Press Releases
Press Release by: Martin Agatyn
Tas-Link Media Service
10 March 2010
Speedway titles galore at Latrobe
Two Tasmanian titles and an Australian speedway championship will be held at the Bendigo Bank Arena at Latrobe this Friday night in what promises to be a smorgasbord of action.
The Coastal circuit will play host to The Edgewater Hotel Australian Modified production Sedan Championship, plus the Tasmanian State titles in lightning sprint and Formula 500 divisions.
As if that wasn't enough to whet the appetite of any keen speedway fan, Saturday night's programme also includes round seven of the prestigious Farmers Union Iced Coffee Sprintcar Series.
A total of 15 heats for the modified production sedan championship will be held on Friday night, plus the Tasmanian Lightning Sprint Championship, three heats of the Tasmanian Formula 500 championship and support racing from V8 AMCA nationals and speedkarts.
Gates will open at 3.00 p.m. and racing will start at 6.00 p.m.
Saturday night will see five more heats of the modified production sedan title, plus three finals, three more heats and the final of the Tasmanian F500 title, three heats and a final for the Farmers Union Series round for the sprintcars, plus support racing for Tassie sixes, street stock sedans and sidecars.
Gates will again open at 3.00 p.m. and racing will start at 5.00 p.m.
Modified production sedan racing is ranked second only in sedan racing to V8 super sedans and as such is the country's second most prestigious sedan class, consequently attracting a record field for a national title in Tasmania, with 54 entries, including 42 from the mainland in what will be a massive Ford v Holden battle.
Scrutineering will be held on Thursday and official practice from 7-9.00 p.m. will be free for spectators.
Current No#1 - Mark Carlin
Leading the interstate charge in a star-studded field will be reigning Australian champion Mark Carlin, from Victoria, who is also the current Tasmanian champion, after having made a successful Bass Strait raid to Carrick last season and with a new engine recently fitted to his Ford Falcon, Carlin will be hoping for another successful Tasmanian trip this weekend.
But Carlin is only one of a number of Victorians in with a strong chance in an extremely open title, with the Vic contingent also including 2006 national champion Justin Drew, current Victorian champion Andrew Blackwell and two-times and current South Australian champion Bryan Galley.
But the chances won't just be limited to the Vics, with a strong entry from Queensland, including former two-times Australian champion and reigning Queensland champion Todd Doyle.
Joining him will former Queensland champions Shane McDonald, his brother Nathan McDonald and former Queensland champion Aidan Raymont.
Former Australian champion Greg Worling, of NSW, has also entered, along with former West Australian champions John Purser and Allan Mortimer.
But the locals are not without a chance either.
Launceston's Brett Tatnell, has been the local driver to beat this season and could surprise a few of the more-fancied drivers, while former six-times Tasmanian champion Craig Williams, of Launceston, will also put up a fight, along with former two-times Tasmanian champion Andy Russell, of Hobart, and former champion Barry Youl, of Perth.
Russell debuted a new car at Carrick on Sunday night, but could be under-prepared after an engine fire set back his plans.
Press Release by: Martin Agatyn
Tas-Link Media Service
Pictures by: Damon Kingshott
1 March, 2010
Masters Disaster, washed out at Latrobe
..the washout
Tasmania's richest speedway sprintcar event ended with a fizz rather than a bang at the Bendigo Bank Arena at Latrobe last night when rain curtailed the $30,000 Murcott's Caltex Sprintcar Masters before the final could be run.
After eight heats over two nights, Hobart teenager Shaun Dobson had top qualified and was on target to snare pole position for the lucrative event.
Shaun Dobson in action
Dobson scored two wins and a third in his three heats on Friday night and backed up with a conservative fifth in his final run last night and was all set to compete in the dash for the top six qualifiers when a heavy shower soaked the track.
Officials reluctantly were forced to cancel the remainder of the meeting, as the conditions had become unsafe to race, depriving fans and drivers of what would have surely been a closely fought final.
Although Dobson had top qualified, the event was evenly poised with a number of drivers showing enough form over both nights to suggest they would be serious contenders for the final.
Adrian Redpath pondering...
Other drivers to qualify well besides Dobson included defending masters champion and former four-times State champion Adrian Redpath, of Latrobe, who was fourth on points after Friday night and won his final heat last night in a powerful drive.
Launceston young gun Jamie Bricknell started the night in third place after a solid run on Friday and added more valuable points with a fourth in his heat last night.
Fellow Launceston driver Kurt Luttrell, sixth after Friday night was a solid second in Redpath's heat, while former State champion "Tornado" Tim Hutchins, of Sassafras, was fifth before claiming third in the same heat last night to consolidate his position.
Former State champion Jason Dawkins, of Launceston, was equal seventh on points after Friday night, placing third in his heat last night to also remain well inside the top 10.
The weekend programme also included the Tasmanian Lightning Sprint Championship, which was also halted before the final.
All four heats of the title were completed and the final will be run first-up, with no additional heats, at the next Latrobe meeting on March 12.
After Friday night's three heats and one more last night, Longford driver Bruce had qualified on pole position for the final, adding a second placing to his two heat wins from Friday night.
Second-generation George Town driver Nathan Hale also drove consistently in his heats to finish with two wins and a third, to join Pitt on the front row in a fortnight's time.
Mitchell Freeman, of Fingal, will start on grid three after also placing in all his three heats, while 10-times defending State champion Mick Cruse, of Launceston, will start at the back of the field.
Cruse only finished one of his heats all weekend after encountering fuel problems in his car on Friday night.
In last night's only heat, his car again appeared underpowered as he battled for third place with fellow Launceston driver Jacob Krushka.
The pair tangled mid-race, with Cruse sustaining steering damage and failing to finish.
The wash-out has come as a blessing in disguise for the veteran, who now has two weeks to sort out his problems, but he will still face a tough task starting the final from the rear.
Sidecar Winners - B Wyllie & A Blackaby
While one State title was washed-out last night, another one was decided with Devonport team Brett Wyllie and Andrew Blackaby taking out the NG Upholstery Tasmanian Sidecar Championship.
It was their fourth successive State championship as a team and Wyllie's 10th, having won one as a passenger and nine as a rider.
It was also an emotional victory, particularly for Blackaby, whose mother passed away recently, with the passenger dedicating the win to her memory during the presentation ceremony which followed.
But the defending champions were never in doubt in the final and started well from gate two to jump ahead of top qualifiers and former State champions Bernard Sheals and Jamie Rainbow.
Sheals and Rainbow soon came under pressure from Penguin brothers Adam and Andrew Beattie in an entertaining battle which saw the teams trade places several timers.
Unfortunately, not all of it was within the rules and after the Beattie brothers crossed the line in second place, officials disqualified them, elevating Sheals and Rainbow to second and fourth-placed Nick Broomhall and Darryl Bakes to third.
Street Stock Winner - Todd Auton
RESULTS -
$30,000 Murcott's Caltex Sprintcar Masters - Heat one: J House, 1; M House, 2; J Dawkins, 3. Heat two: S Dobson, 1; G Hoekstra, 2; C House, 3. Heat three: J Bricknell, 1; D Murcott, 2; M Lee, 3. Heat four: A Redpath, 1; T Hutchins, 2; S Dobson, 3. Heat five: G Hoekstra, 1; T Austin, 2; T Hutchins, 3. Heat six: S Dobson, 1; J Bricknell, 2; A Alexander, 3. Heat seven: J Redpath, 1; M Lee, 2; J Dawkins, 3. Heat eight: A Redpath, 1; K Luttrell, 2; J Bricknell, 3.
Tasmanian Lightning Sprint Championship - Heat one: N Hingston, 1; B Pitt, 2; M Freeman, 3. Heat two: N Hale, 1; M Cruse, 2; M Freeman, 3. Heat three: B Pitt, 1; G Henri, 2; N Hale, 3. Heat four: N Hale, 1; B Pitt, 2; M Freeman, 3.
NG Upholstery Tasmanian Sidecar Championship (continued) - Heat one: Adam and Andrew Beattie, 1; N Broomhall and D Bakes, 2. Heat two: Adam and Andrew Beattie, 1; N Broomhall and D Bakes, 2; B Wyllie and Blackaby, 3. Heat three: B Sheals and J Rainbow, 1; R barker and G Bourke, 2; Adam and Andrew Beattie, 3. Heat four: B Sheals and J Rainbow, 1; N Broomhall and D Bakes, 2; R Barker and G Bourke, 3. Heat five: B Wyllie and A Blackaby, 1; Adam and Andrew Beattie, 2. Heat six: B Wyllie and A Blackaby, 1; R Barker and G Bourke, 2; B Sheals and J Rainbow, 3. Heat seven: B Sheals and J Rainbow, 1; N Broomhall and D Bakes, 2; Adam and Andrew Beattie, 3. Final ( 4 laps): B Wyllie and A Blackaby, 1; B Sheals and J Rainbow, 2; N Broomhall and D Bakes, 3.
V8 AMCA nationals (Friday night only) - Heat one: C Smith, 1; C O'Connor, 2; E Stuart, 3. Heat two: C Bagorski, 1; C Smith, 2; C O'Connor, 3. Heat three: E Stuart, 1; M Graham, 2; M Bellett, 3. Final (12 laps): C Smith, 1; C O'Connor, 2; M Graham, 3.
Street stock sedans (Friday night) - Heat one: T Auton, 1; L Gray, 2; B Waddington, 3. Heat two: M Templar, 1; B Waddington, 2; B Cooper, 3. Heat three: T Auton, 1; C Bauld, 2; J Riley, 3. Final (12 laps): T Auton, 1; B Waddington, 2; M Templar, 3.
Street stock sedans (Saturday night) - Heat one: L Williams, 1; M Templar, 2; T Russell, 3.
Junior sedans - Heat one: B Webster, 1; B Herbert, 2; J Taurian, 3.
Bombers - Heat one: R Shaw, 1; M Hart, 2; J Knight, 3. Heat two: C Smith, 1; R Shaw, 2; J Knight, 3.
Press Release by: Martin Agatyn
Tas-Link Media Service
27 Feb 2010
Richest sprintcar prize up for grabs at Latrobe
Tasmania's richest speedway sprintcar event will be staged at the Bendigo Bank Arena at Latrobe this Friday and Saturday night when the State's top drivers do battle for the Murcott's Caltex Sprintcar Masters.
The Masters will be decided over six heats on Friday night, with four more heats and a 30-lap final for the top 18 qualifiers on Saturday night.
The two-night programme will also feature the Tasmanian Lightning Sprint Championship, with support events on Friday night for V8 AMCA nationals, street stock sedans and sidecars.
Saturday night's support programme will include street stock sedans and sidecars back for a double stint, plus modified production sedans, Tassie sixes, junior sedans and bombers.
The State title for lightning sprints will be decided over three heats on Friday and one heat and a final on Saturday.
Gates will open at 3.00 p.m. on both days, with racing starting at 6.00 p.m. on Friday night and 5.00 p.m. on Saturday.
The field for the $30,000 main event will include former four-times Tasmanian champion David Murcott, who will attempt to win the event sponsored by his father's business.
Murcott left Tasmania 11 years ago and has raced all over Australia, but surprisingly had not driven in his father's event.
Based in Melbourne, but driving for a Queensland-based team this year, the former Devonport racer is relishing the opportunity to return to his former home track.
But despite his obvious talent, Murcott won't be shown any favours by the locals and can expect a tough battle.
Former Tasmanian champion "Tornado" Tim Hutchins, fresh from victory in Hobart last weekend, will be aiming to string back to back Latrobe wins together, having also won at the Coastal venue last month.
Other strong contenders could include newly-crowned Tasmanian champion Jason Redpath, of Moriarty, and his equally talented brother and former four-times champion Adrian Redpath, of Latrobe.
Launceston's Jamie Bricknell is currently leading the Statewide Farmers Union Iced Coffee Sprintcar Series and after running a strong second to Hutchins in Hobart last week will also be a contender.
Exciting Hobart teenager Shaun Dobson seems to shine in the big occasions and will make his presence felt his weekend, as will former State champion Jason Dawkins and consistent hard charger Kurt Luttrell, both of Launceston.
Another Launceston driver, Mick Cruse, will be aiming for an amazing 11th State title when he lines-up in the lightning sprint Tasmanian championship.
Cruse's form already this season indicates an 11th title is a strong chance and he will start a hot favourite.
However, should Cruse fail to finish for any reason, the title will be up for grabs with several podium chances including George Town's Nathan Hale, Sassafras driver Luke Redpath and Longford's Bruce Pitt.
Press Release by: Martin Agatyn
Tas-Link Media Service
21 Feb 2010
Photography by: Damon Kingshott
"Tornado" storms to sprintcar stampede glory
Tim Hutchins - Sprintcar Winner
Former Tasmanian sprintcar champion "Tornado" Tim Hutchins has stormed back into contention for the Farmers Union Iced Coffee Sprintcar Series with an impressive win in the sixth round, the Wise Employment Sprintcar Stampede at the Mountain Dew Ice Raceway in Hobart last night.
Hutchins, of Sassafras, was second in the series heading into the stampede, with his victory considerably closing the gap to series leader Jamie Bricknell, of Launceston, who finished second last night.
In difficult dry, dusty and slick track conditions, the two lead-up heats proved very even and unpredictable, with six different placegetters scoring.
Hutchins was the most consistent, winning one heat and finishing fifth in his other to claim pole position for the 30-lap final, with Bricknell joining him on the front row for the decider.
Devonport rookie Marcus Alexander continued his solid debut season qualifying on grid three alongside former State champion Jason Dawkins, of Launceston, who was following up from a strong third in the State championship a week earlier.
However, Hutchins jumped into an immediate lead and on a track which offered few passing opportunities, he led Bricknell for the entire 30-laps.
Hutchins established a handy break by the halfway mark, but a determined Bricknell started to regain ground in the closing stages.
With two laps to go, Bricknell challenged unsuccessfully for the lead, which seemed to spur Hutchins on to fight back in the final laps to take a well-earned victory.
Dawkins finished third after an early battle with Alexander, with the Devonport driver eventually finishing fifth.
On the same programme, reigning Tasmanian Formula 500 champion Shaun Robbins was too strong for the field in the Ken McKinnell Memorial Southern Classic with a powerful display in difficult conditions.
It was Robbins' second successive victory in the classic, which was held for the first time last season and an indicator he will be hard to beat when he defends his State title in coming weeks.
Qualifying on pole position for the 12-lap final, Robbins led from start to finish to win from Devonport duo Kristian Kelly and Curt Smith.
Hobart's Emma Dobson qualified alongside Robbins on the front row and held second for half race distance, before she started to struggle with the conditions.
Kelly kept his cool in third and passed Dobson, who spun out several laps later and retired in-field.
In other events on the support programme Ulverstone father and son combination Joe and Jory Breitkopf made it a family double in the speedkart finals.
Joe qualified on pole position for the senior final and led from start to finish to win from Richmond's Laura Davidson and Hayden McBain, of Devonport.
Jory started from grid three in the junior final, but hit the lead early to win from Devonport drivers Marcus Bryan and Bianca Boun.
The modified production sedan final was won by Launceston's Brett Tatnell, continuing his impressive run so far this season, while Hobart's Michael Zietzen was awarded the victory in a rugged street stock sedan final after Stuart Turner, who crossed the line first, was relegated to third by officials.
State junior sedan champion Brock Webster, of Sassafras, continued his almost unbeaten record this season with yet another dominant victory in his final, while Kodie Madden won a tight Tassie sixes final from fellow Hobart driver Dwayne Sonners and Chris Smith proved a surprise winner in a depleted bombers final.
RESULTS -
Wise Employment Sprintcar Stampede (Farmers Union Iced Coffee Sprintcar Series, round six) - Heat one: T Hutchins, 1; M Lee, 2; T Austin, 3. Heat two: M Alexander, 1; J Dawkins, 2; J Bricknell, 3. Final (30 laps): T Hutchins, 1; J Bricknell, 2; J Dawkins, 3.
Ken McKinnell Memorial Southern Classic (Formula 500s) - Heat one: E Dobson, 1; S Robbins, 2; B Whitchurch, 3. Heat two: S Robbins, 1; K Kelly, 2; D Peck, 3. Final (12 laps): S Robbins, 1; K Kelly, 2; C Smith, 3.
Modified production sedans - Heat one: B Tatnell, 1; J Marston, 2; J Howe, 3. Heat two: J Howe, 1; D Wise, 2; B Tatnell, 3. Final (12 laps): B Tatnell, 1; J Howe, 2; J Marston, 3.
Tassie sixes - Heat one: A Ryder, 1; D Graham, 2; K Madden, 3. Heat two: K Madden, 1; D Graham, 2; D Sonners, 3. Final (12 laps): K Madden, 1; A Ryder, 2; D Sonners, 3.
Street stock sedans - Heat one: S Turner, 1; D Manser, 2; M Zetizen, 3. Heat two: A Lane, 1; M Rowlands, 2; S Turner, 3. Final (12 laps): M Zeitzen, 1; M Rowlands, 2; S Turner, 3.
Junior sedans - Heat one: B Webster, 1; J Taurian, 2; T Herbert, 3. Heat two: B Webster, 1; B Herbert, 2; H Medcraft, 3. Final (12 laps): B Webster, 1; J Taurian, 2; S Harvey, 3.
Bombers - Heat one: S Devine, 1; J Knight, 2; M Hart, 3. Heat two: J Knight, 1; S Devine, 2; M Hart, 3. Final (10 laps): C Smith, 1; J Knight, 2; S Devine, 3.
Speedkarts - Heat one: Joe Breitkopf, 1; C Abel, 2; G Lawrence, 3. Heat two: Jory Breitkopf, 1; M Bryan, 2; Ben Boun, 3. Heat three: H McBain, 1; Joe Breitkopf, 2; C Harper, 3. Heat four: Ben Boun, 1; M Bryan, 2; Jory Breitkopf,. 3. Heat five: L Davidson, 1; J Collins, 2; J McLeod, 3. Heat six: L Davidson, 1; C Harper, 2; H McBain, 3. Heat seven: Jory Breitkopf, 1; J Bryan, 2; Bianca Boun, 3. Heat eight: H McBain, 1; J McLeod, 2; L Davidson, 3. Second division final (8 laps): Jory Breitkopf, 1; M Bryan, 2; Bianca Boun, 3. Final (10 laps): Joe Breitkopf, 1; L Davidson, 2; H McBain, 3.
Press Release by: Martin Agatyn
Tas-Link Media Service
10 Feb 2010
Photography by: Damon Kingshott
Kane is the V8 Grand National master
Kane & his Dominator Crew
Former Hobart driver and reigning Australian V8 super sedan champion Darren Kane, of Queensland, showed a clean pair of heels to the best drivers in the country on Sunday night, winning the Mountain Dew Ice Tasmanian Grand National for a third time.
The event is Tasmania's longest running speedway feature event and Kane now joins an elite group of drivers, becoming only the fourth one to win it three or more times.On his former home track, Kane was in control from the outset of Sunday night's final, despite being the second top qualifier after two nights of racing and 10 heats in the lead-up.
Darren Kane has 'lift off' in the final
Top qualifier was fellow Queenslander Matt Pascoe, who was bumped to the outside of the front row for the 50-lap final after Kane defeated him in the pre-final pole shuffle to start from the coveted number one grid spot.
At the green light, Kane jumped away to an instant lead and was never headed for the entire 50 laps as he pulled away from the field to alp all but the top five cars in one of the most stunning drives ever seen at the Hobart track. Kane was in complete control and was able to slot his car at will into gaps in the lapped traffic, leaving former Australian and state champions in his wake.
Top qualifier Pascoe slipped back in the early stages and struggled to eventually finish fifth.
Second home, but almost half a lap behind Kane was NSW veteran Tony Barklimore, who started from grid eight in the final and had a titanic struggle for most of the race with fellow NSW driver Lachlan Onley and former two-times Australian champion Jamie McHugh, of Queensland, who finished fourth and fifth respectively.
McHugh finished just ahead of Kane on the track as the last driver on the lead lap, with Kane lapping everyone else, including former three-times Australian champion Mick Nicola, of Victoria.
Tassie 6 Title-(L-R) 3rd Sam Gunn, 1st Andrew Ryder & 2nd Kodee Madden
On the same two-day programme, Hobart teenager Andrew Ryder successfully defended his State Tassie sixes title on Saturday night. Ryder qualified on outside pole position for the 30-lap final and jumped top qualifier Sam Gunn, also a Hobart teenager, at the start. Ryder, Gunn and Kodie Madden all battled for position early, with title contender Dwayne Sonners, who had two drama-packed heats, starting from grid 16 to storm through the field and tack onto the leading trio after 16 laps.
However, Sonners' charge was short-lived when he punctured and retired from the race four laps later.
A few laps later Gunn tangled with Ryder whilst challenging for the lead, causing a stoppage, with officials sending him to the rear of the grid for the re-start.
Ryder continued to battle with Madden, but held out his more experienced rival for a good win, with Gunn charging back through the field again to finish third in a torrid final.
Sunday night's programme also included racing for the Tassie sixes in non-championship mode, with Sam Gunn gaining some consolation for the previous night by winning the final ahead of Noel Russell and Luke Dillon, with Andrew Ryder unable to start in the final after damaging the rear end of his car in a heat.
Sunday night's street stock sedan final was a case of survival of the fittest with Andrew Pare winning from Michael Zietzen and Andrew Lane, while it was a similar story in the bombers final, where reigning State champion Josh Knight led home Chris Devine and Rob Shaw.
Brad Herbert wins Junior Sedan Title
Hobart youngster Brad Herbert broke through for his first victory in a final in the junior sedan division final, beating home reigning State champion Brock Webster, of Sassafras, with Launceston's Jacob Taurian third.
The sidecar final was won by reigning State champions Brett Wyllie and Andrew Blackaby, of Devonport, beating fellow Coastal teams Nick Broomhall and Darryl Bakes, and Richard Barker and Andrew Beattie.
Press Release by: Martin Agatyn
Tas-Link Media Service
4 Feb 2010
Photography by: Damon Kingshott
Speedway V8s head to Hobart for grand prestige
V8 drivers from all over Australia will converge on the Mountain Dew Ice Raceway in Hobart this weekend to contest Tasmania's longest running speedway race, the Mountain Dew Ice Tasmanian Grand National on Saturday and Sunday night.
A field worthy of an Australian championship will include the current national champion, three previous national champions and seven different drivers who have won one or more State championships in various parts of the country.
Since the first Tasmanian Grand National in 1971, the calibre of drivers who have won the event has been the very best on offer, with the list of entries for the 2010 edition ensuring the standard will be maintained this weekend.
The Hobart track will hold no fears for visiting drivers either, with no less than seven previous winners, with an impressive 15 victories in the event, included in the line-up.
Super Sedan winner - David Nichols
The standout in the group is reigning Tasmanian champion and six-times winner David Nichols, who has won it an amazing six times.
However, the last was in 2000 and Nichols is keen to regain his dominance on the event, especially after qualifying on the front row of Australia's richest super sedan race at Latrobe weekend against a similar field, but finishing out of a place in the final.
Defending Grand National Champion and current Australian champion Darren Kane, of Queensland, will be returning to his former home track in a bid to take out his third GN title.
The former Hobart driver still has plenty of fans in Tasmania and will be hoping not to disappoint.
Two-times winner and former two-times Australian champion Kevin Purton, of Deloraine, is in red hot form after winning at Latrobe last weekend and will be fired up to wrap-up the double of Tasmania's two biggest V8 super sedan races with another win this weekend.
Former Queensland champion Wayne Randall finished second to Purton at Latrobe and having won the GN in Hobart in 2006 would be keen to go one better on this visit.
Former Tasmanian champion Jarrod Harper, of Hellyer Beach, is also a former two-times winner (1999 and 2004), while Devonport's Jason McPherson (2007) and Ulverstone driver Phillip Townsend (1992) have also tasted victory in the time-honoured event and performed well at Latrobe last weekend.
The Grand National will be decided over six heats on Saturday night and four more heats, a pole shuffle for the top 16 qualifiers and the all-important 50-lap final on Sunday night.
Saturday night's programme will also include the State title for the Tassie sixes division, plus support racing for V8 AMCA nationals, modified production sedans, Formula 500s, junior sedans and speedkarts.
Sunday night's support programme will include Tassie sixes (in support mode), lightning sprints, street stock sedans, junior sedans, bombers and sidecars, with gates opening at 3.00 p.m. both days and
racing on Saturday from 4.30 p.m. and on Sunday from 5.00 p.m.
Press Release by: Martin Agatyn
Tas-Link Media Service
31 Jan 2010
Photography by: Damon Kingshott
Purton claims second Grand Prix victory
Purton takes the chequered flag
Deloraine speedway driver Kevin Purton has joined an elite club by winning Australia's richest V8 super sedan race, the $45,000 Bendigo Bank Grand Prix for a second time.
Purton, a former two-times Australian champion added the winner's cheque to his 2005 haul at the Bendigo Bank Arena at Latrobe on Saturday night with a perfect all the way drive in the 50-lap final.
In a field worthy of an Australian title, Purton qualified his Ford Falcon on pole position for the final after two nights and 15 heats featuring the best drivers in the nation.But despite the crop of talent behind him, that's exactly where Purton kept them from green light to chequered flag, winning from former Queensland champion Wayne Randall and National Super Sedan Series champion Matt Pascoe, also from Queensland.
In an all-Tasmanian front row, reigning Tasmanian champion David Nichols, of Launceston, joined Purton on grid two, with Randall and former three-times Australian champion Mick Nicola, of Victoria, on the second row.
McHugh and current Australian champion Darren Kane, of Queensland, started on the third row and it was Randall and Nichols who started best to slot in behind Purton.
McHugh was looking dangerous early, and advanced to third on lap seven, with Nichols and Nicola trying to find a way around on the outside of the track.
Ten laps later Nichols stole third back from McHugh after a titanic struggle, but it all turned sour a lap later when a coming together forced the duo in-field and out of the race.
This promoted Pascoe to third with defending champion Jarrod Harper, of Hellyer Beach, making a late charge behind him after starting from grid 10.
Randall continued to attack Purton, who kept his cool and drove a faultless race, pulling away in the closing five laps to win by 50m from Randall and Pascoe.
From Left: Drivers- Wayne Randall,Kevin Purton & Matt Pascoe
with Bendigo Bank staff John Hanley & Lauren Saunders
Earlier in the night there were a couple of surprises in the Tasmanian Fibreglass Products Speedkart Mini-Grand Prix, when pre-final favourites failed to convert heat form into finals victory.
Also conducted over two nights, the grass roots level of the sport saw Devonport veteran Geoff Lawrence starting on pole for the senior final after winning three of his four heats in the lead-up.
However, it was fellow Devonport driver Hayden McBain who scored a surprise victory after Lawrence led for eight of the 10 laps.
A minor mistake by Lawrence almost within sight of the chequered flag opened the door for McBain, who was hot on his heels, to take the lead.
Hobart's Laura Davidson, who started well down the grid after missing Friday night's heats due to work commitments, charged through the field to be on Lawrence's tail when he lost the lead, sneaking inside the veteran on the last corner to snatch third ahead of Lawrence .
To add insult to injury, Lawrence didn't even finish on the podium after former State champion Cody Dransfield, led Davidson past the veteran metres from the finish line to take second ahead of Davidson and the luckless Lawrence.
The junior final was a family affair with Devonport brothers Marcus and Jayden Bryan finishing first and second.
Marcus qualified on pole position with Jayden behind on grid three, and both started well to take up the 1-2.
Ulverstone driver Jory Breitkopf, who was arguably favourite after some impressive heat wins, started from outside pole, but was forced to sit in behind Jayden Bryan from the outset.
Bryan shadowed his older brother all the way to the flag and also managed to hold out Breitkopf, admitting after the race to using team tactics.
Late on Friday night, Launceston driver and 10-times lightning sprint State champion Mick Cruse took out his third Roy Cook Memorial Race.
Starting on pole position for the final after winning both lead-up heats, Cruse was never headed and demolished the field, winning by a huge margin and lapping all but second-placed Nathan Hale, of George Town, and third-placed Jacob Krushka, of Launceston.
Brock Webster
On last night's support programme Reigning State Formula 500 champion Shaun Robbins, of Ulverstone, was too strong, winning his final easily from Hobart's Emma Dobson and Kristian Kelly, of Devonport.
Turners Beach street stock sedan driver Troy Russell silenced his critics with a commanding victory in his divisional final, winning easily from former State champion Brett Waddington, of Ulverstone, and Hobart's Andrew Pare.
The junior sedan final was won by reigning State champion Brock Webster, of Sassafras, who also made it look easy with a big winning margin, taking the victory ahead of Launceston drivers Steve Harvey and Jacob Taurian.
Press Release by: Martin Agatyn
Tas-Link Media Service
28 Jan 2010
Photography by: Damon Kingshott
Australia's best to chase richest V8 prize at Latrobe
Australia's leading speedway V8 super sedan drivers will converge on the Bendigo Bank Arena at Latrobe this weekend to do battle in Australia's richest speedway sedan event, the $45,000 Bendigo Bank Grand Prix.
Darren Kane at the 09 event
The line-up for the prestigious event includes the current Australian champion, three former Australian champions and seven previous state champions from all over the country.
Reigning Australian champion Darren Kane, from Queensland, is also a former two-times Grand Prix winner and knows the Latrobe tack well as he is a former Tasmanian from Hobart and won the Tasmanian championship four times before heading north.
Mick Nicola
The Latrobe track also holds no fears for former three-times Australian champion and two-times Grand Prix winner Mick Nicola, of Victoria, who will also rate a strong contender again.
Former multiple Victorian and South Australian champion Lucas Roberts and young gun Jamie Petch complete a strong Victorian contingent.
Another former Australian champion with a winning record at Latrobe (two Grands Prix) is Queensland's Jamie "The Wild Thing" McHugh, who rates the Tasmanian circuit as one of his favourite tracks in all of Australia, with a win this weekend not likely to dull his like of the venue.
Kevin Purton
Pic: D Kingshott
But one of the former Australian champions in the field is also a local in Deloraine's Kevin Purton.
Purton is former two-times Australian champion as well, who has also tasted Grand Prix victory at Latrobe and will again take the battle right up to the visitors.
Former multiple Victorian champion Lucas Roberts has returned for another crack at the nation's biggest prize, joined by up and coming young gun Jamie Petch.
Wayne Randall is a former Queensland champion, who will be driving a car owned by Launceston's Steve Jessup, in which he scored a double victory at Carrick on Saturday and Sunday night in a perfect lead-in to the Grand Prix.
Fellow Queenslander Matt Pascoe also wrapped up the Carline Mufflers National Series in South Australia at the weekend and is now set on adding the Grand Prix title to an already impressive season.
The interstate line-up also includes former South Australian champions Dave Gartner and veteran Bill Miller, experienced veterans Tony Barklimore, hard charging NSW driver Lachlan Onley and exciting West Australian young gun Joel Handley.
The Grand Prix will be held over nine heats on Friday night, plus six more heats and a 50-lap final on Saturday.
But the quality of the local contingent is also impressive, including defending Grand Prix champion and former Tasmanian champion Jarrod Harper, of Hellyer Beach.
Reigning six-times Tasmanian champion David Nichols, of Launceston, and former State champion Phillip Townsend, of Ulverstone, are also previous winners of the Grand Prix and capable of doing so again this weekend.
Ulverstone's Jason McPherson has previously finished third in the Grand Prix and is good enough to go one or two better on his night.
Devonport's Grant Hopkins, Hobart duo Steve Latham and Bruno Jetson, and Launceston pair Adam Beechey and Sam Hughes are all hard chargers with the ability to upset some of the more fancied visitors in what should be two nights of great racing.
The support programme will include the Speedkart Mini-Grand Prix on both nights, plus V8 AMCA nationals, modified production sedans and lightning sprints on Friday night from 6 p.m., with Formula 500s, street stock sedans, Tassie sixes and street stock sedans on the support program on Saturday from 4.30 p.m.
Press Release by: Martin Agatyn
Tas-Link Media Service
17 Jan 2010
Photography by: Damon Kingshott
See all Damon's photos here
Yanks too good for Tas drivers in sprintcar test series
The American speedway team of Craig Dollansky, Paul McMahan and Lucas Wolfe completed a clean sweep of the Chickenfeed USA v Tasmania Sprintcar Test Series at Latrobe last night to win the second test and wrap up the series 2-0.
Kurt Lutrell on the way to a win in Heat One
But the Tasmanian team of Shaun Dobson, Kurt Luttrell and Jamie Bricknell did their home State proud at the Bendigo Bank Arena, only losing the second test by two points after a thrilling night of racing in front of a huge crowd.
With each of the six heats scored on a 6, 5, 4, 3, 2 and 1 basis, the home team started strongly when Kurt Luttrell won the first heat.
However, McMahan showed his ability with a good win in the second, followed by Dollansky winning the next, with Tasmania still in the lead.
However, despite Hobart's Shaun Dobson winning the fourth heat, the Americans finished second, third and fourth to take the majority of the points on offer and level the score.
With two heats remaining victories went to McMahan and Luttrell again, with placings deciding the final outcome.
The visitors took a three-point lead after the fifth heat with first, third and fourth placings and despite Luttrell winning the final dash and leading the Tasmanians to an 11-10 victory, the Americans held on to win by two points overall.
Dollansky charging toward victory
Later in the night Dollansky wowed the crowd with an amazing drive in the all-in non-test final which also included the top 11 local Tasmanian drivers who had been competing separately on the same programme.
Reigning Tasmanian champion Adrian Redpath qualified on pole position for the 30-lap event with South Australian Jamie Cobby on the outside.
Redpath and Cobby entertained the crowd with a titanic struggle in the opening stages, but it was the charge of Dollansky from grid 18, which captured most of the attention.
By the seventh lap he was in sixth place and carving his way through the traffic he hit the lead on lap 17.
Despite a deflating front tyre slowing his progress late in the race, Dollansky continued to dictate terms to record a stunning victory.
Redpath eventually overcame a determined Cobby to claim second ahead of the South Australian, while Dollansky's team-mate Paul McMahan, who had started from grid 17, also did a number on the locals to rocket through to fourth and pressuring Cobby for third in the final few laps.
Maroske in action
Earlier in the night Queensland and Northern Territory junior sedan champion Cody Maroske added the national crown to his list of titles by winning the CJD Equipment Australian Junior Sedan Championship.
Starting from grid six in the 25-lap incident-packed final, Maroske hit the lead after eight laps to win from Victorian duo Mitch Whiting and Michael Gorman.
Fellow Victorian Peter Doukas qualified on pole position for the final with Whiting on the outside, but spun on the first lap causing a stoppage.
With Doukas sent to the rear for the re-start, Tasmanian champion Brock Webster, of Sassafras, who had qualified on grid three, advanced to pole for the resumption, but struggled to maintain the early pace in front and slipped back through the field to eventually finish 10th in what was also the leading performance by a local Tasmanian driver in the final.
Whiting took the lead at the re-start and looked comfortable in front, until Maroske found his way to second on lap seven and then hit the lead a lap later.
Maroske was able to open up a gap once in front and despite a number of incidents and stoppages back in the pack, he was able to re-establish his lead at every re-start to go to record a well-deserved victory.
Whiting was able to retain second spot, but not without an entertaining battle with Gorman, who had started from grid eight.
Junior National Champion - Cody Maroske
But arguably the drive of the race, apart from the winner, came from Queensland teenager Hamish Redman, who started from grid 20 and finished a close fourth, just missing out on a podium position.
The championship attracted almost 60 entries from all over Australia, with drivers aged from 11-17, in the junior category for four cylinder 1200 cc engined cars.
For printable copy of press release including full results.. click here.
Press Release by: Martin Agatyn
Tas-Link Media Service
14 Jan 2010
Photography by: Damon Kingshott
Tassie team seeking revenge on US drivers at Latrobe
The Tasmanian Test Series Team
The Tasmanian sprintcar test team will be hoping to regain some lost pride at the Bendigo Bank Arena at Latrobe this Saturday night when take on three of the world's best in the second round of the Chickenfeed USA v Tasmania Sprintcar Test Series.
The American team of Craig Dollansky, Paul McMahan and Lucas Wolfe came away from Hobart last weekend in the first test with a comprehensive victory.
The Tasmanian team of Shaun Dobson, from Hobart, and Launceston trio Jason Dawkins, Jamie Bricknell and Kurt Luttrell will be hoping to level the series and possibly score enough points as well to win the series on aggregate.
Craig Dollansky in the No#1 Chickenfeed Car
Last weekend, the American team won five of the six heats contested and consistently had drivers on the podium to rack up a solid points score, with USA number one driver Dollansky leading by example and finishing first, second or third in five of the six heats as well.
With points scored on a 6, 5, 4, 3, 2 and 1 basis, the visitors have a comfortable 15-point buffer should the series go to a draw and the points come into play to decide a winner.
This means to win the series, the Tasmanians not only have to win the second test at Latrobe, but also win it by at least 16 points to claim overall victory.
Saturday night's programme will also feature a full line-up of local sprintcars who will compete separately to qualify for grid positions in an all-in 30-lap final, in which test team drivers from both teams will be handicapped at the rear of the grid.
Former Tasmanian champion "tornado" Tim Hutchins, of Sassafras, took the honours in Hobart last week, with Shaun Dobson finishing fourth ahead of Jamie Bricknell and Craig Dollansky, with all three test drivers coming from the rear in an exciting battle, which seems sure to continue at Latrobe this weekend.
Pic by: Damon Kingshott
But the action at Latrobe won't just be limited to the sprintcars, with the CJD Equipment Australian Junior Sedan Championship also being decided.
The championship has attracted 56 entries from all over the country and will also be staged on Friday night with 15 heats to be run, along with support racing for lightning sprints and Formula 500s, while street stock sedans will run on the support programme on Saturday night.
On Saturday, the junior sedans will contest five more heats, plus two semi-finals and the all-important 25-lap final to decide the national champion.
Brock Webster
Contenders in the junior sedan title include recently crowned Tasmanian champion Brock Webster, of Sassafras, last year's national title runner-up Ty Galley, from Victoria, and reigning Queensland and Northern Territory champion Cody Maroske, from Queensland.
Former West Australian champion Bronwyn Channing could upset the boys, while front running Victorians Peter Kinnear and Nick Cockerill also rate a chance.
Gates open at 3.00 p.m. both days, with racing from 7.00 p.m. on Friday night and 6.00 p.m. on Saturday.
Press Release by: Martin Agatyn
Tas-Link Media Service
12 Jan 2010
Photography by: Damon Kingshott
Yanks take lead in speedway test series
The US Dream Team as captured by D Kingshott
The American team of Craig Dollansky, Paul McMahan and Lucas Wolfe have taken an early lead in the Chickenfeed Tasmania-USA Sprintcar Test Series after the first round at the Mountain Dew Ice Raceway in Hobart on Saturday night.
The first test consisted of six five-lap dashes against three Tasmanian drivers with duties being shared by Hobart teenager Shaun Dobson and Launceston drivers Jamie Bricknell, Kurt Luttrell and Jason Dawkins.
With points scored on a 6 to 1 basis, with 6 for a win, the Americans set the pace from the very first heat, finishing second, third and fourth, to score 12 points to the Tasmanians' 9.
Paul McMahan, Craig Dollansky & Lucas Wolfe
The Americans continued to drive consistently in the remaining five heats, amassing 70 points to Tasmania's 55, and will now take a handy 15-point lead into the second test at the Bendigo Bank Arena at Latrobe next Saturday night.
Craig Dollansky, from Minnesota, was the stand-out driver for the visitors, finishing in the top three in five of the six heats, regardless of where he started on the six-car grid.
Jamie Bricknell was the most consistent Tasmanian driver, scoring two seconds and a third during the evening.
The only Tasmanian heat win came in the first heat when Shaun Dobson crossed the line first, but the home team still lost the heat on points.
The honourable Dick Adamas presents Australian flags to
Jason Dawkins, Shaun Dobson, Jamie Bricknell & Kurt Luttrell
Trailing by 19 points before the sixth and final heat, the Tasmanians clawed back some of the deficit when Lucas Wolfe was unable to start because of a dangerous fuel leak.
Conceding the victory to Paul MacMahan, the Tasmanian drivers drive as a team to prevent Craig Dollansky from moving through the field to finish second, third and fourth and also deny Dollansky a clean sweep of podiums for the night.
Local non-test sprintcars competed on the same programme with an all-in final and the test teams starting at the rear of the grid.
Although the 30-lap final did not carry any test points, all test team drivers drove superbly, with Dobson finishing fourth ahead of Bricknell, and Dollansky, who had started at the rear of the grid in 14th spot.
The final was won by former Tasmanian champion "Tornado" Tim Hutchins, of Sassafras, who qualified on pole position with a win and a fourth from his two non-test heats.
Hutchins and Latrobe's Adrian Redpath entertained the large crowd with an enthralling battle, swapping the lead on several occasions before Hutchins gained a small advantage in lapped traffic to establish a decisive lead.
The race was stopped on lap 13 when American Paul McMahan rolled his car, but only sustained minor damage.
After the re-start Redpath battled with Launceston veteran Gerry Hoekstra, before breaking loose in the dying stages, with Hoekstra hanging on for a good third, his best result of the season so far.
Hutchins' victory was his second in as many weeks, after having also won round five of the Farmers Union Iced Coffee Sprintcar Series at Latrobe last week.
Brock Webster the new Tas Junior Sedan Champion
Saturday night's programme also included the Tasmanian Junior Sedan Championship, which also proved a boon for another Sassafras driver, Brock Webster.
In what will be his last season as a junior, the Coastal teenager, equal top qualified for the 20-lap final with Lilydale's Louis Stone after they both won their only two heats.
However, Webster won the toss of the coin to decide pole position and started strongly at the green light.
Stone struggled and soon lost touch as Wesbster opened a considerable gap in front of the field.
The title featured a number of mainland drivers in the State to also contest next weekend's Australian championship at Latrobe, with interstate competitors fighting it out for the minor placings behind Webster.
Queensland's Mitch Thompson and Victorians Michael Gorman and Mitch Whiting all had a share of second, third and fourth at various stages, but the only time Webster's lead came under any threat was six laps from the finish after a stoppage and consequent re-start.
Gorman found some extra speed at the re-start and challenged Webster before dropping back to the pack again and eventually finishing third behind Whiting.
The victory was a sweet one for Webster, not only because it is his last season in juniors, but because he finished fourth behind three mainlanders in last season's title at Carrick as the best Tasmanian.
For full results click here.
Press Release by: Mountain Dew Ice Raceway, Hobart
On their way and on display!
5 Jan 2010
They are on their way! Craig Dollansky, Lucas Wolfe and Paul McMahan to take on Bricknell, Dawkins, Luttrell and Dobson in the inaugural Chickenfeed USA versus Tasmania Sprintcar Challenge.
Craig Dollansky
www.dollanskyracing.com
Dollansky showed he is running hot at the moment when he gave World Series Sprintcar competitors a spectacular driving lesson when he won at Warrnambool last Friday night. In a driving exhibition described as breath taking by commentators and competitors alike, he showed the fans why he is referred to as the 'Crowd Pleaser'
Dollansky backed this up with a strong second place in the South Australian Sprintcar Title held last Sunday.
Pretty boy McMahan is a very exciting driver and will not be shy in offering advice to the Tasmanian team and informing the fans just how he is going to do us over. He has an inside edge in his knowledge of the Dawkins entry having teamed up in the past with team owner and vehicle engineer, Robin Dawkins.
The youth of the US team is in 23 year old Lucas Wolfe. He will approach his driving duties in a more deliberate and direct manner compared to the other two and is regarded as the dark horse of this talented trio.
Dollansky and his race car will be in the Hobart Mall this Thursday the 7th January between the hours of 11.30 and 1.30pm. Come along and meet this world class driver and see the brand new Chickenfeed Sprintcar.
Shaun Dobson's sprinter will also be on display representing the Tassie Team.
On the same program on Saturday night is the Tasmanian Junior State Title which has has attracted 27 entries, including 11 from the mainland.
Gates open at 3pm and racing starts at 6pm.
Purchase your tickets from all Chickenfeed stores and save $5 per ticket.
Press Release by: Bendigo Bank Arena
Format announced for the USA vs Tas Sprintcar Challenge
4 Jan 2010
Click here to see the format.
Press Release by: Martin Agatyn
Tas-Link Media Service
4 Jan 2010
Photography by: Damon Kingshott
Nichols, Hutchins star in V8 double header
Launceston super sedan driver David Nichols and Sassafras sprintcar racer "Tornado" Tim Hutchins were the stars of the G and W Landscaping and Timber Supplies V8 Double Header meeting at the Bendigo Bank Arena at Latrobe on Saturday night.
Super Sedan winner - David Nichols
Nichols took out his sixth victory in the prestigious Gary Devlin Memorial Super Sedan Classic, which was also round three of the National Pies Super Sedan Series, while Hutchins recorded a solid win in round five of the Farmers Union Iced Coffee Sprintcar Series.
Former State champion and three-times Gary Devlin Memorial winner Phillip Townsend qualified on pole position for the 30-lap final after three even heats which produced nine different placegetters.
However, Townsend did not start well and Nichols jumped into the lead from outside pole position after only one lap. Townsend came under attack from a succession of drivers and started to lose ground as 2008 memorial winner Steve Latham, of Hobart, and former State champion Jarrod Harper, of Hellyer Beach started to make in-roads.
Latham loomed up alongside Nichols and sat on his outside for five exciting laps but was unable to sneak past and eventually dropped in back behind the leader.
Nichols continued to set the pace with Latham forced to settle for second, with Harper a short distance away in third, but never really close enough to challenge for second.
Tim Hutchins - Sprintcar Winner
In the sprintcar final, Hutchins qualified on pole position with a win and a third in his heats and was never headed for the entire 30-lap distance.
The win elevated him from third to second in the Farmers Union series, with series leader Jamie Bricknell and previously second-placed driver Shaun Dobson, of Hobart, finishing third and fourth respectively in the race.
Smithton's Ashley House recorded his best result of the season to date with s solid second, after qualifying on
Gridding up.. as captured by D Kingshott
grid two for the final, but was never close enough to challenge Hutchins for the lead, who proved masterful in weaving his way through lapped traffic.
Bricknell started from grid five with Dobson behind him on seven and the youthful pair edged their way towards the front for a creditable result.
On the same programme the Tasmanian Street Stock Sedan Championship ended in controversy with Devonport driver John Riley being declared the winner.
The 30-lap final was won by former four-times champion Troy Russell, of Turners Beach, who was disqualified after the race when post-race scrutineering revealed a technical anomaly with his engine, considered a breach of the rules.
John Riley takes over Andrew Pare
Russell had qualified on outside pole position for the 30-lap final alongside former three-times champion Brett Waddington, of Ulverstone, and their battle for the lead for the first 25 laps was a highlight of the race, with the lead changing several times as each took advantage of lapped traffic in an entertaining scrap.
However, four laps from the finish, Waddington was involved in an incident, which resulted in a stoppage.
Officials ruled Waddington had been the cause, ordering him to the rear for the re-start.
Waddington refused and parked his car on the in-field.
At the resumption Russell led from Riley, who had driven a steady race after starting from grid seven and gradually working his way towards the front.
The revised placings after Russell's disqualification had Riley as the new State champion, with Hobart drivers Michael Zietsen and Drew Manser as the minor placegetters.
The support programme saw racing for Formula 500s, bombers and speedkarts.
The Formula 500 final was won by Brad Whitchurch, making amends for a big accident at Carrick last week, while State champion Josh Knight was declared the winner of an accident-shortened bomber final.
Corey Dransfield made a welcome return to speedkart racing to win the senior final, while Devonport youngster Benjamin Boun broke the ice to record his maiden victory in the junior final.
Click here for FULL RESULTS.
Press Release by: Martin Agatyn
Tas-Link Media Service
30 Dec 2009
Classic V8 speedway double at Latrobe
Speedway fans will welcome in the New Year with a double dose of V8 action at the Bendigo Bank Arena at Latrobe on Saturday night with the GW Landscaping & Timber Supplies V8 Double Header. More...
Press Release by: Bendigo Bank Arena
17 Dec 2009
Tas drivers announced for Chickenfeed USA versus Tasmania Sprintcar Challenge
The Tasmanian sprintcar drivers selected to compete against America's Craig Dollansky, Lucas Wolfe and Paul McMahan in the inaugural Chickenfeed USA versus Tasmania Sprintcar Challenge are 17year old Shaun Dobson from Hobart; Launceston's 20 year old Jamie Bricknell; the ever aggressive Kurt Luttrell and the former State Champion Jason Dawkins.
Both Bricknell and Dobson are in red hot form at the moment and are currently first and second respectively in the Farmers Union Ice Coffee Sprintcar Series. Their youth and proven ability when competing on the mainland make them an integeral part of the team.
Launceston's Kurt Luttrell showed everyone a clean pair of heels at the last Bendigo Bank Arena meeting and if he can control his enthusiam & aggression he will be a driver that the Yanks will have to be wary of.
'Mr Experience' Jason Dawkins will shoulder the responsibility of holding the Tasmanian team together. When advised of his selection, Dawkins said "I just cant wait to go racing."
The Chickenfeed Sprinters are now complete with the finishing touch of the signwriting added just yesterday.
Chickenfeed Marketing Manager, Adrian Smith said they are thrilled with how the cars have come up and the clever combination of experience, youth and aggression in the team selection is sure to challenge the Americans to the utmost.
Jamie Bricknell(left)
Shaun Dobson (right)
Press Release by: Martin Agatyn
Tas-Link Media Service
6 Dec 2009
Harper's V8 victory on home ground at Latrobe
Coastal V8 driver Jarrod Harper, of Hellyer Beach, went from boiled lollies to chocolates at the Bendigo Bank Arena at Latrobe on Saturday night with a thrilling win in round two of the National Pies Super Sedan Series.
More...
Press Release by: Mountain Dew Ice Raceway, Hobart
24 Nov 2009
Same Driver - New Car
Local car owner Steve Jessup will debut his new Pontiac GXPR this Saturday night in the
Tilford Group/Trade Clearance Centre state super sedan title at Mountain Dew Ice Raceway, Hobart
The vehicle will be driven by Queensland's Wayne Randall who is regarded as one of the top super sedan drivers in the country.
"It's a brand new Rocket Chassis and a new look paint job. The engine has been re specked and upgraded giving much more torque down low", Jessup said earlier this week.
Randall enjoys driving at Hobart and with a new and improved chassis and a more user friendly motor, he definitely rates as one of the favourites.
With Victoria's Mick Nicola also a title entry, this event now boasts two well credentialled mainland drivers who will be vying to take out the win.
Press Release by: Mountain Dew Ice Raceway, Hobart
21 Nov 2009
Victorian sensation is on the way
Top Victorian super sedan driver and crowd favourite Mick Nicola is on his way to compete in the
Tilford Group/Trade Clearance Centre, state title at the Mountain Dew Ice Raceway , Hobart on the 28th November.
Nicola has completed the usual off season maintenance work on his race car and is in the throws of fitting a new body to it.
Mick Nicola
Nicola 's aim is to win the title, however by his own admission he knows it will be no easy feat.
Speaking from Melbourne, Nicola said the Tasmanians are good drivers and this is recognised nationally.
"If I can come into their backyard and steal their title it will rate as one of my greatest race victories" he said.
Nicola has issued a warning to the likes of Harper, Purton, Hughes, Latham and current Tas number one David Nichols that he is not coming over to be Mr Nice Guy and they will have to be at their best, because he is on a mission.
Press Release by: Martin Agatyn
Tas-Link Media Service
18 Nov 2009
Josh Smith in flight
Speedway records tumble at Latrobe
It was a record breaking night at the Bendigo Bank Arena at Latrobe on Saturday night with no less than three speedway lap records being lowered at the Mainsafe Classic meeting.
A big crowd was also treated to some spectacular action with a number of big crashes, fortunately with only minor injuries reported to drivers. More...
Press Release by: Martin Agatyn
Tas-Link Media Service
11 Nov 2009
Sprintcars return to Latrobe for Speedway Blast
Spectacular, high-octane, adrenaline fuelled sprintcar action will return to the Bendigo Bank Arena at Latrobe for the first time this season on Saturday night. More..
Press Release by: Martin Agatyn
Tas-Link Media Service
25 Oct 2009
Latham storms to memorial V8 victory
Hobart V8 speedway driver Steve Latham scored his second win in four years in the Barry and Wayne Radford Memorial Super Sedan race at Latrobe on Saturday night to open his season on a winning note. More...
Press Release by: Martin Agatyn
Tas-Link Media Services
22 October 2009
Latrobe kicks off Tasmanian summer of speedway
The 2009-2010 Tasmanian speedway season will blast into action at the Bendigo Bank Arena at Latrobe this Saturday night in what will be the first of 26 meetings Statewide, over 34 nights of action-packed racing between now and late April. More...
Article by: Cara Tatnell (Red Grand Management)
19 Oct 2009
Bendigo Bank Arena LAUNCHES into the new season
About 180 people attended the 2009/ 2010 season launch for the Bendigo Bank Arena on Friday night at the Edgewater in Devonport.
The annual event is an opportunity for the board members and key personnel to acknowledge and thank the sponsors and highlight the events of the upcoming calendar, which promise to showcase not only the Bendigo Bank Arena as a leading speedway in Australia but also the area and infact Tasmania as a tourist destination.
Chas Kelly made an address as CEO of Latrobe Speedway Pty Ltd, as did Event Director John Carr and Accounts Manager Gary Poulton.
Chickenfeed said the Tasmanian retailer is thrilled to be able to continue their sponsorship this season, with the Chickenfeed USA versus Tasmania Test Series of course being the highlight.
With the formalities over it is now down to work for the team at the Bendigo Bank Arena who have no less than 3 national titles, a host of state titles and an unprecedented international Sprintcar Test Series to stage in coming months.
Stay tuned for latest on the season as it unfolds right here online.
Article by: Bendigo Bank Arena
14 Oct 2009
Team USA cars well underway..
January 2010 promises to be huge on the Tasmanian Speedway scene as the Chickenfeed USA Versus Tasmania Test Team, prepares to do battle at the Mountain Dew Ice Raceway on the 9th January and the following week at Bendigo Bank Arena Latrobe on the 16th January, 2010.
Part of that preparation includes the actual supply and assembly of the three cars for the Americans which is being undertaken by Robin Dawkins in his Launceston workshop.
All chassis and mechanical parts are brand new and have been shipped in from the USA.
The sprinters will be powered by 410 cubic inch motors that are being prepared by Maxwill Engines in South Australia.
The lucky US drivers set to sit behind the wheels of these meticulously prepared vehicles are
Craig Dollansky, Paul McMahon and Lucas Wolfe.
All three drivers competed in the famous World Of Outlaws trial at the recent Knoxville Classic (America's richest and most prestigious sprintcar race) and they all qualified for the A Main which is a significant achievement in itself.
Dollansky is rated in the top 5 drivers in the US and he will definitely set the track alight when he appears. He is a real hard charger and is awesome in traffic.
These three USA drivers all competing at the same time on the one track will be a real coup for Tasmanian Speedway and will rival any scene on the national speedway circuit this season.
The cars will be hard to miss , decked out in Chickenfeed colours with yellow chassis, red panel work and a white tail tank with stars and stripes.
They can be seen here in their current form and we will update you as the cars progress through the assembly line over coming months.
Article by: Bendigo Bank Arena
30 Sep 2009
Pit Marshalls to get new Office
Finally after much discussion & planning the Latrobe Speedway Drivers Association (LSSDA) in conjunction with the Latrobe Speedway Board are in the throws of upgrading their outdated pit offices. The current office is being replaced by a 40 foot container which is to be located on the two 20 foot containers currently in use.
The containers will be clad to give it a professional look and the interior will be fully fitted out.
The upstairs area will house the Pit Marshall, an area for the LSSDA track Officials and a guest lounge.
A walk way will face the pit area for people to use and to observe what is happening in the pit area.
With three Australian Titles and three Tasmanian Titles to be decided at Bendigo Bak Arena this coming season the upgrade was certainly needed and will be fully utilised.
Press Release by: Martin Agatyn
Tas-Link Media Services
27 August 2009
Third US star announced for Tas Speedway Series...
American young gun Lucas Wolfe has been confirmed as the third member of the US speedway sprintcar team which will tour Tasmania in January. More...
Press Release by: Bendigo Bank Arena
18 August 2009
Final member of team USA announced..
The 2008 Outlaws Rookie of the year - 22 year old Lucas Wolfe has been named as the third and f