26/04/2023
SPRINTCAR ECS POINTS CHASE, MIDGET 50 LAPPER AND NSW COMPACT TITLE FEATURED APRIL 29
The penultimate round of the Sprintcar Track Championship, the Midget 50 lapper, and the NSW Compact Speedcar Championship headline this Saturday night, April 29, at Eastern Creek Speedway.
Good fields have been received for all categories as the 2022-23 season nears conclusion with the final meeting set for May 13.
There's good prize money on the line for the 50 lap Midget feature with a $10,000 winner's payout, while second placegetter pockets $7,000 and third driver to the chequered flag will receive $5,000.
With lap sponsorship money also to be won, it's clearly the richest Sydney Midget race of the season with upward of $40,000 on offer. The long distance race was consolidated as an annual event on the NSW Association calendar when run at Parramatta City Raceway during the 2004-2005 and was won by Michael Pickens who will attempt to win the marathon for the seventh time.
There is plenty of interest surrounding the outcome of the ECS Sprintcar Track Championship as Troy Little (1215 points) continues to lead the title heading into round 16 this weekend. A strong main event result last time out for Little has extended his lead, with a 108 point buffer over Queensland's Aaron Kelly (1107), while Daniel Sayre holds down third on 1098 points.
The top ten are rounded out by Jessie Attard (1097), the sidelined Michael Saller (1093), Warren Ferguson (1034), Kaidon Brown (958), Lachlan Caunt (853), Zac Pacchiarotta (839) and Luke Stirton (807).
With over 100 championship points on offer this weekend, the title is still there to be won, but another strong showing by Little in time trials, heats and feature will go a long way to putting two hands on the trophy. Kelly still has a mathematical chance of victory, as does Sayre and Attard, but Little is clearly the man to beat.
Kiwi Hayden Williams has picked up the drive in the Andy Hassan Midget, which is a new car featuring a American chassis built by Brad Loyett from BP Fabrications, Imperial, Missouri, known as a J5H.
“I am super excited to have Hayden in the car,” Hassan said.
“I became friends with Greg Williams(Hayden's dad ) through my cousin in New Zealand who did a a lot of work for him, and when they came over here to race, we always caught up.
“Greg came here a few times and also helped me at Parramatta Raceway for a few races .One of my crew guys Ray and I helped Hayden out a little at the Australian title at Parramatta several years ago, and also at Lismore for a race there. We have always stayed in touch.”
Another high flying New Zealander Michael Pickens will attempt to add to his impressive 50-lap Sydney career wins in 2005, 09, 010, 011, 017 and 019 when he straps into the cockpit of the national title winning Gavin Ohlback car.
Pickens, a ten times NZ Champion, certainly goes into the 50 lapper as a very strong contender to to capture another 50-lap victory.
The Kiwi who calls South Australia home, Kaleb Currie, returns to ECS driving the Speedway Shop entry.
Sydney's Nathan Smee is another driver who has a fine record in the Sydney 50 lap event, winner in 2006, 008, 012, 014 and 015. Nathan, who drives for Graham Racing Development, has also put together a string of victories in the Midget 50 lap feature at Brisbane's Archerfield Speedway and is definitely a long distance specialist.
The Sydney numbers are up in accordance with the status of this race, with Kaidon Brown, Michael Stewart, and the return of Brayden Willmington, highlighting the list of entries. There is also a good spread of interstate drivers throughout the nominations.
The line-up promises to carry on a great tradition of Sydney 50-lap Midget events which had its origins at the hallowed Sydney Showground in the early 60s when the late Johnny Harvey, who later won the 1983 Bathurst 1000, was one of the distinguished winners before he entered road racing in late 1964.
The New South Wales Compact Speedcar Championship, sponsored by Goldstar Electrical, has attracted over 25 entries.
The N #1 of Justin Paull heads the line-up, with a worthy Victorian representation chasing state title honours.
Sydney's Alan Day, according to the nominations, has entered for both Midget and Compact racing this Saturday night.
Mark Heaton, Gordon Callaghan,, Chris Davis, Craig Hickey, Daniel Brown have nominated, ensuring the NSW title will be keenly contested.
www.easterncreekspeedway.com.au/events.htm for ticketing and event info.
Main Program from 6pm, Early racing from 5.20pm.
Story by: Dennis Newlyn.
Photo: Gary Reid.
Caption: Current ECS Sprintcar Track Championship leader, Troy Little.
Full list of Nominations: www.easterncreekspeedway.com.au
