Battling it out of two big nights of racing, it was Travis Millar who ultimately came out on top in last weekend’s ML Automotive Nyora Nationals at Nyora Raceway, following a dominant performance in Sunday night’s feature race.
Returning to what has been a happy hunting ground for him in the past, Millar once again proved himself as a formidable contender, with the current Victorian Champion qualifying in pole position for the 25-lap feature race by virtue of a consistent run throughout his heat races and winning the pole shuffle.
Photo: Louise Norman Photography
Hitting each of his marks during a feature race that was littered with stoppages, Millar was unable to be defeated aboard his Vic # 1 family-owned car, despite constant pressure from second-placed Luke Schneider, who went on to set a new one-lap track record for the class with a 15.094 second lap.
Rounding out the podium in the third and the winner of a fuel pump courtesy of Burson’s Auto Parts in Pakenham was Michael Skene. Skene finished ahead of veteran Peter Logue and Brad Foster in fourth and fifth place respectively. Next across the finish line was Wayne Logue, followed by Thomas McDonald and Steve Loader, the latter of which did well to power through the field to eighth after winning the B main and starting at the tail of the rear.
Completing the top-10 finishers were Aron Lawrence and Brett Milburn, with Milburn running the Wayne Milburn Jnr-owned car for Kim Loong-gosling, who piloted the car on night one.
Remaining finishers included Ricky Mills, newcomer Mathew Mills, who did well to qualify for the feature race after being forced to start each of his heat races from the rear due to his rookie status, Gavin Fitzpatrick, whose night was highlighted by winning his maiden heat race, and Travis Evans.
A huge crash between Glen Harris and Viv Rockliff in the middle stages of the feature race resulted in significant damage to both cars but thankfully both drivers were unharmed. Joining them on the infield was Tony Moule, who was running towards the front of the field before retiring in the early stages with a flat tyre, along with Jake Warren and the Hobson siblings Ebony and Todd.
A unique format on Saturday night saw drivers contest three shootouts following their heat races. Foster was the best in the Bronze Shootout, despite the scheduled 15 laps being called early due to the track curfew approaching, being announced as the winner ahead of Brett Pope and Jake Warren.
In the Silver Shootout, Ebony Hobson emerged victorious, followed by Thomas McDonald and Chris Temby, while Tony Moule won the Gold Shootout from Michael Skene and Travis Millar. Moule also collected a drum of methanol from John Duff & Co Koo Wee Rup for his efforts in recording the quick time throughout each of the shootouts.
In Sunday night’s B main, Loader greeted the chequered flag in first place ahead of Mathew Mills, Milburn and Todd Hobson. Although he missed out on a transfer spot into the feature race, fifth-place finishers Ben Grey didn’t home empty handed, receiving a set of nerf bars from Melbourne Stainless Handrails and Balustrades (owned by Ken Hutchins).
The Victorian Wingless Sprints would like to give special thanks to Burson’s Auto Parts Pakenham, John Duff & Co Koo Wee Rup, Melbourne Stainless Handrails and Balustrades, and Victory Lane Racegear, along with all of the volunteers who helped out over the weekend: Glen Harris, chief steward Shane Coates, Emma Logue, who assisted with grid draws, and Andi Morgan and Julie Taylor, who looked after the transponder timing.
For their next event, a handful of Victorian Wingless Sprint drivers have been selected to participate in this Saturday night’s Jackpot Invitational at Geelong’s Avalon Raceway, including Millar, season opener winner Dayn Bentvelzen and Luke Weel, while a club show will be held at Drouin Speedway on the Sunday.
For more information about the Victorian Wingless Sprints, visit their website at www.awsr.com.au/vic. You can also LIKE them on Facebook by searching Victorian AWSR Wingless Sprintcars.