SPEEDWEEK kicked off in Murray Bridge Tuesday night and drivers will make their way to Mount Gambier today for the Borderline Speedway round of the World Series Sprintcars.
It was an exciting two nights of racing by the river and with a large calibre of drivers entered into tonight’s Blue Lake city round, the crowd should expect some adrenaline rushing entertainment.
Club president Cary Jennings said he – along with the remainder of the organisers and volunteers – looked forward to the event, which sees drivers come from all over Australia and America each year.
“We have been doing this event for over 30 years,” he said.
“The big name drivers that are racing have been here before, including some of the Americans.
“We have 16 contracted drivers coming, 15 competitors doing Speedweek and then an additional 19 who have entered just the Mount
Gambier round, so it will be an exciting night of racing.”
Mount Gambier’s only contracted driver for the 2017-18 speedway season, Glen Sutherland will hope to start at the front of the grid as will fellow local Steven Lines.
The Blue Lake city’s Jake Tranter, Rory Button and Scott Enderl will also test their luck against the rest of the field.
Jennings said while there was a number of talented drivers, high-profile Australian James McFadden would be difficult to beat.
“It could go to anyone, but after what we saw here in November, McFadden was on the money and the rest were chasing him,” he said.
“He is right on the pace at the moment, so he will be one to chase down.
“But in saying that, anything can happen on a race night.”
The sprintcars’ support class – Formula 500s – is also competing in its own speedweek.
Known as a “miniature sprintcar” Jennings said the class would bring plenty of entertainment.
“They are very quick here on our track and there are drivers coming from all over Australia to race,” he said.
“They have their own Speedweek, which is ran at a range of different tracks including Murray Bridge, Mount Gambier, Warrnambool,
Portland, Hamilton and a few other places.
“They get a good amount of drivers who are improving each year.”
A big night of high octane racing is expected and Jennings said he hoped to get the support the event deserves.
“We all love a big crowd,” he said.
“If we can get somewhere between 3000 and 4000 people that would be excellent for Mount Gambier and our club.
“There will be about 50 sprintcars and about 40 formula 500s, so we are expecting a pretty good crowd.
Borderline Speedway has a big month of racing coming up with both the Kings Challenge and Australian Sprintcar Title Championship later in January.
“We have a massive five weeks coming up,” Jennings said.
“We have been working flat out to make sure everything runs smoothly and we are very grateful for the volunteers, they make the show happen.”
Gates open at 4pm, hot laps at 5pm and racing from 6pm.
