Sport
17 January, 2024
Winners, wrecks and wheel-stands
THE homegrown Super Rods once again provided plenty of thrills and spills at Simpson Speedway last weekend with the feature race going down to a three-lap dash to the chequered flag.
While many race fans turned out to see the Allstar 360 Sprintcar Challenge, the Super Rods also provided plenty of thrills and spills and none more so than during the now annual Snoopy’s Slam.
Following a late race caution that stirred the field, bragging rights for last weekend’s ‘Slam’ came down to who could survive the final three laps to take the chequered flag.
Young Victorian champion Jacob Pitcher survived an early challenge from Dane Court only to be cautioned and sent back to third spot; relinquishing his lead.
With a handful of laps on the board Pitcher managed to reclaim the lead on the third corner of the final lap; and Court spun in turn four ending his chances of a podium finish.
Pitcher was followed by Corey Deglaitis and Stan Marco Jnr who, post race, said he was “glad” to have had a front row set to the battle ahead during the closing laps.
The Allstar Challenge, as anticipated, was a highlight of the night’s race meeting, with 42 cars taking to the track in search of valuable points and prize money.
A handful of Americans also made the trip to Simpson and continued the trend from last year, taking home race honours and prize money.
California’s Carson Macedo, who led all 35 laps to win by almost eight seconds from a worn-out Rusty Hickman and Classic champion Brock Hallett.
Jordan Charge and Lockie McHugh completed the top five on what was a bruising night for some.
Sadly for defending champion Sheldon Haudenschild, he was the first retirement just four laps in after hitting a wall and knocking the rear end out of his car.
The carnage continued in the A Main with Jack Smith retiring a lap later and soon after two big wrecks unfolded, with local superstar John Vogels and former winner Kalib Henry both victims.
Brendan Quinn also had a tough night on the track, going upside down twice, while young Ben Morris, American Justin Peck and Kane Newcombe (who finished up hanging from a fence) were also among the wrecks.
Chris Solomon in the Brad Foster owned #11 was extremely lucky not to join the ‘damage pile’ after he got loose in turn 3-4 and pulled a huge wheel stand.
As always the junior sedans provided plenty of entertainment with James Oliver taking a handy win from third generation racer Cruz Carlin, Blake Glynn, Pary Das, James Peacock, Flynn Annett, Claire Hose, Max Leersen, Hudson Moorfoot, Taylah Hose and Jake Bradley.
The Simpson track will come alive again on February 10 with the running of the wingless sprint (Front Row Challenge), Trevor Podger Memorial for Super Rods, the DirtX Series for sports sedans and the compact speedcars.
