MOTHER Nature threatened to step in and ruin the night yet again for the Tyson “Spud” Perez Memorial sprintcar event at the Borderline Speedway on Saturday.
Last year’s event was washed out, but despite some light drizzle throughout the night, this year it was run and won, with Daniel Pestka claiming the honours.
Pestka was in impressive form, leading from his pole position to the chequered flag, with plenty of action along the way to keep the dedicated fans on the edge of their seats.
Current 360 All Stars leader Mark Caruso chased Petska all night from his second place starting position, to hold that spot until the chequered flag, ahead of a hard-charging Chris Solomon, who took his car from ninth on the grid to the final podium position.
Pestka was challenged along the way, but had enough speed to to remain at the pointy end of the field after several stoppages slowed his progress and bunched cars up behind him.
But all that did was assist his efforts, providing clear track to build his lead.
Chad Ely had a tough start to the A Main feature, after working his way through the B Main from 10th position to win and qualify for the main show.
However, after early stoppages helped him progress through the field, the high line eventually caught him out, when contact with the wall put an end to his night.
For Petska it was a matter of working his way through the lapped traffic, with plenty of pace on board.
He managed to pick his lines and avoid any carnage, all while holding off a determined Caruso in what was a fast and exciting contest.
Pestka was pleased with the result, happy to win the memorial event.
“It is so special to win these memorial races,” he said.
“I remember buying parts from Spud and I remember the day of his accident.
“I’m very happy for the team and it is very cool when you can win a race in the name of someone.”
For the Limestone Coast, both Jack and Ben Gartner made the A Main, with Jack starting out of position four, while Ben was further back in 14th.
Both were running well until Ben tagged the wall and his night was done after a roll over.
Meanwhile Jack was running towards the front, holding down third position until he also found the wall, then slowly headed towards the midfield as the fans held their breath, with fast runners
coming through, only just avoiding the stricken car.
Jack had made the A Main after some consistent performances throughout the night, including a heat win.
While the threat of rain kept some spectators away, those who attended were treated to some exciting racing, with the slick surface providing plenty of thrills and spills.
“The racing was hard and fast all night,” promoter Mandy Searle said.
“There was thrills and spills and highs and lows for all.
“Everyone will go home with their own story to remember on the night and we are so pleased that we got to finish the show for Spud.”
The next sprintcar event at the Borderline Speedway will be on the Easter weekend on March 31 for the Easter Trail, while the wingless sprints will return on March 17 for the Super Series final.
