Having been unable to finish a feature race since stepping into the Lightning Sprints class, Alex Mahony recently experienced a welcome change of fortune, not only greeting the chequered flag in the NSW Title-deciding feature race at Sydney’s Valvoline Raceway, but doing so in a remarkable second place.
Making his debut last season with limited appearances, Mahony’s career thus far had been plagued with mechanical woes which had denied him of a feature-race finish; however, things have taken a turn for the better.
Courtesy of a consistent run earlier in the night during his heat races, finishing fifth, second, and fourth, Mahony started the feature race from position five, steadily making his way forward throughout the 20-lap distance, before taking over the runner-up spot on lap 14 and ultimately finishing just 1.169 seconds shy of winner and current Queensland Champion Jason Rae.
“After all of the issues we’ve had, our aim for this event was simply to get the car to the finish line, so to place second in our home state’s title is obviously a huge bonus and something we’re very proud of achieving,” remarked Mahony, who is based in the Western Sydney suburb of Penrith.
Previously competing in Junior Solos for six years as a youngster, before taking a break from racing and later getting involved in dirt bikes, Mahony continued to keep a keen eye on speedway, having been introduced to it from an early age.
Since trading two wheels for four in late 2017, purchasing a complete Henchcraft car from Queensland and joining the Lightning Sprint ranks, speed has never been the issue for Mahony; making the finish line has been.
It wasn’t until he decided to utilise the expertise of his best mate Eli Wright, who is also the owner of Mahony’s major sponsor – Eli Wright Motorcycles, that a feature-race finish seemed achievable.
With Wright using his significant knowledge of motorcycle engines to examine Mahony’s Suzuki GSXR 1000cc engine, the 34-year-old racer was quick to credit his recent upturn in form to his sponsor.
“Without a doubt, this result wouldn’t have been possible without Eli’s influence,” admitted Mahony.
“The knowledge and advice Eli and his team at Eli Wright Motorcycles have given us has been a massive turning point, and we can’t thank them enough for all of their hard work and support.”
The annual Gold Cup to be held at Valvoline Raceway on February 9 is the next event on Mahony’s schedule, with the team planning to contest around 10 more shows throughout the remainder of the 2018-19 season, including the Australian Title that is going to be held in Queensland.
Mahony is proudly supported by Eli Wright Motorcycles, a motorcycle mechanical workshop based in Katoomba in the Blue Mountains, NSW. To find out more about Eli Wright Motorcycles or to get in touch with them, LIKE them on Facebook by searching Eli Wright Motorcycles. Special thanks for all their help and support must of course go to Eli Wright, along with Jeremy Evans, and Claire Mahony.
