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LATE MODELS TO LAY DOWN THE GAUNTLET TO THEIR KIWI COUSINS

LATE MODEL NEWS - Posted 26 August, 2010

Story by Wayne Belk

The eagerly anticipated Australian driver roster for the history making Trans Tasman Sedan Challenge has been announced with an unexpected twist – the Aussies will all be driving Late Model Sedans not Super Sedans as previously announced.

Due to the near-sightedness of many within the Super Sedan ranks, and more importantly within its governing hierarchy, it was becoming increasingly more difficult to assemble a team of top class Super Sedan racers, much to the disappointment of series co-coordinator Wayne Belk who is himself a Super Sedan owner and competitor. So the decision was made to offer the series to their Late Model rivals who jumped at the opportunity to be part of the historic series and to further push their case in the south east corner of the country.

The series has also been re-jigged to encompass six races over two consecutive weekends all within Victoria.

In terms of drivers, it will be a first class team of highly credentialed drivers from every mainland state that will contest the series headed by legends Darryl Grimson and Ross Nicastri, with Geoff Phillips, Blair Grainger, Lucas Roberts, Gary Bryans, Matt Crimmins, John McKay, Michael Holmes and Warren Oldfield. Neil Wallace, Adam Brook and Bill Mentiplay will be on standby as reserves should they be needed.

Grimson and Nicastri represent New South Wales and are heavily experienced.

Both are throw backs to the Grand National Sedan days where Nicastri won an Australian Championship in the division that eventually morphed into Late Models. Both then tried their hands at Sprintcar racing before Nicastri headed off-road successfully in safari style events. Since returning to racing Grimson has been the winningest Late Model racer on the east coast.

Queensland is represented by “Flying” Phillips and “Curley” Grainger. Phillips won last season’s Queensland association “Hard Charger” award and Grainger was in fact the 2007 ELMA (Eastcoast Late Model Association) series champion. Grainger’s first race was as a 15 year old in New Zealand.

Victoria is represented by two Super Sedan racers in Roberts and Bryans.

Roberts’ “The Moama Mauler” is a three time Victorian Super Sedan Champion and the son of Heartland raceway promoter David Roberts. Roberts is a real stand on the gas racer whose Super Sedan often performs like a late model with the left front wheel dangling in the air.

Bryans, on the other hand was a successful Super Sedan racer back in the late 90’s and early 00’s before retiring. Last season he made a return to super Sedan racing and will now saddle up in father-in-law Bill Mentiplays Late Model.

The Crow Eaters (South Australians) will have Matt Crimmins and John McKay upholding their honor. Both are former AMCA National racers with Crimmins peaking as the State Champion.

Making the trip from the worlds’ most isolated capital city (Perth) will be Michael Holmes and Warren Oldfield. Holmes, like Crimmins and McKay, is an AMCA Nationals graduate who was looking for a bigger challenge after winning his States’ Championship in 2007.

Oldfield is just one of the locally famous Oldfield brothers trio who will race anything with wheels just about anywhere at any time. The 27 year old has 14 years of experience under his belt and has a simple philosophy - to invert the work/racing ratio whereby you go racing 6 days a week and go to work just once a week. I think most of us would subscribe to that theory.

“It is disappointing to not be able to do this series with Super Sedans, but the Late Model guys have really grabbed this opportunity whole-heartedly and I really need to thank all those who worked so hard in the background to keep this event alive,” said Belk. “The tracks were also fantastic in their support of the change to Late Models and in reality, the specifications of the Late Models are closer to the New Zealand Super Saloons than the Saloons were to the Super Sedans.”

“It was alright for the Saloons to have a cubic advantage over the Sedans originally so I don’t see any reason they should be unhappy about the Late Models now having that honor,” Said Belk tongue in cheek.

Further changes to be announced for the series is the concentration of six races over consecutive weekends. The opening weekend will now be Mildura on Friday 22nd October followed by Swan Hill (23rd) and Moama (24th).

After a week of sightseeing around the picturesque garden state, the series will conclude in a flurry of activity with an RTR (Rolling Thunder Raceway - Bacchus Marsh - Friday 29th), Hamilton (Saturday 30th), RTR finale (Sunday afternoon - 31st).

Late Models made their Timmis Speedway (Mildura) debut there last season and will use this as a valuable hit out before the National Championship is contested there later this season.

Sonic Speedway Swan Hill is a leisurely drive south east following the Murray River and the club is eagerly looking forward to having the Late Models make their track debut. The track surface will ensure that horsepower is not the deciding factor in who will win here.

Heartland raceway in Moama on Sunday afternoon, is a relatively short driver further along the Murray where the race track was custom made for big sedan car racing and there is sure to be some vocal locals cheering on Roberts’ at his “home” track.

Like Heartland, RTR was also custom made for big sedans but is even bigger and wider again than the Moama venue. If ever an Australian track was made for big powerful V8 sedans, this is it. Late Models ran there some years ago in what was really a demonstration run and the thought of a full field of big bangers running door to door with international rivalry, has many salivating already.

For a change of pace the teams will hit up Hamilton’s’ tight little Western Speedway on Saturday 30th for the final night race before concluding the historic tour with a pleasant afternoons thrash around Rolling Thunder once again on Sunday.

In additional news it can be announced that all races will be broadcast live on www.Chatbox.com.au, buffer free and crystal clear.

For further information;

Contact Wayne Belk on +61 3 9746 8583 or 0438 925 707 or at belkblast@hotmail.com, Visit www.transtasmanchallenge.com, Or listen to www.raceradio.com.au Wednesday nights at 7:30 for updates.

EXCITING 2010 / 2011 SOUTHSIDE ENGINE CENTRE SEASON APPROACHING

SUPER SEDAN NEWS - Posted 25 August, 2010

Story by Tina Lizzi

Anticipation and expectation levels are rising quickly as the new season rapidly approaches. A lot of new equipment is being prepared as well as the usual off season refurbishments happening as well.

Big Bad Bert returns to a conventional front engine car this season utilising a new Sweet chassis from the Matty Pascoe stable and two Joe Rhyne Ford engines have been ordered for this season. Bert’s usual confidence and exuberance is at an increased level with a big season planned. Also news from the Vosbergen camp is the mighty cockroach (Pantera) has undergone some development in the diff and engine area. This car will make occasional appearances with guest drivers adding to the SSRC ranks.

Tristan Green will debut a lovely Nissan 300zx with a turbo charged 2J Toyota in line six cylinder. This engine package is able to produce massive horsepower. On board with Tristan is Dave the specialist computer and engine programmer who has loads of off road experience with mud, water and extreme conditions associated with speedway racing. This combination should rapidly improve as the season progresses.

Father Terry Green will do his part for the Holden fans again this season in his Holden powered Commodore.

Last years series champion Gary Higgs has gone for the doctor in his presentation for this seasons racing. Dusty will campaign a brand new Sweet combo car running a z link configuration initially. Power will be supplied by renowned engine builder Draime from the USA. Son Dustin has refurbished his Rocket chassis and has more horsepower under his backside this year, so expect to see more from Superman this coming year.

The Giancola stable has under gone their usual off season rebuild with some changes to engine specs, new body and general maintenance. This Dominator had an amazing win ratio last season in the handful of meetings they competed in. So with a years experience under the belt and a few new tricks, expect the #43 car under the guidance of Tony G to be the benchmark.

The KTrans entry of Frank Does has the latest Sweet chassis to start the season with years of experience. With the four bar configuration should see Frank at the pointy end of the field every night. The car that unfortunately was damaged at the State Title has been repaired and is sitting as a spare in the workshop....what a luxury.

Michael Nash has a new car under his control this season staying with the Ford theme and Centre Ford sponsorship. Michael will have the ex Frank Does Falcon GT and always presents a sharp mart looking car every time they nominate for an event.

Kevin Bell has been racing everywhere there has been a meeting lately and is really coming to terms with the bar car. His Buick engine has been rebuilt and is still one of the toughest engines out there.

Kodee Brown the hot shot from Broome has indicated he will do limited shows this season depending on work commitments. But you can guarantee the Dominator leaf car prepared with the assistance of the Brook family will pose a threat each and every time he appears.

Speaking of Broome....Phil Barton has a new Dominator and this hard charger only knows one throttle position. Hopefully Phil will be able to mount a solid campaign during the year from his northern base. Another dedicated traveller from the pearly waters is Brent Halliday who has armed himself with the ex John McGeorge race car and is planning on basing the car in Albany.

Peter Lyalls RX8 suffered unfortunate damage recently in Karratha, so Peter will no doubt have the midnight oil burning to ensure the potent turbo Rotary makes the start of the season. Along with the Jackson brothers who hail from Carnarvon the North West is starting to prove a very important area for the SSRC.

The Reids – Ken and Shayne are both starting the new season with different engine packages.

With rumours of several high profile Eastern State drivers interested in competing in the Figs Memorial race at the start of the year and a few selected races we are in for a remarkable season.

Don’t hesitate to contact me Glenn Piper on 0418 92 8814 or via email glennpiper@live.com with any information in regards to the latest within SSRC.

QUEENSLANDERS GEAR UP FOR BUSY SEASON

V8 DIRT MODIFIED NEWS - Posted 25 August, 2010

Story by Ben Graham

The Queensland V8 Dirt Modified contingent are just weeks away from kicking off another busy season, with 12 races scheduled for season 2010/11 across six different venues.

The season will officially kick off on October 9 at the Brisbane International Speedway, with six events scheduled at the metropolitan Brisbane venue over the course of the season.

Recently re-elected Queensland V8 Dirt Modified Club President Luke Oldfield confirmed the division will be visiting two new venues this season,

" For the first time in a long time we are heading to Kingaroy" said Oldfield. "And we will also be racing at Blackwater for the first time as part of a big double header weekend over Easter that also includes a race at Rockhampton"

Scheduled for April 23 (Blackwater) and April 24 (Rockhampton), the Easter double header will feature a total purse of $20,000 with both nights paying $1000-to-win.

V8 Dirt Modifieds will make their lone appearance of the season at Toowoomba's Charlton Raceway on October 16, while two events are scheduled for Maryborough, including the prestigious Queensland Title on February 19.

Brisbane International Speedway will once again form the nucleus of the domestic Queensland season, with events scheduled for October 9 & 23, December 11, March 5 and April 16, before the final event of the season on May 21.

2010/11 QUEENSLAND V8 DIRT MODIFIED SCHEDULE

OCT 9 BRISBANE INTERNATIONAL SPEEDWAY

OCT 16 CHARLTON RACEWAY TOOWOOMBA

OCT 23 BRISBANE INTERNATIONAL SPEEDWAY

DEC 4 MARYBOROUGH SPEEDWAY

DEC 11 BRISBANE INTERNATIONAL SPEEDWAY

FEB 19 MARYBOROUGH SPEEDWAY (QLD TITLE)

MAR 5 BRISBANE INTERNATIONAL SPEEDWAY

APR 16 BRISBANE INTERNATIONAL SPEEDWAY

APR 23 BLACKWATER SPEEDWAY

APR 24 ROCKHAMPTON SPEEDWAY

MAY 21 BRISBANE INTERNATIONAL SPEEDWAY

COX RETURNS TO SOUTH BOSTON

NASCAR LATE MODEL NEWS - Posted 22 August, 2010

Story by Michael Cox

Young Australian Brad Cox was in action again this past Saturday night at the Famous South Boston Speedway. Driving the Shetron Manufacturing backed 06 Toyota Camry Cox was impressively quick in practice, ending up 12th overall. Unfortunately Brad got loose off turn 4 in his qualifying run, and could only manage a 24th Starting position. Brad missed the "normal" early race wreckage, which came about in turn 1 of the first lap. However, he was not so lucky on lap 12, when a fellow driver backed his machine into the turn 1 wall, and then rolled back down the track. Brad had nowhere to go, with cars to his inside. Contact was made on the right front resulting in significant damage. Several trips down pit road to made repairs, Cox lost 2 laps. The crew done a great job and Brad rejoined the race in last position. With a damaged car Brad done a good job, and ran the next 112 laps without incident. However Brad's bad luck returned when on lap 128 of the scheduled 150 his right front rim exploded, sending the Aussie up the track, making heavy contact with the #3 of Lee Pullium, putting them both out. Cox would finish in 19th position.

"Very unfortunate that we got into the early wreck" Cox stated following the event, " but I am more upset that we got into Lee tonite. He had a fast car and was going to win, and our parts failure took that away from him"

Brad has this weekend off, and then the team have decided to contest the twin 100 event at Motor Mile Speedway in Virginia on the 28th August.

PROTON CHAMPIONSHIP CALENDAR CONFIRMED

SUPER SEDAN NEWS - Posted 12 August, 2010

Story by Chris Metcalf

The Super Sedan Association has confirmed the schedule of events for the 2010/2011 Ian Boettcher Proton Super Sedan Championship Series, with 18 rounds of racing scheduled at seven different venues in two states. With a brand new Proton S16 sedan up for grabs for the series champion and a minimum $1000 to win at each round, the scene is set for a stellar season of Super Sedan competition.

The series gets underway with a $2000-to-win season opener at Maryborough Speedway on September 25, providing plenty of incentive fro drivers to be on track early. Round two will be staged at Brisbane International Speedway on October 9, with Rockhampton Speedway hosting round three a week later on October 16.

Toowoomba’s Charlton Raceway will stage the first of their three Super Sedan fixtures on November 6, which will be followed by consecutive series rounds in Brisbane on November 13 and 27.

Kingaroy Speedway makes a welcome addition to the schedule, hosting an SSA event for the first time in many years with a special pre-Christmas fixture. Round seven of the championship will be decided at the completely revamped showground circuit on December 18.

Gympie’s Mothar Mountain Speedway is the host venue for round eight of the series on January 8. The series returns to Rockhampton a week later on January 15, with Maryborough slated to stage round 10 on January 19. The only February fixture will be in Brisbane on February 19, a week after the Australian Championship is decided in Tasmania.

A second appearance in Toowoomba will take place on March 5 before teams enjoy a two-week break in preparation for round 13 at Lismore Speedway on March 26, the prestigious Grenville Anderson East Coast Grand National.

The following week (April 2) it is back to Brisbane for round 14, followed by a return outing in Gympie on April 9 and a final appearance at Toowoomba on April 30. There will be another $2000 first prize up for grounds in the penultimate round of the series in Gympie on May 7, with Brisbane International Speedway to stage the Championship Finale on May 28.

In an effort to accommodate the increasing demands on competitors and their equipment, drivers will be able to drop two rounds and remain eligible for the Proton sedan, with the best 16 rounds counting towards the championship.

To obtain more information about the 2010/2011 Ian Boettcher Proton Championship Series, to contact the SSA or to nominate for any of the series rounds, visit the official series website at www.supersedan.com.au

The 2010/2011 Ian Boettcher Proton Super Sedan Championship Series Schedule

Round 1: Maryborough Speedway – Saturday, September 25

Round 2: Brisbane International Speedway – Saturday, October 9

Round 3: Rockhampton Speedway – Saturday, October 16

Round 4: Charlton Raceway (Toowoomba) – Saturday, November 6

Round 5: Brisbane International Speedway – Saturday, November 13

Round 6: Brisbane International Speedway – Saturday, November 27

Round 7: Kingaroy Speedway – Saturday, December 18

Round 8: Mothar Mountain Speedway (Gympie) – Saturday, January 8

Round 9: Rockhampton Speedway – Saturday, January 15

Round 10: Maryborough Speedway – Saturday, January 29

Round 11: Brisbane International Speedway – Saturday, February 19