THE Borderline Speedway is again going to be the host of the adrenaline pumping, dirt flying and engine roaring Kings Challenge sprintcar action tonight.
With the Australian Sprintcar Title staged also at the Glenburnie circuit next week, the Kings Challenge is the final opportunity for contenders to test out the track before the championship.
Around 60 drivers will push the limits against some of the nation’s and world’s best talents.
Current Australia championship holder Kerry Madsen – who is also leading the world series – is in red hot form and he will be hope to keep the number one on his vehicle when coming into next week’s Australian title race.
He took the win at the Borderline Speedway just three weeks ago in a round of the world series and will hope to repeat that same performance when tackling the circuit for the prestigious Kings Challenge tonight.
Madsen started alongside pole-sitter Shane Stewart in 2017 A-Main, but the feature race was soon abandoned due to the weather.
Rain began to pour and carnage soon resulted with a three-car crash on turn two saw officials end the proceedings.
Mount Gambier is expecting quite the opposite weather for tonight’s racing, with temperatures expected to soar to a hot 40 degrees.
Thankfully it will cool down before the beginning of racing, which will make for a comfortable night for spectators, officials and drivers alike.
The calibre of drivers nominated for tonight’ show will mean reaching the feature race will be an achievement.
Madsen is not the only driver in form, with James McFadden – who recently won a feature race at the Borderline Speedway – Carson Macedo, Brooke Tatnell, Robbie Farr and Jamie Veal all entrants for tonight’s event.
Club president Cary Jennings said he looked forward to yet another spectacular show of racing at the Borderline Speedway.
“The Kings Challenge is one of our major shows on the calendar,” he said.
“We look forward to it every year, it is a really prestigious event.
“This year is even better, having between 15 and 18 extra competitors due to the Australian title next week.”
The Australian drivers will be up against it with American competitors also making their way to the Glenburnie Circuit.
“It will be a great show,” Jennings said.
“When you have names like Brooke Tatnell and Robbie Farr, Kerry Madsen, James McFadden and Jamie Veal and those types of drivers it draws a crowd.
“Then you add to them the locals like Stevie Lines and Glen Sutherland.
“When you have got these guys it makes people want to come and see the show.
“We just hope they will flock here tonight and all enjoy themselves.”
There will be plenty of local drivers on the grid during tonight’s racing, which will see additional interest for the crowd.
Jennings said he has enjoyed seeing young local competitors make their way through the ranks and improve.
“They more laps they get under their belt, the better they will get at it,” he said.
“I have seen with Steve Lines, Rory Button, Glen Sutherland, young Scotty Enderl and now young Benny Gartner and Jake Tranter make their way to sprintcars and they are all getting better and better.
“It is really good to see them achieve that.
“That is what you are there for, you want to achieve in your own class and move forward up the ladder.”
The locals, interstate and international sprintcar drivers promise to put on a show that will have spectators on the edge of their seats.
However, they are not the only class on track tonight.
About 14 junior sedan drivers will also test their luck in front of the crowd.
Jennings said due to the race meeting being on a weeknight, officials will work overtime in hope to have the racing finished by 10.30pm.
“If we can achieve that, it will be good for everyone,” he said.
With 24 events in the schedule for tonight, Jennings again thanked his volunteers for their endless hours and commitment to the club.
“Everyone has worked so hard over our preseason and up until now,” he said.
“Thanks to all of our volunteers and hard workers.
“I hope they keep up the good work and we continue to support the club as much as we can.”
The gates will open to the public at 4pm, followed by engine starts, hot laps and time trials for the sprintcars at 5pm.
Racing will kick off at 6pm.
