Big fields and bumper crowds expected

CROWD FAVOURITE: Steven Lines will be a crowd favourite at the Borderline Speedway when Sprintcars take centre stage on December 28. Picture: ASH DUMIGAN

By Trevor Jackson

THE Borderline Speedway is set to conduct its biggest meeting for some time nest week.

Bumper fields and and crowd numbers are expected as the coronavirus restrictions continue to be relaxed across the state, which includes interstate visitors.

As a result the venue has been given the green light to host 2999 patrons at the December 28 meeting, which boasts some of the best Sprintcar drivers to contest a rescheduled Round 1 of the Eureka Garages and Sheds series, which doubles as Round 2 of the South Australian Speedweek series.

At the time of going to print just two South Australian venues were included in the Speedweek, with the Victorian tracks to run their own schedules.

That will not detract from the quality of racing at the Borderline Speedway, which includes the likes of James McFadden, coming off a win in Max’s Race at Warrnambool last weekend, along with second-placed Daniel Pestka in the Stark’s car and third-place Tate Frost.

The field will also include the likes of Steven Lines, who has been back in the seat for some recent meetings and looks to have found his groove again, along with Glen Sutherland, Brett Milburn, Matt Egel and Grant Anderson, plus many others.

Club president Cary Jennings said it would be a “full-on show”, with the support categories equating to around 80 cars in the pits.

“The Super Sedans have given me a list of 14 cars, one from WA on his way to Tasmania for the national title, a couple out of NSW and eight out of Victoria, plus four or five out of South Australia,” he said.

“The Mod Lights are a smaller car with a 1000cc motorcycle motor.

“We have 14 out of South Australia – we will host the state title for them in March so they are coming down to have a look.

“We also have 14 Street Stocks nominated so just in those three classes we have over 40 cars.”

Jennings said he expected around 30 Sprintcars by the time nominations close.

He said while the Speedweek was now classed as a mini version of the original plan, it would still provide as much excitement as formerly expected.

“We were going to have a complete South Australia and Victorian series but we don’t really know what willhappen with the border,” he said.

“It will be a mini Speedweek in South Australia and Victoria will do their own thing.”

Murray Bridge and Mount Gambier are included in the South Australian Speedweek.

With no Covid management plan required from December 28 on, Jennings said he hoped to see a big turnout of supporters on the hill to witness some of the best racing in the region since the coronavirus pandemic first hit.

With changes to the Covid-19 restrictions a fluid scenario, some restrictions may still be in place dependent on SA Health at the time.

For now all looks set for a big meeting, with action to begin at 5pm with the Sprintcars, before the support categories take their place.