QSCA News & Press Releases

20/12/07…NASR/ASCF Media Release

The achievements and influence of one of Australia’s greatest ever speedway sedan competitors will be honoured during the 2007/2008 Carline Mufflers National Super Sedan Series.  John Leslight spent more than 30 years competing in speedway sedan events across Australia, accumulating an unprecedented record of success in a multitude of events at a myriad of race venues in every Australian state.

A legendary figure held in high esteem by competitors, spectators and track operators alike, Leslight retired from competition at the conclusion of the 2006/2007 season, drawing the curtain on one of the most enduring careers in Australian speedway.   Leslight was a fierce competitor who traveled extensively every season to attend all of the major events on the Super Sedan calendar, often with great success.  Having started his career at Lismore Speedway when the venue was the bastion of sedan racing in Australia, Leslight quickly established himself as a gifted and uncompromising talent behind the wheel. Despite the success and high profile he accrued in subsequent years, Leslight remained a strong supporter of regional venues and is one of the most traveled competitors in the history of the sport.

Throughout his career, Leslight accumulated an extraordinary number of feature race wins and championship victories, including nine state championship wins and multiple victories in events such as the International Firecracker and East Coast Grand National.  Although an Australian Championship victory was not forthcoming, his amazing record in national title competition is an emphatic demonstration of his skill and versatility.  Leslight has finished on the Australian Championship podium on six occasions at six different venues in five states, as recently as the 2005/2006 title at Toowoomba’s Charlton Raceway. 

Leslight embraced the National Super Sedan Series from the outset and was one of the first drivers to sign on for the first series in the 2005/2006 season.  In the inaugural series, Leslight was victorious in round two at Moama’s Heartland Raceway and finished on the podium on two other occasions on his way to finishing runner-up in the championship. Last season, Leslight was again a model of consistency, snaring three podium finishes on his way to third overall in the series.  In a fitting end to his career, Leslight’s final race meeting saw him clinch the Queensland Super Sedan Championship at Rockhampton Speedway in May 2007.   

In recognition of his stellar career, series organisers are very pleased to announce the introduction of the John Leslight Drivers Driver Award as part of the 2007/2008 Carline Mufflers National Super Sedan Series.  The award, which is presented to the driver who accumulates the most votes from fellow competitors upon consideration of results, attitude, professionalism and sportsmanship, is a fitting tribute to a man whose influence on the sport is profound.  “We are extremely happy that John has accepted our offer to attach his name to this award. We believe John represents the type of competitor that will win this award each year. That is, a competitor who is respected by his peers for his ability, fairness, excellence and commitment”, declared NASR General Manager Tim McAvaney when announcing the award.

Continuing to play an active role in the sport assisting other competitors, John Leslight will be attending every round of the 2007/2008 Carline Mufflers National Super Sedan Series.

The 2007/2008 Carline Mufflers National Super Sedan Series is proudly supported by the following sponsors:

Carline Mufflers, Custom Transporters and Trailers, JD Couriers, Bergmeier Engineering, Sport Engines, AFCO Shock Doctor, Weatherall Automotive Services, Performance Wholesale, Art by Mickey, Oval Express Magazine, www.tassiesupersedan.com, Ian Boettcher Race Parts, Comfort Inn Robertson Gardens, City Motor Inn Toowoomba, Rocky Resort Motor Inn, Comfort Inn Silver Birch, National Association of Speedway Racing (NASR), Speedway Sedans Australia (ASCF)