Racing to go ahead despite disruptions

MOVING FORWARDS: Despite the Covid-19 pandemic affecting numbers at the Borderline Speedway this weekend, the SA Wingless Sprint title will go ahead as planned. Picture: STEVE RICE

By Trevor Jackson

THERE seems to be no end to the Covid-19 pandemic and its associated disruptions in sport.

The Borderline Speedway is on the end of it this weekend, as many Victorian drivers were set to head across the border to contest the SA Wingless Sprints title on Saturday night, along with support categories.

However, due to restrictions placed on interstate travellers, the majority of Victorians have decided not to attend.

That has taken the field from around 55 down to 36 for the main attraction, while the Limited Sportsmen will not run, with the group based around Hamilton and Horsham.

Club president Cary Jennings said it was disappointing but there was little that could be done.

“A lot of Victorians can’t cross the border because of the restrictions – they have to isolate until a negative test comes back,” he said.

“Because of our location, that could be anywhere from 12 to 18 hours, so if they come on a Saturday, they can’t race.

“There is one driver coming over on Friday so he can race and a couple out of Portland.

“We have lost probably 16-17 drivers from Victoria due to the Covid restrictions.

“It is a very difficult time for people trying to organise events.”

Despite the disappointment, the meeting is set to go ahead, with the speedway fraternity rallying to ensure an entertaining night of racing.

Support categories will now included Classic Hot Rods and Formula 500s, along with a handful of Street Stocks from the Limestone coast region.

The Wingless Sprints will certainly go ahead and with 35 drivers, there is sure to be plenty of action.

“The likes of Rory Button, Kirby Hillyer and Mitchell Broome would think they can get on the podium and they are a chance,” Jennings said.

“They will all do three heats, a B main and an A Main.

“SA 1 and former Australia 1 Joel Chadwick will be here and Rory Button has won the Australian title before, so he will be keen to take a state title home.”

The Classic Heavy Hot Rods will include some of the old speedway cars of yesteryear.

Jennings said they were basically old Chevrolets and Fords which raced from 1956 through to 1990 before regulations changed.

They range from Renmark-based to Mount Gambier, with three entrants from the Blue Lake city to provide some local interest.

The Street Stocks and Formula 500s will not boast full fields but Jennings said they would provide plenty of action for spectators on the hill.

Jennings said the night showcased the desire of committee members and competitors to see speedway continue unabated through the remainder of the pandemic.

“There are a couple of committee members who push hard and a couple of drivers have rallied around,” he said.

“This could be part of the future – we don’t know what Christmas is going to bring or the Kings Challenge.

“I am proud of our club members and the speedway community, to ensure the patrons who come to support us each meeting have something entertaining to watch.

“Even though Covid has affected us and we might not have a lot of people in each group, they will put on some racing we can be proud of.

“I think we will have areal good night of racing.”

Racing will kick off as usual at 5pm.