Drivers battle for state title
Blue Ribbon Speedway at Kalkee, north of Horsham, will be the scene of more Victorian state title racing when threelitre sedans roar into action on Saturday.
Supported by a round of the VMPA Modified Sedans, in preparation for an Australian title event at Blue Ribbon on the Easter long weekend, Limited Sportsman, Street Stocks and V8 Trucks are also on the card.
Victorian title
With teams from across Victoria heading to Kalkee, the competition will be fierce, with Horsham district teams teams of Ellis, Gerlach and Honeyman fighting to secure the Victoria one title left vacant with the retirement of Will Lamb’s car.
After holding the title for four of the past five years, Lamb has moved to the late model division to try his luck in the fast-developing series.
“After winning the title four times I thought it was time to move on and try something else,” he said.
“But the Torana is still out back so I am not saying I won’t come back again, but I wish all the drivers the best for the weekend.
“We have been struggling with the set-up of the new car and hope to be back at Blue Ribbon again soon.”
In the last three-litre event the cars of long-time campaigners Steve Ellis and Graham Gerlach showed they are ready to put on a fight to secure the state title.
But it won’t be easy, with the car of Steve Honeyman coming off a strong showing at Rushworth.
The cars of Bradley, Jason and Andrew Ahearn are also always strong, ensuring a great night of racing.
Prelude to their dream
In a prelude to the Australian title at Easter, VMPA Modified Production competitors from across the series will return in preparation for their run at national glory.
A full field of cars is expected at the track as this will be a points round for the VMPA series.
Racing will be tight as teams try to get a handle on the tricky 440-metre clay surface.
In the last event at the track, cars were running three wide at times and passing was impossible in various parts of the circuit.
Sporties
Following another rain-out at the King of the Rock at Bairnsdale at the weekend, the ‘sporty’ drivers will be ready to give it their all at home this weekend after the disappointment of a long trip out east only to be stopped by Mother Nature.
Recent winner of the Les Mcmaster Memorial and the South Australian title, Jock Baker, will be eager to get back in the groove against the fierce group of drivers in the always popular class.
V8 trucks
After a great night of racing at their last outing, V8 trucks will again be out to entertain fans with their high, wide and handsome style of racing.
As has happened throughout the season, there might be some guest drivers in the trucks including another visit from the ‘Stig’.
The trucks will always put on a show and again the HO 57 of Luke James might have the strong hand, but don’t forget that anything can happen.
We might see the likes of wingless sprintcar driver Steve Hateley revisiting the trucks after trying to fly his car home from Simpson Speedway recently in a massive rollover that wrecked his car but left him shaken and stirred, and undaunted.