Geelong’s Avalon Raceway launches into a massive week of Speedway next Monday night with the annual Sprintcar Gold Cup the headline event, it will be the first of three meetings for the venue in what promises to be a busy week. Boxing Day’s Gold Cup is just the appetizer as Friday night the venue welcomes Hi-Tec Oils World Series Sprintcars while Saturday night the best of the best return to Avalon Raceway for the second round of the Oval Express Formula 500 Super Series.
Monday night’s Gold Cup doubles as round 9 of the Eureka Sprintcar Series and with the championship in full swing, another strong list of entrants have signalled their intentions. A number of interstate racers will enhance the event while every driver is trying to catch tearaway Eureka Series point leader Jamie Veal. Fresh from his victory at last weekend’s round at Warrnambool, the 23 year old extended his point lead over fellow Warrnambool star Darren Mollenoyux, Simpson’s five time and defending Eureka Series champ John Vogels and last weekend’s runner up Mike Van Bremen.
“Firstly on behalf of everyone at Avalon Raceway we hope all of our loyal fans along with the racers and their families enjoy Christmas,” said Avalon’s Jeff Drew.
“Boxing Day marks the beginning of a busy week on the calendar here at Avalon and there is something for everyone during the Christmas break. The Eureka Series has been sensational this year and last weekend proved that those guys can run with and beat the best drivers in Australia on any given night.”
Mollenoyux won last year’s Gold Cup and once again will figure prominently. Brett Milburn figured in the placings last weekend and he too will be looking to continue that strong form while John Vogels and Tim Rankin were impressive in their last outings at Avalon.
Reigning Essendon Ford Sprintcar track champion Stephen Bell is also among the entries and considering Monday and Friday’s events will be the second and third rounds of this years Sprintcar track championship there will be plenty at stake.
Mackay 19 year old Brent Aprile, multiple WA Sprintcar titleholder Ryan Farrell and Tasmania’s Kurt Luttrell will add plenty of spice as they look to steal some points and more importantly prizemoney from Monday’s Gold Cup.
“Having the likes of Ryan Farrell, Aprile and Luttrell coming to tackle the local stars is a real boost for Victorian Sprintcar fans as they get a great opportunity to see the best from Victoria race against some of Australia’s best racers,” said Drew.
The Boxing Day Sprintcar Gold Cup always attracts a large crowd, as does the World Series Sprintcars event later in the week. By the time Friday’s event will be run, WSS teams will have traversed from Adelaide, through Murray Bridge and Mount Gambier enroute to Avalon Raceway. Doubling as the fourth round of Speedweek, the event has also attracted further interstate teams that elect to run Speedweek during Christmas and New Year.
Defending event winner David Murcott will return on Friday as will current WSS champion Robbie Farr. US import Jason Johnson is also in good form as is current point leader and 2010 Australian Sprintcar champion James McFadden. Current national champion Brooke Tatnell will also make a welcome return to Avalon as will popular veteran Max Dumesny along with Steven Lines who was victorious at the venue in November.
Saturday night’s Oval Express Formula 500 Super Series round has also attracted an International field with Fresno, California’s Jake Hagopian along with Brighton, Colorado’s Austin Farley set to compete against the best Formula 500 drivers in Australia. The popular Wingless Sprints will also be out in force as they contest the aptly branded Avanats where once again a strong field is expected.
Australian Formula 500 titleholder Liam Williams leads the Aussie brigade in the Oval Express Super Series while Australia #2 and ACT champ Jye O’Keefe, Australia #3 Dale Shilletto and South Australian Formula 500 champ Chad Sullivan will be others to watch. Queensland’s Charlie Brown in addition to his home states crown also carries the number 1 plate in Victoria and New South Wales and is a former national Junior Sedan champion. Multiple series champion Ben McLeod will also be among the contenders as will local Geelong youngster James Aranyosi.
“We are confident that these three events will provide the highest level of competition that you will see from the respective series. To say we are excited about all three night’s of racing coming this week is an understatement and I hope we see everyone come along and enjoy the great family entertainment at Avalon Raceway this week.”
AVALON RACEWAY EVENT DETAILS
WHEN; Boxing Day – Monday Dec 26
WHAT; Sprintcar Gold Cup inc. Rd 9 Eureka Garages & Sheds Sprintcar Series
WHEN; Friday Dec 30
WHAT; Hi-Tec Oils World Series Sprintcars
WHEN; Saturday Dec 31
WHAT; Oval Express Formula 500 Series / Wingless Sprints Avanats
Website; www.avalonraceway.com
For more info contact Jeff Drew 0418 160 985 / Gavin White email gwxp@speedway.net.au