The Championship Heads to Charlton
The Championship Heads to Charlton…26/10/06…SSA Media Release
This weekend, the 2006/2007 A.S. Concrete Pumping Super Sedan Championship Series hits the road for the first time when Toowoomba’s Charlton Raceway hosts round three on Saturday night (October 28). A strong 25-car field from two states will contest the Orchy Orange Juice-sponsored event, the opening meeting of the Toowoomba season.
New South Wales-based drivers have dominated the opening two rounds of competition, both of which were staged at Brisbane International Speedway. Lismore’s Tania Smith enjoyed a stunning return to competition after a 12-month lay-off when she took out the opening round last month and then backed up two weeks later to secure a runner-up finish in round two. Subsequently, she sits atop the championship points table heading into the Toowoomba event.
Round two saw Tweed Heads-based racer Wayne Brims emerge triumphant, securing his first feature race win for more than 12 months. Brims is a former New South Wales champion who has quickly acquired a strong following amongst young race fans as a result of the spectacular Lightning McQueen-inspired paint scheme that adorns his brand new Pontiac Grand Prix. The second-generation driver enjoys racing at the Toowoomba circuit and, with the kids screaming wildly in support, he will be quietly confident of clocking another win.
Yet another New South Welshman in John Leslight is also expected to feature prominently at the front of the field. As one of Australia’s most successful drivers ever, Leslight will be looking for a return to his very best form after what has been a disappointing start to the season by his lofty standards.
Leading the Queensland bid to upstage the interstate invaders will be two former national champions in John McGeorge and Darren Kane. Both have been in good early season form and are extremely capable of emerging victorious at the end of 30 torrid feature race laps. Kane currently sits fourth overall in the series standings, with McGeorge occupying eighth spot despite failing to finish at the previous round. Gympie’s Mark Pagel has been his usual consistent and unassuming self during the opening two rounds and, having finished inside the top five on both occasions, he currently sits second overall in the championship and must also be considered a genuine contender for feature race honours.
Mackay’s Des Korn has been one of the quickest drivers in both rounds staged thus far and has passed more cars than anybody else, although his results don’t necessarily reflect the quality of his feature race performances. Plagued by problems in qualifying at both events, Korn has charged from near the back of the feature race grid on each occasion to finish inside the top ten. If he can secure a start near the front of the field for the feature, Korn has demonstrated that he has the pace to take the race. Other drivers from throughout regional Queensland making the haul to Toowoomba include Rockhampton’s Jack Childs, Gladstone’s Will Gould, Gympie’s Chris Albert and the Sunshine Coast-based pair of Peter Warren and Frank Armstrong.
A strong Brisbane contingent comprises Greg Maher, who is the only other driver to have finished inside the top ten in the opening two rounds, along with Steve Jordan, Paul Geary, Steve Van Zeeland, Tony Brinkman, Dale Christensen, Gavin Northfield and a trio of Rookie of the Year contenders comprising Steve Pearce, Hans Van Der Ryken and Allen Robertson.
The local contingent in the field comprises Lenny Black and Oakey’s Shayne Lau, both of whom will be hoping for strong hometown support. Black is a proven feature race winner, having won a series round in Bundaberg last season, while Lau has completed a major upgrade during the off-season and will be driving a Pontiac previously campaigned by Jamie McHugh.
In addition to the fantastic Super Sedan action on the night, the race meeting will culminate with a spectacular Demolition Derby. Gates open at 2.00pm and racing gets underway at 5.00pm. For more information, phone Charlton Raceway on 0412 269687 or visit the Super Sedan Association website at www.supersedan.com.au
2006/2007 A.S. Concrete Pumping Super Sedan Championship Series progressive pointscore (top ten): Tania Smith 308, Wayne Brims 249, Mark Pagel 244, Darren Kane 228, Greg Maher 196. John McGeorge 167, Des Korn 165, John Leslight 152, Frank Armstrong 126, Lenny Black 113.
The Super Sedan Association is proudly supported by:
A.S. Concrete Pumping Services
AFCO Shock Doctor
Sport Engines
CP Pistons
Australian Garages and Carports
Ian Boettcher Nissan
Paul Geary Automotive
Ian Boettcher Race Parts
Racer Pro
tooltruck.com.au
Art by Mickey
Mercedes-Benz Trucks
