Evans Makes History, Chadwick Wins Opening Appearance
By Phil Michell
Riverland racer Lucy Evans and Joel Chadwick have been victorious in the latest Wingless Sprint events at Adelaide’s Speedway City over the past two weekends. On November 28 Lucy Evans created history as she and her Brother Daniel Evans (360 Sprint Car Class) are the 1st Sibling Combo to win the Feature Races on the same night, while Chadwick won his first Speedway City main event of the year last Saturday night (December 5).
Saturday 28th November 2015
After a runner-up finish and a third in her two heat races Lucy Evans lined up alongside top qualifier Robert Heard for the final on a track that was extremely damp following the track preparation. As it turned out winning the start was crucial as Evans got to the opening turn first and with the track being hard to pass on, Evans was able to hold on to the win despite being challenged late due to a late race caution.
With three laps to go William Caruso brought on the red lights after riding out a big crash in turn three after he got out of the groove and hit the fence. At that point Evans held a substantial lead but the caution allowed the field to close up but it didn’t faze her as she held on for a history making win ahead of rookie Spencer Taylor, who recorded a career best finish, and Michael Spoljaric.
Fourth place went to Matthew Kennedy with Darryl Sloan, Aaron Doe, Jaime Lee Andrews, Robert Heard, who spun out of contention early in the race, Bronson Mauro and Daniel Obst rounding out the top ten.
Earlier the heat winners were Michael Spoljaric, Robert Heard and Jake Ashworth.
Saturday 5th December 2015
Despite not racing at Speedway City all season Joel Chadwick looked like he was going to be hard to beat right from the outset as he charged to a runner up position in heat 1 after starting from the back row before backing it up in heat 2 with a dominant win. Therefore he started the feature from the pole position and he then went on to take a convincing win with Brett Ireland finishing a distant second. For the second week in a row Michael Spoljaric finished third with Renee Pestka recording yet another fourth placed result ahead of Lucy Evans who backed up her win the week prior with another top five result.
Darryl Sloan continued his impressive return to racing with sixth with Jaime Lee Andrews, Brad Evans, Spencer Taylor and Matthew Kennedy rounding out the top ten.
Brett Ireland, Joel Chadwick and the vastly improved Aaron Doe were the heat winners.
This Saturday night the Wingless Sprint competitors will take on the tight, high banks of the Tolmer Speedway at Bordertown for the first time this season with a field of 10 competitors nominated. The list includes an interesting mix of drivers from across the state and from Victoria. A majority of the field will be travelling down from Mildura with Travis Beasley, Anthony and Melissa McMillan and Mitch Gladman making the trek from interstate while Ronco racer Roydn Bailey will also venture down from the Riverland / Mallee region.
Murray Bridge hard chargers Anthony Tapley and Robert Heard will also be in attendance along with Casey Vanderstelt and Mount Gambier residents Michael Ross and Mitchell Broome.
CURRENT NOMINATIONS – Tolmer Speedway, Bordertown, Saturday 12th December 2015: S3 Roydn Bailey, S4 Travis Beasley, S6 Michael Ross, S31 Casey Vanderstelt, S35 Mitchell Broome, S37 Anthony McMillan, S47 Anthony Tapley, S57 Robert Heard, S69 Mitch Gladman, S73 Melissa McMillan (ROF).