Victorian Mini Sprints set to begin 2021 with a bright outlook ahead
The 2020/2021 Victorian Mini Sprint season is about to kick off on one of the biggest nights of racing in Gippsland for the current Speedway season and the clubs contingent of passionate competitors could not be more excited as they get to show off their class on the February the 13th, Sprintcar night at Nyora Raceway.
During a long period of Covid restrictions, the Victorian Mini Sprints have been buoyed by an increase in new members and memberships in general, along with support from Speedway Industry related business entities. Plus further adding to the buzz around the class is that new or returning tracks have been added to the race calendar to add some new day trips to those who enjoy a weekend away from home to enjoy lunches, racing and a day outing whilst they go racing.
Whilst the Covid pandemic months has allowed some of the competitors to work on race car development from home, build up finances and enjoy other things in life, Covid also denied the club the opportunity to host the 2019/2020 Australian Lightning Sprint title at Nyora Raceway. In wonderful news though, the NSW, Queensland and Victorian Clubs combined have been able to agree that the 2021/2022 Australian title instead will be hosted at Nyora which is another reason race drivers should look to get involved with the class.
“Hosting the Australian title was going to help increase the interest in our class and potentially attract further competitor numbers for our club. Whilst there was huge disappointment at not being able to run in 19/20, all our planning, our sponsors that have committed to the event and the Nyora club are ready to go for 21/22 instead. The extra time and announcements like today, allows potentially for other race drivers in Victoria to get their hands on a race car and a membership and be involved from the start of the 21/22 season in the lead up to the Australian title.” Said President, Maureen Sell.
For the remaining months of the current season, the category will take their pint sized Sprints to Nyora, Rosedale twice, Hamilton, Darlington and Swan Hill which will allow competitors to see a vast amount of the great state of Victoria, and allow potential new race drivers in different area’s to get a taste of the action, and what could be in it for them.
New to the track in a Mini Sprint this season are Gerrard Lamaro who has a long time involvement in the Speedway Industry through business he operates, he comes from over Geelong way. Jake Skilton who has a long family association with Speedway with family members competing including previously in Mini Sprints and 17yo Kelsea Schnoor who will join her father and her brother racing in a three car team once South Gippsland based Schnoor Motorsport team cars hit the track.
When all the current Victorian cars can hit the track together this season there could be a dozen zipping around at furious speeds. With fantastic power to weight, Mini Sprints have been known to be very quick in comparison with the heavier Sprintcars.
Exciting news for the upcoming Nyora race date on February the 13th when the club will be programmed along with the All-Star Sprintcar Series is that Victorian champion, Sydney racer Danny Stone is coming to compete along with Jake Spencer also from Sydney. The two will add to a line-up that also includes Andrew Burleigh who has a strong involvement with the host club and a couple of excited and still fresh to the class competitors including Castlemaine racer Scott Burchett and Kyabram’s Rahmon Rivero.
“Our class is very much looking forward to Nyora. Covid has affected us all in one way or another and we just cannot wait to bring some normality back to our lives. This great class will showcase what we are all about in front of a huge crowd. We are aligned with the venue announcer, so we know we are going to get plenty of time to shine and we hope we can generate further interest for the budget conscious in our racing. We encourage people to come and talk with us after racing and every driver will be only too pleased to fill you in with details.” Shared Rahmon Rivero.
Interested readers can contact Maureen Sell, Ally Moore or Rahmon Rivero at [email protected] for further details. Or head to social media site Facebook and find the Victorian Mini Sprints page and contact the club.
Race Dates;
Nyora Raceway – February 13th
Rosedale International Speedway – March 13th
Western Speedway, Hamilton – March 27th
Mid-Western Speedway, Darlington – April 17th
Sonic Speedway, Swan Hill – May 1st
Rosedale International Speedway – May 15th
Victorian Race Drivers this season
Owen Schnoor – Car 4
Darren Schnoor – Car 6
Kelsea Schnoor – Car 8
Andrew Burleigh – Car 17
Jake Skilton – Car 23
Jason Lynn – Car 24
Ally Moore – Car 26
Maureen Sell – Car 27
Matt Vonya – Car 45
Rahmon Rivero – Car 47
Scott Burchett – Car 50
Gerrard Lamaro – Car 75
The Victorian Mini Sprint Inc would like to thank these businesses for their support;
Grumpy and Sons Photography
Moore Pics
Napier Photography
Fourth Designs – Website and IT
DMT Sports Media
Ends Release