SOUTH East drivers will make their way to the state’s capital for the National Street Stock Title at Adelaide Motorsports Park starting today.
Mount Gambier is renowned for its ability to produce impressive street stock drivers and there will be a number vying for the prestigious title on Saturday night.
Anthony Beare and veteran Mark Jennings have both tasted success at the national level previously and the two will hope to don the number one on the side of their car next season.
The 2016-17 season Australia one Rhys Heinrich will hope to be on the pace around the iconic Adelaide circuit with an aim on claiming back-to-back titles, a feat that Beare was able to achieve in the 2014-15 and 2015-16 seasons.
Beare will aim to have his distinctive pink car greet the chequered flag first in the feature race on Saturday night.
However, Jennings – who is renowned for his Hawaiian themed street stock – will also have his sights set on the top step of the podium.
The 46-year-old has not enjoyed a national title victory lap since the 1994-95 season, but his experience over the years will certainly be on his side.
Sitting in the drivers seat of his own vehicle this season, Jennings has been on the pace.
However, each driver will need to dig deep and have luck on their side in order to advance to the A-Main.
The Australian title has plenty of support this year with 122 cars making their way to Adelaide, meaning the Mount Gambier duo – who have been victorious in the past – will be up against it, as will other well-prepared South East drivers.
The Penola-based Gartner brothers – Mark and Steven – will be two to watch.
The two are sons of former street stock back-to-back national title holder David Gartner.
Gartner will be on site supporting, while he was also announced as Grand Marshall of the event.
Other local drivers to contest to Australian title include Penola’s Scott Merrett, along with Mount Gambier’s Jason Duell and Jayden Edwards.
Duell is coming off the back of a recent Northern Territory title, while youngsters Merrett and Edwards are looking to make their mark in the sport.
The national title kicks off today with practise, followed by heats tomorrow.
Saturday will consist of heats before finals, with the A-Main and title-decider featured as the final race of the night.
