It’s arrived, my Bryan Clauson handmade midget model

It’s arrived, my Bryan Clauson handmade midget model

We all have our favourite Speedway driver and mine is  Bryan Clauson. Sadly last August Speedway lost this wonderful young racer as a result of an accident in his #63 Midget race car at the Belleville Midget Nationals.

Heart break was felt around the Speedway World and the devastating effect on his family trying recovering from this tragic loss is only softened by the memories of his selfless actions in being an organ donor.

Today I have unpacked the handmade die cast of Bryan’s #63 and must admit to a fair bit of emotion as I slowly and carefully unpacked the parcel.Beautifully crafted by John Stewart of Retro Racing Custom Model Cars,  it now sits proudly with my other speddway model collections .I had the pleasure of meeting Bryan  in 2013 at Lismore Speedway during a POWRi World Midget Show, short chat during a break in the pits, meeting Bryan is something I will always remember and cherish.

You can honor Bryan’s memory and help many other families by discussing with your family your wish to be an organ donor. This is a wonderful thing to do. Thanks John Stewart Retro Racing Custom Models the model has arrived and is truly fantastic, great craftsmanship.

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Smee smacks down the field in World Midget opener

  Smee smacks down the field in World Midget OpenerNathan Smee Brisbane

The Preliminary night of the World Midget Championship in Brisbane was a Smee affair after the former Australian Champion took the field apart in the opening contest for the World Midget Championship in Brisbane’s Archerfield Speedway.

The field featured four of the best Americans Rico Abreu, Brady Bacon, Zach Daum and Andrew Felker..Current Australian Champion New Zealander Michael Pickens and Chris Gwilliam rounded off the powerful field of imports.

Both Abreu and Bacon started their nights off ending upside down in their heats while both would find trouble later during the feature. Michael Pickens was fastest during the time trials ahead of Sydney’s Troy Jenkins but had motor problem during the Feature .

Smee and Daum shared the front row and it was the Australian who set the early pace .Daum managed to sneak into the race lead momentarily but Smee soon regain the lead and was never headed,

Sydney’s Troy Jenkins was spectacularly fast all night and closed fast on Daum with two laps to runthen  took advantage of a Daum error to grab second. Jenkins deserved his second place after a stirring drive.

Although Smee took the Preliminary Feature it was Zach Daum who left the Speedway on top of points after consistent performances in his heat race.

 

The top five in points after night one Daum 155,Smee144,Jenkins 130,Gwilliam(NZ) 120 Doyle 113

Racing continues tonight at Archerfield .

Photo credit Archerfield Speedway

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McAllan Motorsports and Kaiden Manders part Company

McAllan Motorsports and Kaiden Manders part Companymanders

Only recently announced by Keith and Peta McAllen is the news that young Kaiden Manders will not be returning to the Team in 2017.The seat of the McAllen Mobil 1 Mac 21m KRE Eagle will be taken over by Dwayne Kingshot..

Kingshot’s first outing with the Team will be  at the Kwinana Motorplex on 14th January, 2017 to contest the New Year Speedcar Derby.The Team will then move up to Queensland to contest the big Speedcar events against many of the best Speedcar/Midget drivers from the US, New Zealand.KIngshott

With recent USAC and Powri experience last year Kingshot will be a strong contender. The McAllen race cars are proven winners .Who can forget the fantastic performance put in by Adam Clarke holding every State Title in the one year. After Clarke young Kaiden set the Speedcar World alight and along the way in a short career behind the wheel  won 15 feature races, numerous heat races, State Title, Kaiden was the youngest ever winner of the Michael Figliomeni Memorial the Magic Man 34 .Stunning performance by any reckoning .

manders-360-winnerKaiden’s commitments with the J&S drilling team 360 Sprintcar program made it difficult to meet the schedules and commitments the McAllen Team required .On 12 December Kaiden won his first 360 Sprintcar race, the first of many I would suggest.

The McAllen Team could not have made a better choice and the combination will certainly continue the success of the McAllen Motorsports Team.

2017 a new year and a new beginning for the Team.

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Aussie remembers Bryan Clauson

Aussie remembers Bryan ClausonRemembering BC

Speedway has been my most favorite sport ever since I was 16 years old and in that time I have had the real pleasure of watching some of the best dirt track racers .Covering Speedway meetings and writing reports has been my hobby and during this time I have met .watched and been thrilled by many of the best.Bryan Clauson

Bryan Clauson, USAC Champion in Midgets and Sprintcars was the one driver that always grabbed my attention and was the one I found myself cheering for. Watching via live streaming from the US or New Zealand or live in Australia there was something very special about BC.I have been reporting on Bryan Clauson’s race exploits for some time and back in 2013 I meet Bryan at the POWRi World Midget show at Lismore Speedway.

Wandering around the pits speaking with and photographing the teams I was desperately trying to find an opening to grab Bryan and introduce myself .With drivers meeting, car preparation taking priority finding Bryan on his own was difficult and frankly as the afternoon passed I was becoming a little nervous each time I tried to approach him only for another driver to attract his attention. Clauson was a  driver certainly in demand.Night one at Lismore for the POWRi Midget World Championship 013

Later that afternoon my opportunity arrived, Bryan sitting quietly on the rear wheel of the United Truck repairs Esslingler. I looked around, no one in sight, so boldly I approached him with a “good day Bryan “I am from Talking Speedway mind if I have chat. I had hundreds of questions but suddenly I was lost for words .Here I was talking to one of the greatest USAC drivers of all time. We chatted for what seems like hours but in reality it was 5 to 10 minutes .What a guy, warm and generous he made me feel completely at ease. After thanking me for my support he wished me well explaining he had changes to make to racecar, his team arrived immediately and they went to work and I wandered off to explore more and photograph the likes of Christopher Bell, Darren Hagen and Andrew Felker.Unfortunately the night did not go as planned and the Kiwi Brad Mosen won the feature.

We have lost many drivers over the times and with each track death we feel such heart break and sadness and we wonder if we will ever get over the pain. While our loss is nothing when compared to the loss the family of these brave and courageous racers have to deal with. As a speedway supporter we can only offer our deepest sympathy and hope their hearts will heal in time.

The memories left, the images of Bryan Clasuon at work together with the thousands of tributes on social media place o n record his greatness, generosity to fans and the energy he put into growing and advancing the sport of Speedway open wheel racing. Bryan’s life was Speedway and in death his organs have given life to five people who are blessed and will carry a small part of Bryan with them as they travel through life. Bryan will be remembered by his racing exploits and also by the donation of his organs. Chasing 200 continues only the goal has changed to saving saves by promoting the benefits of donating your organs so that others may benefits.

Most important of all a young man loved by his family and Lauren Stewart has left us all too soon. Rest in peace Bryan Clauson 15/6/1989 to 7/08/2016BC donations

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Michael Pickens proves too strong Brisbane

Pickens on top in Brisbane

Pickens on top in Brisbane

New Zealand’s Michael Pickens ramped up the rivalry between Australia and New Zealand with his win in Brisbane at the Queensland round of the World Midget Series.
The multi Kiwi Champion continued his strong recent forms from the New Zealand rounds with a near perfect display over the 40 lap journey .Pickens well known and respected by Australia fans reminded us of his special talent in the mighty midget Speedcars.
Whenever Pickens gets behind the wheel of a speedcar you expect a powerful performance .With three Americans and three of his fellow countrymen also had their minds on taking the win.Coming into the second night of Brisbane show Pickens sat just adrift of expat New Zealand Champion Michael Kendall on points after the rain shortened first night.

Michael Pickens

Michael Pickens

Pickens raced to an early lead from pole sitter Tyler Thomas and the Kiwi were never headed for the duration of the race. Tyler Thomas looked like he may have an opportunity to press Pickens but with 6 laps to travel he was forced out .As good as Pickens was the standout on the night the 2013 POWRi Champion Andrew Felker .Felker was brilliant as he as he chased the lead .I would go so far as to say it was the best drive Felker has put down on any of his tours down under .

Lap 37 Felker was just stunning with his run around 2014 USAC Sprintcar Champ Bacon and Australian Nathan Smee to grab second behind Pickens.With the race entering the final stages Pickens had to deal with a flat right front and the charge from Felker. When the flag dropped after 40 laps Pickens was first across the stripe followed by Felker and Nathan Smee.

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Andrew Felker

Andrew Felker

Smee overcame Bacon to win the battle for the final podium spot .After missing the first night Mosen and Williams charged into 5th and 7th with Brock Dean splitting the pair with his 6th place finish.

The Archerfield track proved a problem for Brady Bacon and Leon Burgess had a shocker in the opening heat, both spinning twice and being removed the race officials from the heat race.
Results

1 NZ38 Michael Pickens
2 USA42 Andrew Felker
3 N7 Nathan Smee
4 USA70 Brady Bacon
5 NZ1 Brad Mosen
6 Q99 Brock Dean
7 NZ27 Hayden Williams
8 Q41 Brendan Palmer
9 Q19 Darren Vine
10 NZ17 Leon Burgess
11 Q5 Rodney Harders
12 Q36 Callum Whatmore
13 Q48 Brad Young
DNF Q76 Reid Mackay
DNF N87 Aiden Corish
DNF Q58 Rusty Whittaker
DNF Q12 Tony Michell
DNF USA91 Tyler Thomas
DNF Q14 Michael Harders
DNF NZ89 Michael Kendall
DNF N65 Don MacKay

The next 2 round of the World Midget series heads down into the Northern Rivers to the Lismore Castrol Speedway this Friday /Saturday.lismore poster

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Whittaker anything but rusty wins Qld Midget Title

Whittaker anything but rusty wins Qld Midget Title

Adam Clarke , Rusty Whittaker,Matt Greenwood

Adam Clarke , Rusty Whittaker,Matt Greenwood

Last Saturday night Toowoomba Speedbowl was the venue for the 71st running of the Queensland Midget Speedcar Championship. What better time and place to record your first Feature race wins and the bonus was the Queensland Championship and the right to wear the Qld 1 on the tank of the Whittaker Speedcar’s tank
Even more special for young Whittaker as well joining the ranks of many of the past legends and Champions of Australian Speedway .Rusty now joins his dad Sid a winner in 2012 as only the second father and son to have claimed the coveted Title. The only other father and son to win the Championship were Ron and Todd Wanless
Standing in young Whittaker’s way was 2015 Australian Champion Adam Clarke, 5 times New Zealand and defending Champion expat Kiwi Michael Kendall and current POWRi Speedcar Super Series Champ Brett Thomas. Michael Kendall started his night in a positive frame of mind and posted quick time in qualifying over Clarke. The night started badly for the four times Australian Champion with minus points due to missing the drivers meeting. Despite his heat wins Clarke would start the Championship Feature from deep in the pack. Clarke most recent win was on the high banks of the Warnambool Speedway so the Aussie Champ would have fancied his chances.
After the heats it was young Whittaker who had the front row with  Brett Thomas and fellow youngster Matt Greenwood in row two.
30 laps and at the end the Queensland Title .Thomas was first to make the statement and raced into lead with both Whittaker and Greenwood chasing the POWRi Champion. The pair of young bucks attacked Thomas with Whittaker riding the outside and Greenwood punching in on the bottom .The Toowoomba crowd was witnessed to some super fast and close racing as the three looked for the point. The pair harassed Thomas with Whittaker finally grabbing the lead off Thomas and immediately started to build a lead over the chasing pack.
Not long after Greenwood made his move and passed Thomas, he had given Whittaker a handy lead and now started the chase.
Whittaker clear in the lead and Greenwood trying to bridge the gap without much success. Meanwhile Adam Clarke had started his march forward.
New Zealander Kendall was now in third position and Brendan Palmer fourth.
15 laps down and the Title in sight Whittaker continued to lead and by now had extended it to a third of lap over Greenwood and Kendall. By this stage Clarke had moved to sixth and by lap 20 had finally pass Thomas after a duel that had crowd captivated

Michael Kendall Pic Neilson Motorsports

Michael Kendall
Pic Neilson Motorsports

The Title chase stopped on lap 24 for the first yellow when Scott Doyle slowed forcing a restart. 24 down 6 to race and the Title was so close but still far away. Whittaker restarted with the same purpose and went straight back to work rebuilding his lead over Greenwood and Kendall who by now had to deal the fast arriving Clarke.
Three laps later and Chaffey losses a tire and another caution and you can feel the frustration in the the Whittaker pit.
Another restart and once again Whittaker appeared composed as he bounced back to the point with both Greenwood and Clarke looking for a late challenge. Yet another yellow for Thomas in turn 4 that saw the run to the finish under a green white chequered.
Whittaker ran a mistake free race and while some may have been surprised I have been following Rusty performances over the couple of years and recent runs suggested to me a win was not too far away.

The Whittaker car with number one .

The Whittaker car with number one .

I first saw Rusty Whittaker in Lismore at the POWRi World Midget Championship and at that meeting had the great pleasure of speaking to a very proud grand father.
The podium presentation a special time for the Whittaker family. Rusty Whittaker 2015 Queensland Champion

Auto Upgrade Queensland Championship Feature results 
1 Rusty Whittaker 2 Matt Greenwood 3 Adam Clarke (NSW)
4 Brendan Palmer 5 Michael Kendall 6 Michael Harders 7 Jason Bell 8 Scott Wilson 9 Reid Mackay 10 Mark George 11 Brad Young 12 Rodney Harders 13 Darren Vine

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More problems for Pickens while Clauson dominates POWRi

More problems for Pickens while Clauson dominates POWRi

The two shows of round 8 in Lismore for the POWRI World Midget Championship finally got underway after storms with heavy rain threatened the final rounds of the Australian and New Zealand legs of the POWR Championship. There were lots of questions to be answered at Lismore, could Clauson continue his stunning recent form, would luck play into Pickens hands after recent runner up performances to Clauson. The final question was how the Australian drivers would fare in this their last encounter with the visiting International drivers.

Bryan Clauson and the winning Team at Lismore POWRi

Bryan Clauson and the winning Team at Lismore POWRi

The recent performances of Clauson this tour has been simply stunning with only Rico Abreu Brad Mosen achieving the wins in the series other than for Clauson. Clauson has been great, Michael Pickens has been closed to winning over the past 4 shows and the last night in Lismore the luck and recent gremlins appeared to have been washed away with the recent rain. Pickens was fast all night and.

The Vernon and Vazey mounted Pickens along with team mate Darren Hagan and Brad Mosen looked the likely challengers to Clauson.
The 40 lap decider and the top six positions were decided by the Gold Shoot out and the results were : Bryan Clauson , Michael Pickens, Darren Hagan, Kaiden Manders , Hayden Williams, Matt Smith , Brad Mosen and Nathan Smee .
During the Gold Shoot out Bryan Clauson set a new one lap track record .Clauson stopped the clock at 12.789sec

Bryan Clauson at Lismore before the start to the last race at Lismore

Bryan Clauson at Lismore before the start to the last race at Lismore

..A field of 20 cars were despatched by the green as they race away for the first lap around the Lucas Oils Lismore Bull Ring. The start was perfect for Pickens leading Clauson. The two New Zealand based teams raced at the head of the field with Pickens punching out lap after lap with a comfortable gap to Indiana’s former USAC Midget Champion.

Just when you thought Pickens was headed for a blistering race win the right front tire popped of the bead sending the Kiwi into a wild tumble into the safety fence .Once again the gremlins had hit the Pickens plan. Pickens was uninjured and the race restarted.Eight laps to run and the race had been handed to the USAC racer and his United truck Parts Team from New Zealand. .While luck plays a big part in race wins the professionalism that Clauson brings to the Team on each of his visits is clear.

Michael Pickens Vernon and Vazey #97

Michael Pickens Vernon and Vazey #97

The final placings were Clauson, Hagan and Brad Mosen. Matt Smith was the first Australian to cross .First time tourist Oklahoma’s Tyler Thomas brought the Queensland owned USA #42 home in fifth place. The POWRi World Midget Championship will now move back across the Pacific to the USA for events later in the year.

One thing is very clear and the reaons for this is, well beyond me .The Australian teams are currently no match for the International drivers .Clauson is in a class on his own but the gap between the new Zealanders appears to growing wider. Our best Smee, Clarke, Redman and Thomas have struggled all season against the International onslaught, only Mathew Smith has looked capable of taking a podium this year against the International invaders.

At Lismore the performances of our youngsters Rusty Whittaker, Brayden Wilimgton and particularly Kaiden Manders from Western Australia were impressive.

The POWRi Management might  try to persuade Dwayne Kingsport to race in the series even though he appears to be a solid Speedcar Pro Series Contracted driver and dual Champion.. Brett Thomas ran both during this years so it is possible .

Talking Speedway is supported by Flat Out Magazine the magazine for all open wheel race fans .The current issuse now out and available on line .We will deliver to your door by Australia Post Au $7.95 – ORDER NOW !Scan0032

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Australia Day Weekend – Victory for the Stars and Stripes.

Australia Day Weekend – Victory for the Stars and Stripes.

Kyle Hirst and the Monte Motorsports team winers of the 43rd Classic

Kyle Hirst and the Monte Motorsports team winers of the 43rd Classic

One of the most special days in Australia, the Australia Day Weekend has been host to two major speedway shows

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In Brisbane the first two of the four POWRi World Midget Championships rounds and down south at Warnambool the Premier Speedway brought us the 43rd running of the Grand Annual Classic for Sprintcars before a packed house over three massive nights .Australian’s well known for meat pies, Kangaroos and Holden Cars arrived at Brisbane’s Archerfield and Warnambool’s Premier Speedway hoping for a Aussie win .Both these events brought the best available racecar drivers to our shores from the USA and New Zealand.
Tough for the race fans, even tougher for the local teams to see the visitors take spoils including the cash in both events.

POWRi World Midget Championship
The Kiwis and the Americans dominated both POWRi Shows in Brisbane with Brad Mosen the Kiwi taking the preliminary Feature and Bryan Clauson the major Feature. Night two of the POWRi Worlds was looking like being Darren Hagan’s night until he suffered tyre problems allowing the pole sitter Clauson to assume the lead and head to the checker and the race win. Clauson leaves Brisbane and with the rest of the teams and head south to Lismore for the final two Australian rounds. Clauson heads into the Lismore round as point leader over Kiwi Michael Pickens

Picken,Clauson,Williams Podium POWRi Worlds Brisbane

Picken,Clauson,Williams Podium POWRi Worlds Brisbane

.As with previous night the Australian driver did not feature in the major placing the best again was Matt Smith with his fourth place finish behind Clauson, Pickens and Hayden Williams .We have a saying down under,”pull the finger out “it applies to the Aussie drivers as they struggle to get on terms with the visitors.

The 43rd Annual Sprintcar Classic –Premier Speedway Warnambool.
Three nights of racing, two qualifying rounds then the 40 Lap Classic .World of Outlaw winners, USAC Champions and winners from most Sprintcar sanactionsed groups across the USA and all the top Australian. This race the Annual Classic draws the very best to Warnambool and there can be no doubt that it is not only the most sought after wins on the Australian Sprintcar schedule but the best supported Speedway event in the country and promoted by possibly Speedway club the in the country

.Massive crowds every night filled the Premier Speedway to See US based Aussie Brooke Tatnell wins the first qualifying night and Australian Champion Dave Murcott take the night two qualifying Feature.

Classic crowd

Classic crowd

Sunday night the top point scores came together to fight out the 40 lap Classic main event and for $30,000 cash purse. It was a long night as the weather and cool air moved in over Warnambool and rain threatened the Classic .After a break racing continued on a sticky and tacky race track.
The interruption to the program was lost of the crowd as the field approached the starter, green and Hirst out of pole position assumed the lead. The Californian would never be headed during his fag to flag Classic win and in the process he took the 40 lap race apart by a whopping 1 minute and 13 seconds.

Kyle Hirst Classic winner 2015

Kyle Hirst Classic winner 2015

Brooke Tatnell started from position 5 and would pass both Madsen brothers as he raced into the second spot leaving the final podium position for the Victorian Anderson who started alongside Hirst.
We are all proud Australians down under but are quick to congratulate and recognize the great performances from our overseas visitors.
There is always another race.

Looking for the most comprehensive open wheel racing reports then head to our Flat Out Page the February edition is out now for online purchase at only $7.95 Aust. Including postage direct to your door in Australian and New Zealand .Secure payment by Palpay
The edition features interviews with all the US Champions for 2014, Schatz, Abreu, Daum plus amazing photographs.
Look for Brady Bacon and the salute to the 2014 Champs on the cover ORDER NOW!FO_Feb2015_cover

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Mosen wins preliminary feature night one POWRI Worlds Brisbane

Mosen wins preliminary feature night one POWRI Worlds Brisbane

Pickens, Mosen,Clauson on the podium at POWRi Worlds

Pickens, Mosen,Clauson on the podium at POWRi Worlds

They came across the ditch and with the Americans dominated the first leg of the 4 World POWRi Championships rounds in Australia.

On a race track that had suffered under heavy rainfall for most of the week Brad Mosen managed the hooky track perfectly to win in a flag to flag performance over Bryan Clauson.
Mosen and Clauson owned the front row of the 25 lap Preliminary Feature but as they rolled to the start the Kiwi got the better drive and stormed into the first corner lead. As the race started to settle it was clear the KIWI had the track condition mastered and increased his race lead over the United Truck Parts entry of Clauson.

Clauson was unable to close the gap between himself and Mosen; never getting close enough to be a serious threat .Clauson had posted the quick time during qualifying earlier in the night but his car speed somehow deserted the 2014 Chil Bowl Winner during the feature. The second place was enough for Clauson to consolidate his position at the top of the points as the team’s head into night two.

The visitors completely dominated the race with the first 6 positions going to the Kiwis and the Americans;

The top 7 positions were
Mosen, Clauson, Pickens, Hagen, Gwilliam and Hunnibell .Matt Smith was the first Australian to cross the stripe..The top six cars were all New Zealand owned and the Veron and Vazey Race Team would have been over the moon with the results gained by Pickens and Hagen. Michael Pickens was a perfect choice to replace the NASCAR bound Rico Abreu
The strength and power of the Kiwis was again demonstrated as they continued their recent domination of the Aussie guns.

Pickens and Hagen in the Pits

Pickens and Hagen in the Pits

The Aussie teams have a lot of work to do to get over the visitors and night two at Archerfield gives them the perfect opportunity to reverse recent results.

The third American Tyler Thomas gained his Preliminary Feature start after winning the B main but only managed 17 laps before retiring

Tyler Thomas racecar in the pits

Track conditions should be different for tonight’s Feature. Early weather forecast suggests that a slight chance of rain around 3pm but clearing as the afternoon and early evening approaches. But as we all know Queensland weather this time of year can turn nasty very quickly.
Points after night one:

Clauson and Mosen heads the points

Clauson and Mosen heads the points

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American’s best racing down under top stuff.

American’s best racing down under top stuff.
Each year at this time we play host to many of the greats from right across the USA. Current and past USAC and Outlaw Champions hit the tracks from Auckland to Perth, Brisbane to Sydney with stops in between in Victoria and South Australian.
What more could race fans want the very best of the Outlaws headed by Donny Schatz, Daryn Pittman and Brad Sweet.

Donny Schatz on his way to winning the  Sprintcar National Open in Brisbane  Credit Ben Graham Zoomxtrme.com

Donny Schatz on his way to winning the Sprintcar National Open in Brisbane
Credit Ben Graham Zoomxtrme.com

KWS Champion Kyle Hirst, Tim and Brent Kaeding, the Wild Child Jac and son Sheldon Hudenschild .Danny Holtgraver and Danny Heskin.
If this is not an awesome line up then add returning Aussie racers like our fabulous Madsen brothers Kerry and Ian , Lynton Jeffery and Glen Saville .and of course Brooke Tatnell .

Australians who have raced with success during the past year who will  benefit from that experience are Jamie Veal, James McFadden . Sprintcar field across every Speedway in the Country will see fields that would rival any US event

There will be a US sprintcar driver at a track somewhere in Australian over the holiday period and the reason they come across the Pacific in their off season is so they can keep their race skills at the highest possible level for the start of the 2015 American season coast to coast.

The competition they face down under in New Zealand and Australia is fierce, no quarter given or asked for and the victory lane is where they all want to park it!

Donny Schatz has been just unbelievable winning each of the six main events staged by in Brisbane and promoted by master promoter John Kelly. Brad Sweet has been the one to beat at Sydney’s Valvoline Speedway .Events like the World Series Sprintcars, the Scott Darley Challenge and possibly the biggest Sprintcar event in Australia the Lucas Oil Grand Annual Classic at Premier Speedway Warnambool will bring more exciting and ground rumbling sensations to Australian race fans.

Brad Sweet  Ruhs Bros Motorsports at the National Open Brisbane  Pic credit Ruhn Bros

Brad Sweet Ruhs Bros Motorsports at the National Open Brisbane
Pic credit Ruhn Bros

Schatz’s most recent win the National Sprintcar Open last night in Brisbane while underlining Schatz special talent it also showed the class of local Australian Sprintcar driver with McFadden and Veal beating home no less than 5 World of Outlaw winners .
USAC and POWRi Speedcar drivers have also cross the Pacific and have started their down under tour in New Zealand .The current USAC Champions Rico Abreu, Darren Hagan the 2014 Chili Bowl and past USAC Sprint Champ Bryan Clauson head a team that includes Tracey Hines, the peoples Champ Dave Darland and the popular ex USAC Champ Jerry Coones Jr.

Hines in New Zealand  Credit Western Springs

Hines in New Zealand
Credit Western Springs

t
The International POWRI World Midge Championship series has concluded in New Zealand for the USAC guys andafter  a short break back in the States for the Chili Bowl they will again cross the Pacific and head to Archerfield in Brisbane for the Australian leg of the World Midget Champinship.Two shows in Brisbane and then they will head down into the magical Northern Rivers of NSW for two nights at the Lucas Oils Lismore Bull Ring .

Bryan Clauson has been Schatz like with  his domination of the New Zealand International Midget Series Clauson will head the points in the POWRi World Midget Championshipas the team head to Brisbane

Bryan Clauson and his United Truck Parts #39  car quite time before the big races in NZ Credit Bryan Clauson Racing

Bryan Clauson and his United Truck Parts #39 car quite time before the big races in NZ
Credit Bryan Clauson Racing

Joining the USAC Champions will be a team of New Zealand driver’s l Brad Mosen , Hayden William and Shayne Alach. Also touring but not part of the official NZ team, and you could well ask why is Michael Pickens driving for the Vernon and Vacey Race Team.

All of Australia’s best will be making their way to Brisbane and Lismore all hoping to see the Aussie flag flying over the Podium presentations. The racing will be tough but the Bull Ring at Lismore can be a challenge to all drivers

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2013 USAC Champion Christopher Bell is expected to be in Australia at that time but as we go to press we understand he will be racing at Avalon Speedway in Sprintcar events and Grand National at Premier Speedway – Warnambool . Joining Bell will be 2013 World of Outlaws Champ Daryn Pittman .Big plus for the Sprintcars fans but a blow to all midget followers.

Race promoters, team owners and their sponsors should be given the biggest Hi five for their efforts in ensuring Australian Speedway fans get to witness the best of the best at tracks across our beautiful Country…

You can follow us on twitter or Facebook but if you like to have good read and keep up-to-date on all the Open Wheel action from the US then why not order the latest Flat Out Magazine from our site online from the Flat Out Page .Available in Australia and New Zealand NOW ! , secure payment via Palpay  flat out cover

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