Just one week after contesting their NSW Title, over 50 Speedcar drivers are set to return to Sydney’s Valvoline Raceway in thrilling fashion this Friday and Saturday night as they put it all on the line in the hope of emerging victorious in one of their most prestigious events: the Sydney City 50 Lap Classic.
Photo: James Selwyn Photos
It’s a total of 52 drivers, including 39 Australian natives, 12 New Zealanders and a single American, who will make up the formidable field for this weekend’s coveted Sydney City 50 Lap Classic, and with such a vast array of talent and experience on offer, it’s anyone’s guess who will claim top honours.
Augmenting the age old Trans-Tasman rivalry, the Aussies certainly have something to prove during this season’s running of the event after losing the Sydney City 50 Lap Classic crown to New Zealand invader Taylor Clarke, who has once again travelled to our shores in an effort to defend his mantle, doing so aboard the NSW # 67 car.
Also a hot favourite thanks to his stellar victory in last Saturday night’s NSW Title, youngster Kaidon Brown is in his best possible form heading into this weekend’s event, which will no doubt add significant pressure as he attempts to repeat his recent winning result.
Following a heartbreaking conclusion in last season’s Sydney City 50 Lap Classic, Michael Stewart will be looking to make amends this time around and wrest the crown back from Clarke. After making his way into the lead, disaster struck for Stewart on lap 35 when he collided with the lapped car of none other than Brown, bringing his night to a premature end, so he’ll be eager to greet the chequered flag come Saturday night’s feature race.
Matt Smith, the winner of the 2012 Sydney City 50 Lap Classic, last Saturday night proved that he’s still just as competitive as ever when he clinched the runner-up spot during the NSW Title. Hoping to go one better this weekend, Smith also be joined on the track by five-time victor and New Zealander Michael Pickens.
Despite finishing just outside of the top five in the NSW Title, being the highest-placed New Zealander, Pickens has proven time and time again that he’s well and truly a force to be reckoned with. The fact that his resume also boasts an Australian Title goes to show that he’s no stranger to racing against, and beating, his Australian rivals.
Also flying the flag for New Zealand will be former New Zealand Champion Brad Mosen, Hayden Williams, Leon Burgess, expat New Zealander Scotty Farmer, Hayden Guptill, Jayden Worthington, Chris McCutcheon, Caleb Antonio-Rooney, James Earl and Peter Hunnibell.
Travelling all the way from America to participate in the Sydney City 50 Lap Classic, Alex Bright may be a minority; however, he’ll be looking to make a name for himself as he fills the driver’s seat of the WA # 4 car.
Fresh from his Australian Title victory at the Perth Motorplex, Dayne Kingshott will be one to watch aboard the NSW # 7 Mark Cooper-owned car, while Troy Jenkins will be hoping to improve on his NSW Title result, which saw him take the early lead before coming home in third.
A host of other Australian contenders will also leave nothing in the tank in their quest for Sydney City 50 Lap Classic glory. To view the full list of nominations, visit the Speedcar Association of NSW Facebook page.
The format for this weekend’s Sydney City 50 Lap Classic will see drivers contest one qualifying heat race, a C main, a B main and the $5,000 to win 25-lap preliminary feature race on Friday night, followed by a second and final heat race, two 15-lap B mains and the $10,000 to win Sydney City 50 Lap Classic-deciding feature race on Saturday night.
The Speedcar Association of NSW would like to thank the following sponsors of the Sydney City 50 Lap Classic for their valued support:
American Tire and Racing
Automotive Automation
CEJN Pty Ltd
Diamond Air Conditioning
DMS Global
GO Racing
MD Motorsport
MPE Repairs
Rivet Energy
Rondalee Metal Fabrication
Seamount Racing
Sirrom Racing
Speedcars Australia
Speedway Australia
Townsend Signs
Valvoline Raceway
Victorian Inspection and Consulting
Weston Machine Shop
To find out more about Speedcar Association of NSW, LIKE them on Facebook by searching Speedcar Association of NSW.
