Contrary to last season’s start, the 2018-19 season couldn’t have begun in a more positive fashion for Mark Robinson, who last Saturday night drove to victory in the Lord Mayor’s Cup for V8 Dirt Modifieds at Lismore Speedway.
After a delayed start to last season’s campaign aboard his NSW # 9 Castrol / Southside Truck Centre supported Troyer last season following a 12-month break from racing, Robinson was this season champing at the bit for a change of fortune, and a change of fortune he certainly got.
Putting over 20 years of experience into practice on home soil at the 400-metre track, Robinson proved to be unbeatable throughout the blue-ribbon event, driving to victory in both of his heat races and therefore earning the pole position start for the feature race.
Despite taking control of the lead from the drop of the green flag and managing to hold onto it throughout the 30-lap duration, it wasn’t an easy race for Robinson, with the track becoming slick and very challenging in the uncommon humid conditions, making it difficult when negotiating lapped traffic.
Thanks to numerous stoppages throughout the course of the feature race which helped to keep him out of lapped traffic, Robinson was able to maintain his lead, crossing the finish line to claim a convincing win that will no doubt put him in good stead for the season ahead.
“It’s always a good thing for the team and I to begin the season on a winning note, and hopefully this is the start of what is going to be a successful season,” commented Robinson.
“I’ve been racing around Lismore Speedway for 20 years, but the track continues to keep me on my toes and last weekend was no exception! It wasn’t the easiest race to win, which makes it even more enjoyable in front of my home crowd and sponsors.”
Robinson is set to return to the track on the Saturday night of November 17 at Toowoomba’s Hi-Tec Oils Speedway, where he’s only raced twice since the track underwent several changes five years ago.
With a scheduled visit to the track being rained out earlier this season, this will be Robinson’s only chance to turn some laps and dial his car in prior to the Australian Title early in the new year.
“We’re hoping to gain as much knowledge about the Hi-Tec Oils Speedway track as possible during our next outing there that we can put to use in the Australian Title,” the defending 5 Star Dirt Series Champion said.
Robinson would like to thank his 2018-19 season sponsors: Castrol, Southside Truck Centre, Global Lubricant Distribution, GSR Suspension Development, Trevan Ford, Northern Truck Coolers, and A1 Signs. Special thanks must go to Robinson’s hard-working pit crew – Bud, Larry, Micka, Andrew and Jake – along with his mum and dad (Faye and Steve), his wife Chloe and the kids, along with the rest of the team and supporters.
To find out more about Robinson and his team, LIKE them on Facebook by searching Robinson Motorsport.
