Click here to
 return to main
 news page

2007 Opens With A Bang

By Phil Michell 05-01-07

Speedway City kicked off 2007 with an all sections "Kids Night" which was
headlined by the Triple M 360ci Sprintcar feature, round 4 of the JD
Couriers Super Sedan Track Championship, the first appearance of the season
at the Adelaide venue for the domestic V6 Sprints and a Monster Fireworks
Display.

In the 360ci Sprintcars it was Murray Bridge based driver Darryl Wright who
emerged victorious in the 20 lap feature after starting the feature from
pole position. Second across the line was Chris Evans, with Jamie Cobby,
Jamie Hendry and Dennis Burford completing the top five.

The feature event proved to be a tough race with only half of the 17 car
field making it to the finish. There were several hard luck stories in the
feature event including current Track Champ Michael Burford, who rolled his
Lightning chassis in turn one after getting sideways and making contact with
young Murray Bridge charger Ryan Jones. Along with Burford, rookie Steven
Caruso was another driver who was set for a strong result before the diff in
his #10 Maxim let go while holding down a career best fourth position.

Outside the top five the only other drivers to complete the journey were
Clinton Oliver, who was making his season debut, Darryl Guerin, Shane Hendry
and debutante Shannon Barry.

Earlier the four heat wins went to Chris Evans (All Transport Crash #77
Cool), Stephen Lovegrove (#89 Johnboy), Jamie Hendry (SA Kerbing #42 Maxim)
and Michael Burford (Red Back Imports #6 Lightning).

In the Super Sedans rookie driver Dan Miller drove his #2 Pontiac Grand Prix
into victory lane as he claimed his maiden Speedway City feature event win.
Second across the line in the 12 lap JD Couriers supported feature was
Barossa Valley resident Andrew Leach, with Tony Howlett, Dave Walsh and
Graham Stewart completing the top five.

Unfortunately former National Champion Chris Blunden failed to start the
final after destroying his Ford power plant in the final heat while Gil
Worthley also failed to front for the final.

In the V6 Sprints Bradley Keller drove his #5 Spitwater JSR to the feature
victory after starting from the pole and leading for the entire 20 lap
journey. Second went to Ben Brown in BRK Murphy while John McKay had a great
run to claim third. Mount Barker resident Mark Harrington drove steadily all
evening and was rewarded with a fourth place finish while rookie Neil Toye
completed the top five.

Unfortunately two of the main contenders, Nick Hall and Nathan Squiers,
failed to feature after both drivers suffered mechanical failures with both
cars being forced into the turn three wall. Squiers collected the wall
during the feature event while running inside the top four while Hall
slammed the concrete in heat two with the beautiful #8 rolling heavily.

In the remaining categories, the AMCA National and Street Stocks, Mick
Brougham won the Triple M AMCA feature in convincing fashion from Brian
Chadwick, Mick Ffrench and an ailing Michael Miller while Darren Flatman won
the Street Stock feature from Robert Atkins and Gary Westley.

The next meeting at Speedway City will be on January 13 with round 3 of the
Speedway City Sprintcar Track Championship, the V6 Sprints Des James
Memorial, Junior Sedans, Street Stocks and the Speedcars.

The Speedway City Management wishes to thank the following corporate
partners for their support during the 2006/07 Speedway City Season:

. Martelco Equipment Hire
. JD Couriers
. All Transport Crash
. Farmers Union
. Protec Paints
. Need A Bin
. Richmond Heavy Towing
. Mogo Wheel Chairs
. Nick's Crane Hire
. Oxford Insurance Brokers
. www.sprintcarworld.com.au / Speedway Designs
. Silversun Pawnbrokers
. Revolution Racegear
. RED Express
. Richmond Heavy Towing
. Ledgen Electronics
. Starfire Pizza
. Saints Meat & 3 Veg
. Waterloo Wreckers
. Gawler Motor Wrecking
. Gepps Cross Hotel
. Racing Raymond: Diecast Collectables
. Triple M 104.7 FM