Mixed Results on Night 1 at Avalon
Mixed Results on Night 1 at Avalon…31/03/07…Pam Franz…from limited resources
The first night heats of the National Modified Production Title got underway last night at Avalon just outside of Melbourne in very icy conditions. After a rain interrupted Practice session on Wednesday night an extra Practice session was held for all drivers prior to beginning of last nights racing. 10 Queenslanders are taking part out of the 66 drivers competing in this championship event.
After 3 rounds of heats last night current Qld Champ Todd Doyle is the highest point scoring Qlder at the moment with 81 points and in 6th place. Gav Fletcher has 64 points and is in =11th place, Aidan Raymont competing at his first National Title event has 63 points and is in =12th place, Mark Ferguson has 63 points and is also in =12th place and Dale Grotherr has 56 points and is in 20th place.
Wayne Miles is in 27th place with 43 points, Matty Swarbrooke is in 28th place with 41 points, Colin Hockley is in 43rd place with 24 points, Ed Pearson 18 points after only 1 heat and Steven Zahl on 4 points.
Unfortunately for Ed Pearson, after a flying start in his new Commodore his Title crusade has ended with a bady damaged car and Ed will be unable to compete in the rest of the meeting. After hitting a rut and getting the car up on 2 wheels, Ed slammed the fence heavily. Other than being shaken and disappointed Ed had no immediate known injuries.
Another Qlder having a shocking run is Maryborough’s Steven Zahl – Zahl will be looking for a great run tonight to ellivate him into the C Main to give him some chance at coming through into the B Main.
The well known Robert Trapp chinaman has also travelled to Avalon and has set up camp with young gun Matty Swarbrooke, after finishing strongly in the first round of heats in 2nd place Matty was unable to continue his first National Title assault with major engine problems.
5 Victorians are holding the top 5 positions in the point score after night 1 – Bryan Galley has had a huge week to rebuild his car after doing major damage at the Vic Title at Mildura last weekend whilst leading the event is leading the point score with 100 points, defending champion Justin Drew is on equal points with Darren Cockerill on 95 points followed by Michael Hetherington on 89 points and Trevor Mills on 82 points.
Modified Production racing is very close australia wide and the points score from last night is proof of that – this event could be anyone’s win after tonights racing. Reliability will play a big part in deciding who will be the eventual winner.
Night 2 tonight will see another round of Heats for all competitors still able to continue in the event and the running of the C, B & A Mains.
Go the Queenslanders!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
