Belk Blasts into National Spotlight
Belk Blasts into National Spotlight…22/10/06…NASR/ASCF Media Release
Having spent several years racing in the shadows of some very high profile competitors, the 2005/2006 season saw Victoria’s Wayne Belk establish his credentials as a national star within Australia’s Super Sedan ranks, clocking some impressive results in local and interstate competition. Subsequently, the New Zealand-born Belk is the tenth driver to be confirmed as a contracted competitor with the 2006/2007 National Super Sedan Series
Fresh from his runner-up finish in the 2004/2005 Victorian Super Sedan Association Southern Nationals Series, Belk took part in the inaugural National Super Sedan Series last season and surprised many with his performances, visiting many interstate venues for the first time. Belk’s NSSS campaign started strongly, qualifying inside the top ten at the opening two rounds at Avalon and Moama. Whilst he failed to finish the feature at Avalon, the Moama feature saw Belk finish tenth overall. These performances, coupled with his commitment to contest the entire series schedule, were no doubt an important factor in him securing a place amongst the contracted drivers as a replacement for the injured Terry Reichstein.
Despite being a late addition to the series driver roster, Belk proved more than capable of mixing it with Australia’s best tin top exponents and finished 11th overall in the championship standings. During round three at Rockhampton Speedway, Belk transferred into the feature from the B Main and then advanced to 14th spot on a circular showground circuit notorious for the lack of passing opportunities it presents. Misfortunes befell Belk in the final three rounds and he failed to finish the feature on each occasion, despite a continuation of his strong qualifying results. The final round at Speedway City saw Belk record an emphatic heat win to again secure a spot inside the top ten for the main event.
At the completion of his National Series commitments, Belk returned to Victoria and accumulated some exceptional results that ultimately propelled him to victory in the 2005/2006 VSSA Race Hard Southern Nationals Series. One his best drives came during the penultimate series round at Rolling Thunder Raceway when, having qualified on the outside front row, he opted to start the feature from the rear. In a mighty drive through the field, he had climbed as high as fourth when the chequer appeared. Other impressive performances included a runner-up result at Avalon and a 6th-place finish in the Bob Hickson Memorial at Nyora Speedway. He also annexed 5th spot in the Victorian Super Sedan Championship at Moama’s Heartland Raceway.
Buoyed by his initial foray into NSSS competition, Belk is undertaking a major upgrade of his racing operation in preparation for the coming season. He will be piloting a brand new Dodge Charger from the Dominator chassis workshop, powered by what will be the only Mopar engine in NSSS competition. Having established himself last season as a talented racer at home and away, Speedway Sedans Australia (ASCF) and the National Association of Speedway Racing (NASR) are very pleased to confirm Wayne Belk as the tenth contracted driver in the 2006/2007 National Super Sedan Series. Other drivers confirmed for the 2006/2007 series include: Wayne Randall, John Leslight, Brad Smith, Lucas Roberts, Michael Gee, Dave Gartner, Steve Vaughan, Paddy Ward, Bill Miller
For the latest news and series information, visit the official series website at www.nationalsupersedanseries.com
Wayne Belk VIC #32
Age: 47
Resides: Broadford
Car Type: Dodge Charger
Sponsors: International Protective Coatings, VacLift Tanks & Hook Lifts, RMB Metalwork, GFC Industries Steel Fabrication, Pan Abrasives, Belkblast, Goodyear (Werribee)
The 2006/2007 SSA/NASR National Super Sedan Series is proudly supported by the following sponsors:
Sport Engines
Art by Mickey artbymickey@bigpond.com
AFCO Shock Doctor
Aussie Trackwear
Speedway Sedan Digest
Weatherall Prestige Autobody
Performance Wholesale
Speedway Racing News
JD Couriers
Race Hard
Oval Express
Speedway Sedans Australia (ASCF) www.speedwaysedans.com
National Association of Speedway Racing (NASR) www.nasr.com.au
