It was an unfortunate conclusion to the recent NSW SSA Junior Sedan Title at Hession’s Auto Parts Grafton Speedway, with inclement weather bringing the night to a premature end just in time for the feature race. However, the event is going to be re-run next month.
While they managed to complete NSW Title qualifying for the Junior Sedans, along with qualifying for each of the classes on the support program, the track committee was forced to stop the event when the stormy weather settled in, with the NSW Title being rescheduled for a later date.
Following the two rounds of qualifying heat races, it was Queenslander Erik Wallace who was sitting on top of the point standings and was set to start the feature race from pole position, having picked up two heat-race wins, while fellow Queenslander and current and two-time National Champion Ardie Jonic was primed to join him on the front row after collecting a single win.
NSW-based Brims brothers Hayden and Zac were the other standouts, winning a heat race apiece, while Kurtis Peall managed to snag the final heat-race win, earning a top-five start. A consistent performance throughout qualifying would have seen Dakota Laverty (Qld) start from inside the top five, on the inside of the third row, alongside Zac Brims.
These drivers will no doubt be hoping for a repeat performance when they contest the rescheduled NSW Title, while Jonic will see the event as an opportunity to this time vie for the top qualifying spot in the feature race.
Opening heat-race winner Chris Corbett was the would-be pole-sitter in the V8 Dirt Modifieds, followed by fellow top-three starters Joshua Rose and Brayd Stephenson, who were also victorious in their heat races. Taylah Firth picked up a win in the Novice heat races, as did Victorian Luke Whaler.
Contesting a total of four heat races, Warren King was the top point scorer in the Wingless Sprints, while other heat-race winners included Mick Reid, Bradley Claridge and Matthew Wright.
Running double duties during the night, Corbett was on fire throughout the event, picking up a pair of heat-race wins in the RSA Street Stockers class, which would have been good enough for a first place feature-race start, while the third heat-race win went the way of Brock Armstrong.
Managing to get the Limited Sedans feature race completed, it was Daniel Taylor who came out on top ahead of Hans Van Der Ryken, Michael Taylor, David Mortimer, Zane Williams, Aaron Buchanan and Ben Taylor. Scott Taylor was race’s the only casualty.
Michael Taylor and Mortimer were the victors in the Outlaw Sedan heat races, while Brodie King and Glenn Armstrong each claimed a heat-race win in the RSA Fast Fours class.
For the next 2018-19 season race meeting at Grafton Speedway on the Saturday night of March 16, the NSW SSA Junior Sedan Title will be re-run in full. In what is going to be a double header for NSW Titles, the Modlites is going to be running their NSW Title. Also, on the program is V8 Dirt Modified rumble that is set to include some of the country’s leading racers, along with the Wingless Sprints, RSA Street Stockers and the return of the Team Demolition Derby.
Grafton Speedway would like to thank their naming-right’s sponsor for the 2018-19 season: Hession’s Auto Parts. Based in Grafton, Hession’s Auto Parts stock a wide range of parts and accessories at competitive prices. To find out more about their products, contact them on 0266 423 085.
For more information, contact Hession’s Auto Parts Grafton Speedway Promotions Manager Troy Saville on 0455 948 802. You can also visit their website at www.graftonspeedway.com.au or LIKE them on Facebook by searching Grafton Speedway.
