Kane Crowned as NSSS Champ
03/02/2014…Pam Franz…NSSS/SSA Media Release
The 2013/2014 National Super Sedan Series drew to a formal close at Murray Bridge Speedway yesterday (Sunday, February 2) with Darren Kane confirmed as series champion, the first person to win four NSSS titles. Numerous trophies, awards and contingency prizes were awarded to series participants, while Race Director Tony Parkinson, who is stepping down after nine years at the helm, was also recognised for his contribution to the ongoing success of the series.
Kane finished 61 points ahead of Matt Pascoe in what was an intense battle for the championship crown through the final rounds, with Michael Nicola finishing just 51 points further back in third place. David Gartner bounced back from a slow start to his series campaign to finish fourth in the championship, his efforts recognised with the Speedway Australia Silver Tray which recognises a driver who demonstrates commitment to the series and sportsmanship through adversity.
Peter Nicola, who finished his return season of NSSS competition with a win in the final round, finished fifth overall in the standings ahead of Lachlan Onley, who filled the runner-up position in the series finale. Queensland’s Mark Pagel, South Australian stalwart Bill Miller, Michael Doblo and Steve Latham rounded out the top ten in a series that many have described as one of the most gruelling yet, particularly given the extreme heat that plagued the final two rounds of competition
Tony Barklimore was next best, a podium finish at Mount Gambier tempered by a lack of luck at several other rounds, while Lucas Roberts was the highest placed non-contracted driver in 12th spot. Jack Childs was 13th overall ahead of Jason Campbell, who unfortunately suffered a broken hand in round four. This season, 46 drivers from every Australian state took part in the series and it was Ash Bergmeier, Gary Pagel, Matt Williams, Luke Dodding, Sean Black and Kaleb Perrett, all of whom supported multiple events, who rounded out the top 20 in the championship standings.
Graham Pascoe picked up the Shane Dryden Crew Chief of the Year Award before declaring that this might be his final year on the road with son Matt. A penchant for running the high line saw Steve Latham rewarded with the Supercharge Hard Charger Award, passing more cars than anybody else in series feature events despite missing the final round.
Dominator Race Cars clinched the Manufacturers Award, while Darren Kane collected the Most Heat Wins trophy and was also deemed the Best and Fairest Driver. One of the most prestigious trophies presented each year is the John Leslight Driver’s Driver Award, which is determined by votes from all participating competitors. It was Matt Pascoe who again emerged as the driver most respected by his rivals, winning the award for the fourth time.
With the series over for another year, the tenth anniversary of the championship next season promises to be an exciting time with plans afoot to implement a range of strategies aimed at revitalising the series for competitors and spectators alike.
2013/2014 National Super Sedan Series final pointscore (top 20): Darren Kane, 2967, Matt Pascoe 2906, Michael Nicola 2855, Dave Gartner 2466, Peter Nicola 2354, Lachlan Onley 2346, Mark Pagel 2287, Bill Miller 1903, Michael Doblo 1875, Steve Latham 1790, Tony Barklimore 1588, Lucas Roberts 1288, Jack Childs 1211, Jason Campbell 1190, Ash Bergmeier 885, Gary Pagel 719, Matt Williams 567, Luke Dodding 510, Sean Black 508, Kaleb Perrett 479
The 2013/2014 National Super Sedan Series is proudly supported by:
Speedway Australia
Speedway Sedans Australia
American Racer
Oval Express
Super Charge Batteries
JD Couriers
Hoosier Tyres
Queensland Saloon Car Association
SPEED