Latrobe, AU — (March 1, 2013) — Late race pile-ups changed the complexion of the two major events on last night’s speedway program at the Bendigo Bank Arena at Latrobe.
Both the Gowans Motor Group Sprintcar Classic and the Tasmanian Modified Production Sedan Championship handed victory to surprised winners after the leaders crashed out almost within sight of the chequered flag.
In the Gowans Motor Group Sprintcar Classic, victory went to reigning Tasmanian champion Jason Redpath, of Moriarty, who was in fourth place with two laps to go.
Redpath has initially qualified on grid four but slotted into third place early in the race and a battle with his brother Adrian Redpath, of Latrobe.
Top qualifier, former four-times State champion and former Devonport racer, David Murcott, now of Melbourne, qualified on pole position for the 35-lap final, with Hobart’s Shaun Dobson joining him on the front row.
However, Dobson was deemed to have jumped the start by officials and sent to the rear for a re-start.
This elevated Jason Redpath to the front row, but Murcott blasted away at the start, followed by Adrian Redpath, who had qualified third and started directly behind him.
Jason Redpath wrestled second place from his brother on lap nine, only to be baulked by lapped traffic on the same lap with Adrian taking the spot back and then the lead as Murcott also spun in lapped traffic on the same lap.
Meanwhile, Dobson was on a charge from the rear and rounded up Jason Redpath on lap 19, followed shortly afterwards by Murcott, who had also recovered well.
With two laps to go, Adrian Redpath seemed assured of victory, but he tangled with the lapped car of Victorian James Hennessey, resulting in a four-car pile-up which also bought Dobson and Murcott unstuck.
While Hennessey, Murcott and Dobson all retired their damaged cars to the infield, Adrian Redpath was able to re-start, but had to do so from the rear of the grid for being involved in the stoppage.
This elevated his surprised brother to the coveted number one spot with two laps to run, with Jason Redpath making the most of his opportunity to claim the victory.
Devonport’s Curt Smith was also able to avoid the carnage and finished second after starting from grid 10, with former State champion “Tornado” Tim Hutchins, of Sassafras, also having a clean run in the final to finish third after starting from grid 15 as a result of dramas in his heats.