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WORLD SERIES SPEEDS INTO MURRAY BRIDGE

By Phil Michell 19-12-06

The 20^th Anniversary of the World Series Sprintcars Championship will hit Murray Bridge on Wednesday December 27 for round 9 of the Nation wide series. The event will also incorporate round two of the fourth annual Proton Jumbuck Speedweek, which will see the competitors racing five times in eight days throughout South Australia and Victoria. At this stage the event has attracted over thirty entries, which includes four Americans, with current WSS points leader Jason Johnson being joined by World of Outlaws star Paul McMahon, Dean Jacobs and Brock Mayes. In addition to the four American invaders the field includes all of the leading Australian Sprintcar drivers including four previous National Sprintcar Champions.

The inclusion of four American drivers into the field should really spice up the action and the fact that two of the four drivers, Johnson and McMahon, are regarded as two of the best drivers in the world should make this event one not be missed. Johnson, from Eunice, Louisiana was recently voted as the 2006 “Driver of the Year” in the North American 360ci Sprintcar Poll while McMahon, who drives the famous #20 Tony Stewart Motorsports car in the US, has managed to score 12 career World of Outlaw feature victories.

The remaining imports Jacobs, from Wooster Ohio, has spent many years racing on the tough All Star Circuit of Champions in the USA while Mayes, another Ohio resident, has been running in Western Australia since October and he currently sits fourth in the AHG Series standings.

Leading the Australian’s entry list is six times WSS Champion Max Dumesny (NSW), last season’s Murray Bridge round winner Robbie Farr (NSW), former National Champion Garry Brazier (NSW) and Victorian standout David Murcott.

But they won’t be the only interstate drivers to keep an eye on as the likes of Danny Reidy (NT), Luch Monte (WA), Warrenne Ekins (NT), Brooke David (NT), Grant Anderson (Vic) and 17 year old James McFadden will also be in contention to take home the $10,000 winners cheque for capturing the 35 lap finale.

Along with the interstate and international competitors a whole host of locals who will attempt to utilize their home track advantage and grab their share of the prize money and glory. Drivers such as Phil March (1999 Australian Champion), Luke Dillon, Mark Reuter, local Murray Bridge resident Darryl Wright, Dylan Jenkin, Matt Egel, Wqayne Rowett, Ashley Cook and Lee Dillon will be out impress in front of what should be a massive crowd.

Supporting the Sprintcars on December 27 will be the V8 Dirt Modifieds and Street Stocks. The V8 Dirt Modifieds will definitely be worth watching at it will be the last opportunity for the drivers to gain track time on the 360 metre bullring before the Autopro Australian V8 Dirt Modified Championship on February 9 and 10.

Gates into the Murray Bridge Speedway will open at 4pm with the Adult admission price being set at $25, with Concession ($20), Children ($5) and Family ($60) tickets also available. So for a great night’s entertainment make sure that you continue the festive season by being trackside at the Murray Bridge Speedway on December 27.