MOTHER Nature claimed back-to-back Kings Challenge titles at the Borderline Speedway Thursday night, with the annual meeting called off after eight heats of sprintcar racing.
Unfortunately the rain came and spoiled the party, but those fans who attended were treated to some exciting action through the heats.
With plenty of American drivers in attendance – including the popular NASCAR driver Kyle Larson – the scene was set for an epic showdown.
It did not disappoint early, with some fast times in qualifying.
What was disappointing for fans was Glen Sutherland’s spectacular exit early in the night after his car flipped and his night was done.
Luke Dillon flew the flag for the Australians in Flight 1, ahead of American Shane Stewart.
Flight 2 saw American Cory Eliason top the list, from Jye O’Keeffe, while Flight 3 saw Kerry Madsen and Brooke Tatnell duke it out for the top honours.
James McFadden claimed the quick time for Flight 4, ahead of Jock Goodyer to set the grids for the heat races.
Heat 1 saw Dillon lead the group, alongside Stewart, with Ian Madsen and the fast Larson on the second row.
Dillon held them all at bay, while Larson gained two spots to finish second.
Eliason headed Heat 2, from O’Keeffe, with Eddie Lumbar and Steven Lines off the second row.
In a race which saw plenty of carnage, just eight of the 12 starters finished, with Lines one of the casualties when a flat rear tyre ended his run.
Eliason went on to claim the points, ahead of Robbie Farr.
Heat 3 saw a much-anticipated clash between Kerry Madsen and Tatnell.
Madsen started on pole alongside Tatnell, with the American pair of Carson Macedo and Tim Shaffer filling the second row.
After several caution periods it was apparent Madsen was on the pace and he led Tatnell to the chequered flag ahead of Shaffer and Tate Frost.
Heat 4 saw the popular James McFadden lead from start to finish, while Heat 5 saw Scott Enderl off pole.
Enderl could only manage eighth place at the chequered flag, while Lines started in ninth and moved up to sixth.
The carnage continued in Heat 6, with Marcus Dumesny claiming the honours from fourth on the grid, while pole sitter Terry Kelly failed to finish, along with three other drivers and Tim Hutchins and Eddie Lumbar failed to make the start.
The night was taking its toll on machinery, but Heat 7 saw all 11 starters finish.
Matthew Dumesny claimed the win, while Tatnell maintained his ninth place and McFadden moved up from 11th to sixth.
The final heat saw Jake Tranter with a chance to flex his muscles for the Limestone Coast fans and he turned a fifth place start into a third place finish.
Unfortunately the writing was on the wall when the Junior Sedans support class was sent back to the pits due to light rain on the surface.
The weather did not improve from there and the meeting was called off.
