By Trevor Jackson
MOUNT Gambier Wingless Sprint racer Mitchell Broome celebrated his first Victorian title on the weekend after a hot night at Porland.
Broome was successful against a strong field of 30 drivers, which included reigning champion Travis Miller, Australian champion Todd Hobson and a host of others, all intent on claiming the crown.
A solid run through the heats saw Broome claim a second position after starting ninth, then went from fourth the second after experiencing some car issues late in the heat.
That put him fourth on the grid for the A Main feature race.
A good start saw Broome jump up to second place on the first turn, then it was a matter of keeping up with fellow South Australian Jack McCarthy.
With 20 laps down in the 30-lap feature, McCarthy found trouble and was out of the running, which left Broome with the lead.
Caution periods prevented the front runners from putting too much distance between them and the chasing pack, but in the end Broome had enough to claim the win and his first Victorian title.
For Broome it was a good result against quality opposition.
“It was a stacked field really,” he said.
“There were some good and tough cars there, so I was very happy to come away with the win.”
It was also the ideal way to bounce back after a blown engine earlier in the season put Broome’s racing on hold.
“I destroyed an engine at Mildura two months ago and we only finished rebuilding it last week,” he said.
“It was the first time we ran that motor and it is a worry going into a meeting like that, but I was pretty confident it would be fine.”
The engine certainly performed well, despite a battery lead coming loose in the second heat which caused it to cut in and out.
Once in the A Main everything went to plan, with Broome showing good pace at the front.
“I was second on the first lap then stuck with the leader,” he said.
“He looked like he was starting to slow and I thought I might be able to pass him, then he destroyed a front end so I took over the lead.
“There were a few cautions so we didn’t have a good go at it.
“We gapped the field, but the yellows kept bringing the field back.
“It was a tough race.”
In such a close category, perfection is the key and Broome said he almost messed up his good work late in the race.
“On the last three laps I reckon I hit every rut on the track,” he said.
“I was lucky I didn’t blow it really.”
Despite that, Broome greeted the chequered flag first and was pleased to have another title under his belt.
“It is just good knowing we can win the big races,” he said.
“We always have the speed and are up the front, but to actually get it done makes it all worth it.”
