Sprintcar Shootout - Heat one: T Hutchins, 1; K Luttrell, 2; C Dollansky, 3. Heat two: J Bricknell, 1; C Zizek, 2; M House, 3. Heat three: S Dobson, 1; C Dollansky, 2; T Austin, 3. Stars Dash: M House, 1; T Hutchins, 2; K Luttrell, 3. Final (30 laps): S Dobson, 1; M House, 2; K Luttrell, 3.
V8 AMCAs - Heat one: D O'Connor, 1; K Muir, 2; M Graham, 3. Heat two: J Smith, 1; R Bassett, 2; M Graham, 3. Heat three: R Blair, 1; R Bassett, 2; K Muir, 3. Final (20 laps): K Muir, 1; D O'Connor, 2; M Graham, 3.
Wingless sprintcars - Heat one: T Watson, 1; G Hoekstra, 2; J Padman, 3. Heat two: J Padman, 1; V Rockliff, 2; T Watson, 3. Final (15 laps): J Padman, 1; V Rockliff, 2; D Gallagher, 3.
Tassie sixes - Heat one: M Cleary, 1; L Gunn, 2; D Sonners, 3. Heat two: L Gunn, 1; M Cleary, 2; D Sonners, 3. Final (15 laps): L Gunn, 1; D Sonners, 2; M Cleary, 3.
Junior sedans - Heat one: E Cole, 1; J Stephen, 2; S Pyne, 3. Heat two: J Nolan, 1; M Allison, 2; J Stephens, 3. Final (15 laps): B Piper, 1; J Stephens, 2; N Cole, 3.
World-class "crowd pleaser" to race at Latrobe
10th January, 2012
Written by Martin Agatyn - Images by Angryman Photography & Media
World number five ranked American speedway sprintcar star Craig Dollansky will fly direct from the US to race at Latrobe on Friday night in the Metro Auto Spares Sprintcar Shootout at the Bendigo Bank Arena.
Dollansky, from Princeton, Minnesota, finished fifth in the World of Outlaws Series and fifth in the Knoxville Nationals in the US in 2011.
With the World of Outlaws considered the premier speedway sprintcar series in the world and the Knoxville Nationals also rated as the unofficial world championship, Dollansky is a truly world-class driver.
Dubbed "The Crowd Pleaser", Dollansky will arrive in Tasmania on Thursday to race a brand new car he has built for in the US for Launceston car owner Darren Goodyer.
The car has been shipped out ahead of Dollansky and will remain in Tasmania after his five-meeting Australian tour.
Dollansky last raced in Tasmania two years ago and received a standing ovation for his impressive come from behind win at Latrobe, in which he lapped the entire field in a spectacular display.
He has promised more of the same this time and won't hold back on his aggressive style of driving.
However, the locals don't intend to make things easy for Dollansky and any victory by the visitor will be hard earned.
Former Tasmanian champion Tim Hutchins, of Sassafras, has been in awesome form this season and will be fired up after blowing his lead in the final at Carrick last Saturday night after a simple mistake.
Launceston's Jamie Bricknell has also been in red hot form, but crashed on the opening lap at Carrick after qualifying on grid three for the final and will be keen to get back on the podium and prove his ability against a driver of Dollansky's calibre.
Fellow Launceston driver and former State champion Kurt Luttrell has also been in great form since losing his State title last month, with new State champion Jason Dawkins, also from Launceston, out to prove he deserves the crown with another strong performance at Latrobe, following on from his podium last time at the Coastal venue.
Sprintcars will contest two heats and a stars dash for the top six qualifiers, followed by a 30-lap final.
Friday night's program will also include racing for V8 AMCAs, wingless sprintcars, Tassie sixes and junior sedans.
Gates will open at 4.00 p.m. and racing will start at 7.00 p.m.
Purton's Classic V8 Victory
1st January, 2012
Written by Martin Agatyn - Images by Angryman Photography & Media
Former Australian V8 super sedan champion Kevin Purton, of Deloraine, claimed his fourth victory in the time-honoured Gary Devlin Memorial Super Sedan Classic at the Bendigo Bank Arena at Latrobe last night.
The classic, which was inaugurated in 1984 and is one of the most sought-after trophies on the Tasmanian speedway calendar, was the main event on the Jones Environmental Services Triple Treat race meeting, witnessed by a large crowd.
In what was only Purton's third race meeting this season, the former national champion showed he was far from rusty, winning the 30-lap final after a hard battle.
Qualifying on grid three, Purton worked his way towards the front and once there, resisted all challenges to dispose of him.
Third generation Coastal V8 driver Callum Harper, of Hellyer Beach, was impressive during the heats and started from pole position in the final.
Ulverstone's Jason McPherson joined Harper on the front row and trailed his Coastal rival in the early part of the race.
However, seven laps into the journey, Purton found a way past McPherson to take over second, only to inherit the lead a lap later when Harper made a mistake and half spun before rejoining in second.
Determined to make amends, Harper's aggression boiled over with an ambitious passing move which brought he and Purton unstuck.
Officials ruled Harper the cause of the subsequent stoppage and sent him to the rear of the grid for the re-start.
Purton established a buffer while McPherson and fellow Ulverstone driver Phillip Townsend traded places several times in a great duel.
McPherson eventually broke free and closed the gap to Purton in the dying stages of the race, making several unsuccessful challenges for the lead in the last three laps.
Launceston's Adam Beechey also found some late speed and stole third place from Townsend on the last lap, while Harper recovered from his indiscretion to finish fifth.
The Triple Treat meeting also included the fifth round of the Farmers Union Iced Coffee Sprintcar Series, which saw Launceston driver Jason Dawkins recording his third victory in six days after also winning at Carrick on Boxing Day and again taking out the State championship in Hobart on Friday night.
Dawkins qualified on outside pole position for the 30-lap final, but got the better of former State champion Kurt Lutrell, also from Launceston, at the start, who had top qualified after four hectic heats.
Smithton's Mark House stared brilliantly from grid four and followed Luttrell to quickly slot into third, before finding a way past on lap 12.
Launceston driver Jamie Bricknell stated from grid six, but was soon on the paced and was able to slip past series leader Tim Hutchins, of Sassafras, to jump into fourth.
Luttrell struggled to find grip late in the race and was passed by House, with Hutchins retiring three laps from the finish with a rear puncture, elevating Luttrell back to third.
Meanwhile, former four-times Tasmanian champion Troy Russell claimed a hard-fought victory in the fifth round of the G W Landscaping and Timber Supplies Street Stock Sedan Series.
Starting on outside pole position for the final, Russell, of Turners Beach, and Penguin's Matt Templar, traded places throughout the final in an entertaining battle.
Series leader Corey Bauld retired mid-race with a puncture, with Launceston's Matt Farrell driving consistently, after starting from grid four, to finish third and consolidate his series standings.
Russell dropped as far back as third at one stage behind Farrell, before making a late charge, which proved successful, finally hitting the lead with four laps to go and remaining there until the chequered flag.
RESULTS -
Gary Devlin Memorial Super Sedan Classic (also round four of the National Pies Super Sedan Series - Heat one: J McPherson, 1; C Harper, 2; P Townsend, 3. Heat two: K Purton, 1; C Harper, 2; G Hopkins, 3. Final (30 laps): K Purton, 1; J McPherson, 2; A Beechey, 3.
Farmers Union Iced Coffee Sprintcar Series (round five) - Heat one: D Robbins, 1; J Bricknell, 2; S Robbins, 3. Heat two: K Luttrell, 1; T Hutchins, 2; J Dawkins, 3. Heat three: M House, 1; T Moule, 2; T Hutchins, 3. Heat four: J Dawkins, 1; K Luttrell, 2; A Frost, 3. Final (30 laps): J Dawkins, 1; M House, 2; K Luttrell, 3.
G W Landscape and Timber Supplies Street Stock Sedan Series (round four) - Heat one: T Russell, 1; C Bauld, 2; M Farrell, 3. Heat two: M Templar, 1; B Morrice, 2; T Poke, 3. Heat three: M Farrell, 1; T Russell, 2; C Bauld, 3. Heat four: M Templar, 1; D Riley Jr, 2; B Morrice, 3. Final (20 laps): T Russell, 1; M Templar, 2; M Farrell, 3.
V8 AMCAs - Heat one: J Richardson, 1; R Powell, 2; D Brooks, 3. Heat two: K Muir, 1; G Stevens, 2; T Piper, 3. Heat three: E Stuart, 1; D Brooks, 2; M Graham, 3. Heat four: D O'Connor, 1; G Stevens, 2; R Hill, 3. Final (20 laps): E Stuart, 1; D Brooks, 2; K Muir, 3.
Formula 500s - Heat one: B Whitchurch, 1; N Kingston, 2; M Kelly, 3. Heat two: D Peck, 1; M Kelly, 2; E Dobson, 3. Final (15 laps): M Kelly, 1; B Whitchurch, 2; D Peck, 3.
Speedway karts - Heat one: Joe Breitkopf, 1. Heat two: B Tyler, 1; Ben Boun, 2; P Breitkopf, 3. Heat three: L Revell, 1; G Lawrence, 2; L Davidson, 3. Heat four: J Breitkopf, 1; C Abel, 2; L Davidson, 3. Heat five: Ben Boun, 1; P Breitkopf, 2; Ty Auton, 3. Heat six: H McBain, 1; L Davidson, 2; L Revell, 3. Heat seven: C Abel, 1; D Woolley, 2; Joe Breitkopf, 3. Heat eight: Ty Auton, 1; P Breitkopf, 2; B Tyler, 3. Heat nine: L Revell, 1; H McBain, 2; L Davidson, 3. Junior final (10 laps): Ben Boun, 1; P Breitkopf, 2; B Tyler, 3. Modified clubman final (10 laps): B Jackson, 1; C Abel, 2; Joe Breitkopf, 3. 125cc final (10 laps): L Revell, 1' L Davidson, 2; G Lawrence, 3.
Triple Header speedway treat at Latrobe
28th December, 2011
Written by Martin Agatyn - Images by Angryman Photography & Media
Speedway fans will welcome the New Year in with a bang at the Bendigo Bank Arena at Latrobe on Sunday night when the Jones Environmental Services Triple Treat blasts into action.
The 34-event meeting will feature the time-honoured Gary Devlin Memorial Super Sedan Classic, which is also round four of the National Pies Super Sedan Series, round five of the Farmers Union Iced Coffee Sprintcar Series and round five of the G W Landscaping and Timber Supplies Street Stock Sedan Series.
It will be the only time on the 2011-2012 Tasmanian speedway calendar all rounds of all three series will appear on the same programme, ensuring plenty of non-stop action.
The support programme will include racing for V8 AMCAs, Formula 500s and speedway karts, with gates open at 3.00 p.m., and racing for karts at 4.30 p.m., with the and the main programme starting at 6.00 p.m.
The Gary Devlin Memorial is a much sought after trophy and honours a former driver who died in 1982.
The honour roll of previous winners is impressive and a number of drivers will be aiming to add their name to the line-up on Sunday night.
Latrobe veteran Gil Aylett will be chasing a rare double after winning the Geoff Stagg Memorial Race at Carrick on Boxing Day in a powerful drive.
If Aylett can reproduce the same form he displayed at Carrick on Monday night, he will be a big chance to take out the race his brother Kemble won in 1992 and again in 1999.
Third generation V8 driver Callum Harper, of Hellyer Beach will attempt to win an event which eluded his late grandfather and legend Neville Harper, and his father and current Tasmanian champion Jarrod Harper, currently competing interstate.
Harper is currently leading the National Pies series in his rookie season and after a tough night at Carrick on Monday night will be keen to bounce back and claim his maiden V8 victory in such an important race.
In what could be a race for veterans, 1990 winner Anthony Manion, of Beaconsfield, and 1991 winner and former State champion Phillip Townsend, of Ulverstone, will be chasing their second victory in the prestigious event and keen to make amends for a poor night at Carrick on Boxing Day.
Launceston driver Adam Beechey was one who did not have a poor night at Carrick and will be hoping to go one better than his second placing in the Geoff Staff Memorial.
Beechey struggled in the heats and had to come from behind in the final, but a better run of luck in the heats at Latrobe would make him a serious threat in the 25-lap final.
Devonport's Grant Hopkins drove one of his best races for some time to finish third at Carrick and on his home track this weekend he will be hoping to back it up with another strong drive with a podium finish and hopefully even a victory.
The fourth round of the Farmers Union series will coincide with the Tasmanian sprintcar championship in Hobart on Friday night, with possibly a new champion to make his debut at Latrobe two nights later.
No doubt there will be several scores to be settled and reputations to be redeemed, ensuring Sunday night's round will be fiercely contested.
Bricknell extends sprintcar series lead
4th December, 2011
Written by Martin Agatyn - Images by Angryman Photography & Media
Launceston speedway driver Jamie Bricknell has extended his lead in the Farmers Union Iced Coffee Sprintcar Series with a hard-fought victory in round three of the series at the Bendigo Bank Arena at Latrobe last night.
The round was the main event on the action-packed Wyllie Tiles Christmas Fireworks Spectacular race meeting, which also included round four of the Central Steel Junior Sedan Championship Series and a big support programme.
Bricknell qualified on pole position for the 30-lap sprintcar final, but was made work hard for his victory, despite leading from virtually start to finish.
Former Tasmanian champion Jason Dawkins, also from Launceston, joined Bricknell on the front row for the final and led the series leader for the first lap, but from then it was Bricknell who controlled the race.
Former State champion Tim Hutchins, of Sassafras, started badly from the second row and lost several places before fighting back after 10 laps.
Launceston teenager Callum Zizek was driving a solid race in third place until Hutchins blasted back into third with 18 laps to go.
However, Zizek wasn't done yet and stuck to Hutchins' tail as the pair weaved their way through lapped traffic.
Meanwhile, out in front, Bricknell was able to keep a respectable distance and the occasional lapped car between himself and Dawkins in what was a superb drive.
Hutchins' third place scored enough points to ensure he remains in second place in the series with five rounds to go, while Zizek's impressive fourth, on the back of other consistent drives, has seen the youngster advance to third in the series.
Hobart's Josh Smith also extended his lead in the junior sedan series last night and continued his almost unbeaten run with a win in the final.
However, it was anything but an easy victory with Launceston's Brodie Piper making a great start from the front row and leading his rival for the first four laps.
An incident back in the pack, in which Tim Thorpe rolled his car, resulted in a stoppage and Piper again jumped away from the re-start, but his joy was short lived when he too went into a wild roll, flipping his car multiple times, but fortunately escaping un-injured.
Despite his main rival now watching from the in-field, Smith still had to fight hard to retain the lead, with Mole Creek's Josh Stephens pushing him all the way to the chequered flag, with Ethan Cole finishing third in his best result of the season.
In other events on the support programme, Luke Redpath, of Sassafras, dominated the second round of the Lightning Super Sprint Series, winning both heats and the final, but only after early leader and former State champion Kerry Short, of Burnie, developed engine problems in the final.
Redpath's brother Matthew was even more impressive in racing for the Formula 500s, also winning both his heats and leading the final from start to finish, to win from Devonport team-mate Marcus Kelly.
An action-packed V8 AMCA final saw reigning State champion Corey Smith, of Ulverstone, making a successful return for the season to beat Latrobe's Eric Stuart, while Hobart's Luke Gunn, who is the reigning Tassie sixes champion, did likewise in his return to win his divisional final after a battle with fellow Southerner Marcus Cleary.
Former State champions Bernard Sheals and Jamie Rainbow were too good for the opposition in sidecar racing earlier on the program, winning all three heats and the final, while racing for speedway karts in three divisions saw Devonport's Ben Boun an easy winner in the juniors, reigning State champion Leigh Revell, of Penguin, also dominating the 125cc final, and Hobart's Cameron Abel having his best meeting for a long time to claim victory in the clubman final after two very impressive drives in the heats as well.
RESULTS -
Farmers Union Iced Coffee Sprintcar Series (round three) - Heat one: C House, 1; J Dawkins, 2; J Bricknell, 3. Heat two: C Zizek, 1; T Austin, 2; T Hutchins, 3. Heat three: J Bricknell, 1; M House, 2; T Hutchins, 3. Final (30 laps): J Bricknell, 1; J Dawkins, 2; T Hutchins, 3.
Central Steel Junior Sedan Championship Series (round four) - Heat one: J Smith, 1; B Piper, 2; L Saltmarsh, 3. Heat two: B Piper, 1; J Stephens, 2; N Russell, 3. Heat three: J Smith, 1; J Stephens, 2; E Cole, 3. Final (15 laps): J Smith, 1; J Stephens, 2; E Cole, 3.
CNW Electrical Super Series (lightning sprints) - Heat one: L Redpath, 1; N Hale, 2; D Williams, 3. Heat two: L Redpath, 1; N Hale, 2; P Brydon, 3. Final (15 laps): L Redpath, 1; B Pitt, 2; N Hale, 3.
V8 AMCA nationals - Heat one: D Brooks, 1; K Muir, 2; L Davidson, 3. Heat two: D O'Connor, 1; G Stevens, 2; C Smith, 3. Heat three: A Ryder, 1; J Richardson, 2; D Brooks, 3. Heat four: E Stuart, 1; C Smith, 2; M Graham, 3. Final (20 laps): C Smith, 1; E Stuart, 2; A Ryder, 3.
Formula 500s - Heat one: M Kelly, 1; J Rattray, 2; B Freeman, 3. Heat two: M Redpath, 1; D Peck, 2; E Dobson, 3. Heat three: M Kelly, 1; C Dransfield, 2; J Rolls, 3. Heat four: M Redpath, 1; E Dobson, 2; D Peck, 3. Final (12 laps): M Redpath, 1; M Kelly, 2; D Peck, 3.
Tassie sixes - Heat one: L Gunn, 1; M Cleary, 2; R Shaw, 3. Heat two: M Cleary, 1; L Gunn, 2; R Shaw, 3. Final (15 laps): L Gunn, 1; M Cleary, 2; R Shaw, 3.
Sidecars - Heat one: B Sheals and J Rainbow, 1; N Broomhall and D Bakes, 2; R Barker and L Shephard, 3. Heat two: B Sheals and J Rainbow, 1; N Broomhall and D Bakes, 2; R Barker and L Shephard, 3. Heat three: B Sheals and J Rainbow, 1; N Broomhall and D Bakes, 2; R Barker and L Shephard, 3. Final (4 laps): B Sheals and J Rainbow, 1; N Broomhall and D Bakes, 2; R Barker and L Shephard, 3.
Speedway karts - Heat one: H McBain, 1; L Revell, 2; G Lawrence, 3. Heat two: B Boun, 1; P Breitkopf, 2; K Tyler, 3. Heat three: C Abel, 1; L Davidson, 2; D Brooks, 3. Heat four: L Revell, 1; L Davidson, 2; G Lawrence, 3. Heat five: B Boun, 1; B Tyler, 2; P Breitkopf, 3. Heat six: C Abel, 1; D Woolley, 2; L Davidson, 3. Junior final (8 laps): B Boun, 1; P Breitkopf, 2; B Tyler, 3. Clubman final (10 laps): C Abel, 1; L Davidson, 2; D Woolley, 3. 125cc final (10 laps): L Revell, 1; G Lawrence, 2; J Breitkopf, 3.
Sparks to fly at speedway fireworks spectacular
30th November, 2011
Written by Martin Agatyn - Images by Angryman Photography & Media
One of the North-West Coasts biggest family sporting events of the year will be held for the 40th time when the Bendigo Bank Arena at Latrobe stages the Wyllie Tiles Christmas Fireworks Spectacular on Saturday night.
Thousands of fans are expected to flock to the venue for a huge night of family entertainment, both on and off the speedway track.
The on-track action will sizzle with the third round of the prestigious Farmers Union Iced Coffee Sprintcar Series, plus round four of the Central Steel Junior Sedan Championship Series.
Big fields in support classes will ensure an action-packed 36-event programme, with racing for Formula 500s, lightning sprints, V8 AMCAs, Tassie sixes, speedway karts and sidecars.
The action will start at 4.00 p.m. with racing for karts and sidecars, with events for other divisions from 6.00 p.m.
Family entertainment will include a spectacular fireworks display after dark, the arrival of Santa Claus by helicopter, giveaways for children, including two bicycles, and lucky programme draws.
The sparks will fly on the track as well as above it with the Farmers Union round for sprintcars, in which current series leader Jamie Bricknell, of Launceston, will be aiming to repeat his first-round victory at Latrobe last month.
With the second round, scheduled for Hobart, washed-out, drivers will be keen to gain valuable series points as the eight-round series approaches the half-way point.
Former State champion and reigning series champion "Tornado" Tim Hutchins, of Sassafras, will be hoping to at least draw level with Bricknell after a good second last time at Latrobe and a victory in a non-series event at Carrick, in which he finished ahead of the Launceston driver.
Shaun Robins, of Ulverstone, has finished third on both occasions and at Carrick, he held Bricknell out for much of the final, indicating he has the ability to run with the main contenders.
Launceston's Gerry Hoekstra will debut a new engine in his car and looks likely to have the horsepower to match it with the front runners as well, while Smithton's Chris House will be hoping to pick up where he left off last time he raced at Latrobe.
House was in contention for a first-round win, but crashed in the final and will be keen to go all the way to the chequered flag this time to regain some valuable series points and maybe a victory in the process.
Meanwhile, Hobart youngster Josh Smith has dominated the junior sedan series to date and will start favourite to extend his points lead, although Launceston's Brodie Piper showed in Hobart in the last round, he could be a threat, along with Hobart's Nathan Russell.
Latham powers into V8 series lead
13th November, 2011
Written by Martin Agatyn
Former Tasmanian speedway champion Steve Latham, of Hobart, opened his 2011-2012 season account on a high at the Bendigo Bank Arena at Latrobe last night with a hard fought victory in round one of the prestigious National Pies Super Sedan series.
The V8 series round was the main event on the Gowans Motor Group Sizzler, which also included round three of the G W Landscape and Timber Supplies Street Stock Sedan Series and the Powranna Plant Hire Formula 500 Series.
In a torrid final for the super sedan series, Latham came from behind after the lead had changed several times, only taking over the front spot for the first time 17 laps into the race.
The final was reflective of the heats, in which five drivers shared the six podium spots up for grabs, with only reigning Tasmanian champion Jarrod Harper, of Hellyer Beach, placing in both heats with a second and a third, which proved good enough to qualify him on pole position for the final.
Latham, who won the second heat, started alongside Harper on the front row, but lost out at the start to former State champion Brad Smith, of Devonport, who qualified third, but held Latham out in the opening lap to snatch second.
Smith took the lead from Harper on lap four and held it until lap nine when he half-spun, resulting in contact with Harper.
The Devonport driver slowed a few laps later with a puncture, handing the lead to Harper, who in turn also dropped off the pace eight laps later, also with a puncture, most likely from the same incident as Latham inherited the lead.
Once in front, Latham was never headed and went on to record a strong victory, but the battle behind him for the minor placings was fierce.
At various stages of the race Launceston's Adam Beechey, Ulverstone driver Grant Hopkins, and Ulverstone's Jason McPherson all had a share of third place.
Jarrod Harper's son, Callum Harper, in only his second super sedan race meeting, charged through the field after his father's demise if fired up by his retirement from the race and blasted by his more experienced rivals in the closing laps to move into third place with four laps to go, before stealing second from McPherson three laps from the chequered flag.
On the same programme, Spreyton driver Corey Bauld maintained his lead in the G W Landscape and Timber Supplies Street Stock Sedan Series, with a handy second place in the 20-lap final of round three.
Bauld qualified third for the final, but drived consistently to finish behind top qualifier and pole position sitter Troy Russell, of Turners Beach, who won both heats to gain maximum points after missing the first round of the series last month.
Meanwhile, Matthew Redpath, dominated the opening round of the Powranna Plant Hire Formula 500n Series.
The former State champion, from Sassafras, was unbeaten on the night, convincingly winning both heats and the 15-lap final, for which he qualified on pole position.
Team-mate Marcus Kelly, of Devonport, finished a distance second in the final ahead of former State champion and fast finishing Kane Cruse, of Launceston.
Launceston driver Gerry Hoekstra created his own little piece of Tasmanian speedway history when he won the first ever race for the new wingless sprintcar division.
Although unable to match the pace of his first heat victory, which was of course a lap record, Hoekstra was consistently fast, also winning the second heat and final after qualifying on pole position and leading from start to finish.
Devonport's Josh Padman finished second in the final ahead of Scott Bissett, of Latrobe, while Hobart teenager Brad Herbert debut in the new class was one he will remember for all the wrong reasons, after he crashed and rolled in the first heat and took no further part in the evening's racing.
Latrobe V8 AMCA driver Kallan Muir showed exceptional pace in his second heat of the night, breaking the lap record for his class.
With a win in his first heat as well, Muir started on pole position for the final, but was involved in a first-lap incident and forced to retire with accident damage before the first lap had been completed, denying him a chance of bettering his new record.
RESULTS -
National Pies Super Sedan Series (round one) - Heat one: B Smith, 1; A Beechey, 2; J Harper, 3. Heat two: S Latham, 1; J Harper, 2; G Hopkins, 3. Final (30 laps): S Latham, 1; C Harper, 2; J McPherson, 3.
G W Landscape and Timber Supplies Street Stock Sedan Series (round three) - Heat one: A Garwood, 1; J Riley, 2; M Cooper, 3. Heat two: T Russell, 1; C Bauld, 2; J Young, 3. Heat three: M Cooper, 1; J Riley, 2; A Cooper, 3. Heat four: M Templar, 2; C Bauld, 2; T Russell, 3. Final (20 laps): T Russell, 1; C Bauld, 2; J Riley, 3.
Powranna Plant Hire Formula 500 Series (round one) - Heat one: M Redpath, 1; D Peck, 2; K Cruse, 3. Heat two: M Redpath, 1; M Kelly, 2; B Whitchurch, 3. Heat three: K Cruse, 1; E Dobson, 2; M Kelly, 3. Final (15 laps): M Redpath, 1; M Kelly, 2; K Cruse, 3.
V8 AMCAs - Heat one: R Bassett, 1; K Muir, 2; E Stuart, 3. Heat two: A Ryder, 1; J Smith, 2; G Stevens, 3. Heat three: K Muir (lap record, 15.37 secs), 1; M Graham, 2; D O'Connor, 3. Heat four: A Ryder, 1; G Stevens, 2; C Bagorski, 3. Final (20 laps): G Stevens, 1; E Stuart, 2; R Bassett, 3.
Wingless sprintcars - Heat one: G Hoekstra (lap record, 14.91 secs), 1; J Padman, 2; S Bissett, 3. Heat two: G Hoekstra, 1; S Bissett, 2; J Padman, 3. Final (15 laps): G Hoekstra, 1; J Padman, 2; S Bissett, 3.
Modified production sedans - Heat one: T Warren, 1; J Marston, 2; J Howe, 3. Heat two: T Warren, 1; J Howe, 2; L Wilson, 3. Final (15 laps): T Warren, 1; J Howe, 2; L Wilson, 3.
V8s to blast into action at Latrobe in series opener
9th November, 2011
Written by Martin Agatyn
Images by Angryman Photography
Tasmania's leading speedway sedan drivers will lock horns this Saturday night at the Bendigo Bank Arena at Latrobe in the opening round of the prestigious National Pies Super Sedan Series.
The series opener will be the feature event on the Gowans Motor Group Sizzler programme, which will also include round three of the G W Landscape and Timber Supplies Street Stock Sedan Series.
Modified production sedans, V8 AMCAs and Formula 500s will supply plenty of support class action, while the meeting will also signal the competitive debut of Tasmania's newest speedway class, wingless sprints.
Australia's fastest growing speedway division, wingless sprints have only made limited demonstration appearances in Tasmania to date, but the Saturday night meeting at Latrobe will be their first official race.
Gates will open at 3.00 p.m. and racing on the 22-event programme will start at 6.00 p.m.
The National Pies Series looks to be fiercely contested again over eight rounds this season, with drivers looking to gain an early advantage over their rivals at Latrobe this weekend.
Reigning Tasmanian champion Jarrod Harper, of Hellyer Beach, started his season last week on a winning note at Carrick on a non-series race and may prove even tougher to beat on his home track this Saturday night.
Harper's son and third generation V8 super sedan racer, Callum Harper, made his super sedan debut last week and showed plenty of promise, finishing third in a tough final and with his natural talent and continued improvement he could surprise a few more experienced drivers during the season.
Former State champion Brad Smith, of Devonport, had a disappointing weekend filled with minor dramas at Carrick last week and will be hoping a clean run can see him closer to the front on his home track this time out.
Launceston's Adam Beechey, who finished second in last season's State title will make his return this weekend and should add some depth to the field with his spectacular style of driving.
Experienced Devonport driver Grant Hopkins and hard-charging Ulverstone driver Jason McPherson also make their first appearance for the new season and will also make their presence felt along with Latrobe veteran Gil Aylett and Launceston's Jamie Williams, who both had disappointing results last week and will be keen to make amends at Latrobe.
Former State champion and National Pies series winner Steve Latham, of Hobart, also missed last weekend's Carrick race meeting and will be keen to get back into the action.
Latham is one of the hardest chargers in the State and takes no prisoners on the track and he will be fired up to start his season on a winning note on a track on which he has recorded many previous victories.
Bricknell, Hutchins explosive in season opener
26th October, 2011
Written by Martin Agatyn
Images by Angryman Photography
Former Tasmanian speedway champion "Tornado"' Tim Hutchins, of Sassafras, and Launceston speedster Jamie Bricknell showed they will again be contenders in this season's prestigious Farmers Union Iced Coffee Sprintcar Series after slugging it out in a sensational opening round 
at the Bendigo Bank Arena at Latrobe last night.
Defending series champion Hutchins and last season's runner-up Bricknell proved a cut above the rest in the 30-lap final as they proceeded to lap the rest of the field in a masterful display of precision high-speed driving with Bricknell taking the honours after an exciting and spectacular duel.
Hutchins signalled his intentions early when he shaved almost a tenth of a second off the existing sprintcar lap record on his way to a commanding victory in the first heat.
However, Bricknell was equally as impressive in the second heat, also winning convincingly, with Hutchins taking third.
Bricknell managed a hard-charging second in the third heat to earn pole position for the all-important final, with Hutchins joining him on the grid on the outside of the front row.
The Launceston youngster started the better and opened an early break on Hutchins, who was able to reduce the gap in lapped traffic.
As the pair circulated at a hectic pace, Hutchins stole the lead late in the race, only to see Bricknell gain it a lap later, before easing away on the final lap to take the chequered flag.
Launceston teenager Callum Zizek continued his improvement on last year's rookie season with a solid, but distant third, lapped by Bricknell and Hutchins.
The second round of the series will be held in Hobart this Saturday night.
Last night's programme also featured the opening rounds of the GW Landscape and Timber Supplies Street Stock Sedan Series, which was won by Ulverstone's Corey Bauld.
Bauld qualified on pole position for the 20-lap final and led virtually from start to finish after his main rival and reigning State champion Todd Auton, retired early in the race with a broken engine rocker shaft.
Despite several re-starts due to incidents back in the pack, Bauld was able to regain the advantage and went on to record a solid victory ahead of Burnie comeback driver Jamie Young and Stuart Spencer.
Young was impressive in the heats, but was obviously rusty and struggled midway through the final as fatigue set in, but a late charge and revival saw him snatch second from Spencer with two laps to go.
On the same programme, Hobart teenager Josh Smith notched up an early victory in the opening round of the Central Steel Junior Sedan Championship Series.
Smith was the driver to beat all night, winning both heats and the final, with Launceston's Brodie Piper taking second in the final ahead of Hobart's Nathan Russell.
Last night's programme also included the Kevin Harris Memorial Race for Speedway Karts.
The memorial was held in three divisions, with Richmond's Laura Davidson almost taking out a double after winning the clubman final and running second in the 125 cc final.
Reigning Tasmanian champion Leigh Revell, of Penguin prevailed in the 125 cc final, while Devonport's Ben Boun won the junior final.
RESULTS -
Farmers Union Iced Coffee Sprintcar Series (round one) - Heat one: T Hutchins (lap record, 10.66 secs), 1; S Robins, 2; J Dawkins, 3 . Heat two: J Bricknell, 1; C House, 2; T Hutchins, 3. Heat three: C Zizek, 1; J Bricknell, 2; M House, 3. Final (30 laps): J Bricknell, 1; T Hutchins, 2; C Zizek, 3.
GW Landscape and Timber Supplies Street Stock Sedan Series (round one) - Heat one: J Riley, 1; B McKendrick, 2; C Bauld, 3. Heat two: S Spencer, 1; J Young, 2; T Auton, 3. Heat three: C Bauld, 1; B Morrice, 2; B Farrell, 3. Heat four: T Auton, 1; J Young, 2; A Garwood, 3. Final (20 laps): C Bauld, 1; S Spencer, 2; J Young, 3.
Central Steel Junior Sedan Championship Series (round one) - Heat one: J Smith, 1; B Piper, 2; J Stephens, 3. Heat two: J Smith, 1; B Piper, 2; N Russell, 3. Final (10 laps): J Smith, 1; B Piper, 2; N Russell, 3.
Kevin Harris Memorial Race (speedway karts) - Heat one: L Davidson, 1; L Revell, 2; J Mancey, 3. Heat two: B Jackson, 1; Joe Breitkopf, 2; Jory Breitkopf, 3. Heat three: Ben Boun, 1; P Breitkopf, 2; B Tyler, 3. Heat four: L Revell, 1; J Mancey, 2; H McBain, 3. Heat five: L Davidson, 1; B Jackson, 2; Jory Breitkopf, 3. Heat six: Ben Boun, 1; B Tyler, 2; P Breitkopf, 3. Heat seven: L Revell, 2; J Mancey, 3. Heat eight: L Davidson, 1; C Abel, 2; D Brooks, 3. Heat nine: P Breitkopf, 1; Ben Boun, 2; K Tyler, 3. Junior final (8 laps): L Revell, 1; B Tyler, 1; P Breitkopf, 3. Clubman final (10 laps): L Davidson, 1; B Jackson, 2; Jory Breitkopf, 3. 125 cc final (10 laps): L Revell, 1; L Davidson, 2; H McBain, 3.
Lightning sprints - Heat one: K Short, 1; S Pitt, 2; A Boyd, 3. Heat two: K Short, 1; T Mason, 2; S Pitt, 3. Final (15 laps): K Short, 1; T Mason, 2; S Pitt, 3.
19th October, 2011
Latrobe speedway season opens in style
Written by Martin Agatyn
Images by Angryman Photography
The 2011-2012 speedway season at the Bendigo Bank Arena at Latrobe will blast into action in style with a triple header feature race meeting for the season opener, the Wise Employment Track Attack on Saturday night (October 22).
The triple-header feature programme will include opening rounds of three prestigious season-long series, namely the first round of the prestigious Farmers Union Iced Coffee Sprintcar Series, the first round of the GW Landscaping and Timber Supplies Street Stock Sedan Series and the opening round of the Central Steel Junior Sedan Championship Series.
Support class action will include racing for Tassie sixes, lightning sprints and speedway karts, with gates opening at 3.00 p.m. and racing for karts at 4.30 p.m. before the main programme at 6.00 p.m.
The Farmers Union sprintcar series promises to be as closely fought as ever with a number of regular competitors upgrading equipment for the new season and several new promising drivers stepping up from other divisions to make their debut in the premier class.
Reigning series champion "Tornado" Tim Hutchins, of Sassafras, will be aiming to start his series on his home track on a winning note and should again be one of the drivers to beat this season.
Series runner-up Jamie Bricknell, of Launceston, will have a new engine on board for the first round in a bid to find extra horsepower.
The engine, built by highly-respected Queensland engineer Kerry McNamara, has several experimental components, allowed within the rules, which Bricknell hopes will give him an advantage over his rivals.
Smithton's Chris House will also return to racing after a season off and has also arranged to trial the experimental "Kerry-Mac" motor, but not in the first round of the series.
House's cousin, Mark House, also has a new car and engine this year and is aiming to switch from being a mid-fielder to a front runner.
Two drivers stepping up from the Formula 500 class and making their sprintcar debut will be Devonport's Curt Smith and Hobart racer Emma Dobson.
Both are experienced racers and should adapt to the pace quickly.
Smith it the nephew of former four-times Tasmanian sprintcar champion Tony Smith, who is also a integral part of his pit crew, while Dobson is the sister of World Series Sprintcars contracted driver Shaun Dobson and the first Tasmanian female to race a sprintcar in almost 30 years.
The former junior sedan driver has already proven in both junior sedans and F500s she can mix it with and beat the boys on a regular basis.
Other contenders for early series points on Saturday night could include Burnie's Terry Kirkpatrick, Ulverstone's Shaun Robbins, Nick Anderson, of Hadspen, and Launceston teenager Callum Zizek.