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2011 Australian Sprintcar Championship Process Underway
Ross Allen posted Thursday January 27, 2011.
The 2011 Australian Sprintcar Championship is officially underway.
Don’t panic!! You haven’t missed any of the racing!!
The arduous task of scrutineering all of the cars that will take part in the racing has begun. The Sprintcar Control Council of Australia Inc (SCCA) Championship officials are being joined by SRA Victoria officials to check that each car meets the approved racing specifications and all car owners’ and drivers’ records are being checked as meeting the Championship criteria.
The scrutineering process began at 9:00am this morning (Thursday 27 January 2011) and will go through until late this afternoon.
Premier Speedway Warrnambool has arranged for the traditional Championship Calcutta night tonight.
The first night of the two nights of Championship racing begins tomorrow night, Friday 28 January 2011. The Championship decider will be contested on Saturday night 29 January 2011.
As they say in the classics – “Let the Championships begin”
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Maher Ready For Australian Title
( Jan 27, 2011 ) - Sydneysider Adrian Maher will fly under the radar for this weekend’s Lucas Oils Australian Sprintcar Championship at Premier Speedway Warrnambool.
And that’s something that suits him just fine.
The spotlight will no doubt be shone in the direction of McFadden, Murcott, Tatnell, Farr, Brazier, Dumesny and company in the title build up and that allows Maher a quiet preparation with no expectation.
“Reeve and his team have expectations naturally,” concedes Maher, “but as far as the weight of public expectations and the media I don’t think anyone’s overly worried about what we’re up to. I like that.”
Maher will take the wheel of the #36 Titan Garages / Oven U Maxim for this weekend’s two-night affair after American Jonathan Allard stepped out to head back to New Zealand for the weekend (as an American he can’t race in the title anyway).
“Jonathan had the car working real nice last weekend during the classic,” says Titan crew chief Bingo Jenkins, “if the brake line hadn’t pinched off I think he’d have given it a real shake.”
Maher was unable to ‘make the show’ in last night’s “Prelude to the title” event at Warrnambool but Jenkins is confident that Maher can do the job.
“We didn’t do enough to make it happen last night but I’m confident that Adrian will step it up this weekend and give the title a real shake.”
The 2010/2011 Lucas Oils Australian Sprintcar Championship commences this weekend…
More information soon…
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Lucas Oil Products Australian Sprintcar Title Set To Go At Sungold Stadium
Thursday, 27 January 2011 by Gavin White |
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It’s now just on 24 short hours until the 49th Lucas Oil Products Australian Sprintcar Championship presented by Simonds Homes gets underway and with a record field entered the 2011 edition promises to be the most memorable yet. The 94 strong list of entrants is littered with former winners and place getters as Warrnambool’s Sungold Stadium is ver excited to be hosting the larger than usual title field.
Friday’s important opening night will see all contestants compete in two heat races each before the preliminary A-main rounds out proceedings. Saturday’s finale will begin with a further two heats per car before a series of preliminary features will culminate with the championship decider. Saturday night's final is also the next round of the Cool Chassis / Croft Constructions track championship that Steven Lines continues to lead.
Exciting 21 year old defending champion James McFadden will put his title on the line and based on his Classic form last weekend there is no reason why the popular driver of the Scott Milling owned Totally Workwear backed #1 can’t repeat his title success. ‘J-Mac’ scorched from 17th to 5th in the Classic final in another superb performance that saw him pass the most cars of anyone in Sunday nights Classic final. A clean run through his heat races will give McFadden the chance he needs to give himself a shot at the title defence. The teams preparations were bolstered with a strong victory last Friday night at the King’s Challenge showing he has the car speed to take the win.
Classic runner up Brooke Tatnell has arguably been the most consistent racer across the last eight days and his form at Sungold Stadium in recent years has been exceptional. ‘BT’ led the first 28 laps of the Classic final against the world’s finest before a stoppage allowed Steven Lines to eventually shoot by for the Classic win. Tatnell was quick to point out that the title weekend he and the Krikke Motorsport team will be back on the money as he chases the elusive Australia #1 to sit alongside his three previous title wins in 2005, 2006 and 2007.
The last time the title was decided at Warrnambool Kerry Madsen claimed the victory in 2003. Madsen’s victory last night in the Prelude to the Championship event ensured Kerry once again will be a prominent figure this weekend. Madsen defeated Jason Johnson who’s prowess at Warrnambool in recent times has been as good as anyone considering his powerful win on New Years Day. Ironically Madsen finished runner up to Phil March in the 1999 title, also at Warrnambool and this form in big races at Sungold Stadium cannot be ignored.
Six times national champion Garry Brazier won his first ever Australian title at Warrnambool back in 1994 when he defeated fellow ‘brat packers’ Brooke Tatnell and Robbie Farr. Armed with three complete cars for this years assault, Brazier’s Classic form was excellent while reverting to the Spike Chassis for last night’s Prelude event also proved fruitful. The teams choice of car will be a talking point while Brazier’s uncanny ability in the title could be a deciding factor.
If anyone needs a change of luck it has to be 2004 national champ Robbie Farr. In both the Classic and the Prelude ‘Farry’ has suffered a series of unlucky events that have seen his chances of victory slip away. The Eastcoast Pipeline Racing outfit is as professional as anyone on the tour and their preparation is first class. If lady luck plays her part the Robbie Farr is a real chance at title glory.
Three time Australian title holder Max Dumesny’s Warrnambool form this year has been excellent. New Years Day he was on the podium amongst some stout company while his Classic form was also very good. You have to ask yourself, would you ever count Max out at Warrnambool?
The only other active driver nominated that has won the title previously is Queenslander Todd Wanless who’s 1996 victory over Paul Lindberg and Garry Rush will remain a highlight for the likable Queenslander. Is he a chance at Warrnambool? Of course, anyone who rolls out the pit gate is in with a chance and Wanless’ vast experience will stand him in good stead despite a couple of seasons away from the venue.
The above is a list of the drivers who have won a national title previously and have entered for this weekends championship. It hasn’t covered drivers such as Trevor Green, Classic champ Steven Lines, Victorian Sprintcar champ Stephen Bell, Sydney star Mitchell Dumesny, SA guns Matt Egel and Luke Dillon, WSS point leader David Murcott, Danny Reidy, Cameron Gessner, Bryan Mann and 2009 runner up Adrian Maher. Furthermore, in my opinion there are another 10 to 15 drivers that could also record the win and earn the right to carry the Australia #1.
Sungold Stadium’s catch cry this year is simply ‘where history happens’ and you can guarantee there will be another page written this Saturday night in the 49th Lucas Oil Products Australian Sprintcar Championship.
Gates Open at 2.00pm Racing/Qualifying from 5.00pm.
Admission:
Night 1: Adults $30.00
Concession $25.00
Children 12-15 $10.00
Children 6-11 $5.00
Family $70.00.
Three Night Admission Tickets:
Adults $70.00
Concession $60.00
Children 12-15 $20.00
Children 6-11 $10.00
Night Two Only:
Adults $35.00
Concession; $30.00
Children 12-15 $10.00
Children 6-11 $5.00
Family $75.00.
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Max Wins First Night Of Australian Sprintcar Title At Sungold Stadium
Saturday, 29 January 2011 by Gavin White |
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An action packed feature highlighted the opening night of the Lucas Oil Products Australian Sprintcar Championship at Warrnambool’s Sungold Stadium tonight with popular former local Max Dumesny racing to the win in advance of Garry Brazier and Grant Anderson. At the completion of night one West Australian Carl Dowling is the point leader after he also finished fourth in the A-main after starting pole position.
Another wide and racy surface was provided for the 78 contestants that greeted the starter for the 49th running of the Australian Sprintcar Championship and as always the drama came thick and fast.
“I found some rubber off turn 4 and Garry (Brazier) was up on top and he wouldn’t have known it was down there,” explained winner Max Dumesny.
“I could see the opening there and I knew I just had to hit the rubber and the car was great so it worked out pretty good.”
Dowling led the opening handful of laps in the preliminary feature before second starting Brazier mowed him down five laps into the event to take the lead. Dumesny had advanced to third from his fifth starting spot and quickly set about catching the leading duo.
Behind the leading trio there was a great race going on between Grant Anderson, Kerry Madsen, Steven Lines and Brooke Tatnell who was forging his way forward from his 13th starting spot.
With five laps remaining Dumesny began to close on Brazier who was running the highline with Max pinned on the bottom as he reeled him in. Three laps from home and Max made a decisive move to the lead under Brazier before the latter would fight back to the lead.
Dumesny led Brazier past the white flag only for Brazier to sail into the lead off turn 2 before Max found plenty of drive off turn 4 to take a thrilling win. Brazier crossed the line in second ahead of a fast finishing Grant Anderson who advanced past eventual fourth place finisher Carl Dowling.
Tatnell crossed in sixth after starting in the 13th spot ahead of Madsen, Lines, Cameron Gessner, James McFadden, Ian Loudoun, Bryan Mann, Jason Loveday, Jamie Bricknell, Andrew Wright and Robbie Farr.
Stephen Bell, Kris Coyle and Kelly Linigen were all eliminated following a lap two incident in turn 4 when Farr and Linigen came together with the latter enjoying a great run until that point as she had qualified in fourth position for A-main.
Matt Egel set Warrnambool alight in heat 1 has he sped to the win ahead of Linigen and David Priolo in the non stop affair.
Grant Tunks suffered the first of what eventually turned into a torrid night when fuel pump issues curtailed his opening heat of the evening. Luch Monte eventually raced to a classy win ahead of Trevor Green with Brazier scooting to third from sixth.
From outside the front row Dennis Jones went onto record a strong win in heat 3 ahead of sixth starting Robbie Farr with Jason Kendrick into third. Farr’s last lap lunge on Kendrick was good enough to steal second from the young West Australian.
Polesitter Stephen Bell recorded the win in heat 4 ahead of Steven Lines and the 11th starting Kerry Madsen in third. Daniel Goldoni enjoyed a strong run in second before the fire went out in his pristine #7.
Dowling’s night started well with victory in heat 5 in advance of an impressive Andrew Wright and Coyle in third. Shaun Dobson and Max Dumesny made contact further back in the field with the veteran Dumesny managing to stay in control of the Valvoline #5.
Tatnell started his campaign for a fourth national title in great style with victory in heat 6 over Ricky Maiolo and Dylan Jenkin. Fifth starting Ian Madsen hurt a motor forcing a change directly after the heat for the #32.
Sydney’s Ian Loudoun won heat 7 ahead of Domain Ramsay and Cameron Gessner while Tim Rankin’s terrible week continued with further issues for the local ace. 16 year old rookier lady racer Rhiannon Burleigh tagged the main straight wall knocking the driveline and torque tube out of the Burleigh Racing #58.
The first heat of the second round went to defending titleholder James McFadden from 11th starting Kelly Linigen who sped into second. Quentin Tanner filled third while Jason Redpath encountered driveline failure while Jamie Veal spun out of contention mid race eventually finishing ninth.
Fifth starting Garry Brazier powered to the heat 9 win over Grant Anderson and Richard Morgan. Luch Monte flipped the immaculate #17 on the back straight when he rode the right rear of Jamie Stark severely damaging the chassis.
Front row started Luke Dillon scorched to the heat 10 win over Nick Lacey who impressed while Jamie Bricknell raced into third. Wayne Rowett looped the #41 while contact between Dennis Jones and Jason Kendrick ensured the latter would sit out the heat with rear end damage following the incident.
Kerry Madsen’s powerful display in heat 11 looked ominous as he won from Bryan Mann and Damian Abbott in third. Glen Saville brought the yellows on when he cut a left rear tire down following contact with Steven Lines with the left rear eventually exploding later in the heat race.
Max Dumesny sped from seventh to win heat 12 ahead of Carl Dowling who actually was drawn to start in 12th when a first lap crash saw him start from fourth. Warrene Ekins and Brett Milburn got together on the main straight at the start that saw Justin Sloan eliminated along with Mike Van Bremen and Luke Rowell. Kris Coyle raced into third by race end.
Tasmanian Ashley House enjoyed his best run of the week when he took victory in heat 13 over Ben Atkinson and David Murcott. Ian Madsen finished eighth after he was sent to the rear when debris from his car was left on the track following contact with a half spun Darren Mollenoyux at the start of the heat.
South Australian Jason Loveday provided a polished performance to win heat 14 in advance of Steve Caunt and Cameron Gessner. Tim Rankin again finished infield.
The 49th Lucas Oil Products Australian Sprintcar Championship presented by Simonds Homes and Revolution Racegear concludes Saturday night at Sungold Stadium with racing set to get underway from 6pm with engine starts from 5pm.
2011 Australian Sprintcar Championship Points
Carl Dowling 57.5
Garry Brazier 56.5
Kerry Madsen 54.5
Max Dumesny 53
Grant Anderson 51
Brooke Tatnell 49
Steven Lines 49
Cameron Gessner 48.5
Kelly Linigen 47.5
Ian Loudoun 46.5
Bryan Mann 45
James McFadden 45
Robbie Farr 45
Kris Coyle 44
Andrew Wright 43.5
Jason Loveday 43.5
Stephen Bell 43.5
Jamie Bricknell 42
Ben Atkinson 39
David Murcott 39
Steve Caunt 39
Adrian Maher 39
Matt Egel 38
Luke Dillon 38
Dennis Jones 38
Darren Mollenoyux 37
Ryan Jones 37
Mitchell Dumesny 37
Danny Reidy 37
Richard Morgan 37
Ash House 36
Warrenne Ekins 35
Dylan Jenkin 35
David Priolo 35
Matt Young 35
Wayne Rowett 35
Shaun Dobson 33
Domain Ramsay 33
John Vogels 33
Nick Lacey 33
Trevor Green 32
Quentin Tanner 31
Ricky Maiolo 31
Luch Monte 31
Damian Abbott 30
Daniel Pestka 29
Mal Lee 29
Ash Burke 28
James Thompson 27
Glen Sutherland 27
Daryl Campbell 27
Philip Down 27
Glen Saville 27
Jason Kendrick 26
Simon Amato 25
Jamie Veal 25
Rod Mathews 25
Simon Van Ginneken 24
Carl Ludeman 23
Mark House 23
David Craft 23
Mitch Foster 22
Damien Thorne 20
Jamie Stark 20
Ryan Davis 18
Troy David 18
Brett Milburn 18
Daniel Goldoni 16
Jack Lee 15
Ian Madsen 14
Justin Sloan 14
Mike Van Bremen 13
Luke Rowell 12
Jason Redpath 11
Rhiannon Burleigh 9
Grant Tunks 9
Tim Rankin 9
Marty Perovich 9
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