Toby’s bitter sweet night

If Toby Bellbowen’s night was a bag of lollies, it would be a mixed variety. The young racer has certainly had a tough few weeks but last Saturday night a tenth place finish in the A-Main was a sweet end . . . of sorts.

At the completion of the night, Toby has remained in sixth place in the track championship, 184 points behind the leader, James Thompson.

“Again, we have been struggling with our qualifying form of late,” Toby said.

Early on in the season we couldn’t go wrong, and I felt extremely comfortable in the car. We have made changes recently and they don’t seem to be working. As we all know, qualifying is key with this format, so it has really hurt us.

“After time trials, we were lucky enough to get a front row start for the heat but unfortunately an incident before we got the green on a restart cost us any chance of a pole shuffle appearance.

“We won the B-Main despite not feeling good with the car and managed a tenth in the A-Main which was somewhat pleasing with the night we had. Sometimes you have to accept these finishes, and build on that.”

And build on that he will. Despite the recent form slump, Toby knows what he must do to get back to his early season good form. He will be trying to do that after a week off where no racing is scheduled for Sydney. His next appearance will be Saturday, February 21 at Valvoline Raceway.

And just what is it that Toby has to do?

“Work harder! As I said, it’s all about qualifying and we are working on our package. The guys are working hard in the shop this week to figure out our problems, and hopefully we won’t be in the desperate position that we have been lately.

“We know we can get the car right, I believe in the team, and they trust me to get the job done so it’s about putting it together. I’m really looking forward to what next weekend will bring.”

It’s that determination that will see Toby thrive again.

Toby would like to acknowledge the following sponsors for their wonderful support of the 2014/15 season.

Hog’s Breath Cafe

Rod Bowen’s Prestige Smash Repairs

Spies Hecker

McGrath Lander Motor Group

Valvoline

Poolwerx Hills Shire

Lander Toyota

Vortex Race Products

Duncan & Foster Engine Reconditioning

B & B Graphics

Murrell Distribution