It’s been 18 months since Brent Aprile has competed in 410 Sprintcars on a regular basis, and proving that his passion for the sport is deep-seated, his time away has made him hungrier than ever to chase success.
Stepping into 410 Sprintcars back in 2010 following a short stint in Wingless Sprints, the 2015-16 season can only be described as a standout one for Aprile, who not only achieved his maiden major feature-race win at Brisbane’s Archerfield Speedway, but was also one of the drivers contracted to the World Series Sprintcars Championship.
While this contract was certainly a coup for the young, up and coming Sprintcar racer from the coastal town of Mackay in Queensland, it was also a huge demand on his time, with the busy schedule meaning that Aprile was burned out.
Deciding to take some time to focus on business and family commitments after completing the 2015-16 season, marrying his now wife Natasha, Aprile spent 18 months recharging his battery, but his thirst for competition never subsided, with a shakedown run at Mac’s Speedway late last season aboard his Qld # 42 Mackay Discount Drug Store backed GF1 car signalling that it was time to return to the track on a full-time basis.
“Even though it was definitely a much-needed break, my time away from speedway has only made me more determined to race and be competitive,” enthused the 26-year-old racer.
“I’m looking forward to returning to the driver’s seat and hopefully it shouldn’t take me long to get back into the groove of things. The goal for my return season is try and be as consistent as possible and enjoy myself.”
Planning to contest around 30 race meetings between Archerfield Speedway and Toowoomba’s Hi-Tec Oils Speedway, the upcoming 2018-19 season will be highlighted by the 2019 Australian Championship, which will be held at Archerfield Speedway over the Australia Day long weekend.
“It’s great that the Australian Championship is going to be held in Brisbane this season,” he added.
“There’s no doubt that it’s going to be tough, with the country’s best drivers likely to compete, but I’m hoping that I can get as much track time under my belt as possible before the event and attempt to utilise my track knowledge to come away with a strong result.”
The first hit out for Aprile and his team will be at Hi-Tec Oils Speedway on the Saturday night of September 15 for the opening Ultimate Sprintcar Championship Qld round.
Aprile is proudly supported by the following sponsors in the upcoming 2018-19 season: Mackay Discount Drug Store, Sprint Shack, and Inglis Racing Engines. Special thanks go to his wife Natasha, his mum and dad Christine and David, and his crew chief Glenno Inglis.
To find out more about Aprile and his team, LIKE them on Facebook by searching Aprile Racing, or visit their website at www.aprileracing.com.au.
