The Victorian Wingless Sprints are gearing up for a huge 2016-17 season and a number of drivers will be hoping to continue their good form off the back of some impressive results last season.
Managing to successfully defend his Victorian Title by dominating the event at Simpson Speedway, Ballarat-based James Wren finished fourth in the SA Title and third in the Alfie’s Excavation and Plant Hire Super Series, proving that he is going to be difficult to beat in the upcoming season.
A likely challenger for Wren, youngster Daniel Storer achieved his best result when he took out the Alfie’s Excavation and Plant Hire Super Series, claiming three round wins in the process. Storer delivered consistent pace throughout the season and will only continue to improve during 2016-17.
Luke Weel’s campaign was promising, scoring third place in the Victorian Title, fifth in the Alfie’s Excavation and Plant Hire Super Series and coming away with multiple podium finishes. He will be hoping to use last season’s experience to improve, having qualified pole for the Australian Title, but ending up seventh due to a poor tyre decision.
Gary Bowden Memorial Cup winner Wayne Hurford will also be expected to run within the top-five this season, having finished second in the Velocita Eastern Challenge and fourth in the Tasmanian Title, while Peter Logue will be hoping to go one better after finishing second to Hurford in the Gary Bowden Memorial Cup and second to Storer in the Alfie’s Excavation and Plant Hire Super Series.
Despite limited appearances in recent seasons, Andy Hibbert is rated as one of the country’s best. At last season’s Australian Title, he came home with a top-five finish, and there’s no doubt that he will be a front-running contender wherever he appears.
The Victorian Wingless Sprints had their first hit out for the season last Saturday night at Geelong’s Avalon Raceway, where Rhys Baxter showed his early good form with an impressive victory ahead of Travis Millar and Logue. Heat-race wins were awarded to Nic Green, Hurford and Storer.
The 2016-17 season calendar for the Victorian Wingless Sprints includes the 50-Lapper at Laang Speedway on December 28, the Victorian Title at Hamilton’s Western Speedway on April 1 and the Peter Merrett Trophy at Simpson Speedway on April 8.
For more information, contact Troy Small on 0433 344 444 or visit their website at www.awsr.com.au/vic. You can also LIKE them on Facebook by searching Victorian AWSR Wingless Sprintcars.