Press Releases 2010/2011
Written By: Martin Agatyn 
Tas-Link Media Services
30 March, 2011
Speedway triple header sends season off in style
The 2010-2011 speedway season at the Bendigo Bank Arena at Latrobe will finish with a bang on Saturday night with the Essentially Mobile Grand Slam.
The meeting will feature the final round of both the prestigious National Pies Super Sedan Series and the G W Landscaping and Timber Supplies Street Stock Sedan Series, plus the penultimate round of the Farmers Union Iced Coffee Sprintcar Series.
Support events will include racing for Tassie sixes, modified production sedans and speedway karts.
Gates will open at 3.00 p.m., with racing for speedway karts at 4.00 p.m. and the main programme getting underway at 6.00 p.m.
Former Tasmanian V8 super sedan champion Steve Latham, of Hobart, will be keen to wrap-up the National Pies series and make amends for losing his State title last week at Carrick.
Latham has a strong lead in the series and only needs to finish the heats to secure the series, but he will be keen to lead from the front and re-assert his authority.
Newly crowed State champion Jarrod Harper, of Hellyer Beach, although out of series contention, will be keen to show his best in front of his home crowd.
Most interest will centre on the battle for third in the series, which is still up for grabs with former State champion Phillip Townsend, of Ulverstone, and Devonport driver Grant Hopkins in contention and only separated by a handful of points.
The Farmers Union series for sprintcars will go right down to the wire with the Latrobe round carrying double points.
Reigning State champion Kurt Luttrell, of Launceston, is only two points in front of former champion Tim Hutchins, of Sassafras, with Smithton's Ashley House breathing down their necks only 135 points behind Hutchins with the chance to gain up to 300 on the night.
Launceston veteran and Devonport rookie Kristian Kelly are also within reach of a podium finish in the series, but need another consistent performance at Latrobe.
The G W street stock sedan series is also an open affair with reigning Tasmanian champion Todd Auton, of Ulverstone, and Penguin's Matt Templar only 44 points apart with up to 130 points on the line.
Ulverstone driver Corey Bauld is third in the series within reach if dramas befall the leaders, with a considerable gap to the rest of the field ensuring the top three won't change, although positions are yet to be finalised.
Written By: Martin Agatyn Pics by: Angryman Photography
Tas-Link Media Services
6 March, 2011
Kings of Wings to battle for title at Latrobe
Launceston speedway driver Kurt Luttrell claimed his first State title at the Bendigo Bank Arena at Latrobe on Saturday night in an incident-packed and controversial Murcott's 24-hour Caltex Tasmanian Sprintcar Championship.
Luttrell qualified on grid three for the 30-lap final, which was punctuated by a number of crashes, retirements and penalties - the most controversial of which saw the lead taken away from former four-times State champion and local hero Adrian Redpath, of Latrobe.
Redpath, who started from grid nine, worked his way towards the front as some of the front-runners either crashed out or ran into dramas, hitting the lead with three laps to go.
However, an incident involving another former State champion Tim Hutchins, of Sassafras, and Westbury veteran Malcolm Lee, who were battling for third, saw the race stopped and Hutchins disqualified with two laps remaining.
At the subsequent re-start officials relegated Redpath two spots after deeming his passing move for the lead had been illegal with some of his wheels on the in-field.
Luttrell went on to win the title ahead of Victorian Matthew Reed with a shattered Redpath third.
Redpath was critical of officials after the race.
"This is the worst decision I've ever had handed down to me in all the time I've been racing," Redpath said.
"I tried as hard as I could to win tonight and I can't find the right words to describe how I feel about having it taken away from me like that."
Luttrell was ecstatic with his victory, but also acknowledged Redpath's drive.
"I'm not sure what happened with Adrian there, but he passed me fair and square," the new State champion said.
Luttrell's victory has been a long time coming after he almost won the State title in 2007 at Carrick only to run out of fuel three laps from the chequered flag when he was leading by a big margin.
Saturday night's title at Latrobe was almost a repeat with Luttrell also running out of fuel as he crossed the line.
"There were a lot of stoppages and rolling laps in the final and I was starting to worry about my fuel, especially after I hit the front," he said.
"I'm just so thrilled for my crew and my family who have worked so hard on the car - I'm not sure whether to laugh or cry."
Smithton driver Ashley House and defending champion Jason Redpath, of Moriarty were among the 10 or so drivers to not finish an action-packed final.
House qualified on pole position after two brilliant drives in his heats while Redpath was forced to start from grid 12, with his bad luck continuing when he rolled on the first lap.
House was the early leader, but he also crashed and rolled on lap five after clipping the cement retaining wall, handing the lead to Launceston's Jamie Bricknell, who also started on the front row.
Hobart teenager Shaun Dobson started from grid five, but charged through the field to second place before also clipping the wall and rolling on lap 12.
Bricknell led Luttrell at the re-start, but Luttrell out-gunned his younger rival to snatch the lead, with Bricknell slipping back in the remaining laps due to damage caused when he ran over debris on the track.
On the same programme reigning State champion Todd Auton, of Ulverstone, extended his lead in the G W Landscape and Timber Supplies Statewide Street Stock Sedan Series with a solid second in the final.
However, the victory went to Launceston's Matt Farrell, who started on the front row in the final with Auton and trailed him for all but the last five laps.
However, a stoppage back in the field and subsequent re-start saw Farrell challenge for the lead, racing side by side for three laps with Auton in an exciting duel before eventually gaining the lead and holding the State champ for the remaining two laps.
Ulverstone driver Corey Bauld finished third to maintain his third spot in the series ahead of Penguin's Matt Templar, who is also second in the series.
Ulverstone's Brett Waddington, who won the previous round in Hobart last week and is currently fourth in the series, failed to finish after his Holden Commodore struck mechanical problems in the dying stages when he was running third.
While Auton increased his lead in the series, the closeness of points means he will still need a good result in the final round next month to wrap it up at Latrobe on April 2..
RESULTS -
Murcott's Caltex 24-Hour Tasmanian Sprintcar Championship - Heat one: K Luttrell, 1; S Dobson, 2; J Redpath, 3. Heat two: A House, 1; M Alexander, 2; J Bricknell, 3. Heat three: G Hoekstra, 1; D Robbins, 2; M Reed, 3. Heat four: J Bricknell, 1; S Dobson, 2; A House, 3. Heat five: A Redpath, 1; M Lee, 2; A Frost, 3. Heat six: M Alexander, 1; M House, 2; M Reed, 3. Top eight shoot-out: A House, 1; J Bricknell, 2; K Luttrell, 3. B-main semi-final (15 laps): C Mason, 1; J Krushka, 2; K Kelly, 3. Final (30 laps): K Luttrell, 1; A Redpath, 2; M Reed, 3.
G W Landscape and Timber Supplies Street Stock Sedan Series (round nine) - Heat one: B Cooper, 1; A Garwood, 2; M Farrell, 3. Heat two: C Bauld, 1; B Waddington, 2; T Auton, 3. Heat three: M Farrell, 1; A Garwood, 2; M Riley, 3. Heat four: T Auton, 1; S Spencer, 2; M Templar, 3. Final (20 laps): M Farrell, 1; T Auton, 2; C Bauld, 3.
V8 AMCA nationals - Heat one: M Graham, 1; E Stuart, 2; D Brooks, 3. Heat two: C Smith, 1; A Ryder, 2; C Breen, 3. Heat three: J Smith, 1; D Brooks, 2; C Smith, 3. Final (15 laps): C Smith, 1; D Brooks, 2; E Stuart, 3.
Lightning sprints - Heat one: L Redpath, 1; N Hale, 2; B Pitt, 3. Heat two: A Barrett, 1; N Hale, 2; B Pitt, 3. Final (15 laps): B Pitt, 1; L Redpath, 2; A Boyd, 3.
Junior sedans - Heat one: S Bond, 1; B Herbert, 2; B Piper, 3. Heat two: J Smith, 1; S Harvey, 2; L Bowerman, 3. Heat three: J Smith, 1; B Herbert, 2; B Piper, 3. Final (10 laps): J Smith, 1; L Bowerman, 2; B Herbert, 3.
Sidecars - Heat one: B Sheals and J Rainbow, 1; S Hinds and D Vernon, 2. Heat two: B Sheals and J Rainbow, 1; B Wyllie and D Keegan, 2; S Hinds and D Vernon, 3. Heat three: B Sheals and J Rainbow, 1; B Wyllie and D Keegan, 2; S Hinds and D Vernon, 3. Final (4 laps): B Sheals and J Rainbow, 1; B Wyllie and D Keegan, 2; S Hinds and D Vernon, 3.
Written By: Martin Agatyn Pics by: Angryman Photography
Tas-Link Media Services
2 March, 2011
Kings of Wings to battle for title at Latrobe
The most sought after annual title on the Tasmanian speedway calendar will be fought out at the Bendigo Bank Arena at Latrobe this Saturday night when the Murcott's 24-Hour 
Caltex Tasmanian Sprintcar Championship is contested.
In what promises to be one of the most exciting and open titles in Tasmanian speedway sprintcar racing almost half the field of the 24 drivers entered are considered genuine title chances.
Saturday night's action won't just be restricted to sprintcars either, with the programme also including round nine of the G W Landscaping Supplies Street Stock Sedan Series, plus support class racing for lightning sprints, V8 AMCA nationals, sidecars and junior sedans.
Gates will open at 3.00 p.m. and racing will start at 4.00 p.m., with the first of six sprintcar championship heats set to start from 6.00 p.m.
Local Coastal sprintcar driver Jason Redpath, of Moriarty, will defend his State title in the main event and faces an enormous battle.
Redpath's form this season has been indifferent, although his last outing on his home track suggested he will mount a defiant title defence.
One of his biggest dangers could be his own brother and former three-times champion Adrian Redpath, of Latrobe, who won the last time sprintcars raced at Latrobe in January.
Former Tasmanian champion "Tornado" Tim Hutchins, of Sassafras, has also been in good recent form and will come to Latrobe confident after winning in Hobart last week.
However, Hobart teenager Shaun Dobson blew Hutchins and the opposition away last week in the final, before a minor mistake ruined his chances. If Dobson qualifies well and goes the distance in the final, he will be one of the hardest to beat.
A feature of this year's title will be a top-eight shootout similar to the format used in World Series Sprintcar racing, in which the top eight qualifiers after heats will battle it out in a series of time trials to determine the final top eight grid positions, which has the potential to dramatically change the make-up of the final.
Other serious chances for the coveted State title include Launceston's Jamie Bricknell, who finished fifth in the Australian championship in January in the best result for a Tasmanian driver in more than 20 years and fellow Launceston drivers Jason Dawkins and Kurt Luttrell.
Dawkins has produced some strong recent results, while Luttrell's second place in Hobart last week suggested he was more than a chance to snare his first State title after a slow start to the season.
Forest driver Mark House was third in Hobart last week in the best drive of his career and could figure again this weekend, while his cousin Ashley House, of Smithton, has also had a consistent season to date and is capable winning the title and upstaging some of the more fancied drivers in the field.
Written By: Martin Agatyn Pics by: Angryman Photography
Tas-Link Media Services
12 Feb , 2011
Jordan leads Tas-Qld V8 championship trifecta
Queensland V8 speedway drivers with Tasmanian connections dominated the Fuso Truck and Bus Australian Super Sedan Championship at the Bendigo Bank Arena at Latrobe last night.
The title was won by Launceston-born Steve Jordan, from Hobart-born defending champion Jamie McHugh, also from Queensland, and former Tasmanian champion and now Queensland-based Darren Kane.
In an ironic twist, yet another Queensland driver Wayne Randall, qualified on pole position for the 40-lap final in a car owned by Launceston's Steve Jessup, providing another Tasmanian connection.
Kane joined Randall on the front row with McHugh and Jordan behind.
Former Tasmanian champion Brad Smith was the best qualified resident Tasmanian, starting from grid five.
Jessup started well and led for the first two laps before McHugh blasted underneath to take the lead on the third lap.
Randall appeared to be struggling for grip with Kane moving to second after another five laps.
McHugh and Kane then opened up a gap on the rest of the field, but the race was being conducted at such a frenetic pace, they only started to encounter lapped traffic after 22 laps.
With 11 laps remaining Kane challenged McHugh for the lead and took over with a gutsy outside passing move, only to relinquish the lead half a lap later.
The next three laps saw multiple lead changes between the pair in a thrilling duel.
With nine laps remaining, a minor incident back in the field forced a race stoppage and eliminated the possibility of further lapped traffic playing a role.
Three laps after the re-start Jordan slotted past Kane to take over second and three laps later pulled off the move of the race to snatch the lead from McHugh with a brilliant inside pass.
McHugh fought back in the closing laps, but was unable to prevent Jordan from claiming his first national title, with Kane finishing a close third.
Randall was fourth ahead of Launceston's David Nichols, who was the first local Tasmanian driver to greet the chequered flag.
Jordan, who an Australian modified production championship a few years ago before stepping up to V8s, was thrilled with his win.
``This is 10 times better than the modified title - I've been after this one for a while,'' he said.
``My plan was to sit back for the first 10 laps or so and just see what the boys in front were up to before making my move,'' he said.
``But the pace was so hectic it took a bit longer than I expected.''
Saturday night's support programme saw Hobart's Luke Gunn winning his seventh feature race in a row when he led all the way to win the Tassie sixes title.
Gunn hasn't been beaten in a final since winning the State title at Carrick last month.
Second generation Sassafras driver Mathew Redpath also continued his recent strong form with a convincing victory in the Formula 500 final, while Ulverstone's Todd Auton was too good in the street stock sedan final and Hobart's Josh Smith won a hard-fought junior sedan final.
RESULTS -
Fuso Truck and Bus Australian V8 Super Sedan Championship - Heat one: S Best (SA), 1; D Gartner (SA), 2; J McHugh (Qld), 3. Heat two: D Kane (Qld), 1; M Nicola (Vic.), 2; B Smith (Tas.), 3. Heat three: D Nichols (Tas.), 1; A Beechey (Tas.), 2; S Jordan (Qld), 3. Heat four: W Randall (Qld), 1; P Townsend (Tas.), 2; G Hopkins (Tas.), 3. Heat five: P Nicola (Vic.), 1; J McPherson (Tas.), 2; T Barklimore (NSW), 3. Heat six: L Roberts (Vic.), 1; S Jordan (Qld), 2; W Randall (Qld), 3. Heat seven: L Onley (NSW), 1; J McHugh (Qld), 2; S Hughes (Tas.), 3. Heat eight: D Korn (Qld), 1; B Miller (SA), 2; K Purton (Tas.), 3. Heat nine: D Gartner (SA), 1; T Barklimore (NSW), 2; D Kane (Qld), 3. Heat 10:J Harper (Tas.), 1; J McHugh (Qld), 2; K Purton (Tas.), 3. Heat 11: S Jordan (Qld), 1; W Randall (Qld), 2; B Miller (SA), 3. Heat 12: B Smith (Tas.), 1; M Doblo (Qld), 2; S Hughes (Tas.), 3. Heat 13: W Randall (Qld), 1; D Gartner (SA), 2; L Onley (NSW), 3. Heat 14: M Nicola (Vic.), 1; G Hopkins (Tas.), 2; L Roberts (Vic.), 3. Heat 15: D Kane (Qld), 1; L Cleary (Tas.), 2; D Nichols (Tas.), 3. Heat 16: S Latham (Tas.), 1; J McHugh (Qld), 2; B Smith (Tas.), 3. B-main semi-final (20 laps): S Latham (Tas.), 1; M Doblo (Qld), 2; J McPherson (Tas.), 3. Final (40 laps): S Jordan (Qld), 1; J McHugh (Qld), 2; D Kane (Qld), 3.
Modified production sedans (Friday night) - Heat one: T Warren, 1; J Howe, 2; D Wise, 3. Heat two: T Warren, 1; J Howe, 2; J Marston, 3. Final (15 laps): T Warren, 1; J Howe, 2; J Marston, 3.
Tassie sixes (Friday night) - Heat one: L Gunn, 1; M Cleary, 2; L Wilson, 3. Heat two: D Sonners, 1; L Gunn, 2; M Cleary, 3. Final (15 laps): L Gunn, 1; D Sonners, 2; M Cleary, 3.
Tassie sixes (Saturday night) - Heat one: D Sonners, 1; L Gunn, 2; M Cleary, 3. Heat two: L Gunn, 1; R Shaw, 2; K Madden, 3. Final (15 laps): L Gunn, 1; K Madden, 2; M Cleary, 3.
Lightning Sprints (Friday night) - Heat one: G Henri, 1; L Redpath, 2; B Pitt, 3. Heat two: L Redpath, 1; B Pitt, 2; K Boyd, 3. Final (15 laps): L Redpath, 1; K Short, 2; T Mason, 3.
Street stock sedans (Saturday night) - Heat one: T Auton, 1; M Rowlands, 2; A Garwood, 3. Heat two: M Farrell, 1; L Williams, 2; S Jeffrey, 3. Heat three: M Templar, 1; T Auton, 2; A Cooper, 3. Heat four: C Bauld, 1; L Williams, 2; B Morrice, 3. Final (15 laps): T Auton, 1; M Templar, 2; C Bauld, 3.
Formula 500s (Saturday night) - Heat one: E Dobson, 1; M Redpath, 2; J Rolls, 3. Heat two: M Redpath, 1; M Kelly, 2; T McKinnell, 3. Final (15 laps): M Redpath, 1; M Kelly, 2; E Dobson, 3.
Junior sedans - Heat one: S Harvey, 1; J Smith, 2; S Bond, 3. Heat two: J Smith, 1; B Herbert, 2; N Russell, 3. Heat three: L Bowerman, 1; B Piper, 2; B Herbert, 3. Final (15 laps): J Smith, 1; B Herbert, 2; B Piper, 3.
Written By: Martin Agatyn Pics by: Angryman Photography
Tas-Link Media Services
09 Feb , 2011
National V8 title up for grabs at Latrobe
Three weeks of the most intense V8 speedway racing ever seen in Tasmania comes to a head at the Bendigo Bank Arena at Latrobe this Friday and Saturday with the running of the Fuso Truck and Bus Australian Super Sedan Championship.
The nation's top drivers have been competing in feature events in Tasmania for the past two weeks in the lead-up to the title and the field will swell even more with 35 of the country's best locked in a fierce war.
The championship will blast-off with official practice tonight (Wednesday) from 6.00-9.00 p.m., with an official dinner in Devonport tomorrow for 170 people ahead of the first night of action on Friday.
Friday night's racing will consist of 12 heats of the championship, plus support class racing for Tassie sixes, modified production sedans and lightning sprints, with gates open from 4.00 p.m. and racing at 7.00 p.m.
The action will resume on Saturday night from 6.00 p.m., with four more heats of the V8 title, a B-main semi-final and a 40-lap grand final.
The support programme on Saturday will include racing for Formula 500s, street stock sedans, Tassie sixes and junior sedans, with gates open from 3.00 p.m
Defending champion Jamie McHugh, of Queensland, will go into the title as an early favourite after winning the Tasmanian Grand National in Hobart last weekend against a similar field 
to the one entered for the title.
The field also includes former Australian champions Mick Nicola, of Victoria, and Darren Kane, from Queensland.
Former two-times champion Kevin Purton, of Deloraine, is in doubt after injuring his shoulder two weeks ago, but is still hopeful of competing.
The star-studded field includes drivers from every state except Western Australia, with a number of former State champions with current Tasmanian champion Steve Latham, of Hobart, and former Tasmanian champions Jarrod Harper (Hellyer Beach), David Nichols (Launceston), Brad Smith (Devonport) and Phillip Townsend (Ulverstone).
Hard-charging Queenslander Mick Doblo almost caused a boilover in Hobart with a sensational second behind Jamie McHugh and could be a dark horse to go one better at Latrobe, while Dave Gartner (SA) and Steve Jordan (Qld) have raced in Tasmania with distinction in the past and will make their presence felt along with Lucas Roberts (Vic.), Des Korn (Qld), Lachlan Onley (NSW), Tony Barklimore (NSW), Peter Nicola and Shane Best (SA).
FUSO TRUCK AND BUS AUSTRALIAN SUPER SEDAN TITLE.
Written by John Carr
07 Feb, 2011
The time has come for the contenders to stand up and be counted. Will the so called "named cream" rise to the top, or will an outsider cause a huge upset?
I doubt that this will be the case and that the winner will come from a proven performer.
Using form so far displayed in the Bendigo Bank Grand Prix and the Mountain Dew Ice Grand National, plus a bit of gut feel I have rated the top drivers from each state and their likely success or otherwise.
QUEENSLAND
- Jamie McHugh - current Australian Champion. He drove a very smart race to win the Grand National, a proven winner at Latrobe and is a serious contender. Likes the tacky tracks and may struggle if the track becomes slick.
- Darren Kane - has struggled in the past to put it together at Latrobe, however is also a proven winner. Loves to charge from the front and is hard to stop once he leads the pack. Coming from behind may cause problems as shown during the final of the Grand National, when Doblo showed how it could be done.
- Michael Doblo - was the sleeper at the Grand National. Came from mid pack in the final and may have won had all the laps been completed. Without doubt one of the biggest plusses going for him right now is the versatile mentor in John Leslight. If you have any spare cash snap him up in the calcutta.
NSW
- Tony Barklimore - great car and with a bit of luck could cause an upset, however recent form does not favour him.
- Lachlan Onley - if the championship was one on votes by female supporters, Lachlan would romp it in. Has a very strong female support base. Draw back will be the supercharged falcon six cylinder. Will be a winner in the pits after the race with his legion of female fans.
VICTORIA
- Mick Nicola - likes the openness of Latrobe as proved by his strong second place in the Grand Prix. Is he coming to the end of his career? Will be somewhere there at the end of the race, providing he doesn't clout the wall during the final.
- Lucas Roberts - another dark horse. The Isane Chassis man will be the bargain buy at the calcutta and is well worth the risk and investment.
SOUTH AUSTRALIA
- Shane Best - did not put his best foot forward at the Grand Prix, but has the ability to be a surprise package.
- Dave Gartner - drove very well at the title last year. Definitely has the equipment to be number one. Should he have the desire and mojo at the weekend he will definitely be at the pointy end of the field.
TASMANIA
- Brad Smith - great drive at the Grand Prix in difficult circumstances. Bought the Grand National Pole Shuffle alive with some very aggressive and throttle stomping driving. This crowd pleasing driving style could however be his undoing should he make the final.
- Kevin Purton - won the Grand Prix in a canter. Did not race at the Grand National due to an injury. Proven performer in the big races, loves a slick track and has without doubt one of the best handling cars going around. His current injury could cause driving difficulties.
- Jarrod Harper - Circular Head's favourite son has yet to put the runs on the board. Qualified well at the Grand Prix, but did not deliver in the final and was below par at the Grand National. Only fight he showed during the Grand National was when he and Mick Nicola had a bit of biffo incident during a heat race. If he makes his race car suit the track conditions, rather than trying to get the track curators to make the track suit his car, could figure in the placings. On current form this is not likely.
- Wayne Randall - will class him as one of us Tasmanians, and he is showing good form in driving the Steve Jessup owned car. Showed positive signs at the Grand National on a slick track. Has the equipment and ability to be there when the chequered flag drops.
WINNERS AND DARK HORSES
As can be expected very had to predict. Assuming that the track will become slick sometime during the final, and there being few drivers with the desire or ability to drive the high line, my prediction are as follows
1st Mick Doblo
2nd Kevin Purton
3rd Jamie McHugh
Dark Horses
- Brad Smith - providing he keeps the panels on his car and doesn't cop penalties from the stewards.
- Dave Gartner - just because he has the vehicle and abllity to deliver should things go his way.
Just how good is he?
2nd Feb 2011
Written by: John Carr
Love him or hate him, he is without doubt one of the nations leading super sedan drivers. We are talking of course of the man that stole all the prize money at the Bendigo Bank Grand Prix held and the Bendigo Bank Arena Latrobe last weekend in Mr Superb himself - one Kevin Purton.
Not only did he run away and hide with the prize money, he did likewise on the race track as well.
There is no doubt that most of the other super sedan drivers are starting to panic as this driving machine looks set to take all of the prize money that is on offer this weekends Mountain Dew Ice Grand Nationall at Moutain Dew Ice Raceway, Hobart and the following week at the Fuso Tuck & Bus Australian Super Sedan Title at Bendigo Bank Arena Latrobe.
Shoud the track be a little bit slick, it will be a race for second, as Purton will put out his hand and take the winners prize money.
Darren Kane always does well at the Grand National, however at present his team is like the rest of the competitors - they are racing for second as Purton leads the way.
Written By: Martin Agatyn Pics by: Angryman Photography
Tas-Link Media Services
30 Jan , 2011
Back to back Grand Prix wins for Purton
Deloraine speedway driver Kevin Purton last night joined an elite club when he became only the second driver to win back to back titles in Australia's richest V8 super sedan event, the $45,000 Bendigo Bank Grand Prix at Latrobe.
In what was one of the toughest action-packed finals for years, Purton started from grid five in his Ford Falcon to win from three-times Australian champion Mick Nicola, of Victoria, and Devonport's Brad Smith.
Nicola, who started from grid three in the 50-lap final, is the only other drivers to have won back to back Grand Prix, achieving the rare feat in 2000 and 2001.
Reigning Tasmanian champion Steve Latham, of Hobart, top qualified, but elected to start on outside pole believing there was more drive available higher on the track for the final, handing the inside spot to second-top qualifier Jarrod Harper, of Hellyer Beach.
However, the decision proved a mistake as former State champion Harper started strongly and led Latham only to have the race stopped before a lap was completed due to pile-up back in the pack, which was to prove to be one of many more incidents to come.
Harper again won the re-start and for the first 25-laps led a procession of the top eight drivers with Latham, Launceston's David Nichols, Brad Smith, Kevin Purton, Ulverstone's Phillip Townsend and Queenslander Mick Doblo all in a high-speed freight train.
On lap 26 Brad Smith made his move and slotted from fifth to third with a brilliant inside pass, taking the lead two laps later as Latham and Nicola also went by Harper, relegating him to fourth.
Nine laps later Latham slammed into the back of Smith, ending his race on the tow truck, with Harper also getting tangled up in traffic two laps later, hitting the wall and also ending his night.
Meanwhile, Brad Smith had punctured the left rear tyre on his Dodge Avenger, but elected to continue in a gutsy drive.
The next re-start elevated Purton to second, who sensed Smith was struggling and he eventually found his way to the front with 11 laps to go.
Smith continued to battle on gamely against the odds in what was proving arguably the drive of the race, eventually allowing Nicola to pass, but still managing to hang on to third.
Earlier in the night Devonport combination Brett Wyllie and Darren Keygan took out the Tasmanian Sidecar Championship, 11 years after previously winning the event as a pair.
The victory was Wyllie's 10th in the championship and his fifth in a row, with Keygan coming out of retirement this season to re-join his former partner after Andrew Blackaby retired from the passenger's job.
It was also Keygan's fourth title, having won all of them with Wyllie.
Coastal combination Bernard Sheals and Jamie Rainbow finished second in the title after starting from gate one in the final, but not being able to match it off the line with Wyllie and Keygan.
West Australian team Scott Charsley and Chris Eiteneuer finished third on the final in what was a courageous ride for passenger Eiteneuer in particular after having sustained leg injuries when he fell off during a heat on Friday night.
Last night's program also included round six of the G W Landscape Supplies Street Stock Sedan Series with victory going to former four-times Tasmanian champion Troy Russell, of Turners Beach.
Russell was pressured all the way to the chequered flag by Ulverstone driver Corey Bauld, with Penguin's Matt Templar third.
On Friday night Victorian youngster Michael Gorman recorded an all-the-way victory in the Central Steel Tasmanian Junior Sedan Championship.
Gorman dominated the title, winning both his heats to qualify on pole position for the 25-lap final, which he led from start to finish to record a commanding victory.
Fellow Victorian driver Dion Bellman finished a distant second after a good battle with Westbury's Steve Harvey and Josh Smith, of Hobart, with Smith getting across the line to claim the remaining podium spot.
The two-night program also saw the running of the Monster Cookie Café Speedway Kart Mini-Grand Prix in three divisions.
Former Australian champion Ben Jackson, of Burnie, won the modified clubman final for the third time in six years from Devonport's Hayden McBain and Cameron Abel, while McBain was forced to become the bridesmaid again in the 125 cc final, which was won by former two-times modified clubman mini-Grand Prix winner Leigh Revell, of Penguin, with James Mancey, of Hobart, third.
Visiting West Australian brothers Carl and Lee Aylett dominated the junior section all weekend, winning all but one heat between them, with Carl taking out the final from Lee, with Brody Tyler third.
RESULTS -
$45,000 Bendigo Bank Grand Prix (V8 super sedans) - Heat one: J Harper (Tas.), 1; S Latham (Tas.), 2; B Smith (Tas.), 3. Heat two: J McHugh (Qld), 1; M Nicola Jr (Vic.), 2; S Best (SA), 3. Heat three: M Nicola (Vic.), 1; L Roberts (Vic.), 2; D Kane (Qld), 3. Heat four: K Purton (Tas.), 1; G Aylett (Tas.), 2; J Harper (Tas.), 3. Heat five: A Beechey (Tas.), 1; J McHugh (Qld), 2; S Best )SA), 3. Heat six: L Onley (NSW), 1; M Nicola (Vic.), 2; M Doblo (Qld), 3. Heat seven: J Harper (Tas.), 1; A Beechey (Tas.), 2; P Townsend (Tas.), 3. Heat eight: S Latham (Tas.), 1; T Barklimore (NSW), 2; M Smith (Tas.), 3. Heat nine: D Korn (Qld), 1; M Nicola (Vic.), 2; D Nichols (Tas.), 3. Heat 10: P Townsend (Tas.), 1; J McPherson (Tas.), 2; S Best (SA), 3. Heat 11: D Nichols (Tas.), 1; M Smith (Tas.), 2; S Latham (Tas.), 3. Heat 12: Z Calderwood (Vic.), 1; J Harper (Tas.), 2; P. Nicola (Vic.), 3. Heat 13: B Smith (Tas.), 1; D Nichols (Tas.), 2; P Townsend (Tas.), 3. Heat 14: K Purton (Tas.), 1; T Barklimore (NSW), 2; G Hopkins (Tas.), 3. Heat 15: M Doblo (Qld), 1; Z Calderwood (Vic.), 2; C Gallagher (Tas.), 3. B-Main semi-final: C Gallagher (Tas.), 1; W Randall (Qld), 2; M Nicola Jr (Vic.), 3. Final (50 laps): K Purton (Tas.), 1; M Nicola (Vic.), 2; B Smith (Tas.), 3.
Central Steel Tasmanian Junior Sedan Championship (Friday night only) - Heat one: C Bellman, 1; L Bowerman, 2; D Bellman, 3. Heat two: S Harvey, 1; M Gorman, 2; A Gilbert, 3. Heat three: J Smith, 1; D Bellman, 2; S Harvey, 3. Heat four: M Gorman, 1; L Bowerman, 2; C Bellman, 3. Final (25 laps): M Gorman, 1; D Bellman, 2; S Harvey, 3.
Tasmanian Sidecar Championship - Heat one: B Sheals and J Rainbow, 1; N Broomhall and D Bakes, 2; R Barker and J Bourke, 3. Heat two: B Wyllie and D Keygan, 1; S Hind and D Vernon, 2; S Charsley and C Eiteneuer, 3. Heat three: B Wyllie and D Keygan, 1; S Hind and D Vernon, 2; N Broomhall and D Bakes, 3. Heat four: B Sheals and J Rainbow, 1; S Charsley and C Eiteneuer, 3. Heat five: S Charsley and C Eiteneuer, 1; S Hind and D Vernon, 2; R Barker and J Bourke, 3. Heat six: B Wyllie and D Keygan, 1; B Sheals and J Rainbow, 2; N Broomhall and D Bakes, 3. Heat seven: S Hind and D Vernon, 1; B Sheals and J Rainbow, 2; S Charsley and C Eiteneuer, 3. Heat eight: B Wyllie and D Keygan, 1; R Barker and J Bourke, 2; N Broomhall and D Bakes, 3. Heat nine: S Charsley and C Eiteneuer, 1; R Barker and J Bourke, 2; N Broomhall and D Bakes, 3. Heat 10: B Sheals and J Rainbow, 1; B Wyllie and D Keygan, 2; S Hind and D Vernon, 3. Pre-final (4 laps): S Charsley and C Eiteneuer, 3. Final (4 laps): B Wyllie and D Keygan, 1; B Sheals and J Rainbow, 2; S Charsley and C Eiteneuer, 3.
Monster Cookie Café Speedway Kart Grand Prix - Heat one: C Aylett, 1; L Aylett, 2; Ben Boun, 3. Heat two: J McLeod, 1; L Revell, 2; J Mancey, 3. Heat three: Joe Breitkopf, 1; H McBain, 2; Jory Breitkopf, 3. Heat four: C Aylett, 1; L Aylett, 2; Bianca Boun, 3. Heat five: L Revell, 1; H McBain, 2; J Mancey, 3. Heat six: B Jackson, 1; H McBain, 2; C Harper, 3. Heat seven: B Tyler, 1; L Aylett, 2; C Aylett, 3. Heat eight: L Revell, 1; H McBain, 2; J Mancey, 3. Heat nine: Joe Breitkopf, 1; H McBain, 2; B Jackson, 3. Heat 10: C Aylett, 1; L Aylett, 2; Ben Boun, 3. Heat 11: J McLeod, 1; J Mancey, 2; L Revell, 3. Heat 12: H McBain, 1; G Lawrence, 2; C Abel, 3. Heat 13: C Aylett, 1; L Aylett, 2; Bianca Boun, 3. Heat 14: H McBain, 1; J Mancey, 2; L Davidson, 3. Heat 15: B Jackson, 1; C Harper, 2; L Davidson, 3. Junior final (10 laps): C Aylett, 1; L Aylett, 2; B Tyler, 3. Senior final (10 laps): B Jackson, 1; H McBain, 2; C Abel, 3. 125cc final (10 laps): L Revell, 1; H McBain, 2; J Mancey, 3.
G W Landscape Supplies Street Stock Sedan Series (round six, Saturday night only) - Heat one: R Fisher, 1; B Cooper, 2; M Rowland, 3. Heat two: T Russell, 1; A Garwood, 2; C Bauld, 3. Heat three: T Auton, 1; G Kubsch, 2; M Templar, 3. Heat four: M Farrell, 1; C Bauld, 2; T Russell, 3. Final (20 laps): T Russell, 1; C Bauld, 2; M Templar, 3.
V8 AMCA nationals - Heat one: A Ryder, 1; R Bassett, 2; D Brooks, 3. Heat two: C Smith, 1; T Hill, 2; C Breen, 3. Heat three: E Stuart, 1; D Brooks, 2; C Breen, 3. Heat four: C Smith, 1; M Graham, 2; J Richardson, 3. Heat five: A Ryder, 1; D Brooks, 2; C Smith, 3. Heat six: J Smith, 1; A Millwood, 2; E Stuart, 3. Heat seven: L Nichols, 1; C Smith, 2; D Brooks, 3. Heat eight: E Stuart, 1; J Smith, 2; R Hill, 3.
Modified production sedans (Friday night only) - Heat one: B Palmer, 1; T Warren, 2; C Williams, 3. Heat two: B Youl, 1; C Williams, 2; J Howe, 3. Final (15 laps): C Williams, 1; T Warren, 2; J Howe, 3.
Tassie sixes (Friday night) - Heat one: L Gunn, 1; A Poke, 2; D Sonners, 3. Heat two: M Cleary, 1; D Sonners, 2; L Gunn, 3. Final (15 laps): L Gunn, 1; D Sonners, 2; N Russell, 3.
Tassie sixes (Saturday night) - Heat one: L Dillon, 1; J Price, 2; L Gunn, 3. Heat two: L Gunn, 1; M Cleary, 2; N Russell, 3. Final (15 laps): L Gunn, 1; M Cleary, 2; A Poke, 3.
Formula 500s (Saturday night only) - Heat one: M Kelly, 1; S Robbins, 2; M Redpath, 3. Heat two: M Redpath, 1; C Smith, 2; B Whitchurch, 3. Final (15 laps): M Redpath, 1; M Kelly, 2; B Whitchurch, 3.
Written By: Martin Agatyn Pics by: Angryman Photography
Tas-Link Media Services
26 Jan , 2011
V8 Tasmanian Trifecta kicks off at Latrobe
Three weeks of the most intense V8 speedway racing ever seen in Tasmania will blast into action at the Bendigo Bank Arena at Latrobe this Friday and Saturday with the running of Australia's richest speedway sedan event, the $45,000 Bendigo Bank Grand Prix.
The Grand Prix has attracted 12 of the top 15 ranked super sedan drivers in Australia, but it is only the beginning with a two-night extravaganza to follow in Hobart next weekend before returning to Latrobe for the Fuso Truck & Bus Australian Super Sedan Championship a week later.
Friday night's program at the Bendigo Bank Arena will include 9 action-packed heats as 30 drivers battle for 20 grid positions in Saturday night's 50-lap final, which will be preceded with six more heats and the Neville Harper Memorial.
But the action won't be confined to the V8s, with racing on both nights also including the Speedway Kart Mini-Grand Prix and the Tasmanian Sidecar Championship.
Friday night's program will also feature the Tasmanian Junior Sedan Championship, plus racing for V8 AMCA nationals, Tassie sixes and modified production sedans.
The speedway karts and sidecars will continue on Saturday night, along with round six of the G W Landscape Supplies Street Stock Sedan Series and support racing for V8 AMCA nationals, Tassie sixes and Formula 500s.
Racing on Friday night will start at 5.30 p.m. with sidecar and speedway kart heats, with V8 super sedan heats on-track from 7.00 p.m.
The action will resume for sidecars and karts at 4.00 p.m. on Saturday, with V8s, street stock sedans and support classes in action from 6.00 p.m.
The star-studded field for the Grand Prix will include reigning Australian champion Hobart-born Jamie McHugh, from Queensland, fellow Hobart-born Queenslander and former Australian champion Darren Kane, who is also currently leading the National Super Sedan Series, and former three-times Australian champion Mick Nicola, from Victoria.
Current Tasmanian champion Steve Latham, of Hobart, former Australian champion Kevin Purton, of Deloraine, and former Tasmanian champions Jarrod Harper (Hellyer Beach), David Nichols (Launceston), Brad Smith (Devonport) and Phillip Townsend (Ulverstone), along with hard charging Adam Beechey (Launceston), Sam Hughes (Launceston) and Leon Cleary (Hobart) will ensure the mainlanders don't get an easy time of it.
A number of former State champions from interstate will also contest the Grand Prix, including Lucas Roberts (Vic.), Des Korn (Qld), Lachlan Onley (NSW) and Shane Best (SA).
The first Tasmanian appearance of Mick Nicola Jr is also expected to create a deal of interest.
Is the mojo back?
24th Jan 2011
Written by: John Carr
Crowd favourite and legend to his Smithton fans, super sedan driver Jarrod Harper finally returned to the winners circle at National Super Sedan series round held a Murray Bridge at the weekend.
After what can be described as a lean last season, Harper qualified his new race car on pole for the final and drove away to win it comfortably.
Harper's legion of fans will be indeed hopeful that his mojo has returned and he will return to the winners circle in the upcoming major sedan meetings starting with the Grand Prix this weekend, the Grand National at Mountain Dew Ice Raceway,Hobart the following weekend and the Fuso Tuck & Bus Australian Super Sedan Title at Bendigo Bank Arena the week after the Grand National.
There is no doubt that Harper on fire will create huge excitement amongst race fans, because when he is hot, he is electrifying and raises the tempo a fair few notches.
Lets hope the mojo remains for the next three meetings at least.
LETS GET READY TO ROCK THIS WEEKEND.
Super Sedan stars meet and greet
19th Jan 2011
Written by: Latrobe Speedway
Speedway fans will have a chance to get up close and personal with the stars of Super Sedan racing next Thursday, the 27th of January. Champs Sports Bar and Grill, located at 58 Best Street, Devonport, will host an informal meet and greet for all drivers, crew, sponsors, officials and fans. In the lead up to the richest Super Sedan race on the plant, the Bendigo Bank Grand Prix, which is to be held January 28th & 29th, some of the biggest names in Australian speedway will be present, ready to do battle. Light meals, including counter meals, pizzas and pasta dishes are available at Champs Sports Bar and Grill, so come along, meet the drivers and crew, and rub shoulders with some of Australia's best.
Australia 1 is on the way
19th Jan 2011
Written by: John Carr
The Wild Child, and current Australian Super Sedan Champion, Jamie McHugh had his race car shipping details finalised yesterday. The ex Tasmanian is super keen to make his presence felt at the Grand Prix, Grand National and the Fuso Turck & Bus Australian Super Sedan Title at Latrobe.
Mentor and friend of Jamie's later father Geoff, Bob Howlett himself a former leading Tasmanian sedan driver is confident of Jamie's chances of success, and his spectator appeal.
Rumour has it that on his recent trip to the States, Jamie bought back more a very special selection of bars that will suit the race tracks at Mountain Dew Ice Raceway Hobart and the Bendigo Bank Arena Latrobe.
The Wild Child is a crowd favourite, however their loyalty will be surely tested when the likes of Purton, Harper, Smith, Nicholls and Latham start to strut their stuff and just show what they are made of.
BRING IT ON - WE JUST CAN'T WAIT!!
15th Jan Meeting cancelled due to weather
14th Jan 2011
The scheduled meeting to be held at Mountain Dew Ice Raceway on the 15th of January has been cancelled. Race officials this afternoon made the decision not to run the event due to heavy rain that has been falling at the venue. "The track might be able to be raced on" says one official, "but the spectator area and pits are heavily affected, and unsafe underfoot."
The AMCA and Bomber state titles will be rescheduled, but Round 5 of the Farmers Union Sprint Car Series has been deemed a non event, and will not be rescheduled.
The next scheduled meeting at Mountain Dew Ice Raceway is the Mountain Dew Ice Grand National on the 4th and 5th of February, where some of Australias best super sedan drivers will join the local talent to fight it out over two nights.
Written By: John Carr
12 Jan, 2011
Nicola's by three
For the upcoming Grand Prix at Bendigo Bank Arena Latrobe, on the 28th and 29th January, the Grand National at Mountain Dew Ice raceway Hobart on the 4th and 5th Febuary, and then the Fuso Truck & Bus Australian Super Sedan Title at Bendigo Bank Arena on the 11th and 12th Febuary, we will be graced with the presence of three Nicola's from Victoria. No they have not been deported, they are coming over to try and steal some of the huge prize money that is on offer over these three events.
This news will no doubt will cause concern, anxiety and worry for some, while for others it will be joyous news. As one wit put it "one is bad enough, but three of them - we had all better leave town."
The ever popular and regular Mick Nicola will be accompanied by his brother Peter and Mick's son Mick Junior.
Over the years Mick has gained great spectator support and the presence of his brother and son will create more intrigue than "Underbelly" for these three great super sedan events.
I might hasten to add that Father Mick is the eldest of this trio, and the two youngsters will be out to prove that they can cut the mustard as well.
I am sure all fans will greatly appreciate their presence and look forward to meeting them after each event.
Written By: Martin Agatyn Pics by: Angryman Photography
Tas-Link Media Services
29 Dec , 2010
Redpath family stars at speedway memorial night
Last night's Edgewater Triple Treat meeting and speedway memorial night at the Bendigo Bank Arena at Latrobe proved a special occasion for the Redpath family.
Not only did Sassafras driver Matthew Redpath win the Peter Redpath Memorial Race for Formula 500s, named after his late father, but his cousins Adrian and Jason Redpath finished first and second in the fourth round of the prestigious Farmers Union Iced Coffee Sprintcar Series.
Smithton's Ashley House qualified on pole position for the 30-lap sprinter final with Adrian Redpath joining him on the front row.
Redpath, a former multiple State champion came within a whisker of wining a round of the World Series at Latrobe last month and was fired up to make amends, but had to work hard for his victory.
Former State champion Tim Hutchins, of Sassafras, chasing an opportunity to take over the series lead and starting from grid three blasting underneath Redpath to take second spot after seven laps.
Two laps later he took over from House in lapped traffic to lead the race.
Redpath then used his experience to also slip by House in traffic and challenged Hutchins for the lead, which changed three times in two laps in a thrilling duel.
The former State champion eventually eased away with a similarly exciting battle between Hutchins and House erupting with several positional changed before Hutchins tagged the wall, damaging the front end of his car and ending his night.
Meanwhile, Jason Redpath, who had started from grid nine, had been steadily working his way towards the front and advanced to third for the re-start after Hutchins' exit.
Nine laps later he made the move on House and took over second spot, challenging his brother several times in the remaining nine laps.
House hung onto third for all but the last lap when Launceston's Jason Dawkins powered past to snatch the remaining podium position, with House's fourth place good enough to give him the series lead.
Earlier in the night Matthew Redpath set the scene for the memorable family night when he won his father's memorial race.
Qualifying on outside pole position for the 15-lap final, Redpath was forced to trail two-times winner Shaun Robbins for the first nine laps until a rare mistake from the reigning State champion gave him the lead.
Once in front, Redpath drove an inspired race to take an emotional victory ahead Robbins, who was magnanimous in defeat after the race, declaring Redpath deserved the victory.
Launceston's Brad Whitchurch finished third in the final.
On the same programme, Ulverstone driver Todd Auton claimed an unprecedented 11th Tasmanian Street Stock Sedan Championship with a magnificent all-the-way win in the 30-lap
final.
Auton, who also has three Australian championships under his belt, clearly demonstrated why he is one of Tasmanian speedway's great all-time drivers, qualifying on pole position for the final and leading from green light to chequered flag in what was one of the toughest fields for a State title in many years.
But title number 11 almost eluded Auton, whose Ford Falcon ground to a halt 50metres after the finish line, apparently breaking a tailshaft 200m from the chequered flag and coasting to the victory.
A number of the early favourites also encountered problems during the night, including defending champion John Riley, of Ulverstone, who was lapped in the final.
Penguin's Matt Templar finished second in a career best after finishing fourth last year, with former three-times champion Brett Waddington claiming third place in an all-Coastal result.
While Auton was never seriously challenged, Templar and Waddington were always close and traded places behind Auton in a thrilling battle.
Auton managed to pull a light gap with four laps to go, which proved fortuitous on the final wash-up, allowing him enough of a buffer to coast to victory after his tailshaft failed.
Later in the night Hobart super sedan driver Steve Latham scored his third victory in as many outings to claim his second Gary Devlin Memorial Super Sedan Classic.
The classic also doubled as the fifth round of the National Pies Super Sedan Series, with Latham's win elevating him into the series lead with four rounds to go.
Reigning State champion and defending series champion Latham qualified on pole position for the 30-lap final with two consistent performances in his heats despite not winning either and led from start to finish for a well-deserved win.
Former multiple State champion David Nichols, of Launceston, was impressive in what was only the second outing for a brand new car and jumped from grid three at the start to slot in behind Latham, followed by Ulverstone's Jason McPherson.
Nichols challenged for the lead in lapped traffic just before the half-way mark and took over front spot only to be relegated two places by stewards, who ruled the pass illegal after Nichols ran two wheels on the infield as he tried to squeeze underneath.
The re-start saw Latham open up a slight gap with McPherson and Nichols following home for second and third.
RESULTS -
Farmers Union Iced Coffee Sprintcar Series (round four) - Heat one: T Hutchins, 1; A House, 2; G Hoekstra, 3. Heat two: A Redpath, 1; M House, 2; M Lee, 3. Heat three: K Luttrell, 1; A House, 2; G Hoekstra, 3. Heat four: J Dawkins, 1; J Redpath, 2; A Redpath, 3. Final (30 laps): A Redpath, 1; J Redpath, 2; J Dawkins, 3.
National Pies Super Sedan Series (round four) - Heat one (Barry Radford Memorial): D Nichols, 1; W Dillon, 2; G Aylett, 3. Heat two (Wayne Radford Memorial): J McPherson, 1; S Latham, 2; W Randall, 3. Heat three (Neville Harper Memorial): P Townsend, 1; A Beechey, 2; S Latham, 3. Final (Gary Devlin Memorial Super Sedan Classic, 30 laps): S Latham, 1; J McPherson, 2; D Nichols, 3.
Edgewater Hotel Tasmanian Street Stock Sedan Championship - Heat one: M Farrell, 1; G Nicholls, 2; C Watson, 3. Heat two: T Auton, 1; T Russell, 2; J Beasley, 3. Heat three: M Riley, 1; M Zeitzen, 2; B Waddington, 3. Heat four: M Templar, 1; C Watson, 2; G Kubsch, 3. Heat five: S Spencer, 1; A Garwood, 2; J Auton, 3. Heat six: T Russell, 1; T Auton, 2; C Bauld, 3. Final (30 laps): T Auton, 1; M Templar, 2; B Waddington, 3.
Peter Redpath Memorial Race (Formula 500s) - Heat one: S Robbins, 1; M Redpath, 2; J Rolls, 3. Heat two: M Redpath, 1; N Kingston, 2; J Rolls, 3. Heat three: S Robbins, 1; B Whitchurch, 2; C Smith, 3, Final ( 15 laps): M Redpath, 1; S Robbins, 2; B Whitchurch, 3.
Tassie sixes - Hear one: D Sonners, 1; J Dillon, 2; S Saunders, 3. Heat two: D Sonners, 2; M Cleary, 2; N Russell, 3. Final (15 laps): D Sonners, 1; M Cleary, 2; N Russell, 3.
Sidecars - Heat one: B Wyllie and D Keegan, 1; S Hind and D Vernon, 2; N Broomhall and D Bakes, 3. Heat two: B Wyllie and D Keegan, 1; N Broomhall and D Bakes, 2; S Hind and D Vernon, 3. Final (4 laps): B Wyllie and D Keegan, 1; S Hind and D Vernon, 2; N Broomhall and D Bakes, 3.
Written By: Martin Agatyn Pics by: Angryman Photography
Tas-Link Media Services
29 Dec , 2010
Latrobe blasts into action for 2011
The New Year will be welcomed in in style at the Bendigo Bank Arena at Latrobe this Saturday with the Edgewater Hotel Triple Treat and Wyllie Tiles Fireworks Spectacular meeting.
The Triple Treat will include round four of the Farmers Union Iced Coffee Sprintcar Series, round five of the National Pies Super Sedan Series and the Tasmanian Street Stock Sedan Championship.
The fireworks spectacular, normally a Christmas family tradition at Latrobe, was washed out last month, with organisers postponing the display until this weekend, ensuring 2011 at Latrobe well be welcomed in with a bang.
Support class racing on Saturday night will also see racing for Tassie sixes, Formula 500s and sidecars, with gates opening at 3.00 p.m. and racing from 4.00 p.m.
The Farmers Union series has reached an interesting stage with series leader Jamie Bricknell absent and racing interstate, leaving the gate open for Smithton's Ashley House or former State champion "Tornado" Tim Hutchins, of Sassafras, to take over the lead.
Hutchins won and House finished second last weekend in a non-series race, indicating they will be the drivers to beat again on Saturday night, while Launceston's Kurt Luttrell and Devonport driver and rapidly improving rookie Kristian Kelly will also be aiming to bridge the gap to the leaders.
Launceston's Adam Beechey holds a narrow lead in the National Pies Super Sedan Series and will be fired up to extend his lead in a round also doubling as the Gary Devlin Memorial Super Sedan Classic.
However, last round winner, reigning State and series champion Steve Latham, of Hobart, will have other ideas and has been in great form in recent weeks.
While another fierce battle between the pair can be expected, it will be far from a two-horse race, with former State champion Phillip Townsend, of Ulverstone, and Devonport's Grant Hopkins likely to figure.
Hopkins was in great form last week in a non-series event, leading final for more than half race distance before tyre wear let him down and he will surely be revved up to make amends on his home track.
Ulverstone's Jason McPherson and regular Queensland visitor Wayne Randall were absent last week and will add some depth to an already talented field.
The Tasmanian street stock sedan championship will be one of the most wide open and fiercely contested for years with many genuine chances in a class field.
Previous 10-times champion Todd Auton, former four-times champion Troy Russell, three-times champion Brett Waddington and multiple podium placegetter Corey Bauld have all been in great form so far this season, along with Matt Templar and defending champion John Riley to name a few, making tipping a winner an extremely difficult task.
Written By: Martin Agatyn Pics by: Angryman Photography
Tas-Link Media Services
12 Dec , 2010
The Sides Show continues at Latrobe
American speedway sprintcar ace Jason Sides scored his second successive Chickenfeed World Series Sprintcar championship win when he blasted to victory in round four at the Bendigo Bank Arena at Latrobe last night (Sunday).
The meeting was washed out on Saturday night and postponed to last night, but Sides didn't let the delay spoil his perfect Tasmanian record after also winning round three of the series in Hobart eight days earlier.
Reigning Australian champion James McFadden, from the Northern Territory, finished second ahead of South Australia's Steve Lines.
Sides, from Tennessee, was never far from the top order throughout the night, posting the fourth-fastest lap in time trials and qualifying second after the heats, before slipping to fourth in the top eight shoot-out.
McFadden was fastest in qualifying, topped the qualifying in the heats and looked set for a perfect night when he qualified on the front row for the 30-lap final.
Pole position in the final was snared by South Australian driver Trevor Green, who started badly in the final and slipped back to fifth early in the race.
McFadden stole the march and led from former Tasmanian champion Adrian Redpath, of Latrobe, who started brilliantly from grid five.
Sides, who started from grid four, quickly moved the third ad gave chase to Redpath as the leading trio gained a break on the field.
Former four-times Tasmanian champion David Murcott, of Melbourne, qualified a disappointing 11th and crashed after only five laps.
The former Devonport driver finished second in Hobart a week earlier and had big expectations on his former home track.
On lap 12 Redpath hit the lead as McFadden appeared to be struggling for tyre grip.
Sides also passed McFadden five laps later as local hero Redpath opened up a gap and looked set for a major upset victory.
However, with only four laps to go, it all turned sour in lapped traffic as Redpath spun, ending what would have been a fairytale result.
Sides inherited the lead as Redpath recovered to finish seventh.
West Australian racer Ian Madsen put in arguably the drive of the race to storm through the field from grid 19 to finish second behind Sides, only to be relegated four places post-race by officials, who deemed one of his many passing moves had been illegal.
This handed second place to McFadden and third to Lines.
The only major crash of the night claimed American driver Jason Johnson, of Missouri, who was challenging Ulverstone's Shaun Robbins for the lead in the first heat when he clipped the Coastal driver's car and catapulted his own car into the fence where it flipped in a wild series of rolls.
Despite the damage, Johnson was able to re-join hostilities later in the night, qualifying for the final in 20th place, but struggling throughout the race with general body pain from his earlier accident.
Fellow American Tyler Walker, of California, fared little better after completely missing a heat when he got the wrong race and came out for the next heat instead.
Walker also scraped into the final, only to hit the wall early in the race and destroy a rear tyre, ending his night on the tow truck.
On the same program, Penguin driver Matt Templar regained the lead in the Statewide street stock sedan series after winning an action-packed the final of round five.
Templar started from grid six, but drove a steady race and took advantage of mistakes from other drivers to work his way towards the front, winning from previous series leader and former Australian champion Todd Auton, of Ulverstone, and Carrick's Mark Rowland.
RESULTS -
Chickenfeed World Series Sprintcars (round three) - Time Trials - J McFadden (NT), 11.08, 1; Max Dumesny (NSW), 11.10, 2; D Murcott (Tas.), 11.10, 3; J Sides (US), 11.20, 4; T Green (SA), 11.24, 5; Mitchell Dumesny (NSW), 11.26, 6; J Redpath (Tas.), 11.42, 7; A House (Tas.), 8; J Bricknell (Tas.), 9; R Farr (NSW), 11.40, 10. Heat one: A Redpath (Tas.), 1; R Farr (NSW), 2; R Maolo (SA), 3. Heat two: K Luttrell (Tas.), 1; D Reidy (NT), 2; M Egel (SA), 3. Heat three: S Lines (SA), 1; G Hoekstra (Tas.), 2; B Mann (Qld), 3. Heat four: M Egel (SA), 1; S Dobson (Tas.), 2; R Maolo (SA), 3. Heat five: G Hoekstra (Tas.), 1; J Johnson (US), 2; T Hutchins (Tas.), 3. Heat six: K Luttrell (Tas.), 1; T Walker (US), 2; M Reed (Vic.), 3. Top-eight pole shoot-out: T Green (SA), 1; A McFadden (NT), 2; S Lines (SA), 3. B Main final: T Hutchin