A bumper field of Sprintcars is expected this Saturday night at Geelong’s Avalon Raceway when the Routley’s Stampede kick starts the Essendon Ford Sprintcar track championship that once again will see a brand new Ford Fiesta awarded to the Avalon track champion. The field currently stands at 49 cars and with still more expected to enter this week the event is shaping as a great start to the track championship.
Doubling as round 2 of the Eureka Garages and Sheds Sprintcar Series, Saturday night’s Routley’s Stampede boasts a wealth of experience and a healthy sprinkling of rookie drivers all keen to build a career in speedway’s premier category.
Fresh from victory in last weekend’s Eureka Series opener, John Vogels enters this weekend full of confidence while Domain Ramsay and Matthew Reed rounded out the podium finishers in round 1. Reigning Eureka Sprintcar series champ Darren Mollenoyux was blisteringly quick last week winning both his qualifying heats and jumping to the lead from the drop of the green in the final only to succumb to a deflating right rear 7 laps from the chequered flag.
Joint Victorian Sprintcar champion and former track champion Stephen Bell joins the fray Saturday night while Steven Lines has been in great form already this season with a victory at Murray Bridge recently. Lines is the quickest man to ever circulate Avalon Raceway being the only driver ever into the 10 second bracket on a simply stunning lap last summer and will again be difficult to beat at Avalon.
Former Eureka Series champion Mike Van Bremen was quick last weekend and finished with a top 5 result while other contenders for the Routley’s Stampede include Brett Milburn, Tim Rankin, Glen Sutherland, Darren Hickman, Dennis Jones along with Nick Lacey. The event has also attracted a healthy interstate contingent including World Series bound Steve Caunt, Daniel Pestka along with West Australia’s Taylor Milling.
Young rookies litter the field with former national Formula 500 ace Liam Williams impressing last weekend earning a berth in the final while former state Wingless Sprint champ David McKay is also in the mix Saturday night.
The season long race for the Essendon Ford Sprintcar track championship begins this weekend and ends on Good Friday with the winner capturing a brand new Ford Fiesta. Matthew Reed won the inaugural car with Stephen Bell managing to secure the 2011 version while the defending track champion is James McFadden. The 23 year olds triumph sat nicely beside his victory in the World Series Sprintcars championship along with the Speedweek crown that included a win at Avalon’s December round.
Street Stocks will be a popular support this Saturday night with public gates open at 3:30pm with racing beginning at 7:00pm following engine starts that are scheduled for 6pm.
Admission:
Adults $25
Concession $20
Child 12-16 $10
Child 5-11 $5
Child Under 5 Free
Website; www.avalonraceway.com
For more info contact Jeff Drew 0418 160 985 / Gavin White email gwxp@speedway.net.au