But Wait…There’s More
But Wait….There’s More!…27/11/06…NASR/ASCF Media Release
With 21 confirmed contracted drivers, the driver line-up for the 2006/2007 National Super Sedan Series is already very impressive with drivers from five states amongst the starters. However, in addition to the contracted drivers, another four competitors have submitted their nomination for the entire series, ensuring a bumper field for each of the eight rounds.
The four drivers who have committed to the entire NSSS schedule are Victoria’s Peter Nicola and the Queensland-based trio of Michael Tomkins, Ryan Cats and Steve Jordan. The level of support from competitors to the series has surpassed the expectations of series organisers and race fans can expect some fabulous racing from the eight rounds to be staged across four states.
Having spent four years in the Standard Saloon division, Peter Nicola moved into the Super Sedan ranks in 2001, following in the footsteps of his older brother Michael, a three-time Australian Super Sedan champion and a NSSS contracted driver this season. Whilst his on-track appearances have been limited in recent seasons, Nicola has certainly proven to be a talented steerer, as evidenced by his only NSSS appearance last season. During round two at Moama’s Heartland Raceway, Nicola qualified third for the feature and ultimately finished in ninth position as the highest placed non-contracted driver.
For Michael Tomkins, embarking on the NSSS tour is the latest stage in his efforts over the last few seasons to upgrade his racing operations and focus on the bigger events on the season calendar. The Rockhampton-based racer started his motorsport career in rallying as a 17-year-old and has been racing speedway for 21 years, progressing into Super Sedans from the Modified Production division. Tomkins finished the 2005/2006 season strongly, annexing a fifth-place finish in the Queensland Super Sedan Championship in Mackay.
Ryan Cats is a newcomer to the Super Sedan ranks, having moved into the category as recently as 2004 after four seasons in the V8 Super Stocker class. Based in Cairns in far north Queensland, Cats has a huge journey on his hands to complete the NSSS schedule but the 30-year-old is looking forward to the opportunity to take on Australia’s best drivers and compete at a variety of different venues. A feature race winner on his home track in Cairns, Cats will be using the NSSS to gain experience and demonstrate the strength of the category in the Cairns region.
Brisbane’s Steve Jordan is one of Australia’s most successful Modified Production competitors, having won state titles in Queensland, New South Wales and Victoria. Last season Jordan made his debut in the Super Sedan division and impressed many with some strong results, picking up the Super Sedan Association Hard Charger Award. This year, with a brand new Sweet chassis at his disposal, Jordan has been a revelation in the SSA series against many of the best in the business. In five rounds contested, Jordan has twice qualified on the front row, scored two fourth-place finishes and has finished on the podium twice, scoring a career best runner-up finish during round four and finishing third during round six.
All four competitors are hitting the road in search of the additional challenges – both competitively and logistically – that the NSSS provides and their inclusion in the field is a bonus for race fans around the country. Committing to such an undertaking is impressive enough and there is no doubt that all four are capable of figuring prominently in the championship standings at the conclusion of the series.
Peter Nicola VIC #2
Age: 38
Resides: Traralgon
Car Type: Pontiac Grand Prix
Sponsors: AKZ Engineering, LV Concrete, Traralgon Contractors
Michael Tomkins QLD #2
Age: 43
Resides: Rockhampton
Car Type: Chevrolet Camaro
Sponsors: Tomkins Cabinetmakers, Wow Kitchen Accessories, Tops Elite, Miele, Baumatic, Kendall Oil
Ryan Cats NQ #2
Age: 30
Resides: Cairns
Car Type: Pontiac Firebird
Sponsors: FNQ Oil Distributors, Fuchs Oil
Steve Jordan QLD #10
Age: 42
Resides: Brisbane
Car Type: Dodge Avenger
Sponsors: Woodeson Excavation, Monkey Signs, Hinzy Racecar Designs, AAA Brisbane Tilt Tray Towing, Loganholme Smash Repairs, Oz Metal Recyclers, Hydraulic Drilling Services, South-West Metals, Matty Pascoe Motorsport
The 2006/2007 NASR/ASCF National Super Sedan Series is proudly supported by the following sponsors: Speedway Racing News, Sport Engines, Art by Mickey, AFCO Shock Doctor, Aussie Trackwear, Speedway Sedan Digest, Weatherall Prestige Autobody, Performance Wholesale, JD Couriers, Race Hard, Oval Express, Bilstein Shock Absorbers, Speedway Sedans Australia (ASCF), National Association of Speedway Racing (NASR)
