This Sunday night, yes that’s right, Sunday night March 13th Avalon Raceway is set to roar back into action with the Great Southern Showdown the highlight with the extra added bonus being the event doubles as the Victorian Sprintcar title. Almost 40 Sprintcars have nominated for Sunday night’s event and with a host of interstate ‘guns’ on their way the local heroes will have to bring their ‘A game’.
Following a succession of washouts, Avalon Raceway management is hopeful the favourable forecast holds as the field features some of Australia’s finest Sprintcar stars. While the Sprintcar event will also be a round of the Essendon Ford Sprintcar premiership and the Eureka Sprintcar Series the focus will also be on the V8 Dirt Modifieds as they contest the Max Trotter Memorial.
“It’s a big night with plenty going on in terms of the Sprintcar results as a strong finish will hold you in good stead for the Essendon Ford track championship and the Eureka Series. The added bonus is that the event pays a cool $5,000 to win and the winner will also walk away as the Victorian Sprintcar champion for 2011,” boasted Avalon Raceway’s Jeff Drew.
“The Great Southern Showdown has been run now for several years between both Simpson Speedway and Avalon on this weekend. Simpson will host the first night this Saturday while the action then moves to the Sunday night at Avalon Raceway.
Drew also confirmed there was a healthy payout too for the overall winner of the two-night deal between Simpson and Avalon Raceway.
Allansford’s Stephen Bell is the defending state champion and will have his hands full, as almost 40 entrants will make their way to Avalon on Sunday night. Leading the charge will be newly crowned World Series Sprintcars champion Robbie Farr. Drew also confirmed that WSS runner up and Avalon round winner David Murcott would also be among the starters.
“Robbie beat Dave Murcott in World Series this year and we are fortunate to have both racers in the field this Saturday night. Make no mistake, this is far from a two horse race as there is a bunch of big names in the field that could spoil the party,” said Drew.
Bell also leads the race for the Essendon Ford Sprintcar premiership where a brand new Ford Fiesta valued at $18,000 is the major end of season prize for the track champion. Bell also leads the Eureka Sprintcar Series following what has been a consistent season.
Simpson’s John Vogels is the defending Eureka Sprintcar Series champion and is fresh from a win recently at Warrnambool while Nick Lacey and Carl Ludeman have also tasted feature race success in recent times while Mike Van Bremen was victorious at the venue in December.
Also quick this year is Warrnambool ace Darren Mollenoyux, in particular on Boxing Night when he romped to the win while Albury’s Grant Anderson has won at Avalon before and will be keen for another strong result. Defending track champion Matthew Reed will make his first appearance of the season this Sunday night and based on his form recently at Warrnambool will be a strong chance this weekend.
Public gates open on Sunday afternoon at 3pm while Sprintcar engine starts and hot laps will be from approximately 6pm with racing set to start at the usual 7pm.
Website; www.avalonraceway.com
For more info contact Jeff Drew 0418 160 985 / Gavin White email gwxp@speedway.net.au