LIMESTONE Coast speedway fans will have something extra to cheer about this season, with Mount Gambier driver Glen Sutherland contracted to compete in the World Series Sprintcars 2017-18 season.
Sutherland is no stranger to speedway fans in the region, with his distinctive black and yellow car a regular and always on the pace, but that paint scheme will also change this season, with his sprintcar (pictured right) now boasting a predominantly black finish and green lettering.
Sutherland said he was looking forward to the challenge of the World Series, which kicks off on Boxing Day in Murray Bridge.
“It is something I have wanted to do for a long time,” he said.
“The opportunity arose so we are going to have a go.
“The series has 16 contracted drivers who are all really good calibre.
“It will be a hard night each night we go out and will be a big challenge with the locals we will race against each week.”
Sutherland said that level of competition was something he was excited about and said his team was ready for the challenge.
“Racing with good guys week in, week out, you are going to get better within yourself,” he said.
“With the team we have now, it is a good time and we are in a good position to do it.
“We are set up for it and probably more organised than we have ever been.
“Glen Beaton was with us last year and looks after the car.
“Kent Collins has been with us for six or seven years now.
“He is good on the maintenance and tyres.
“We all get along well so it just fun to go racing.”
Sutherland has already given his car plenty of shake-downs prior to the WSS season – with more to come – and said he is happy with how it is going at the moment.
“We are more than happy with the car,” he said.
“Glen and Kent have both been working hard on it each night to get us up to pace.
“I think we have one week off racing between now and Christmas.
“We are trying to cram in as much as we can before World Series and get everything on point, make sure I am comfortable and the boys are comfortable with everything we are doing.
“We want to make sure when we go on the road we can put our best foot forward.”
The series is a big commitment for Sutherland, but he said “you just have to make it work”.
“I’m fortunate with Glen on board that he can look after the car so I don’t have to be on the car as much,” he said.
“I can be back at work, doing whatever I need to be doing there.
“I also have good people at the business who do a good job, so while I’m away, if they need me they know they can get hold of me.
“Kent has to juggle his work around the series as well, so it is a big commitment for him.
“We just feel it is the right time to do it, so hopefully we will go well.”
While the WSS will visit the Borderline Speedway for Round 3 on December 28, Sutherland said he would also be on track for the Kings Challenge on January 18, plus the Australian titles from January 25-27.
“I love racing in the Mount,” he said.
“I like the way the track is, but also being around family, friends and fans.
“It is always nice to see familiar faces in the pits who wish you luck or come up and chat.
“I am looking forward to being back out there again.”
