From Sydney Speedway
Sydney, AU — Ian Madsen survived a marathon A-Main to claim round 12 of the Sprintcar Track Championship at Tyrepower Sydney Speedway. Second across the finish line was the very impressive Kelly Linigen with Martin Lawes placed third. It was a race of attrition as many drivers, including the current top three in the Sprintcar Track Championship, Ben Atkinson, Ian Loudoun and Mitchell Dumesny failed to finish due to mechanical issues and spectacular crashes.
Race winner, Madsen was within a quarter of a lap of taking the chequered flag when the red lights came on for Brent Aprile who flipped in turn four. This put a whole new perspective on the race as the double file restart came into play.
The remaining two laps took a further 40 minutes to run as spectacular crashes took out Craig Morrison, Ian Loudoun and Mitchell Dumesny. The son of a gun ran most of the race with no brakes and was spectacular to watch as he battled the cushion lap after lap until his ultimate demise. Ian Madsen had problems of his own as he was suffering from a loose bonnet that potentially could have ended his race.
As the field took the green flag on what was to be the final restart, concerns turned to fuel. Unfortunately for Darryl Campbell, he ran out of fuel with a lap remaining whilst running second as did a number of other drivers – including race winner who ran out of fuel coming out of the final corner but had enough momentum to claim the chequers in front.
Fourth to finish was Grant Tunks followed by Sam Walsh, Warren Ferguson, James Thompson, Jackson Delamont, Clayton Hart, Michael Matchett and Steve Caunt. No other driver finished the race.
Earlier heat race wins were claimed by Adrian Maher, Michael Matchett, Sam Walsh, Martin Lawes, Marty Perovich, Daniel Goldoni, Kelly Linigen and Mitchell Dumesny.
Toby Bellbowen rode out a spectacular flip in his opening heat. He emerged from the car A-Ok.
The Sprintcar B-Main was won by Clayton Hart from Brent Aprile, Ben Atkinson and Steve Caunt.
The B-Main was marred by a wild crash when Max Johnston end-for-ended into the turn one catch fence. He was ok but the same can’t be said for the car.
The AMCA Nationals A-Main was won by John Upston from Tony Edser and Darryl Kime. In doing so, Upston set a new 15 lap record.
The Lightning Sprint feature was won by Andrew Johnson from Dean Meadows and A J McTaggart.
Next week sees the 50-Lap Late Model Sedan Grand National and the NSW Demolition Derby Championship.