MOUNT Gambier speedway racer Mitchell Broome showed his class on last weekend at Avalon Raceway in Geelong, with a podium finish in an invitational-only Wingless Sprints event.
The event saw around 50 nominations, before the field was cut down to 20 entrants, including Broome.
After having other commitments last year and being ineligible the previous year due to his rookie status, it was Broome’s first attempt at the race, with the ideal finish against some tough opposition.
“Anyone who was a race winner last year automatically got in,” Broome said.
“The other seven spots were up for grabs and I was one of those.
“I was stoked to just get invited, then to finish third was even better.”
Broome had a tough start to the night, with a fifth-place finish in the first heat.
However, he improved on that in the second heat, with a second place, then took part in the shoot out, where he managed sixth place to start the feature race from the third row of the grid.
From there Broome pushed hard and worked his way up to the front of the field, where he battled for the lead.
In the end he settled for third place, after almost making a pass stick for second on the final lap.
Reigning Victorian champion Travis Millar claimed the win, while last year’s invitational winner Dayn Bentvelzen finished second.
“There were past series winners behind us, so I was pleased with the result,” Broome said.
“It was a good start for the year, so hopefully the momentum keeps going.”
It was Broome’s second event for the season, with engine trouble in his first meeting at Geelong causing some issues initially.
Electrical problems were the cause, which were sorted out and all went well from there.
Broome said his current package was good, with his main engine still to be installed, which should add to the strength of his car.
Broome is currently studying at university in Warrnambool, which makes the perfect base for the season ahead.
He said he hopes to push hard to see if he can improve on last season’s efforts.
“We will give the super series a crack again,” Broome said.
“We have the Australian championship in Warrnambool this year – in my back yard at the moment.
“We will also give the SA and Victorian titles a crack again and hopefully move up the field a bit more from last year.”
