By Trevor Jackson
THE Borderline Speedway has for many years held the reputation of one of the best oval tracks in the country, previously awarded such and loved by many visiting drivers.
Last weekend added to that reputation in a rare category to be seen at the venue.
Speedway Karts Association of Australia held its national titles there last weekend and by all accounts, the feedback was positive in every respect.
Nine Australian titles were up for grabs, from Juniors and Ladies, to Modified and Heavy.
The track was prepared to perfection, with plenty of racing room for the small speedway machines.
SKAA team member Rachel Cooper officiated on the night and could not heap enough praise on the weekend, the quality of the track and whole venue.
“It was absolutely fantastic,” was her simple statement relating to the venue.
“The committee, crew, groundsmen and manager were fantastic.
“They couldn’t have done any more for us.
“Bill Barrows is magic at preparing that track and it was absolutely brilliant.
“All the drivers loved it, there was plenty of racing room and I think everyone was really excited to be at the venue and race there.
“From all the feedback I have heard, they all had a brilliant time.”
Of course the main attraction was the racing which produced in spades.
High speeds were regularly recorded through all classes, with some standout performances such as youngster Roc Hughes.
A recent graduate of the Sub Junior category, Hughes has stepped up to the competitive Junior class and managed a third place.
The 125 Pro final produced some fast and furious action, with Liam Niblock claiming the win with a fastest lap of 14.76 seconds at a fast speed of 90.732kph.
Cooper said the entertaining competition was obviously expected, considering the Australian title standing, with drivers from various parts of the country attending.
Add to that the extra width provided at the Borderline Speedway, plus the sticky clay surface which suited many of the experienced drivers and the excitement was guaranteed.
“Being an Australian title, you got quite a lot of people travel from all over Australia,” Cooper said.
“Queenslanders came down, karters from the Northern Territory, local karters and Victorians.
“Because you draw all of the top racers, it is the highest class you can compete in.
“The kids were showing their talents with some close racing, running three and four wide, while the senior classes were fast and I think they were really enjoying the racing room.”
Cooper said from the feedback she had received, the Borderline Speedway would rate in the top five tracks in the country for the karts.
“Everyone is asking when we are coming back,’ she said.
“They have asked if we can have all our Australian titles there or other events.
“I know all the clubs are keen to schedule another event there and I believe the club is happy to have us back.”
More locally Borderline Speedway president Cary Jennings was just as pleased with the weekend.
He said the whole event ran smoothly, with good cooperation between the Borderline and SKAA members to ensure it all ran to plan.
Results
SUB-JUNIOR: Chase Faux; Bray Taylor; Harrison Stace; Nicholas Magro; Cooper Marks.
JUNIORS: Kai Malley (Nev Britten Memorial Trophy); Blaxx Caton; Roc Hughes; Cody Malley; Gracie Meaney.
JUNIOR STANDARDS: Kai Malley; Brodie Debono; Tayla Stothard; Alexander Magro; Brayden Orr.
LADIES: Rodin Blackman; Tenielle Marks; Taylor Knight.
STANDARDS: Sam Payne; Matt Swan; Jack Regan; Kaleb Sims; Andrew Mattschoss.
STANDARD HEAVY: Jake Campbell; Liam Aunger; Darren Holt; Tony Williams.
MODIFIEDS: Kaleb Sims; Shane Gutsch-Berry; Liam Aunger; Darren Holt; Cody Bryan.
OUTLAWS: Jason Loft (Michael Beethan Memorial); Darren Holt; Heath Parker; Jake Morrell; Tyler Scott.
125CC PRO: Liam Niblock; Chad Sampson; Nic Gray; Bradley Anstis; Glenn Tye.
