SONIC Speedway fires up again on Saturday night with the running of the Victorian Super Sedan Title.
There are entries from every state, and with nearly half of the 20 drivers having won Australian or state titles, this is one of the most talented fields seen here for a long time.
Mick Nicola Junior has won the last two Victorian titles and will be very keen to make it three in a row.
However, Mick Nicola Senior, having won multiple Australian and state titles, will hope to upstage him, as will Jamie Collins, who two weeks ago won the Tasmanian title.
The consistent and multiple state title winner Lucas Roberts overcame his recent reliability problems with a feature win at Avalon.
Regarded as one of the best drivers never to have won an Australian title, and a multiple state title winner, Dave Gartner will be one to watch, as will Steve Jordan and David Nichols. Lee Aylett has plenty of Super Sedan racing in his blood.
Dave McKenzie, Ricky Ashmore, Ben Faulkhead and Lionel West had mechanical problems early in the season, but seemed to overcome them at recent racing shows.
Incidentally, West also races “Bronze Aussie”, a Commodore on dry lake racing which is regarded as the fastest sedan in the world.
Darren Ciacometti, Ash Bergmeier (an ex-local), Sean Black and Tyson Moon are all in good form, having won feature races this season, as is Paul Blenkiron (a South Australian driver who always races at every meeting in Victoria in an immaculate car).
Corey Ramsdale, Danny Smith, Michael Hally and Trav Ramsdale are all in their first Victorian Title, so good luck guys.
Expect Trevor Evans to be at the head of Standard Saloons, although now Josh Campbell has sorted out his mechanical problems, and if Claude Pearson can keep out of trouble, he will face plenty of experienced challengers.
Austin and Lachie Chivers raced well here last meeting and will be keen to cause an upset.
Andrew and Aaron Marshall will hope for trouble-free nights and a podium finish.
Troy Higgins returns from a few seasons off while Patrick Walsh and Justin Crear race here for the first time.
Lockie Bull will be keen to go one better in Juniors after the last meeting, where he won two seats and was second in the final.
Mia Lamb, Zac Barwise and Anthony Hanson are aiming to overcome their last meetings’ mechanical issues.
Emily Hooten and Rebecca Johnston continue to get quicker with each meeting. Drive safe, kids.
Although only a small field, all Sports Sedans drivers are experienced on our track, so it will be quick.
Scott Bull won a couple of heats last meeting before mechanical problems slowed him down, as did Katie Meyer, while Marc Hanson must be due for a trouble-free night. Ex-local Shane Simpson will be right up there striving for a top-three finish, as will Kevin Apps.
Meyer will be busy as she is also running in the Open Ladies race. Kelly Lamb was another driver to suffer car trouble after a good start at the last meeting, as did Chelsea Hodge. Kimberly Smith races here for the first time.
Formula 500s will be close, with Jess Bedggood, Malcolm Gammon, Tom Nietvelt and Jordan Caddy all in good form last meeting, while good luck to Darren Rushton in his first race.
Racing starts at 6pm with trackside parking or grassed area to watch from. Hot and cold food and drinks are available from our well-stocked canteen.
If people are early, they can check out the pits and meet the drive. Kids, I believe our popular mascot SONIC will be there. Remember, we are a cash-only venue.
So, for a great night of entertainment, “get ya backside trackside”.
Andrew Ferguson
