After winning the previous night’s preliminary feature race in impressive fashion, Chadwick, whose back-to-back wins is now five Australian Championships for the state of South Australia (adding to that tally are Chadwick’s double, Todd Wigzell’s pair of wins in 2012 and 2015 and Rory Button’s inaugural win in 2009), started from the outside of the front row for the 2018 Australian Championship deciding feature race.

L-R Mark Blyton (2nd), Joel Chadwick (1st) and Dean Thomas (3rd)

Photo: Crashy’s Photos

Lined up beside pole sitter and Valvoline Raceway track specialist Mark Blyton (NSW), Chadwick battled for the lead with Blyton before taking full control of the lead after a dozen completed laps. From there, he was never headed for the remainder of the 35-lap event.

Despite the best efforts from Blyton, he had to settle for second behind Chadwick in what turned out to be a career-best finish for the veteran racer in a title event.

In a feature race that impressively went 30 laps without a single caution period, there were two stoppages in the closing stages, which also included a return of the wet weather. Lap 30 saw the race brought to a halt after heavy contact between David Eggins (NSW) and two-time Australian Super Sedan Champion Peter Logue (Vic) on the main straight resulted in Logue, who had earlier won the B main, crashing into the outer tyre wall. Both drivers weren’t injured but they were retirements.

As they say in motorsport, caution periods breed caution periods, and that’s exactly what occurred, when three laps later, youngster and Valvoline Raceway newcomer Matthew Iwanow (WA), who was running in eighth place after qualifying fifth, spun around entering turn four and sustained race-ending damage in the process, while Anthony Tapley (SA) also spun in the incident. While Iwanow was sidelined, Tapley was able to restart at the tail of the field.

With a two-lap sprint to the chequered flag, the rain began to fall, and that certainly created yet another challenge for Chadwick as he came up to tackle the green, white, chequer. Handling the pressure of a greasy, unpredictable track surface with ease, he went on to put together two trouble-free laps and was rewarded with back-to-back Australian Championship wins.

Joel Chadwick

Photo: Crashy’s Photos

While Chadwick and second-placed Blyton greeted the chequered flag without too many dramas, the battle for third place was certainly intense and it was only decided as the drivers raced towards the finish line. In the end, it was current NSW Champion Dean Thomas (NSW), who earlier in the race dropped back towards the foot of the top 10, who stole the final spot on the podium away from Jason Bates (NSW). Bates, the 2016 NSW Champion, was sitting third up until the final corner, when contact from behind slowed him and it allowed the defending Valvoline Raceway Track Champion to pip him for the spot.

Behind Bates in fifth was current Tasmanian Champion Luke Redpath (Tas). After starting from position 8 in tonight’s feature race, Redpath showed plenty of pace throughout the weekend in what was his Valvoline Raceway debut and he was rewarded with a satisfying top-five result.

A position 13 starting Travis Millar (Vic), one of the weekend’s surprise packets Andy Hibbert (Vic), current Northern Territory Champion Troy Carey (NSW) charged home from position 15, two-time Australian Champion Daniel Hartigan (WA) and impressive Kyle Mock (NSW) rounded out the top-10 finishers.

Troy Carey (NSW) battles with Matthew Symons (Vic)

Photo: Crashy’s Photos

The remaining finishers consisted of Luke Sayre (NSW), Clint McLaren (Vic), Peter Granger (NSW), current Queensland Champion Daniel Flood (NSW), Glenn Wright (Qld), Matthew Symons (Vic), Luke Weel (Vic), current Victorian Champion Glenn Watts (Vic), Tapley and Michael McDonald (Vic).

Apart from Eggins, Logue and Iwanow, the only other Australian Championship decider retirement was Jeff Thomas (NSW), who had started from position 3, and retired on lap 14, due to a fuel pump failure.

Mother nature reared its ugly head during the middle of tonight’s racing, when it brought the night’s proceedings to a stop, due to wet weather front, for over an hour following the completion of the fourth and final round of heat races.

Earlier in the night, the heat-race wins were claimed by Peter Logue, Chris Halesworth (Vic), Carly Walsh (Vic), Watts, David Cook (Vic), Eggins, Weel and Tony Moule (Vic). In the fourth and final round of heat races, it saw seven of the eight winners reside in the state of Victoria.

In the march to the Australian Championship deciding feature race, following the rain delay, the E main was claimed by Shaun Lyness (Vic), the D-main win went the way of Leighton O’Brien (NSW), following the family’s winning form was Mitchell O’Brien (NSW) who drove to victory in the C main, and the final four Australian Championship decider spots on offer in the B main were filled by Peter Logue, who drove to a hard-charging race to win ahead of fellow transferees: Wright, Weel and McDonald. The biggest incident from these last-chance events occurred in the D main, when Steve Thomas (NSW) rode out a huge wreck on lap five in between turns three and four. Although the eldest of the Thomas siblings wasn’t injured, the same couldn’t be said for his car which was destroyed.

Please Note: All Australian Championship results are to remain unofficial, up until engine checks are completed, which are required to be done within a 21-day period.

Appreciation Post: The entire Australian Wingless Sprint Racing committee would like to thank the drivers, pit crews, supporters, officials from the Sprintcar Association of NSW and the Valvoline Raceway team, for their wonderful efforts throughout the weekend that helped make this season’s Australian Championship one of the best.

Get Social: For further AWSR information, visit their website at www.awsr.com.au or LIKE them on Facebook or Follow them on Instagram and Twitter by searching Australian Wingless Sprint Racing.

The post Chadwick Does It Again appeared first on QLD Wingless Sprints.

10. Luke Redpath (Tas)
    As the one of the few drivers amongst the field who have never visited the Valvoline Raceway track before, track experience isn’t on Redpath’s side; however, the current Tasmanian Champion was a force to be reckoned with in last season’s Australian Championship, coming home in a strong second place. While track time certainly isn’t an issue for him, having contested a busy schedule this season between Wingless Sprints, Speedcars and Speedway Karts and collected a total of 8 feature-race wins so far this season, will Redpath be race hardened for the 90 plus competitors he’s soon to face?

9. Jason Martin (NSW)
   The big question mark heading into the Australian Championship is no doubt Martin, who recently exceeded expectations and delivered a career best performance in the NSW Title, coming from eighth in the pole shuffle to start the feature race on the outside of the front row and going on to complete the podium in third. Hungry to prove his impressive performance was no fluke, Martin showed that he wasn’t afraid to go up against the country’s best drivers, but can he back it up under the pressure of the Australian Championship?

8. Luke Weel (Vic)
   Despite not having much experience at the Sydney venue, Weel, who is regarded as one of the country’s fastest racers, has proven that he can qualify well in title events, having earned pole position in the previous two Australian Championships – Toowoomba’s Hi-Tec Oils Speedway and Carrick Speedway – but has been unable to go on with the job. Showing good speed in his past visits to the track, the most recent of which was the NSW Title where he placed 13th due to experiencing dramas throughout his heat races, Weel will be hoping that the third time’s the charm as he shoots for a hat trick of Australian Championship pole position starts. However, on this occasion, he wants to finish the weekend on the top step of the podium.

7. Daniel Hartigan (WA)
   As a two-time Australian Champion, it’s hard not to include Hartigan in our predictions. Making the long trek to Valvoline Raceway for the first time in his career to contest the NSW Title, where he was running strongly inside the top-10 up until an incident with another driver towards the end of race resulted in him spinning out and being sent ROF. Despite the disappointing end to his NSW Title campaign, he showed great pace for a driver who had never seen the track before and he certainly won’t let his lack of track experience get in the way of his hunt for Australian Championship win # 3.

6. Luke Sayre (NSW)
   In a class where consistency is vital, Sayre has definitely been hitting his marks this season, with a feature-race win at Gilgandra Speedway and two minor podium finishes at Valvoline Raceway under his belt. Currently sitting third in the NSW Club Championship point standings, the 18-year-old racer was disappointed to run 11th in the NSW Title and will be looking to make amends in the Australian Championship. If he can qualify strongly, he’ll no doubt be a threat.

5. David Eggins (NSW)
   A regular front-runner on a domestic level, with four-feature race wins to his name this season, Lismore’s Eggins is one of the form drivers in Northern NSW. Having his best ever run at Valvoline Raceway with a pleasing fourth place in the NSW Title, this result will give Eggins a good foundation for a strong Australian Championship performance.

4. Joel Chadwick (SA)
   Recently being forced to qualify for the NSW Title feature race via the B main after a crash during his heat races, going on to salvage a top-10 finish, Chadwick is another example of why a strong qualifying result is so important. While he may have limited Valvoline Raceway track experience, the defending Australian Champion knows just how to handle the pressure of a title event and will leave nothing in the tank in his attempt to claim back-to-back wins.

3. Jason Bates (NSW)
   After qualifying on pole for the NSW Title and ultimately slipping back to eighth, Bates will be determined to bounce back in the Australian Championship. Carrying the confidence of having won the 2016 NSW Title at the Sydney track, along with a multiple feature races, Bates will without a doubt be a contender, so be sure to keep an eye on the green machine!

2. Mark Blyton (NSW)
   At a place where experience counts for everything, we certainly can’t forget about veteran racer Blyton, who has completed more laps around Valvoline Raceway than any other driver, having made his first appearance at the track in the early 1990s. After challenging for the lead in the NSW Title before being forced to settle for the runner-up spot when his car setup dropped off in the latter stages of the race, Blyton will be hungry to go one better in the Australian Championship and achieve his maiden Australian Championship victory.

1. Dean Thomas (NSW)
   All eyes will be on Thomas during the Australian Championship, after his impressive and dominant victory in the recent NSW Title. As the current Valvoline Raceway Track Champion, all thoughts lead to Thomas running at the pointy end of the Australian Championship feature-race field, but his rivals certainly won’t make it easy!

Honourable Mentions: current Australia # 3 Daniel Storer (Vic), current Victorian Champion and Australia # 4 Glenn Watts (Vic), current Northern Territory Champion Troy Carey (NSW), current Queensland Champion Daniel Flood (NSW), Matthew Iwanow (WA), Travis Millar (Vic), Harley Smee (NSW), Ashleigh Jack (NSW), Peter Logue (Vic), Peter Granger (NSW) and Jason Davis (NSW).

The above top-10 predictions are just a guide and only just scratch the surface in terms of the number of likely front-runners. All we know is that the 2018 Australian Championship will no doubt be an action packed and extremely competitive event!

Event Information: Having commenced yesterday with scrutineering and the Calcutta, the opening night of Australian Championship competition commences tonight with hot laps, three rounds of heat races and a preliminary feature race, followed by the fourth and final round of heat races, the D main, C main, B main and the Australian Championship-deciding feature race tomorrow night.

Get Social: For more information on the AWSR, visit their website at www.awsr.com.au or LIKE them on Facebook or Follow them on Instagram and Twitter by searching Australian Wingless Sprint Racing.

The post Top 10 Australian Championship Contenders appeared first on QLD Wingless Sprints.

With a competitive racing career spanning over 25 years, Glenn Wright is certainly not without experience when it comes to winning feature races, having already performed strongly throughout his home state of Queensland and northern NSW, taking top honours in a show at Lismore Speedway back in December.

Currently sitting inside the top-10 of the Ian Boettcher Race Parts Queensland Club Championship, the defending Club Champion, from Ipswich, has already ventured to Valvoline Raceway this season and will be hoping to draw on his added experience come the Australian Championship, after winning a heat race during the meeting and delivering a pleasing overall performance.

The youngest of the Thomsen clan, a surname which is synonymous with speedway racing in Queensland with the family being great supporters of the Wingless Sprints class, Brody has also visited the state of NSW to race in past seasons, which he hopes will have a positive impact on his Australian Championship outcome.

Despite not having completed much racing this season, the 22-year-old racer from Maryborough has already visited the podium and is currently sitting 10th in the Ian Boettcher Race Parts Queensland Club Championship.

The Australian Championship will be held over three nights, beginning on Thursday (February 1) with scrutineering during the day and the Calcutta at night. The following night (February 2) will see drivers hit the track to contest hot laps, three rounds of heat races and a preliminary feature race, with the fourth and final round of heat races, the D main, C main, B main and the Australian Championship-deciding feature race to be held on the Saturday night (February 3).

To find out more about the Australian Championship, contact Mick Parry on 0423 548 622.

For more information on the AWSR, visit their website at www.awsr.com.au or LIKE them on Facebook or Follow them on Instagram and Twitter by searching Australian Wingless Sprint Racing.

The post 2018 Australian Championship Preview: Queensland appeared first on QLD Wingless Sprints.

Off the back of a successful 2016-17 season Queensland Title at Toowoomba’s Hi-Tec Oils Speedway, which was won by NSW visitor Daniel Flood, this season’s running of the event is set to take place at the showground track of Kingaroy Speedway on the Sunday night of May 6 during the Labour Day long weekend.

With the state title crown having crossed the border last season after a healthy contingent of interstate drivers travelled north to the Sunshine State to participate, the club will once again be hoping to see the thrilling state rivalry continue as the Queensland natives attempt to steal back the title.

“We’re looking very forward to this season’s Queensland Title and we’re hoping to see upwards of 30 cars participating in the event,” commented Wingless Sprints Queensland President Brad Keiler.

“We’ve already had a number of different drivers taste victory this season, with some impressive rookies also having joined the ranks, so the Queensland Title is sure to produce some highly-competitive and entertaining racing.”

Wingless Sprints Queensland is currently seeking sponsors for the upcoming Queensland Title. The club is also looking for an official to join them and assist with the running of their race meetings. To register your interest for sponsorship or the official position please contact Brad Keiler on 0422 393 336.

For more information on Wingless Sprints Queensland, contact Brad Keiler on 0422 393 336 or visit their website at www.awsr.com.au/qld. You can also LIKE them on Facebook by searching Wingless Sprints Qld.

The post Qld Title Date Confirmed appeared first on QLD Wingless Sprints.

With Mother Nature winning out over round two of the Club Championship at Brisbane’s Archerfield Speedway, with drivers only able to complete their heat races prior to the remainder of the meeting being cancelled due to rain, five of the six previous rounds were successfully completed, with numerous drivers featuring inside the top three.

Leading the charge this season, youngster Cody O’Connell is currently topping the Club Championship point score, following a round win and a third-place finish, with the youngster also having claimed an impressive victory in the recent Gold Cup at Maryborough Speedway over the Christmas-New Year period.

After winning the opening Club Championship round at Archerfield Speedway back in September, Brant Chandler, who spent last season on the sidelines, managed to carry his winning form through to the club’s most recent hit out and the sixth round of the Club Championship, also at Archerfield Speedway, earning him some valuable points which now see him sitting just 22 points behind leader O’Connell.

While not having yet achieved a feature-race victory this season, the consistent Paul Robinson has certainly been knocking on the door, with a pair of runner-up finishes in rounds one and three earning him a total of 557 points, 37 points shy of Chandler, while Brian Dixon has also visited the podium this season.

Despite not having done much racing this season, Glenn Wright found himself on the podium at Toowoomba’s Hi-Tec Oils Speedway in the rescheduled fifth Club Championship round, while a mixed season for Brody Thomsen saw his best result come one round prior with a third-place finish at Kingaroy Speedway.

A handful of minor podium results this season from NSW-based visiting driver Robert Mazzer have earned him eighth place in the Club Championship point standings. Also featuring in the top-10 points, Wingless Sprints Queensland President Brad Keiler came home fifth in the hotly-contested Gold Cup behind Mackay’s David Lindsay, while Geoff Davies’ recent podium result in the latest Club Championship round sees him sitting seventh.

Making an encouraging debut in the class this season, Josh Dreaver heads up the rookie ranks, with the teenager exceeding expectations in the latest Club Championship round, coming home in a pleasing second place.

The hard luck tales for rookies goes to budget racer Stevie Love, who hasn’t let his bad luck curb his enthusiasm, while Tim Harris is looking forward to making a return to the track shortly, after his steering broke just two laps into his maiden race meeting.

Also joining the class this season is New Zealand ex-pat Paul Taylor from Kingaroy, who has been improving greatly with each race meeting, along with Jason Black and Sam West. The latter is yet to make his debut in his ex-Jason King car.

With a host of Club Championship rounds and blue-ribbon events still to come, it’s going to be an action-packed second half of the season for Wingless Sprints Queensland, commencing with the Australian Championship at Sydney’s Valvoline Raceway from February 1-3, where Wright and Thomsen will be the two drivers flying the flag for their state.

Following the Australian Championship, this season’s Easter Trail will be held over three rounds, commencing at Hi-Tec Oils Speedway on Good Friday (March 30), with round two being held at Archerfield Speedway the following night. The Easter Trail will conclude with round three on Easter Sunday (April 1) at Maryborough Speedway.

May 19 will see the running of the 50 Lapper at Archerfield Speedway, which will double as the 12th Club Championship round, with the club’s final meeting of the season taking place back at Archerfield Speedway on June 9.

For their next appearance, drivers will return to Archerfield Speedway for the seventh Ian Boettcher Race Parts Club Championship round on the Saturday night of January 20.

Wingless Sprints Queensland is currently seeking sponsorship for the upcoming Queensland Title. The club is also looking for an official to join them and assist with the running of their race meetings. To register your sponsorship or the official position interest, please contact Brad Keiler on 0422 393 336.

Based in Ipswich, Queensland, Ian Boettcher Race Parts is one of the country’s leading suppliers of speedway chassis, spare parts, tools, apparel and much more. Built by racers for racers, their professional team is dedicated to delivering clients with exceptional service every time. To find out more about Ian Boettcher Race Parts, visit their website at www.ianboettcherraceparts.com.au, LIKE them on Facebook by searching Ian Boettcher Race Parts or FOLLOW them on Twitter by searching @IanBoettcherRP.

For more information on Wingless Sprints Queensland, contact Brad Keiler on 0422 393 336 or visit their website at www.awsr.com.au/qld. You can also LIKE them on Facebook by searching Wingless Sprints Qld.

Latest Ian Boettcher Race Parts Queensland Club Championship Points:

1. Cody O’Connell – 616 points
2. Brant Chandler – 594
3. Paul Robinson – 557
4. Brian Dixon – 447
5. Joshua Dreaver – 434
6. Brad Keiler – 380
7. Geoff Davies – 294
8. Robert Mazzer – 260
9. Glenn Wright – 212
10. Brody Thomsen – 190

The post Pleasing Sunshine State Season appeared first on QLD Wingless Sprints.

The 2017-18 season has so far been a successful one for Wingless Sprints Queensland, with the club having run six of their 13 Ian Boettcher Race Parts Queensland Club Championship rounds prior to a host of other events which are still to come.

With Mother Nature winning out over round two of the Club Championship at Brisbane’s Archerfield Speedway, with drivers only able to complete their heat races prior to the remainder of the meeting being cancelled due to rain, five of the six previous rounds were successfully completed, with numerous drivers featuring inside the top three.

Leading the charge this season, youngster Cody O’Connell is currently topping the Club Championship point score, following a round win and a third-place finish, with the youngster also having claimed an impressive victory in the recent Gold Cup at Maryborough Speedway over the Christmas-New Year period.

After winning the opening Club Championship round at Archerfield Speedway back in September, Brant Chandler, who spent last season on the sidelines, managed to carry his winning form through to the club’s most recent hit out and the sixth round of the Club Championship, also at Archerfield Speedway, earning him some valuable points which now see him sitting just 22 points behind leader O’Connell.

While not having yet achieved a feature-race victory this season, the consistent Paul Robinson has certainly been knocking on the door, with a pair of runner-up finishes in rounds one and three earning him a total of 557 points, 37 points shy of Chandler, while Brian Dixon has also visited the podium this season.

Despite not having done much racing this season, Glenn Wright found himself on the podium at Toowoomba’s Hi-Tec Oils Speedway in the rescheduled fifth Club Championship round, while a mixed season for Brody Thomsen saw his best result come one round prior with a third-place finish at Kingaroy Speedway.

A handful of minor podium results this season from NSW-based visiting driver Robert Mazzer have earned him eighth place in the Club Championship point standings. Also featuring in the top-10 points, Wingless Sprints Queensland President Brad Keiler came home fifth in the hotly-contested Gold Cup behind Mackay’s David Lindsay, while Geoff Davies’ recent podium result in the latest Club Championship round sees him sitting seventh.

Making an encouraging debut in the class this season, Josh Dreaver heads up the rookie ranks, with the teenager exceeding expectations in the latest Club Championship round, coming home in a pleasing second place.

The hard luck tales for rookies goes to budget racer Stevie Love, who hasn’t let his bad luck curb his enthusiasm, while Tim Harris is looking forward to making a return to the track shortly, after his steering broke just two laps into his maiden race meeting.

Also joining the class this season is New Zealand ex-pat Paul Taylor from Kingaroy, who has been improving greatly with each race meeting, along with Jason Black and Sam West. The latter is yet to make his debut in his ex-Jason King car.

With a host of Club Championship rounds and blue-ribbon events still to come, it’s going to be an action-packed second half of the season for Wingless Sprints Queensland, commencing with the Australian Championship at Sydney’s Valvoline Raceway from February 1-3, where Wright and Thomsen will be the two drivers flying the flag for their state.

Following the Australian Championship, this season’s Easter Trail will be held over three rounds, commencing at Hi-Tec Oils Speedway on Good Friday (March 30), with round two being held at Archerfield Speedway the following night. The Easter Trail will conclude with round three on Easter Sunday (April 1) at Maryborough Speedway.

May 19 will see the running of the 50 Lapper at Archerfield Speedway, which will double as the 12th Club Championship round, with the club’s final meeting of the season taking place back at Archerfield Speedway on June 9.

For their next appearance, drivers will return to Archerfield Speedway for the seventh Ian Boettcher Race Parts Club Championship round on the Saturday night of January 20.

Wingless Sprints Queensland is currently seeking sponsorship for the upcoming Queensland Title. The club is also looking for an official to join them and assist with the running of their race meetings. To register your sponsorship or the official position interest, please contact Brad Keiler on 0422 393 336.

Based in Ipswich, Queensland, Ian Boettcher Race Parts is one of the country’s leading suppliers of speedway chassis, spare parts, tools, apparel and much more. Built by racers for racers, their professional team is dedicated to delivering clients with exceptional service every time. To find out more about Ian Boettcher Race Parts, visit their website at www.ianboettcherraceparts.com.au, LIKE them on Facebook by searching Ian Boettcher Race Parts or FOLLOW them on Twitter by searching @IanBoettcherRP.

For more information on Wingless Sprints Queensland, contact Brad Keiler on 0422 393 336 or visit their website at www.awsr.com.au/qld. You can also LIKE them on Facebook by searching Wingless Sprints Qld.

Latest Ian Boettcher Race Parts Queensland Club Championship Points:

1. Cody O’Connell – 616 points
2. Brant Chandler – 594
3. Paul Robinson – 557
4. Brian Dixon – 447
5. Joshua Dreaver – 434
6. Brad Keiler – 380
7. Geoff Davies – 294
8. Robert Mazzer – 260
9. Glenn Wright – 212
10. Brody Thomsen – 190

The post Pleasing Sunshine State Season appeared first on QLD Wingless Sprints.

Born and bred in the south-east Victorian country town of Cobden, DJ had been involved with speedway in many facets since the 1960s and ‘70s when he raced Super Modifieds, later becoming a mentor to his sons Mark (Freddy) and Darren, who both took up Sprintcar racing in the 1990s after stepping out of Dirt Modifieds. DJ also tried his hand at team ownership after his sons stepped away from their driver duties, with American Tommy Tarlton running for him in the early 2000s.

Continuing DJ’s legacy and making him a very proud grandfather, third-generation racers and grandchildren Carly and Blake Walsh, Mark and his wife Tania’s children, went on to commence their own competitive speedway careers, starting out in Junior Sedans where Blake and is currently building a Wingless Sprint for his first taste of the senior ranks, with Carly currently racing Wingless Sprints and 410 Sprintcars.

Not only was the former Sprintcar Racing Association steward committed to the sport of speedway on the track, he was also a stalwart supporter away from it, having been a major influence in making the Wingless Sprints class what it is today through his contributions in the 2009-10 season as a Victorian Nos Sprints committee member, and having been chief steward for the Victorian Wingless Sprints for multiple seasons.

“On behalf of Australian Wingless Sprint Racing, I would like to thank DJ for his commitment to the sport of speedway over the years, especially to the Wingless Sprints class,” expressed current Australian Wingless Sprint Racing President Mick Parry.

“His contribution to our class and this country’s great sport never went unnoticed and were always greatly appreciated.

“We would like to extend our sincere condolences to DJ’s wife Heather, and children Freddy (Mark) and Darren, along with the rest of the Walsh family during this difficult time.”

For more information on the AWSR, visit their website at www.awsr.com.au or LIKE them on Facebook or Follow them on Instagram and Twitter by searching Australian Wingless Sprint Racing.

The post A Tribute to Dennis Walsh appeared first on QLD Wingless Sprints.

Photo: Lone Wolf Photography

Having three NSW Club Championship rounds scheduled to be held at the host track in the lead up to the Australian Championship, the NSW contingent will be hoping to capitalise on their home-track advantage, while also having the chance to work on their endurance during the annual Lismore 100 Lapper at Lismore Speedway in Northern NSW just a fortnight prior to the championship event.

Contesting a handful of upcoming club shows at Mildura’s Timmis Speedway and Whyalla’s Westline Speedway, the South Australian drivers will no doubt do everything they can in order to keep the Australian Championship crown in their state, as defending Australian Champion Joel Chadwick prepares to make a return to the track and shift his focus back to car racing, after recently winning both the Australian and World Championships in cycle speedway.

Photo: Robert Lake Photography

In Victoria, drivers will certainly be busy preparing for their Australian Championship campaigns. In addition to three AutObarn Super Series rounds, drivers will also have the chance to gain valuable track time in the Crossfire and Western Shootouts at Laang Speedway and Hamilton’s Western Speedway over the Christmas-New Year period, as well as the three-round Summer Slam, which will take place at Western Speedway, Mount Gambier’s Borderline Speedway and Warrnambool’s Premier Speedway from January 5-7.

With their focus currently set on their upcoming Ian Boettcher Race Parts Queensland Club Championship rounds at Toowoomba’s Hi-Tec Oils Speedway and Brisbane’s Archerfield Speedway, the talented field of Queenslanders will ring in the New Year with their Gold Cup, which will be held over two nights at Maryborough Speedway from December 30-31, before turning their attention to their Australian Championship assaults.

The Western Australian drivers have four WA Club Championship rounds ahead of them, before making the long trek east to fly the flag for their state, while the Apple Isle representatives will also contest four race meetings before travelling to the mainland to prove their worth in the Australian Championship.

“Drivers from each state will no doubt be hoping to get as many laps under their belts as possible, to give themselves the best chance of delivering a great Australian Championship performance,” expressed Australian Wingless Sprint Racing President Mick Parry.

“It’s sure to be an extremely competitive field and we’re expecting to receive a record number of nominations, due to the location of this season’s Australian Championship at one of Australia’s premier speedway tracks: Valvoline Raceway.”

Scheduled to be held over three days from February 1-3, scrutineering and the calcutta will be held on the Thursday night at the Wenty Leagues Club in Wentworthville, with racing to commence on Friday night, with drivers completing practice, three rounds of qualifying heat races and a preliminary feature race. The final night of competition on Saturday will see drivers contest the remaining round of heat races, a D, C and B main, and the Australian Championship-deciding feature race.

For more information on the AWSR, visit their website at www.awsr.com.au or LIKE them on Facebook or Follow them on Instagram and Twitter by searching Australian Wingless Sprint Racing.

The post Drivers Gearing Up for Australian Championship appeared first on QLD Wingless Sprints.

Returning to the premier Sydney, NSW track for the second time since the event’s inception, this season’s Australian Championship is gearing up to be the biggest one yet, with the track’s central location making it easy for drivers and teams throughout Australia to participate.

Photo: Lone Wolf Photography

The current record number of nominations received for an Australian Championship occurred at the 2012-13 season running of the event at Warrnambool’s Premier Speedway, where 91 drivers all vied for the crown; however, AWSR President Mick Parry is attempting to outdo this record.

“We’re really hoping to receive over 100 nominations for this season’s Australian Championship and create a new attendance record in the process,” commented Parry

“We’re looking forward to bringing the prestigious event to such a great venue, particularly with Valvoline Raceway having Clay-Per-View facilities, making it easier for family and fans across the country to be involved in the action if they’re unable to make it to the track.”

In order to simplify the nomination process for drivers, the AWSR has introduced an automated payment system through Register Now, where drivers will be able to complete online payments for club membership and nominations, along with tickets to the Australian Championship calcutta. Additional calcutta tickets are also available to members of the general public through a dedicated Register Now link.

DRIVERS: https://www.registernow.com.au/secure/Register.aspx?E=28329

CALCUTTA TICKETS: https://www.registernow.com.au/secure/Register.aspx?E=28328

Scheduled to be held over three days from February 1-3, scrutineering and the calcutta will be held on the Thursday night at the Wenty Leagues Club in Wentworthville, with racing to commence on Friday night, with drivers completing practice, three rounds of qualifying heat races and a preliminary feature race. The final night of competition on Saturday will see drivers contest the remaining round of heat races, a D, C and B main, and the Australian Championship-deciding feature race.

A range of Australian Championship merchandise will also be made available for purchase both prior to the event and at the track during the three-day event.

For more information on the AWSR, visit their website at www.awsr.com.au or LIKE them on Facebook or Follow them on Instagram and Twitter by searching Australian Wingless Sprint Racing.

The post Australian Championship Nominations Open appeared first on QLD Wingless Sprints.

While the dates for the Queensland, Tasmanian and NSW Titles are yet to be confirmed, this season’s Australian Championship has been locked in, taking place over three days from February 1-3 at one of the country’s premier speedway tracks – Sydney’s Valvoline Raceway – closely followed by the Victorian Title at Simpson Speedway a fortnight later.

The following month will see the running of the Western Australian Title at Carnarvon Speedway and the South Australian Title at Mildura’s Timmis Speedway.

Photo: Savage Shots Photography

The shining light for South Australia and Totally Speedway’s # 1 ranked Wingless Sprint driver throughout the country for the 2016-17 season, all eyes will be on Joel Chadwick this season, as he attempts to defend both his Australian and South Australian Titles, while no doubt featuring strongly in a number of other blue-ribbon events.

Getting his season off to the best possible start recently, claiming the win at Murray Bridge Speedway, Anthony Tapley will be hoping to continue his early season form as the season progresses, as will Matthew Kennedy, who took out last Saturday night’s feature race victory at Murray Bridge Speedway. The likes of Spencer Taylor, Michael Spoljaric, Joel Heinrich, Brad Evans, Darryl Sloan and Dale Gesell will all be looking to take a consistent approach to their Club Championship campaigns.

Taking out last season’s Valvoline Raceway Track Championship and the NSW Driver’s Driver award, Dean Thomas is a likely candidate to once again perform well in domestic competition throughout his home state, while NSW Club Championship and Valvoline Raceway Track Championship runner-up Daniel Flood will no doubt be hoping to repeat last season’s efforts, after reaching new heights by winning the Queensland Title at Toowoomba’s Hi-Tec Oils Speedway.

Troy Carey couldn’t be in better form heading into the 2017-18 season, after a strong showing in the Northern Territory saw him claim his maiden state title crown at Darwin’s Northline Speedway; nor could Peter Granger, who claimed last Saturday night’s opening Club Championship round at Valvoline Raceway. Ian Boettcher Race Parts Easter Trail winner Mark Blyton is always competitive, with the veteran racer racking up a number of feature-race wins last season to finish third in the Club Championship, with his son, Marshall, a former Queensland Champion, placing fourth. Harley Smee, Luke Sayre and Sean Dicker will also be ones to watch.

As one of Queensland’s strongest competitors last season, defending Club Champion Glenn Wright will be shooting to continue that form, along with runner-up Jason King and Cody O’Connell, who enjoyed a pleasing debut season in 2016-17 to finish third. After a season on the sidelines, Brant Chandler has already proven that he hasn’t lost his touch, recently winning the opening Ian Boettcher Race Parts Club Championship round at Brisbane’s Archerfield Speedway.

Heading up the strong Victorian contingent will be Luke Weel, who wrapped up the Super Series point standings by virtue of four wins out of the seven rounds, and he also put in an impressive performance during the Australian Championship, qualifying in pole position for the second consecutive season, before experiencing a DNF. Weel has already tasted victory this season, winning last Saturday night’s Twin Feature night at Geelong’s Avalon Raceway.

Current Victorian Champion and Australia # 4 Glenn Watts is a regular front-running contender and will be expected to fare well this season, along with competitive Millar siblings, Travis and Samantha, with Travis taking out the Autobarn Eastern Challenge and the Max Dumesny Motorsport Aggregate point score, while Samantha topped the point standings in the Salt Electrical Ladies of the Dirt Series.

Completing the top three in the Autobarn Eastern Challenge, Peter Logue and with Dayn Bentvelzen will hope to continue their solid consistency and pace this season, while current Australia # 3 Daniel Storer and his brother Luke, Sam Wren, Tony Moule, Wayne Logue, Ebony and Todd Hobson, Nic Green, Wayne Hurford, Carly Walsh, Mick Parry, Marcus Green, Geoff Cook, Most Improved Driver Michael Skene and last season’s Rookie of the Year Michael McDonald are all going to be giving it their all in order to achieve some positive results throughout the season.

After a stellar 2016-17 season, which saw him finish a close second to Chadwick in the Australian Championship in his home state of Tasmania, the always-competitive Luke Redpath will be difficult to beat, having also claimed top honours in the Tasmanian Title. The Driver’s Driver award recipient won’t go unchallenged, with Tasmanian Point Score and BCF Series winner Jeremy Smith amongst the state’s competition.

Bradley Walkley will be expected to perform strongly throughout the season, off the back of placing third in the Tasmanian point score. Rookie of the Year Ryan Harding will be hoping to continue building on his consistency, after a pleasing debut season saw him place second in the BCF Series, while Hadyn McBain, Jamie Rolls, Joe Turnbull and Luke Wilson will also be aiming to put their best foot forward this season, as they attempt to collect valuable points and achieve strong series results.

Once again dominating competition throughout their home state of WA, best mates Tom Payet and Daniel Hartigan will not be easy to beat in the 2017-18 season. Achieving a hat trick of WA Title victories, Payet also took out the Perth Motorplex Fast Series, while two-time Australian Champion Hartigan managed to win both the Club Championship and the Country Series, along with scoring the most feature-race wins with six.

Also performing well in series competition were Brad Taylor, Ashley Pittard and Brendon Wedge, while Matty Fellowes and Dean Gittos will also likely be competitive. Hoping to continue gaining experience throughout the season will be Dylan O’Connor, Daran Humfrey and last season’s Rookie of the Year Brody Miller.

With the 2017 Northern Territory season at Darwin’s Northline Speedway having recently come to an end, WA-based driver Sam Borlini had a solid season, collecting four feature-race wins aboard the Mike Borchardt-owned NT # 14 car, including the Malidook Challenge, while Chris Harrison and Jarrod Garraway each claimed two. Sean Tiedeman was the best of the locals in the NT Title, placing seventh.

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