In Australian speedway’s biggest event, Jordyn Charge’s performance during last weekend’s Grand Annual Sprintcar Classic was impressive to say the very least, with him picking up the event’s Hard Charger award after narrowly missing out on a top-10 finish.
Showing maturity beyond his years during what was his fourth Grand Annual Classic attempt at Warrnambool’s Premier Speedway, the 19-year-old racer exceeded even his own expectations throughout the 47th running of the event, proving to be competitive from the outset against his more experienced counterparts.
Time trialling eighth in his group on qualifying night two, Charge experienced a consistent run in his heat races, with his third and fourth-place finishes rewarding him with a top-10 start for the 30-lap preliminary feature race, which saw him come home 13th.
Returning to the track for Sunday’s final night, Charge qualified from position five for the B main, and he drove his heart out to hold onto the final transfer spot, securing his place in the Grand Annual Classic-deciding feature race.
Sharing the track with many of Australia’s best Sprintcar drivers, Charge had his work cut out for him starting from the rear of the field. However, it wasn’t long until he began to make his way through the pack, clawing back seven spots by lap 15 to settle into 17th, before stealing back another five spots to greet the chequered flag in an outstanding 12th and picking up the Hard Charger award, courtesy of The Keyboard Racer, by virtue of passing a dozen cars.
“Just to qualify for the feature race for the country’s biggest speedway event is a massive accomplishment, but to be so close to cracking into the top 10 and also picking up hard-charger award was amazing,” enthused the elated Melton, Victoria-based resident.
“None of this would have been possible without the support of my whole family and the guidance of my mentor and crew chief Matthew Reed, who all put so much into my racing. I also have to say big thanks to our sponsors, because without their support, being a part of events such as the Grand Annual Classic just wouldn’t be possible.”
The next appearance for Charge and his team will be at Hamilton’s Western Speedway for the eighth round of the Eureka Garages & Sheds Series on February 16. Currently sitting fourth in the Eureka Garages & Sheds Series point standings, Charge is aiming to consolidate his position.
Charge would like to thank his 2018-19 season sponsors: Western Nissan – Caroline Springs, Mr Electric, Wil’s Auto Melton, Velocita Premium Motorsports Apparel, Melbourne Accident Repair Centre, Australian Racing Products, Adam Brand, Reed Signs, and Event Pix Photobooth.
To find out more about Charge and his team, LIKE them on Facebook by searching InCharge Racing.
