Jason Bates has officially cemented himself as the number one Wingless Sprint driver in NSW after claiming a thrilling state championship on Saturday night at Valvoline Raceway. Bates led all twenty-five laps to record his second straight win of the season.
He was challenged all the way however from Jeff Thomas who ended the race in second place. Thomas wasn’t letting Bates get too far ahead, especially in the closing laps, as Thomas managed to actually close the gap and give the state title what it deserves – a grandstand finish.
Third to the line was Victorian Luke Weel. The young Victorian did a stellar job all night and also was the highest interstate qualifier from the large contingent of travelling drivers.
Daniel Flood was next home followed by Adam Butler, Nathan Dicker who was super strong in the A-Main coming from position nineteen to finish sixth, Dean Thomas, Troy Carey, South Australian Robert Heard and Marshall Blyton come home in tenth.
Eleventh was Queenslander Scott Thomsen and then Mark Blyton, Rhys Baxter, Jeff Neve, Jason Davis, Peter Logue, Mitchell O’Brien, Sean Dicker, Luke Storer, Jason Martin, Jarrad Rust and Chris McInerney was the final placed finisher. Non-finishers were Harley Smee and Victorian Mathew Symons.
Heat wins went to Luke Storer, Mark Blyton, Troy Carey, Peter Logue, Robert Heard, Daniel Flood, Adam Butler and Jeff Thomas.
The only major incident on the night occurred in heat eight when Jason Davis executed a snap barrel roll coming out of turn four. Thankfully he emerged A-OK.
The NSW Wingless Sprints would like to thank every driver who supported the event, especially the interstate and northern NSW drivers who travelled far distances to compete.
We would also like to acknowledge Aussie Forklift Repairs for their wonderful support of the 2016/2017 Club Championship.
The next event on the NSW Wingless Sprints calendar will be next Saturday, November 5 back at Valvoline Raceway for the third round of the club championship.
The top ten in the club championship after two rounds are as follows;
Jason Bates – 308
Daniel Flood – 286
Jeff Thomas – 278
Dean Thomas – 272
Troy Carey – 268
Sean Dicker – 260
Mark Blyton – 256
Marshall Blyton – 256
Jeff Neve – 246
Chris McInerney – 246