NSSS Stars to Shine in Toowoomba

27/12/13…Pam Franz…courtesy of NSSS/SSA Media

The 2013/2014 National Super Sedan Series launches into action this weekend with the opening round of the NSSS championship to be decided on the newly sculpted high banks of the Toowoomba Speedbowl on Sunday night (December 29). The changes to the Charlton circuit in recent months will ensure somewhat neutral ground for the series protagonists, adding an extra element to what is already shaping as an epic showdown featuring Super Sedan competitors from across the country.  The Toowoomba circuit has previously hosted the opening round with great success and Sunday night should prove to be another sensational start to the series.

Headlining the field of contracted drivers contesting the full championship schedule are defending and three-time series champion Darren Kane and current Australian Super Sedan Champion Matt Pascoe, both of whom hail from Ipswich. Both drivers have been in splendid form so far this season and dominated the local competition, including a sensational 1-2 finish in the 100-lap event held at the Toowoomba Speedbowl earlier this season. On that occasion it was Kane who emerged victorious, but with Pascoe also a feature race winner this season and a former NSSS champion, this fierce rivalry will continue in earnest on Sunday night.

Other Queensland drivers who are contesting the full series schedule and will be looking for a perfect start with a win in the opening round include Gympie’s Mark Pagel, who finished third in the 100-lapper, along with Jason Campbell, Jack Childs, Des Korn and another former NSSS champion in Rockhampton’s Michael Doblo, who will most definitely be a contender for a second crown if he can consistently produce his very best form.

With Queensland drivers having triumphed in all but one of the eight NSSS championships staged thus far, a star-studded field of interstate drivers have again signed on for the series in a bid to balance the ledger somewhat. Three-time Australian Champion Michael Nicola returns for another bid to secure the one major title that has thus far eluded him, with his brother Peter also flying the flag for Victoria in his return to the series. New South Wales will be represented by series stalwart Tony Barklimore and current Victorian champion and two-time national championship runner-up Lachlan Onley, who finished third in the series last year behind Kane and Pascoe.

Representing South Australia once again this season is Bill Miller, the only driver who has achieved the remarkable feat of having contested every round of the series ever held. Miller will be joined in combat by Dave Gartner, another series regular who has accumulated several round wins, finished third overall in 2009/2010 and is always a contender.  Flying solo for Tasmania this year will be Steve Latham, no doubt determined to improve on what was a solid rookie season last year. It will certainly be no surprise to see the hard charging Latham near the front of the field regularly throughout the series.

A strong contingent of non-contracted drivers from Queensland and interstate are also expected in Toowoomba for the event, with the New South Wales-based duo of Wayne Brims and Ian Brims, both of whom are former state champions, having already confirmed their participation. On the local front, Oakey’s Shayne Lau and Allora’s Mark O’Brien will be amongst the local racers on a mission to upstage the series stars on their home track.

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