PEARCE CONTINUES GOOD FORM WITH ANOTHER PODUIM PLACE
MODIFIED NEWS - 5 February, 2012
By Brett Swanson
Jason Pearce Motorsport continued on with his consistent season with yet another podium finish in the ‘GWN/Metabo’ West Australian Modified Drivers Association series as he piloted the # 22 Falcon to third place behind Mick Johnson & John Purser at Mount Barker Speedway’s ‘Daylight Dash’ after starting back in fifth place in the feature race starting line up.
Greeting the drivers early in the day was a drivey track and that sent teams including JPM scurrying to adjust to the track conditions after practice before heat race action began. Also in practice the gearing seemed a little low however the team didn’t have the required gear and had to make do with that they had for the remainder of the day.
Starting behind Johnson, Barry Hall, Purser and Bob Boyd in his first heat race with McSweeney alongside him it was a tough heat to begin with on a drivey race track. With Hall running wide early in the race Pearce sat behind Boyd and just couldn’t get past as the car was bogging down in the corners. Johnson, Purser & Boyd finished in front of Pearce with McSweeney and Hall behind.
In between heat one and two the team changed the right rear tyre to help get better drive out of the corners and then started second alongside Laurie Dowsett on the front row with McSweeney, Purser and Adyn Trewern and Hall behind. A hectic start to the heat with Dowsett pushing Pearce out wide giving Purser and Trewern a clear run into turn 3 and past both Dowsett and Pearce. Pearce then got past Dowsett in turn one on the second lap as the surface of the track roughened up a little, Trewern won from Purser and Pearce.
Before the final heat Pearce changed the right rear shock as he had determined it was the handling of the car that needed to improve after the second heat, Beginning in third place behind Boyd and McSweeney with Dowsett alongside once more and Neville Mansted and Matt Kata behind on a fast track Boyd got a good start and McSweeney managed to hold Pearce at bay and so Pearce finish third.
In the Pole Shootout Pearce began against Steve Beres. Pearce qualified fifth with Beres in sixth and a side by side battle delighted the fans with the inside groove for Pearce helping him to the win. Then matching up against Trewern, Pearce had to start the outside line as Trewern took the low groove, Trewern won by a car length leaving Pearce starting from fifth for the feature, Trewern continued on before finishing second to Johnson in the ‘Shootout’.
Prior to the feature race Pearce adjusted to a medium compound tyre as the track was slicking up which would suit his racing style a car better for this final. Johnson started on pole from Trewern, Boyd, Purser with Pearce next in line then Beres, Callon Ball, Dowsett, Mansted, McSweeney, Kata and Hall.
A clean and fast start by the front rowers with Johnson leading Trewern, Purser, Boyd and then Pearce. Three laps in and engine issues ended Trewerns hopes whilst Johnson and Purser got away from the pack. At the six lap mark, Pearce made his way past Boyd.
On a drying track Pearce’s car started to come on in the conditions and quickly caught Purser with their battle lasting the rest of the twenty lap feature with Pearce getting a look in every now and then as Purser started to drive defensively. Pearce made one last dash on the third turn of the last lap however Purser was good enough to keep him at bay.
Having raced the whole day with the wrong gearing Pearce was delighted to come home in third place, “We had the wrong gearing for Mount Barker today and there wasn’t anything I can do about that so we worked on the tyres and getting that right during the tracks changing conditions. We head to Narrogin with the series points lead still and we are looking forward to racing there again as we were the inaugural series round winner there in 2009. Well done to Mick on his return to the winners dais and John who is also having a consistent run this season”
Jason Pearce Motorsport is supported by:
Protek Carpentry & Fencing Services
Halls Head Plumbing
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BLAKE TREADS FINE LINE TO VICTORIAN LATE MODEL SEDAN CHAMPIONSHIP
LATE MODEL NEWS - 5 February, 2012
By Brett Swanson
Call him the “O show”, call him the “Bunbury Bullet”, call him whatever you like but now you can call him the first ever Victorian Late Model Sedan Champion after Blake scored his latest piece of Speedway history last night (Feb 4th) in the Fine Line Building Projects Victorian Late Model Sedan Championship at Bacchus Marsh’s Rolling Thunder Raceway.
Blake was under constant pressure for every one of the 30 laps as he had either one of the family pairing of Ben or Ross Nicastri pushing him every inch of the way to the chequered flag in a thrilling final where one slight error would have a massive impact on the outcome.
“It’s good to get back on a big track again we’ve been running a lot of little ones lately,” said a happy Blake in victory lane. “Back home (Perth) they’ve got a round of our series running tonight and I was third in points there but I think I’ve shot that one in the backside, but Titles are more important for me and I’m proud to be able to give Mark (Zimmer – car owner) another one and proud to be the first Victorian Champion.”
While Blake is used to running the big tracks runner up Ben Nicastri is not, but quickly showed his emerging talent when he completed the journey glued to Blake’s rear bumper and even made the odd probe up the inside for the lead whenever possible.
“That was a lot of fun and congratulations to Brad he drove well and just never made a mistake,” Stated Ben.
Third in a family affair was the veteran Ross Nicastri who along with his offspring maintained the relentless pressure on Blake early on in a tag team effort before slipping back to third but still right on the tail of his son.
“It’s tough to get passed by anyone but when it’s your own son it’s not quite so bad,” admitted the elder Nicastri. “I just made that one mistake I told Ben not to make and he was through. Congratulations to Brad on the win and I’m very Proud of Ben’s efforts”.
Fourth in a fine effort in only his fifth ever meeting in a late model was the first Victorian home Darren Forrest.
“The track was great and I’m having a lot of fun in these late model sedans.” Forrest said.
Scott McPherson, Rod Edwards, Mat Crimmins, Gary Bryans, Luke Raymond, Campbell Hughes and Shaun Nelson completed the finishers.
Heats were won in fine style by Blake (2), Edwards, Ben (2) and Ross Nicastri.
AMCA Nationals were also contesting another round of their Action Series and it was the first time for new Australian Champion Campbell Hughes to run with the coveted A1 on the panels and he romped away to an easy win ahead of Tim Reidy and Frank Thierry.
“It would be disappointing to win the Australian championship and then to come out and be beaten, so I’m glad we were able to come back here and take another win, our first with Australia 1 on the car.” explained Hughes who was also doubling up in the Late Model Sedans.
Behind the top three came Mick Jackson, Paul Forrest, Bryon Burke, Bill and Steve Lodwick, Spano Gutierrez, Shea Bradley, Brendon Jarvis and debutant, Kent Davey.
Daryl Hickson also created history by winning the first ever V8 Dirt Modified feature held at this track when he defeated Daniel Scott, Dave May, Aaron Trotter, Steve Milthorpe, Trevor Perry, Brett Clarke and George Napier.
Hickson had earlier taken two heat wins with May winning the other.
Outlaw Thunder Sedans was again taken out by Damian Dannatt after he trailed across the line behind Harley Tindall who was ineligible for the victory. Corey Know rebounded from hitting the wall a couple of times throughout the night to nail second with Dale Spurr grabbing third place ahead of Chris Graetz.
A handful of vintage super modifieds also put on some spirited demonstrations with Graeme Briggs even demonstrating how tough they built them by spinning his car into the wall fairly hard and then driving away.
The next event is a round of the Sprintcar Thunder Series scheduled for March 17th at Rolling Thunder Raceway (Bacchus Marsh) with supports from Outlaw Thunder Sedans, Street Stocks and SSA Juniors.
Racing starts at 5:30pm
Admission is $25 for adults and $15 for juniors. Accompanied kids under 12 are free, and all admission comes with complimentary pit access.
Keep up to date on facebook at Rolling Thunder Raceway, or visit us online at rollingthunderraceway.com.au
Melways map reference 340 G12
Track info line 0400 00 55 88
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LATE MODELS TO RUMBLE IN VICTORIAN TITLE AT ROLLING THUNDER RACEWAY
LATE MODEL NEWS - 2 February, 2012
By Rod Thurgood
The roar of V8’s will shatter the peaceful surrounds of Rolling Thunder Raceway at Bacchus Marsh Saturday February 4, when a quality field of competitors fire their engines into life for the inaugural Fineline Building Projects Victorian Late Model Championship.
South Australian Late Model Association (SALMA) President Mat Crimmins is excited about this weekend’s title.
“Being the inaugural Victorian state title there is a lot prestige associated with being the first racer to get their name inscribed on the trophy” Crimmins said.
“SALMA is proud to have Fineline Building Projects sponsoring the first ever Victorian Late Model title. Fineline Building Projects is based in Victoria, and currently support the #21 Late Model of Rod Edwards”.
“With 17 nominations, and coming hard on the back of last weekend’s fantastic Australian title in Sydney, race fans can expect plenty of action this weekend, at a track that is ideally suited to these powerful machines” concluded Crimmins.
Eight Victorian racers have nominated for their inaugural state title.
Bill Mentiplay (#33) and Shaun Nelson (#95) are having their first start of the season, while for Gary Bryans (#19) it is his second. Of the trio, Bryans has the best form on the board, and could challenge for the title win.
Rod Edwards has been fast this season, and will be looking to make amends for a disappointing national title campaign where he was forced out on night one after a race crash.
Daniel Timberlake (#11) has raced several Rounds of the SALMA Series this season and shown that he is on the pace, while David Mentiplay (#14) is making just his second start of the season.
Experienced AMCA Nationals racer Campbell Hughes will make his debut at the wheel of the Crimmins Racing #64 lease car, a machine that has seen plenty of success this season in the hands of South Australian racers. Hughes could surprise should he get to grips with the car early.
Perhaps the best chance of the title remaining in Victoria rests with Darren Forrest in the #055. Forrest only has four race meetings under his belt in his fully imported Rocket, but was impressive in last weekend’s Australian title in Sydney, being the only Victorian racer to qualify for the A Main, and finishing 11th despite some car damage.
The interstate challenge is a strong one, with Ross Nicastri (#3) and Scott McPherson (#7) back behind the wheel of their own cars that were raced by US competitors Devin Moran and Steve Francis the past month. Francis used the McPherson car to win the Australian title, while Moran finished 4th. McPherson already has this season’s South Australian title to his credit, while Nicastri has been fast, with several race victories.
Other NSW racers contesting the Fineline Building Projects Victorian title are Darryl Grimson (#12), Ben Nicastri (#99) and Lyle Dicker (#4).
A trio of South Australian racers are heading across for the title with David Hartman (#15) in great form after a recent win at Murray Bridge Speedway, while Mat Crimmins (#10) and Luke Raymond (#5) are fresh from competing in the Australian title. Crimmins had an early setback with a gearbox issue, but placed 14th in the A Main, while Raymond had a difficult weekend, and will be chasing a good result at Rolling Thunder Raceway.
The driver making the longest journey to compete is Bunbury’s Brad Blake. The four times Australian Late Model Champion relinquished his crown at Tyrepower Sydney Speedway last weekend, and would like nothing better than to claim the inaugural Victorian title to add to the Queensland title already in his possession. Blake will once again drive the immaculate Marc Zimmer owned Rocket that is based on the East Coast.
The Fineline Building Projects Victorian Late Model Championship doubles as Round 4 of the Scotcher Race Fuels & Oils SALMA Series that has been hotly contested this season.
The full field for the Fineline Building Projects Victorian Late Model Championship reads:
Brad Blake W0 : Nigel’s Hydraulics / Wynestra Engineering / Total Fire Solutions / Mudgee Bearings
Ross Nicastri N3 : Franks Auto Parts
Lyle Dicker N4 : Dicker Glass
Luke Raymond S5 : Auto Techniques / Crane Services / S McLay Mechanical / Hurley Maid Of Auckland / Chad Signs / ULX 110 / Prefered Finance / KLM Engineering / Hoolgators All American Di Cast
Scott McPherson N7 : Better Trailers / Time Target / Graeme Silk Engines
Mat Crimmins S10 : Cross Roads Holiday Park Mildura / FUCHS / Auto Pro Murray Bridge / De Conte Chiropractic / Top Class Tiling / Toledo / Hytek Concrete Australia / Gardner Bearings / J & J Ruston Engineering / Christies Beach Auto Centre
Dan Timberlake V11 : Superior Home & Garden Décor / Redford Tools & Trailers / Dan Timberlake Race Engines
Daryl Grimson N12 : United Acreage Marketing / Stahl Willie
David Mentiplay N14 : The Plaster Mob / Butler Builders / Lake Eildon Houseboat Sales
David Hartman S15 : Solid Service / Signs On Para / Lucas Oils / Vehilcool / Sprint Auto Parts Salisbury / Collin Industrial Distributors
Gary Bryans V19 : Fountain Gate Plaster & Cartage / CB’S Bin Mob / Crash Supplies (VIC)/ Bunyip Smash Repairs / Bunyip Tyres / M & L Mentiplay / Lucas Oils
Rod Edwards V21 : Lake Eildon Houseboat Sales / Fineline Building Porjects / Eildon Bakery Café / Eildon Service Station
Bill Mentiplay V33 : Fountain Gate Plaster & Cartage / CB’S Bin Mob / Crash Supplies (VIC) / Bunyip Smash Repairs / Bunyip Tyres / M & L Mentiplay / Lucas Oils
Darren Forrest V055 : Boronia Towbars / ATCO Structures / Metro Tow / Good Guys Performance / Hayden Race Cars
Campbell Hughes S64 : Cross Roads Holiday Park Mildura / FUCHS / Auto Pro Murray Bridge / De Conte Chiropractic / Top Class Tiling / Toledo / Hytek Concrete Australia / Gardner Bearings / J & J Ruston Engineering / Christies Beach Auto Centre
Shaun Nelson V95 : Fountain Gate Plaster & Cartage / CB’S Bin Mob / Crash Supplies (VIC) / Bunyip Smash Repairs / Bunyip Tyres / M & L Mentiplay / Lucas Oils
Ben Nicastri N99 : Franks Auto Parts
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MICK CHRYSTIE WINS RILEY MEMORIAL AT DROUIN SPEEDWAY
6 CYLINDER NEWS - 31 January, 2012
By Dean Thompson
On a very hot Sunday afternoon on January the 29th Mick Chrystie took a big win when he won the annual ‘Riley’s Memorial’ for 6 Cylinder Standard Saloons leading a strong field including last year’s winner Mark Miles whilst on the same program the visiting V8 Hot Rod’s entertained with Jason Kavanagh coming out on top at feature time.
Earlier in heat racing for the Standard Saloons Wayne Nelson, Ben Randall, Chrystie and Brendan Miles had the four winning results which determined starting positions for the twenty lap final. Chrystie was top qualifier with Nelson, Randall and Brendan Miles filling the top four start positions whilst Debbie Donaldson started in fifth place with Jacob Vuillerman alongside her and determined local racer Dale Morrison racing for his step daughter who was in the Royal Children’s Hospital recovering from surgery.
The Speedway had the sun belting down upon it on Sunday and this made conditions tough, water from the damn had been drained out over the week with numerous 30 degree days leading upto the event and again on race day and dust finally won the day but not before Chrystie defeated Nelson, Vuillerman, Randall and Donaldson who made up the first five finishers.
Phil Jenkins & Jason Kavanagh took heat wins in the Hot Rods before Kavanagh took a all the way win in the feature race at the venue which will run their Victorian Championship in March. Allen Luckett past Jenkins and took second whilst Jenkins held off local racer Dean West for third place with Jason May back in fifth.
All categories elected to miss round three heats races to try to save water, however the water run out before any other feature race could be run. Winners were then done on points for the day with Scott Laidlaw winning Division 2 Hot Rods, Ryan Thomson the Junior Sedans, Jason Leonard the V8 Standards, Wayne Nelson the Open Sedans and Donaldson the Ladies Standards.
On February the 12th racing returns to the venue with the Division 2 Hot Rod Victorian Championship along with club classes the Open Sedans, Open Standard Saloons, Juniors and Ladies Standards.
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STEVE FRANCIS - AUSTRALIAN CHAMPION
LATE MODEL NEWS - 29 January, 2012
By Dennis Newlyn
American veteran Steve Francis has claimed a thrilling Frank’s Auto Parts Australian Late Model Championship at Tyrepower Sydney Speedway.
Francis led every lap of the exciting A-Main beating home the Western Australian duo of Jamie Oldfield and Michael Holmes.
Several drivers became victims of the very slick surface, hurting their right rear tyres around mid-race distance. American teenage sensation, Devin Moran was one such driver. After running in the second place for the opening seventeen laps, he faded to finish fourth.
Speedcar star, Nathan Smee finished a creditable fifth from Dave Robertson in sixth and Warren Oldfield in seventh.
Defending Champion Brad Blake failed to find the pace needed to challenge the front runners and recorded an eighth place finish. Rounding out the top ten was Ben Ludlow and Ben Nicastri.
The two qualifying dashes held earlier in the night produced some of the best Late Model racing seen at Tyrepower Sydney Speedway. Dash one went the way of Devin Moran just over Steve Francis and Michael Holmes. Dash two produced a blanket finish between Ben Ludlow, Warren Oldfield and eventual winner Nathan Smee. Smee came from position three on the final lap to claim the win by a mere 8/1000 of a second.
The six transferees from the B-Main were Paul Stubber, Col Robinson, Matt Ingrey, Jay Cardy, Barry Kelleher and Aaron Van Zeeland from Queensland.
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