The beginning of the 2018-19 season has seen multiple Modlite title-holder Klinton Hancey continue to write his name into the history books, this time by taking top honours in the class’s inaugural Victorian Title last Saturday night at Portland’s Southern 500 Speedway.
Travelling south-west from his home in Kawana Waters in the Sunshine Coast region of Queensland to the 370-metre Victorian coastal track, Hancey was in solid form from the outset of the Victorian Title event, winning his opening two heat races. However, he was lucky to come away with a third-place finish in his third and final heat after a racing incident threatened to end his night.
Qualifying on pole position for the 25-lap feature race by virtue of his consistency, it quickly became evident that qualifying towards the front of the field was crucial in order to achieve a strong result, as the track began to offer only single-lane racing, making it difficult to pass.
Making the most of his start and hitting each of his marks throughout the duration, Hancey couldn’t be stopped, leading the race from start to finish to claim the first ever Victorian Modlite Title and his first title victory for the 2018-19 season.
“It’s great to see the Modlites class expanding throughout other states and it’s a real honour to be the first name on the Victorian Title trophy,” commented the 37-year-old racer, whose accolades include winning the Australian, Queensland, South Australian, NSW and Western Australian Titles during last season alone.
“I can’t thank the team enough for their efforts in travelling to Victoria with me and helping to make this win a possibility. I greatly appreciate all of the support my team, family, friends and sponsors continue to provide me.”
In addition to contesting each of the major events in Modlites, this season has also seen Hancey make the transition into V8 Dirt Modifieds where he has experienced a competitive debut, most recently finishing just off the podium in the Lord Mayor’s Cup at Lismore Speedway (NSW) in what was his first appearance with the class. The following weekend, he backed it up with a third-place finish on the podium at Kingaroy Speedway.
“A V8 Dirt Modified is very different to drive compared to a Modlite and I’m learning a lot about the different driving techniques that are required to switch between both cars,” Hancey added.
“My goal is to continue to learn throughout the season and adjust to driving a V8 Dirt Modified and hopefully I can build on my consistent start to the season.”
Planning to make as many appearances in V8 Dirt Modifieds as possible, Hancey’s next event will be this Saturday night at Maryborough Speedway, where he will contest the King of the Ring event aboard his Qld # 44 Hancey’s Turf supported car.
Hancey would like to thank his 2018-19 season sponsors: Hancey’s Turf, Sommers Fuel Supplies, LGM, Kawana Signs, GSA, and Pro Race Cars.
