Queensland Litre Sprintcar News 

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Australian Open Success for Gollagher 

Second generation racer Michael Gollagher has won the first feature of the season in Queensland by taking out the $500 to win Australian open event at BIS.  Whilst car numbers were down, which traditionally happens for the first show of the season, the racing was first class, with many drivers showing inspiring speed and daring throughout the heats.  Michael Gollagher drove superbly throughout the feature and took advantage of misfortune which befell the Fanning brothers who led the feature race early on.  Scott Doyle poured on a late charge which was convincingly repelled by Gollagher, with Bruce Ayers taking the final podium position with a consistent third.

 The first heat of the season saw Scott Doyle race away to a comfortable margin with a car that was handling superbly, and showing plenty of power at the end of the straights.  Doyle would win by the length of the straight from Andrew and Dave Fanning.

 Heat two was won by Andrew Fanning over brother Dave, but it all nearly came unstuck for the pair on the last lap when they tangled in turn two.  Fortunately both drivers had enough of a margin over third placed Jason Busk to compensate for their errors and sprint to the checkers ahead of the rest of the field.

 After a short layoff with engine woes, Jason Busk from Gladstone made the long haul from Gladstone worthwhile by scoring a solid and consistent win in heat 3 over Bruce Ayers and Andrew Fanning.  This was Busk’s first win in a Litre Sprintcar, leaving him encouraged for the rest of the season and singing the praises of his new Tappscot engine.

 Bruce Ayers pulled the marble for the feature and inverted the field, but due to David Fannings no show in heat three, he would start off the front row with Busk.  Busk got the jump on the start but got tagged by a gaggle of cars as they bunched on the exit of two, and became entangled with Ayers before retreating to the infield and retiring with steering damage.  David Fanning controlled the race for the opening laps with his younger brother battling fervently behind, until the pair hit lapped traffic and disaster struck.  Andrew Fanning rode the right rear of Shane Matthews down the back straight and earned the dubious honour of the first to invert for the season, ricocheting and cart wheeling along the back shute in spectacular style. Fanning junior escaped unscathed and rued his error whilst surveying the damage to his racer.  At the restart Dave Fanning jumped away to a handy lead over Gollagher, Ayers, Doyle and the ever improving Wade Pascoe.  But two laps later bad luck would befall Fanning with an oil line breaking free and spraying onto the exhaust and creating a smoke cloud that would keep the mozzies away for days around the BIS circuit.  Emerging from the smoke was a new race leader in the form of Gollagher who was going gangbusters in his fathers newly painted #3 racer.  Doyle was putting in a big effort in his white and black # 8 racer but just couldn’t seem to get off the turns as quickly as Gollagher who strode to a maiden feature race victory and $500 payday over an impressive Doyle and Ayers.  Behind this pair world war III was being waged for the first “B” grade trophy and bonus payout between Wade Pascoe and Alan Brosnan.  Pascoe would ultimately be passed by Brosnan with the finish line in sight and leave him lamenting the lack of fitness the off season provided.  Brosnan drove well and deserved his fourth place, fifth was Pascoe with the only other finisher being Shane Matthews who seems to have improved in the off season also.   

Next race meeting is in 2 weeks for the start of the “Super Ten Series” and a larger field expected to hit the track now the season is under way.  Some new drivers are expected to have their first meeting which will add extra interest to an already jam packed season of highlights.

 By Peter Campbell

Spectacular night for Litre Sprintcar Awards

Qld Litre Sprintcar drivers celebrated a successful season of racing in style last weekend with their annual awards ceremony at the Sundowner Hotel Caboolture. David Fannings racer, resplendent with Orrcon livery was the centre-piece of the night which attracted drivers and crew from across the state to honour their peers with various awards.

The standout driver of the season was Toowoomba’s Keith Blatch who won the “A” Grade Club Championship, placed first in the Orrcon Steel Tube and Pipe Litre Sprintcar Challenge, and also took the overall Club Championship honours in an unbelievably consistent season.

Local rookie Andrew Fanning also excelled taking home the first placed “B” grade awards for the Orrcon series and Club Championship along with the prestigious rookie of the year award.

Other stars to figure prominently in the awards were David Whell from Toowoomba, Scott Harth from Maryborough, John Cariola and Bruce Ayers from Brisbane.

A substantial sum of money was raised from prizes donated by Orrcon Steel Tube and Pipe, The AFCO Shock Doctor Wayne Randall, Aussie Trackwear, Gardner Engineering, Max Dumsney’s Hoosier Tyre Australia, and David Fanning. Special thanks must also go to Barron Media, Ace Fireworks and all sponsors and crew who contributed to a wonderful season of hard fought racing.

Nest season looks bigger and better for Litre Sprintcars in QLD with the continuation of the spectacular Orrcon series success, with a ten round tournament being run with over $40000 in prize money already on offer. The Australian Title has been penciled in for Toowoomba with a variety of tracks including BIS, Toowoomba, Maryborough, and Lismore displaying keen interest in their racing by hosting the lightning fast support category at various times throughout the coming season. A notable increase in car counts is expected next season with a number of new drivers coming into the category, which augers well for the future of the sport.
 

Trophy List For BLSRA 2006/2007

BLSRA Club Championship 2006/2007
1st Keith Blatch 2nd Dave Whell 3rd Bruce Ayers
BLSRA “A” Grade Club Championship 2006/2007
1st Keith Blatch 2nd Dave Whell 3rd Bruce Ayers

BLSRA “B” Grade Club Championship 2006/2007
1st Andrew Fanning 2nd John Cariola 3rd Alan Brosnan

Encouragement Awards
Wade Pascoe Michael Gollagher Shane Matthews

BLSRA Rookie Of The Year 2006/2007
Andrew Fanning
BLSRA Wings Award 2006/2007
Darren Ashford
BLSRA Most Improved 2006/2007
John Cariola
Patrick Maroney Memorial 2006/2007
1st Clayton Priest 2nd Dave Whell 3rd Scott Harth

Appreciation Awards
Baron Media
Ace Fireworks

BLSRA Club Person of the Year 2006/2007
Peter Campbell
Orrcon Steel Tube And Pipe Litre Sprintcar Challenge 2006/2007
1st Keith Blatch 2nd Scott Harth 3rd Dave Whell

Orrcon Steel Tube And Pipe Litre Sprintcar Challenge “B” Grade 2006/2007
1st Andrew Fanning 2nd Michael Gollagher 3rd John Cariola

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Priest Blessed With Memorial Win

 New South Wales hot shoe Clayton Priest has won the 4^th annual Patrick Maroney Memorial at Brisbane Speedway last Saturday night, heading home Dave Whell and Scott Harth in a fast and furious 15 lap encounter.

 A disappointing 12 car field lined up for this blue ribbon event after several drivers pulled out of the event at the last minute due to unforeseen dramas.  This did not affect the racing however which was fast and spectacular all night with Clayton Priest driving a daring high line throughout the heats showing up the Queenslanders on their home track.  Several great performances were enjoyed on the night by Scott Harth, Dave Whell, Keith Blatch and David Fanning, with the latter being lightning fast but struggling with reliability as usual.  There was plenty of passing and close racing throughout the heats however a couple of minor accidents tarnished the spectacle slightly.  Dave Fanning made heavy contact with Dick Pettit at the start of heat 3 sending both cars flipping through turn one.  Micheal Gollagher ploughed into the side of Keith Blatch in avoidance of the accident and had to park his car for the rest of the night due to a re-arranged front end.  Clayton Priest slammed the wall later in the same heat after getting a little too high in turn 3.  Luckilly Priest repaired the car in time for the feature, with the lost heat points putting him in the ideal spot for the inverted field. 

 The front row of the feature consisted of Dave Fanning and Clayton Priest and there was no doubt that they would be hard to chase down from there.  Fanning jumped to the lead and opened up a reasonable gap until the yellows came on when Scott Harth spun in turn 4 on a slickening race track.  This bunched the field again and gave drivers a chance to pull some moves to go forward through the pack.  Dave Whell was traveling well in 3^rd place with Blatch, Jason Bell, Andrew Fanning and now Harth pushing extremely hard to keep up with Dave Fanning and Priest.  Reliability woes again struck Fanning at mid race when he pulled infield with a broken fuel pump belt which handed Priest the lead.  By now Blatch was preasuring Whell in second who was driving incredibly well with a broken right rear shock, and suffering breathing difficulties from the flu.  Priest maintained a comfortable lead to the finish however the race was spectacular for the minor placings with Bell, Harth Blatch and Whell slogging it out in the dying laps.  Whel drove brilliantly to hold on to second with a late charge by Harth good enough to earn him 3^rd ahead of Bell, Blatch, Pettit, and Cariola.  As the yellows came out to signal the end of the race Andrew Fanning and Peter Nankervis clashed sending Nankervis into a wild series of flips down the front stretch.

 The final meeting for the season will definitely be going ahead at BIS on the 2^nd of June with club points still up for grabs especially with the minor placings being so close.  For nominations call 0419 715 636.

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Hilder Scores Back to Back QLD Titles

A dominant feature performance by Brisbane’s Brad Hilder has earned him a second consecutive QLD Litre Srintcar Title in front of a large crowd at Maryborough Speedway over the past Easter Weekend. Hilder who started from pole on a track that only offered drive on a thin low line, streaked away from the field despite several stoppages and was never threatened over the 25 lap distance. Hilder who enjoys almost a “local” status at Maryborough due to his conections with car owner Barry Aitkinson and crew, was joined on the podium by another ridgy didge local in Scott Harth, which really gave the crowd something to cheer about. Third place went to another Sunshine Coast resident, Sid Whittaker who passed Darren Ashford for third towards the end of the race. This meeting doubled as the final round of the Orrcon Steel Tube and Pipe Litre Sprintcar Challenge with Keith Blatch who had dominated the series so far being quite subdued, but still consistent enough to almost certainly have secured the crown with a 5th place feature finish behind a fading Darren Ashford. Sixth place and the only NSW driver to finish the final, went to Jason Bell who was hampered by an overheating racer due to a tear-off stack becoming lodged in his radiator intake. Seventh place and 1st “B” grade driver home was John Cariola who put in a gutsy drive minus front wing after a light roll at the start of the feature. Rounding out the finishers was the ever consistent John Caple who over came serious engine problems at the start of the meeting.

A quality field of 16 cars including 3 NSW visitors welcomed beautiful weather and a racy track for the opening round of heats on Easter Saturday night, but disaster struck for Dave Fanning blowing an engine in his opening heat with a new car on debut. Graham McColm also experienced rotten luck, destroying an engine 2 laps into his QLD title campaign. Scott Doyle also parked his racer for the weekend on night 1 after blowing a head gasket. Heat wins were evenly spread between, Brad Hilder , Darren Ashford (2), Keith Blatch, Scott Harth, David Fanning (2)(in his second car) and Sid Whittaker, proving any number of drivers had a shot at the feature win.

The top 8 pointscorers after the final round of heats were Hilder, Ashford, Whittaker, Harth, Andrew Fanning, Blatch, David Fanning and Bernie Clarke. Bernie Clarke won the first pole shootout encounter after Dave Fanning broke another engine and was out for the weekend. Blatch downed Clarke in the next encounter before going on to beat Andrew Fanning in the next race. Andrew Fanning withdrew from the meeting at this point due to another engine problem for the Fanning family. Harth got the jump on Blatch and narrowly won the next shootout, before being beaten by Whittaker in the next race. Ashford easily disposed of Whittaker before being beaten by Hilder 2 races to 1 in the last round of the pole shootout.

The QLD Title feature and also Orrcon Steel Tube and Pipe Litre Sprintcar Challenge feature started in spectacular style with NSW driver David Fuller tagging the wall at the start finish line and end for ending his machine down the main straight. John Cariola also got tangled up and inverted his racer but was able to restart. Fuller retired with extensive damage to his ride. Hilder jumped to the lead on the second restart and quickly opened a gap back to Ashford and Harth who were driving their wheels off to keep up with Hilder. By lap 8 the Q28 had opened a sizeable gap until the reds came on again for the luckless Wayne Iacono who’s machine inexplicably turned hard right into the turn 2 wall and rolled destroying the #13 racer. At the restart a rejuvenated Harth set about working on Ashford who had all but roasted his Hoosier right rear at this point and was clinging on to second gallantly, until Bernie Clarke brought about another red light after tagging the wall in turn four and taking a heavy flip. Hilder cleared out again into the distance as Scott Harth made the best of a low line move to take second place from Ashford and set about closing the gap to Hilder. Whittaker who had also started to find a rhythm rounded up Ashford for a well deserved third place but Hilder had worked too much of a margin over a closing Harth who had come on gangbusters in the last 4 laps of the feature. A jubilant Hilder deservedly won the title for the second time and proudly displayed the chequered flag on the parade lap to the cheers of the fans.

This was easily one of the best weekends racing we have seen from the litres in some time, as it had everything a fan could want. Hard, fast and close racing, crashes, no one dominating, and a deserved victor at the end of the night! A huge crowd gathered in the pits at the Orrcon Steel Tube and Pipe marquee to congratulate the drivers and relive what was an awesome weekends racing.

The QLD Litre Sprintcars would particularly like to thank the officials, Ken Small, Ron Eager, John and Peter Campbell, Wayne Randall and Rachel Hilder and Renae Davis for their effort in making this a professional event and all the NSW drivers and crew who made the journey north. We would also like to pay tribute to series sponsors Orrcon Steel Tube And Pipe who have provided fantastic support to this great sport of Litre Sprintcar Racing and we look forward to an even bigger and better 2007/2008 season.
 

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Blatch Blows ‘em Away Again

Keith Blatch has continued his domination of the QLD Litre Sprintcar Racing scene by taking a convincing win in last weekends feature at BIS. Blatch effortlessly won the feature by the length of the staright during the shortened 10 lap journey and showed that the QLD Title and Orrcon Steel Tube and Pipe Litre Sprintcar Challenge Series is going to be hard to wrestle away from the Darling Downs flyer. A great drive by fellow Toowoomba resident Wayne Iacano saw him turn last weekends misfortune around and bring away a strong podium result even though chassis damage from the previous week saw him change the set up from torsion bars to coil overs for this meeting. Third place went to the much improved John Cariola who drove a consistent race, fending off Dave Whell for much of the distance. Whell eventually placed fourth after fighting an ill handling racer after a heat two roll over which saw the top wing and Jacobs ladder being replaced. The straps for the Jacobs ladder were not quite the same which tightened the race car up significantly but did allow Whell to continue in the event and finish the night. Brisbane regular John Caple placed fifth with the hard luck award going to Peter Nankervis who was in great form on the night collecting 2 heat wins and a second to be the highest point scorer from the preliminaries. Nankervis was holding down a strong second placing until 3 laps from the end when the car jumped out of gear finishing his night on the infield.

A dismal car count of 9 turned out for what was a golden opportunity to showcase the Litres as one of the most exciting classes at BIS with only Super Sedans being the other draw card on the night. Unfortunately After engine starts the field was cut by 2 with Scott Doyle withdrawing with oil pressure woes and Darrel Martin failing to fire also with an electrical problem. Andrew Fanning blew his engine in heat 1 leaving a thin field of 6 to complete the night. Dave Whells crew worked frantically to repair his racer after a heat two flip when Blatch had a half lose and was collected by the luckless Whell, with both drivers thankfully returning for the final races.

The next meeting for the Litres up here in the Sunshine state will be the QLD Title at Maryborough over the easter weekend. This promises to be an incredible weekend of racing with the final round of the Orrcon Steel Tube and Pipe Litre Sprintcar Challenge being run in conjunction with the title. There is a huge prize purse on offer which will hopefully tempt some of the NSW drivers to attend. The winner of the QLD Title will take home a guaranteed $1000 as well as another $400 in Orrcon series prize money. Add to this tow money and a bonus $250 if they are also the highest point scorer for the meeting and it would be quite achievable that the winner could take home around $1700!! At least 20 cars are expected to attend the meeting with 2 nominations from NSW being received already from Graham McColm and David Fuller. Nominations close on the 26th of this month with late nominations being received right up until the last minute before racing. Contact 0419 715 636 for details
 

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Whell Digs Deep To Win BIS Feature

Toowoomba litre sprintcar racer David Whell has taken out an action packed BIS feature race this past Saturday after considering not attending the event due to a turn of ill health. It turned out to be a fantastic night for Whell who proved his second placing from last weekends Orrcon Steel Tube and Pipe Litre Sprintcar challenge event was no fluke. Fellow Toowoomba resident Keith Blatch continued his recent fine form to finish second after overcoming some earlier engine woes which saw him complete only one of his 3 heats. Third place went to Glen Morgan who battled with Bernie Clarke for the last few laps and just managed to slip by on the last corner when Clarke made a small error and drifted wide.

The feature was marred by a heavy crash involving the two fastest cars on the night being Bruce Ayers and David Fanning. Fanning who top scored with 2 heat wins slashed his way to the lead within 2 laps from position 6 only to have a rear axle break at the right hand diff housing sending his car into the wall on the back straight, and into a series of heavy flips. With the field close behind and drivers scattering everywhere in avoidance, the hapless Bruce Ayers rode a wheel and proceeded to roll several times down the back shute. Bruce was taken to the medical centre suffering back pain but was released soon after. Fanning was not injured. As the field lined up for the restart it was Whell who had inherited the lead and he now pinned his ears back and went for the line.

Keith Blatch was fighting hard through the field and reached second with only a few laps to go, but by now Whell had established a winning gap and was not to be headed. Wade Pascoe was again travelling well however nearly experienced his second flip in as many meetings when he spun on turn two and hit the inside burm bouncing the car up onto two wheels and skidding infield. Other drivers to perform admirably on the night were Peter Nankervis who showed some good car speed at times, Bernie Clarke who had a very consistent night and Shane Matthews who made the long haul from out west and managed to finish the feature in 8th place.

The next meeting for QLD Litres will be in Toowoomba on the 10th of March for the 5th round of the Orrcon Steel Tube And Pipe Litre Sprintcar Challenge. Nominations are now being sought from any interested competitors especially from NSW who would like to take on QLD’s best with the usual lucrative series prize money on offer. Please phone 0419 715 636 to nominate. Please also note the early start time of this event with engine starts commencing at 4.30pm.
 

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Fanning Steels Orrcon Steel Tube and Pipe Round One.

The opening round of the Orrcon Steel Tube And Pipe Litre Sprintcar Challenge has been won by Brisbane’s David Fanning, with a dominant display of car speed and skill through lapped traffic to beat Jim Gollagher and Keith Blatch who placed second and third respectively. In front of a good sized crowd at Brisbane International Speedway, 18 Litre Sprintcars put on a spectacular display of wheel to wheel racing and produced one of the best feature races seen in QLD for many seasons.

The opening round of the series, which was sponsored by Allduct P/L, saw a number of drivers fronting for their first race of the season, with two notable competitors in Darren Ashford and David Fanning, burning the midnight oil to be ready in time for the inaugural Orrcon Steel Tube And Pipe Challenge.

The heats were a wild and spectacular affair on a rough and rutty track however the only casualties were Ashford, who flipped violently in heat 3 after contact with another car, Peter Campbell (driveline failure) and Glen Morgan (broken king pin). Heat race victories went to Bruce Ayers, David Fanning, Scott Harth and Keith Blatch.

Fanning pulled the number one marble to start off pole in the feature and lead the field away behind the Orrcon Steel Tube And Pipe pace car. Fifteen cars made up the final field and it was helter skelter from the start, with passing a plenty and 3 car wide action the norm rather than the exception. In the early stages of the race it was Dave Fanning holding a comfortable margin over Bruce Ayers, Keith Blatch and Jim Gollagher until lapped traffic came into play around lap 6. Fanning was masterful through the slower cars, and at one stage went four wide around the top of the track in pursuit of victory. Behind him Bruce Ayers dropped off the pace handing second to Blatch with Jim Gollagher pressing hard for a podium position. A late race stoppage saw the field re-group for a 3 lap sprint to the chequers but it was Fanning in total control showing too much pace for the rest of the field and claiming the spoils in the inaugural Orrcon Steel Tube And Pipe Litre Sprintcar Challenge. A nail biter for second saw Jim Gollagher sneak past Blatch on the restart with Bruce Ayers fading back through the field with mechanical woes. Damien Emery drove well to claim the $100 first placed “B” grade driver award thanks to Allduct P/L.

All drivers would like to thatnk the following sponsors for making the night a huge success:- Orrcon Steel Tube And Pipe, Allduct P/L, Ace Fireworks, Aussie Trackwear, WR Bobcats, Ashford Mechanical, Ayers Engineering, Trump Card Race Products,.

The next meeting for the Orrcon Steel tube and Pipe Litre Sprintcar Challenge will be at BIS on the 30 Decmeber 2006 with an expected field of 20 or more cars

 

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FROM JUG TO JUGGERNAUT – OVERNIGHT!

Litre Sprintcar racing in QLD is going from strength to strength and has just taken a massive leap forward with a naming rights sponsor for a six round series being announced late this week. Orrcon Tube and Steel has agreed to a proposal put forward by the BLSRA and become a naming rights partner in the series which will now be known as “The Orrcon Tube and Steel Litre Sprintcar Challenge”.

The original six round “Sunshine State Challenge” which was the brainchild of nine committee members from the BLSRA, was developed with the foresight to give drivers an incentive to bring their racers out for the coming summer and showcase Litre Sprintcars to the greater QLD community. Now with Orrcon Tube and Steel and several other major sponsors coming aboard this week the series has grown from a jug to a juggernaut virtually overnight with unprecedented funding for Litre Sprintcars in this state. The total prize pool is expected to top $20 000.00 in cash with plenty of contingency prizes thrown in for good measure.

The nomination list for the first round currently sits at 17 (see below) with more drivers expressing their involvement once engines and cars are finished. The series rules and format have been finalized and promotional activities are now underway to help promote the series with promoters and public alike.

This is shaping up to be a huge event which promises to change Litre Sprintcar racing in this state for the better. There are still plenty of opportunities to become involved in the series with more and more people each day pledging support for the event. For further information or to nominate for the series please phone Plucka on
0419 715 636.

Orrcon Tube And Steel Litre Sprintcar Challenge
Series Dates / Venues / Round Sponsors

18/11/06 BIS ALLDUCT P/L

30/12/06 BIS INTEGRA MOBILE

06/01/07 BIS COAST FAST P/L

17/02/07 KINGAROY DIGGA

10/03/07 TOOWOOMBA ACE FIREWORKS

7-8/4/07 MARYBOROUGH ORRCON TUBE & STEEL

ASSOCIATE SPONSORS / CONTINGENCY PRIZES
Trump Card Race Products Posters & Promotional items
Wayne Randell Bobcats $500 for “B” grade
Aussie Trackwear Race wear package
Mal Jocumsen 140ltrs Methanol
Ashford Mechanical Sidchrome tools
Ian Boettcher Race Parts Gift voucher
Ayers Engineering
NOMINATIONS RD1 ORRCON TUBE & STEEL CHALLENGE 18/11/06

Q34 Andrew Fanning
Q31 David Fanning
Q9 Darren Ashford
Q47 Sid Whittaker
Q33 Michael Gollagher
Q3 Jim Gollagher
Q17 Alan Brosnan
Q6 Peter Campbell
Q27 Dave Whell
Q77 Keith Blatch
Q59 Scott Harth
Q21 John Caple
Q11 Bruce Ayers
Q16 Darcy Tweed
Q53 Glen Morgan
Q29 Wade Pascoe
Q49 Damien Emery
 

Win #2 For Whittaker

Sunshine Coast flyer Sid Whittaker has scored his second consecutive feature race win after taking out a close fought 10 lapper at BIS last Saturday night.

Whittaker, who started off pole for the scheduled 15 lap race, took control from the outset and easily jumped away from fellow front row starter Michael Gollagher at each of the two attempted starts. With passing at a premium on a super slick race track, Whittaker drove a superb low line at a steady pace, keeping mistakes to a minimum and ensuring that none of the snapping field behind would steel a victory.

Following home in second was the ever consistent and experienced Bruce Ayers who applied the blow torch to Whittaker for the entire race. An equally impressive drive from young “B” grade talent Damien Emery saw the Trump Card Race Products #41 place third. Finishing fourth was Scott Doyle followed by Peter Campbell, Andrew Fanning and Alan Brosnan which completed a 7 car freight train that ran nose to tail for the entire distance. Non finishers were Michael Gollagher who retired after contact with Sid Whittaker on lap 3 whilst running second, and Wade Pascoe who was driving well given the conditions for only his second ever meeting, eventually pulling infield after a right rear torsion arm stripped out. Keith Blatch unfortunately missed the feature after losing his muffler in heat 2, which was then run over by several cars including Keith on the next lap which broke the rear brake caliper mount. Heat 1 was easily won by Peter Campbell, with heat two being won by Blatch – minus brakes and muffler, with heat three taken out by Gollagher.

The next meeting for QLD Litre Sprintcars will again be at BIS with a much healthier field expected for the first round of the Sunshine State Challenge on the 18th November.

By Peter Campbell
 

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Exciting news for QLD Litre Sprintcars!!

Queensland Litre Sprintcar racing is set to take another positive step forward this season, with the announcement of a 6 race series to be held at four different venues throughout the coming summer. The traveling tournament, to be known as the “Sunshine State Challenge”, will be kicked off on the 18th of November 2006 at BIS and will culminate with a huge meeting at Maryborough Speedway over the Easter weekend of April 8/9th 2006 which will also double as the QLD Litre Sprintcar Title.

A naming rights sponsor is yet to be announced however several major sponsors have come on board ensuring that the “Sunshine State Challenge” is a lucrative and viable event. Rob Stevenson From Ace Fireworks has kicked a total of $2000 into the prize pool which has been matched by the BLSRA dollar for dollar. Wayne Randell from Wayne Randell Bobcats has added $500 towards a “B” grade incentive, and Aussie Trackwear has donated a race suit for the winner of the series! The winner of the series is expected to take home a minimum of $1000 and a brand new race suit, with increased tow money and prize money on each round an exciting incentive for teams to attend each round.

The racing format (except for QLD Title weekend) will follow the current method of draw and inversion for heats, with the feature race grid determined by the up to date series point score. The series leader will then draw either a front or rear inversion to finalise the starting order for each nights feature.

More information will be announced on the series shortly, and if you would like to become involved as a sponsor or organizer then please don’t hesitate to phone 0419 715 636 for more information.

Sunshine State Challenge Schedule

Nov 18th BIS
Dec 30th BIS
Jan 6th BIS
Feb 17th Kingaroy
March 10th Toowoomba
April 7/8th Maryborough

Series Sponsors
Aussie Trackwear
Ace Fireworks
Wayne Randall Bobcats
BLSRA
Jensen Wings
 

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From Where I Sit…..

For those of you who didn’t make it to Maryborough Speedway last weekend (14/10/2006) for the opening meeting of the QLD Litre Sprintcar season, here’s a bit of an insight as to what transpired throughout the event. Unfortunately though, it may not contain all the juicy information such as complete results and lap times etc. as to be very honest I haven’t had a chance to follow all that info up yet. You tend to put the blinkers on at a race meeting when you are trying to run your own race car and organize a meeting, BBQ, raffles and trophy presentations etc. All other sundry facts like heat winners become just noise in the background! I promise that the information and a complete race report will be forthcoming!!

I was invited to drive the Q6 car owned by Mal Jocumbsen and campaigned by his capable son for many seasons. Mal had burned the midnight oil all week preparing the car to help boost our poor car count. Mal only received the freshened engine in the wee hours of Thursday morning and eventually completed all the preparation by Saturday lunch time – an effort the club truly does appreciate as getting cars to the track up here is a weekly dilemma. My mission for the evening was to run the new engine in for the night and stay out of trouble, so poor Mal wouldn’t inherit more wrinkles for the next meeting at Archerfield in 2 weeks.

Engines starts and hot laps beckoned as the sweltering late afternoon sun beat down in the dusty pits making it very uncomfortable for drivers getting into their compulsory attire for the evening. My ride thankfully fired straight away and we cruised around getting heat into the engine and trying to bed the rings in a little at low revs. Hot lapping time and the track was extremely wet – particularly on the high line as Sid Whittaker found out. Coming into turn one for the second time the reds came on and as I slowed approaching the crash scene there’s Sid “upside down Miss Jane” on the turn 2 wall, with poor rookie Darcy Tweed backed in there as well in obvious attempt to avoid the stricken Whittaker.

Heat one approached and fortunately all 9 cars in attendance were ready for action again. All was going according to plan for my ride as we started from the rear hoping to settle the engine a little more. Up front the racing was on in earnest with cars going in every direction. Obviously some drivers were going to have to do their homework for the next heat. Unfortunately I had to pull the #6 racer infield with 2 laps to go as a result of dull yellow light appearing on the dash indicating low oil pressure, however the engine sounded fine and was pulling well.

All cars appeared at the gate for heat 2 and after a quick check on our car and an oil top up we were ready to blast away again. Starting from the rear again I had a good look at the field going into turn one and once again cars were going helter skelter. Still more homework to do for some…… The plan then was to stay out of trouble and go forward which we did with the heat going the distance green, white, checker. The yellow oil light appeared again on my dash as I greeted the white flag however this time I decided to finish the race and get some points on the board for feature time.

The final heat of the night started in spectacular fashion with Scott Harth performing a stunt off the back of a red car ( not sure who??), riding a right rear and heading towards the concrete at a rapid rate of knots. The brakes on Mals #6 work thank god! At the restart that pesky yellow light flashed on periodically reducing my confidence in the operating systems of the car, however throughout the race at speed it behaved and managed not to annoy me, allowing me to keep my mind on the job of working through the field from the rear yet again. Damien Emery went high and lose going into turn 3 and I decided to get past and get the hell out of there only to find Damo squeeze me on the exit of the turn and tap me into a spin. Racing incident – no harm done! I did however pack my dacks while waiting for the yellows to come on stranded on the racing line facing the wrong way watching Bruce Ayers bare down on me at full tilt, down the back straight and into 3 and four with pack chasing him hard. Good to see the corner stewards are doing their job. Maybe watch you corner next time – not the race.

Feature time, and we were down a racer, with Scott Harth unfortunately retiring with a broken lower shaft in the rear end. Possibly not helped by the Evil Knevil impersonation at the start of heat 3. Blatchy had sorted his car a little better and was looking fast as was Sid Whittaker and Bruce Ayers. Brad Hilder who had been driving a sprintcar all night was starting off the back with me and is never one to be denied especially at Maryborough which is like a home track to the “Ratchet Jaw”. The field blasted away in front, but I had decided to take a cautious approach to the race as the pack finally sorted themselves out into a racing order after a couple of laps. Brad was just up ahead dicing away with Bruce Ayers while at the front of the field Blatchy and Sid were neck and neck having a whale of a time at the front. I finally managed to dispose of Alan Brosnan and set after the leaders and put my head down for a few good laps to see what the car was really capable of. Just as I was starting to make some sort of impression on the gap, the final flags flew and the race was over, with a nail biting finish ensuing between Sid, Blatchy and Brad. Sid took his first feature win in Litres with a superb drive to pip Blatchy after he led every lap. Brad managed to get by Bruce for 3rd and was on the tail of the leaders at races end. Bruce of course finished 4th with yours truly 5th and Damien Emery 6th. Sid was understandably overjoyed with his win even if he did tear up some wings along the way. Many thanks to all those who made the effort to make the trip to Maryborough. It was a great night and a great way to start the season.

By Peter Campbell

Whittaker Wins

Sid Whittaker has taken out an enthralling Maryborough Litre Sprintcar feature race in front of a decent crowd this past weekend 14/10/2006.

The first race meeting of the season saw a poor car count of only 9 racers front for what promised to be one of the best race meetings put on by the Maryborough club in recent memory. Sprintcars, Litre’s, Compacts and formula 500’s made up the all open wheel program, and it was disappointing that the litres couldn’t produce a better car count to showcase our class against the other open wheel divisions.

However, what the Litre Sprintcars lacked in quantity, they made up for with quality, displaying close and fast racing all night. The only major incident occurred in hot laps when Sid Whittaker clouted the wall and rolled taking with him rookie Darcy Tweed. Fortunately both cars only suffered minor damage and were able continue for the rest of the night. The only casualty of the night was Scott Harth who broke a lower diff shaft during heat 3.

Top performers on the night were Scott Harth, Bruce Ayers, Sid Whittaker, Keith Batch and Brad Hilder who was also driving a Sprintcar on the same program. The feature race was a cracking ten lapper with Keith Blatch jumping out to an early lead followed by Sid Whittaker and Bruce Ayers. Brad Hilder and Peter Campbell were chasing hard from the rear of the pack, but it was Hilder who sliced his way through effectively to be with the leaders within a few laps. A classic battle ensued between the top four before Blatch made a small error, leaving enough room for Whittaker to pounce and claim the victory only a half a car length ahead of Blatch and then Hilder who made a slick pass on Ayers for third. Congratulations must go to the Whittaker team who have now taken out their first feature victory after only 5 meetings in the division. A special thanks must also go to all those people who made the effort to attend and support the club. The next meeting for QLD Litre Sprintcars will be at BIS on the 28th of October 16, 2006 where a stronger car count is anticipated for our second show.

Award Recipients 2005/2006 QLD Litre Sprintcars

QMLRA CLUB CHAMPIONSHIP

1^st Darren Ashford      2^nd Brad Hilder            3^rd Wayne Randell

 BLSRA Club Championship

1^st Brad Hilder             2^nd Jim Gollagher        3^rd Michael Jocumsen

 QMLRA “A” Grade

1^st Darren Ashford      2^nd Brad Hilder            3^rd Wayne Randell

 BLSRA “A” Grade

1^st Brad Hilder  2^nd Jim Gollagher  3^rd Michael Jocumsen 4^th Bruce Ayers 

QMLRA “B” Grade

1^st Michael Gollagher 2^nd Jason Busk             3^rd Glen Morgan 

BLSRA “B” Grade

1^st Michael Gollagher 2^nd Bernie Clarke

 Club Person of the Year

Ron Eager & Corrine Chapman (BLSRA)

Brad Hilder & Rachel Costello / Hilder (QMLRA)

 Rookie Of The Year

Sid Whittaker 

Nuts And Bolts Award

John Cariola 

Battler Award

Alan Brosnan

 Wings Award

Dave Fanning

 Encouragement Awards

Keith Blatch, Bernie Clarke, Scott Doyle 

Visiting Driver Award

Clayton Priest 

Best Presented Car

Scott Harth

 Best Presented Crew

Dave Whell

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QLD News :- New Season Info.

 Although there has been little or no news reported on the QLD scene of late, it doesn’t necessarily mean that there is no action up here at the moment!  There is PLENTY happening and it’s all headed in a very positive direction.  Let’s go back a few weeks and fill in the blanks in the approach to our first race meeting in October.

 A good turn out of members representing all the major locations of Litre Spintcar racing in QLD attended the QMLRA AGM on August 26^th 2006.  It was clear from the outset that there was an overwhelming majority of members who were very keen to get the administration side of our racing run by the one group of members rather than the current system of two bodies, with a lack of numbers to effectively and efficiently run either club.  The economical and organisational benefits of having one group manage racing in this state are clear for all to see, and it was fantastic to see all members take a common sense approach to the administration of their sport in this state, with the meeting running smoothly and amicably over a two hour period.  In a nutshell, members voted unanimously to “Leave Dormant” the QMLRA in it’s current form and reduce the membership fee to $5.00 (from $50) for a period of 12 months.  This was forced upon the club due to the fact that no current members stood for any positions on the committee for the forthcoming season.   It was also decide that the management of racing dates, licensing and general duties would be taken up by the BLSRA as there were members on that committee willing to fill the voids needed to effectively run Litre Sprintcar racing in this state.  This DOES NOT mean that country racing will be forgotten about in this state with a pledge by the leadership body to focus on the country tracks to ensure good car counts and a fair distribution of meetings throughout the season in regional areas.  To back this up a series is currently being formulated, focusing on tow money and contingency prizes aimed at getting ALL cars to country venues.  In an extremely generous and positive gesture, Rob Stevensen from Ace Fireworks kicked of the series with a $2000.00 donation which was quickly followed by a $500 donation by Wayne Randell from Wayne randell Bobcats.  Add to this the Race Suit donated by Aussie Trackwear for the winner of the series and the idea of a multi round competition in this state becoming a lucrative high class series is one of the most positive steps taken by QLD Litre Sprintcar racing in many years.  More details on this series will be made public very soon, but in the meantime if you would like to become involved in the series either through sponsorship or volunteering to organize events please phone 0419 715 636 for more details.

 Following the AGM the combined clubs held their trophy presentations for 2005/2006 with around 45 people enjoying a great night of live music, videos, raffles and prizes and great food.  The dutch auction and raffles managed to raise around $500 which will be directed towards the new series.  We would like to thank all the generous sponsors of the trophies and all those that traveled to attend and help with the function which combined to make it an extremely successful event.   

The next important date to mark on the calendar will be the BLSRA AGM on the 23^rd of September 2006 where a lot of issues such as the new series and dates will be thrashed out before the first race meeting on October 14 at Maryborough.  A full calendar will be available shortly, with John Kelly offering us extra dates if we wish at BIS for 2006/2007.  It looks as though so far there will be 2 dates at Maryborough, 1 at Bundaberg, 9 at BIS, with negations still continuing with Toowoomba, Lismore and possibly Rockhampton and Blackwater.  A QLD title is still to be negotiated also, so any tracks and promoters interested in having this blue ribbon event at their venue are strongly advised to request a tender form ASAP from Peter Campbell by phoning 0419 715 636.

 By Peter Campbell

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BIS Litre Sprintcar Final

Keith Blatch has won the final meeting of the season for QLD Litre Sprintcars held at BIS last Saturday night. A great drive by Jim Gollagher saw the Burpengary master take a well earned second placing ahead of a much improved Scott Doyle in the blue #8 Brisbane Haulage racer.

An eventful night saw a huge crash in heat 2 sideline 3 drivers after 1st turn bunching sent Alan Brosnan, Peter Nankervis and Scott Doyle scattering with all three ending up on their lids. Also involved were John Cariola, Sid Whittaker and Blatch with the only cars able to restart out of the incident being Whittaker and Doyle.

The highest point scorer after heat race action was Darren Ashford who drew a six inversion to jumble the field for the feature. Blatch started off pole and jumped away to an early advantage being chased down by Doyle, Ashford, Gollagher senior and Sid Whittaker. Blatch was driving well maintaining a low line to find the moisture on a dry slick track, while Gollagher was methodically picking up places on firstly Ashford, who slid wide in turn 3 and then Doyle who made the same mistake a few laps later. By now Blatch had encountered lapped traffic which helped Gollagher to catch up with Doyle also advancing to within reach of the leaders to set up an exciting last few laps. Gollagher threw everything at Blatch but just couldn’t find a way past with the orange #77 hanging on for long awaited victory after an indifferent season that saw everything from engine woes to a new chassis acquisition for the Towoomba flyer. Darren Ashford placed fourth ahead of 1st “B” grader Sid Whittaker, again enjoying a great night in the white #47 racer. The racing all night was frenetic and epitomized the racing all season from the QLD Litres. With 13 cars in attendance on the night and many more cars expected to return next season the future looks bright for racing in this state. Queensland Litre Sprintcar drivers would like to thank the following sponsors for their valued support throughout the season….

Baron Media
QLD Speedway Spares
Ian Boettcher Race Parts
Trump Card Race Products
Toowoomba Car Wrecking
Blatch’s Mechanical Repairs
Ashford Mechanical
Australian Dust Solutions
Alan Morison Excavations
Eagers Electrical
Brisbane Haulage
Ace Fireworks
Weatherall Prestige Autobody
BHR Fabrication
Nationwide Airconditioning

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Ashford Wins BIS

Darren Ashford has taken victory in the second last race meeting of the QLD season held at BIS last weekend.  Ashford endured an epic battle with Clayton Priest all night and finally triumphed to win the race that mattered the most on the night.  Priest drove superbly all night eventually taking second in the feature but on heat race form looked to be the even money favourite for the win. 

 A much improved drive from ex QLD champ Jim Gollagher saw the seasoned campaigner finish 3^rd ahead of new QLD champion Brad Hilder in Keith Blatch’s BHR #77.  Michael Gollagher survived a hairy moment early in the feature when he rode the front wheel of another competitor and shot skywards luckily landing on all fours and continuing in the race to place fifth.  Sixth place finisher Wayne Iacano continued his consistent form and managed to keep out of trouble all night.  The meeting was yet another great spectacle for the crowd with 14 cars in attendance and all cars on the track for an 8 lap heat and 15 lap feature.  Hard luck stories were bestowed upon Andrew Fanning (engine dramas) Sid Whittaker (fuel pump) and Alan Brosnan (engine).  Peter Nankervis enjoyed his first night back and showed some good speed but looped the car on a few occasions also!  Next meeting for the QLD Litre Sprintcars will be at BIS on the 3^rd June and will conclude the season for us up here.

 By Peter Campbell

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QLD Driver Gradings

BIS PICS 11/2

1st Q3 Jim Gollagher,2nd Q53 Glen Morgan, 3rd Q27 Dave Whell

Q53 Glen Morgan

Q59 Scott Harth

Q54 Wayne Randell

Q11 Bruce Ayers

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Randall “Racks One Up”

Yandina Speedway on Queenslands Sunshine Coast played host to a somewhat smaller than expected field of Litres on Saturday the 28th of January. Unfortunately for the promotion rain fell a day earlier making track preparation very difficult, but to their credit the Litre Sprintcars pressed ahead with the meeting on a track that could only be described as a potato paddock. Maryborough’s Wayne Randall drove to an impressive feature win but he was far from having it all his own way with Brisbane dynamo Dave Fanning chopping at his heels for much of the race. Third place went to the ever consistent Jim Gollagher followed home by Keith Blatch running on only 3 cylinders!

Nine cars were present in the pits at the start of the night, with only six ready to compete after hot laps when Bruce Ayers broke a timing belt, and Scott Doyle hurt an engine yet again this season. Keith Blatch worked overtime to resolve a frustrating engine misfire missing 2 heats.
 

Heat one was taken convincingly by Fanning, with a confident and fast finishing Michael Gollagher claiming second ahead of Greg Polzin who was having his first drive back after a long lay off, driving Dave Whells’ car.

The second heat saw Michael Gollagher exit for the night when he flipped after heavy contact with the turn three wall. Micheal was unscathed but the potato’s he ploughed made nice chips at the canteen later in the night. Dave Fanning once again ran away with the heat win followed by Gollagher senior and Randall.
 

Heat three was won by Randall with Fanning who started from position six, weaving his way through to be tapping the rear pusher of Randall by races end. Jim Gollagher finished closely behind in a comfortable 3rd place.

In the 12 lap feature Randall jumped away to a commanding lead follwed by Polzin Gollagher, Blatch, Fanning and improving “B” grader Alan Brosnan. A close tussle for 2nd through 4th ensued for 2 laps before Fanning made an aggressive move from fourth to second and set out after Randall. But Randall kept his cool under immense pressure from Fanning for the remainder of the race proving a worthy feature winner. Wayne Randall is having a stellar season and if he continues this form, there’s no doubt he can spring a few more upsets if the opportunity arrises.

Best performed “B” grader of the night was awarded to Alan Brosnan who drove steadily all night and was unlucky not to complete the feature after spinning infield on a slick part of the race track with only two laps remaining.

The QLD Litres would like to thank the following sponsors for their generous support…
QLD Speedway Spares
Trump Card Race Products
Baron Media
Ian Boettcher Race Parts
Ashford Mechanical
Blatch’s Mechanical Repairs
Toowoomba Car Wreckers
Nationwide Air Conditioning
Panel-On Smash Repairs

By Peter Campbell
 

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Fanning’s 2 from 2

Brisbane’s David Fanning issued an ominous warning to all Australian title aspirants by blitzing the field last Saturday night to make it two feature wins in a row at BIS. The ADS Dust Solutions #31 entry took control of the feature event after early race leader Bruce Ayers was delayed by a lapped car on the second lap of the feature, allowing Fanning to slip past and into a handy lead. Ayers recovered to chase down Fanning for the remainder of the 15 lap journey, posting a solid second place with Brad Hilder , Jim Gollagher and Clayton Priest all fighting for the last podium position. Ultimately Hilder’s experience and car speed made the difference to claim third in a feature that went from wire to wire without a stoppage.

Fano

Fifteen cars were in attendance on a hot and steamy night, and BIS provided an ideal track, being smooth and very grippy. Another rookie, Wade Pascoe, joined the litre car ranks for the first time and presented a sparkling Coates Hire #29 machine. A few teething problems had the crew working hard all night but as always it will be a case “nothing time and practice can’t overcome.” The racing was extremely fast and spectacular with a lot of positional changes in every race keeping the crowd on the edge of their seats. In fact the quality of cars in QLD has improved out of sight and fast racing is now assured!

Heat one saw Dave Whell jump to an early lead over Micheal Jocumbsen and Darren Ashford only to be hauled in after 3 laps when handling woes ( which plagued “Whelly” all night) slowed the Toowomba based racer allowing Ashford to streak away to an un-assailable half lap lead. Behind Ashford the battle raged between Whell, Randell, Gollagher and Jocumbsen for the minor placings in a spirited battle that was one of the best heat races seen at BIS in recent time. Second placing eventually fell to Dave Whell with Randell placing third.
 

Bruce Ayers Q11

The second heat of the night was one to forget for John Cariola who destroyed his racer after a front right torsion bar snapped sending the hapless racer full noise in to the turn two concrete. The car then bounced of the wall, and flipped end for end a couple of times before coming to rest as a smouldering wreck in the middle of the track. John climbed from the wreck uninjured – testament to the strength and safety of a modern Litre Sprintcar. Before the stoppage Brad Hilder and Dave Fanning gave the rest of the field a driving lesson clearing out by a quarter of a lap, with Fanning trying anything and everything to find a way past the red #28 of Hilder. Unfortunately for Fanning, a deflating right rear put him out of contention after the restart and he dropped back through the pack. Hilder went on to take a convincing win ahead of Priest and Keith Blatch.
 

John Cariola

Heat three saw Wayne Randell and Bruce Ayers fighting tooth and nail for the win, with both cars showing similar pace. Third placed Ashford was momentarily in the hunt before mechanical woes dropped him off the pace. Randell held on to win narrowly ahead of Ayers, Ashford and Gollagher.

The last heat of the night started in spectacular fashion with Fanning and Priest racing wheel to wheel into turn one with only inches between them. Down the back straight, and it was Fanning who took the advantage with Priest, Joel Wilson and Brad Hilder giving chase at an appreciable rate. Wilson’s night was to end in heart-ache two laps later with the engine throwing a rod clean out the side of the Kawasaki’s cases. By races end Fanning had assumed control and cruised to victory ahead of Priest and Hilder, with a well earned fourth place for Bernie Clarke.

With extra time on the program, an unscheduled stars 6 lap scratch was run, with the top six point scorers drawing for positions before the green. The starters were Hilder, Fanning, Randell, Ashford, Priest and Gollagher. At the green Hilder jumped away to a clear margin followed by Ashford and Priest until Ashford pulled infield with fuel dramas on lap two. This left Priest with some breathing space whilst behind him, the battle for sheep stations raged between Gollagher, Randell and Fanning for the last podium position. A spirited battle between these three was one of the highlights of the nights racing, with Randell producing a super drive to claim third ahead of Fanning and Gollagher.

With only the feature left to run, ten cars lined up to do battle with Ayers and Gollagher sharing the front row, followed by Fanning, Priest, Hilder and Randell. Ayers jumped away to a great start only to have the advantage negated by an errant lapped car allowing a rampaging Fanning through to the lead. Hilder had been shuffled back to fifth and showed great determination and patience picking off Priest then Gollagher to set off in chase of the leaders. By races end Fanning had shown who had the better package, building a quarter lap buffer back to Ayers ahead of a closing Hilder, who unfortunately ran out of time to bridge the gap to second. QLD champ Gollagher placed fourth ahead of Priest, Randell and first “B” grader home, Bernie Clarke.

Brad Hilder Q28

At the close of racing the club provided a BBQ, drinks and trophy presentation with about sixty people staying around to congratulate the winners and socialize with the drivers and crews. The BLSRA and QMLRA would like to thank the following sponsors for their valued support of the nights racing…..

Baron Media – Best Presented Car :- Keith Blatch ( A4 photo and frame)

Ian Boettcher Race Parts :- Wade Pascoe ( $20 gift voucher )

Peter Campbell :- Michael Jocumbsen ( 20ltrs methanol )

QLD Speedway Spares:- Wayne Randell ( $20 gift voucher )

Bundy Rum Raffle :- David Whell ( Bottle of Bundy )


The next meeting for QLD Litres will again be at BIS on the 7th of January with some VERY BIG NEWS on this event hoping to be released shortly. Stay tuned……………..

Story By
Peter Campbell
 

Keith Blatch Q77

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Red Hot Night Expected!!

This weekends meeting at B.I.S is expected to be a sizzler in more ways than one!! The second meeting of the season for QLD Litres, should see 17 or more drivers do battle on the super fast clay way and the heat wave that has hit Brisbane in the past couple of days is expected to continue right through the weekend, making driver fitness a big factor.

Any one of around ten drivers have a good chance at winning this weekends feature. A practice night at BIS this week saw Darren Ashford and Clayton Priest (NSW) circulate some decent laps on a less than ideal surface to demonstrate that they will be hard to beat on Saturday night. Outstanding performances from Glen Morgan, Keith Blatch, Jim Gollagher and Dave Fanning at the last BIS meeting also make this one of the toughest fields to beat for a long time. Throw in Dave Whell, Bruce Ayers, Michael Jocumbsen and Wayne Randell and it’s not hard to see why this weekends racing will be hotly contested.

In another new initiative of the BLSRA and QMLRA, a number of new sponsors have come on board with contingency prizes for each meeting this season. The club would like to sincerely thank and welcome along Trump Card Race Products who will sponsor trophies for the first three place getters, along with the first “B” grader home. Damien Emery has generously donated the sponsorship so if you need any CNC machining or race car parts call Damien on 0402 149 411. Other sponsors to be a part of this seasons racing are Ian Boettcher Race Parts ( 20ltrs methanol ) Plucka Duck ( $20 Ian Boettcher Race Parts Voucher) and QLD Speedway Spares ( $20 voucher ) with more sponsors soon to be named. If you would like to be a part of this years series and sponsor an event or driver please feel free to contact Plucka on 0419 715 636. On behalf of the BLSRA and QMLRA we once again thank all sponsors and those involved with the club for their valued support.

This weekends nominations…
Q9 Darren Ashford
Q11 Bruce Ayers
Q33 Jim Gollagher
Q27 David Whell
Q57 Wayne Randell
Q6 Michael Jocumbsen
Q13 Wayne Iccano
Q15 Jason Busk
Q28 Brad Hilder
Q36 Joel Wilson
Q77 Keith Blatch
Q53 Glen Morgan
Q88 Bernie Clarke
Q7 John Cariola
Q14 Jason George
NSW 5 Clayton Preist
Q31 David Fanning
 

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Doyle Doing the Miles in Chase for Success:

Queenslander Scott Doyle is excited about what lies ahead for this coming season in the Litre Sprintcar ranks and he will be doing the miles on the road up and down the East Coast in chase for success.

Towards the end of last season Doyle purchased a Suzuki EFE powered OTR Litre Sprintcar that was previously driven by Terry Bracken, and the 18-year-old is confident of a successful season 2005/06 that will see him contest shows in his home state, as well as in New South Wales (NSW).

“We plan on doing as many shows as possible this season between QLD and NSW and we won’t be chasing club championships, just outright wins,” a confident Doyle explained. “This will be my second full season in Litre Sprintcars and I’m pretty confident that I can make a good account of myself.”

Since purchasing the OTR car, Doyle has shown promising signs in the two shows he contested towards the end of last season and is hoping to make regular visits to the winners circle.

“The new car has been quick right from the outset and that has given me the confidence that I need in order to be successful this season,” said Doyle. “My family and I are not travelling up and down the East Coast just to make up the numbers; we’re here to be at the pointy end of the field.”

These statements should not be taken lightly when you consider the performance of Doyle in the two shows he contested in his new car. In his debut meeting in the car Doyle placed a hard fought second behind Keith Blatch in the Wide Bay Title and the following meeting was comfortably out in front during the Patrick Moroney Memorial event in Brisbane only to strip a set of gears in the differential with only five laps to go.

Although the motor bike engines are rarely used in Litre Sprintcar competition these days, Doyle is quite confident that his Suzuki EFE will perform this season.

“Look, we didn’t change from a car to bike engine just to go backwards in the field, we purchased this complete car to put us at the pointy end of the field on a more consistent basis,” said a blunt Doyle. “Our Suzuki engine will give us more top end speed compared to the car engines, and although we have a disadvantage off the line, everywhere else I feel we are on an even playing field. If you can get your momentum up you can be as quick, if not quicker, than the car engines.”

One track where Doyle will do a lot of his racing this season is Parramatta City Raceway (NSW) which is widely regarded as the home of horsepower, but that doesn’t faze him one bit.

“I really enjoy PCR, that’s where the main competition is without doubt and when you run against the best you will only improve as a driver,” he said. “Last season I was able to place second behind Scott (Darley) in a feature race and I’m sure that I can perform just as strong when I’m down there again this season, especially since I have a lot of more experience on board.”

At last season’s presentation night for the QLD and Brisbane clubs, Doyle took home a bundle of awards, which included: Rookie of the year (QLD & Brisbane club), 2nd in the B-grade championship (QLD club) and Most Improved driver (Brisbane club).

There is one thing that is for sure this coming season is that the Doyle family will be clocking up the miles on the road in their chase for success, and if they have their way, the Doyle name will be seen in the winners circle more often than not.

Doyle would like to say a special thanks to his father (Ross), Bernie Clark and Buzz (Justin White) for all their help, along with his valued sponsors Gonzo’s Racing Pipes, Aerospec Race Products and Lee’s Spare Parts and Performance – www.PerformanceParts.com.au .

This Saturday night (December 3) at Nowra Speedway for the NSW state Title will be the first scheduled Litre Sprintcar meeting for Doyle, in what will be the start of an active season for the youngster and his family.

Photo by Darryl Barrington - Baron Media

-Ends Release-

Scott Doyle media enquires Daniel Powell – Redline Media
Phone: 0246 832464
Mobile: 0439 639 992
Email: Daniel@redlinemedia.com.au
 

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Fanning Breezes Brisbane Feature

Brisbane International Speedway played host to the first meeting of the season for QLD Litre Sprintcars on the 19th November, and it was David Fannings’ ADS Dust Solutions #31 entry who breezed by a stellar field to claim the spoils in the 15 lap feature race.

Bernie Clarke QLD #88

A solid turn out of 16 litres graced the pit area in what was the best car count seen at Archerfield in some time, with more cars still to be presented in the coming weeks. A number of rookies made their debuts including Joel Wilson ( G&L Tiles, Gerhardt #36) John Cariola (Ashford Mechanical BHR #7) and Alan Brosnan (A1 Rock Walls #17). A multitude of more noted Litre Car drivers including QLD1 Jim Gollagher, Brad Hilder, Bruce Ayers, Darren Ashford, Keith Blatch, Michael Jocumbsen, Glen Morgan, Dave Whell and Wayne Randell all took the green with a better than average chance of taking the feature race spoils, but it was ultimately the Fanning JSR machine who easily took the honours.

QLD #29 Darren Ashford

Three all in heats provided some spectacular racing, with three different heat winners ensuing from the 8 lap races. Heat one saw an aggressive start by Darren Ashford in the Ashford Mechanical Razor #9 pay off, with a half lap lead by races end over Brad Hilders’ JRT Race Engines Razor #28, followed closely by a miss firing Fanning in third, who was starting all his heats from the rear after missing drivers briefing and failing to nominate. Early leader Jim Gollagher had a moment on lap 3 looping in front of a full throttle Ashford, who was lucky not to collect the current QLD champ.

Keith Blatch QLD #77

Heat two saw a stellar drive by Brad Hilder from mid-field to take the win ahead of a smooth Bruce Ayers, Ayers Engineering #11 and a flying Jim “The Jet” Gollagher in the Just Ford Wrecking Redline #33. Rookie Alan Brosnan in the Q17 machine had a light roll after tagging the turn 2 wall bringing out the cautions, but fortunately sustained little damage, presenting the car for the next heat.

Dave Whell QLD #27

The Final heat of the night started the highest point scorers to the rear, and it was Jim Gollagher who again showed good car speed to take the win ahead of the improving Glen Morgan, and Wayne Randell, with the more fancied drivers dicing with each other throughout the race towards the back of the pack. In fact the racing all night was very close, with nearly all cars showing similar speed and lots of dices between three and four cars at a time being the norm rather than the exception!

QLD #28 Brad Hilder

Feature time saw the two fancied contenders for victory, Fanning and Gollagher start out of positions five and six respectively on a slick and dusty track, with a multitude of talent behind, all wanting to have a bite at the glory. But it was Fanning who quickly exerted authority over the field showing superior speed to jump to the lead followed by Hilder, Gollagher, Blatch and Ashford. The yellows were soon to flash when Ashford looped to a halt in turn 3. A few laps later an incident between Gollagher and Hilder saw the latter sidelined on the infield after contact from Gollagher. At races end it was Fanning who had taken an unassailable lead from Gollagher, and a typically consistent drive from Keith Blatch in the Blatchs’ Mechanical Gerhardt #77. Following home closely were Micheal Jocumbsen in 4th, Wayne Randell in 5th place, a fast finishing Darren Ashford in 6th, and a stellar drive from rookie Joel Wilson to finish 7th. Rounding out the field were Dave Whell and John Cappel Q21 with the non-finishers being Hilder, Brosnan, Cariola, Jason George, Morgan, Ayers and the immaculately presented green machine of Bernie Clarke #88. The next meeting for QLD Litres will again be at BIS on the 10th of December where a number of visiting drivers are expected to further boost the field in preparation for the forthcoming Australian title at BIS over Easter.

By Peter Campbell
 

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QMLRA Go Kart Open Huge Success!!

An impressive turnout of around 50 people braved extreme conditions last Sunday to participate in the inaugural QMLRA Go Kart Open. Queensland Litre Sprintcar drivers, their families and crew all converged on the Big Kart Track on Queenslands Sunshine Coast, where everyone braved two thunderstorms with torrential rain, Plucka’s cooking on the BBQ and the mud and slush and puddles on the Kart track to leave with smiles on their faces, especially after some of the antics on the track! Despite all the adverse conditions, the enthusiastic spirit of all attending was not dampened. An important meeting was also held to help ensure the direction of Litres in QLD and all discussions were positive. Darren Ashford and Peter Campbell would like to thank all those who made the effort to attend the meeting and provide their input. The people who made the effort to attend are the core of Litre Sprintcars in QLD and without your help and support we