Kyle Larson Headed Down Under

Kyle Larson is headed down under for a tour of New Zealand and Australia .Initially Larson will complete over the Christmas period in New Zealand in the United Truck Parts International Midget Series at Western Springs and Bay Park and Huntley Speedways .Larson has been a regular visitor to New Zealand and has an impressive record with  a local fan base in the land of the big white clouds.

A quick return trip back home to complete in the Chili Bowl before Larson jets back across the big pond to Australia to join up with his KLR World of Outlaws Team driver Carson Macedo at Dyson Motorsports. Larson will run events at Avalon, Borderline and Warnambool. Four of Australia’s biggest events, The Presidents Cup, The Kings Challenge and the Grand Annual Classic.

Larson had this to say on his web site abut his pending tour down under

“I am really looking forward to getting back to New Zealand next week,” said Larson. “It is a trip I look forward to every year. The fans that come out to each event are great and the racing is always exciting. Harley [Taylor] and I have had a lot of success together the past couple of years and I hope we get to continue that this season”

“This is something that came together just a few days ago and I can’t thank Sean [Dyson] enough for the opportunity to get back to Australia,” said Larson. “Carson has driven for Dyson Motorsports the last few seasons and they’ve always been competitive, so I can’t wait to get behind the wheel of the USA99 and hopefully win my first race down under.”!

Talking stay connected will keep you up to date on Larson’s results both here in Australia and across the ditch so stay connected on Facebook and Twitter

Photo credit WoO and 3DB Image

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The Helmets of Speedway

We are lucky that we receive many images of beautiful race helmets, but rarely do we stop and think about the special meaning behind the design. Since starting our Facebook Page, the Helmets of Speedway, I have been delighted with the response. We have posted many fabulous helmets designs.

The creative minds that design and paint these Helmets holds me in awe of them .There is always a story behind the design and the latest contributions are no exceptions .This Helmet was designed and painted by Troy Davis from DirtsporT and the story behind is best told in his own words

‘’ Hi David.  Not sure if you’re interested in this helmet I completed just recently? But it is one of my favourites, I painted it for a good friend of mine in Damien Eve. Damien has been around speedway for ever and has raced many classes. from sidecar, dirt modified, 360 sprintcars and now is piloting a v6 sprintcar. and has been super competitive in all these classes. his father Barry Eve crewed for many years on Dean Write’s hot rod back in the day out of Murray Bridge. on the back of the helmet is a tribute to Damien’s good mate in Matt Buderrick who was a state champion in moto x, his life was tragically taken in a road accident at Monarto many years ago. So, this helmet has a lot of meaning, and even brought Damien to tears when I presented it to him on the hill at Murray Bridge at the beginning of this season. which was proof enough for me that it was more than just a helmet paint 😁 thanks David 👍

Troy can be contacted at Troy Davies dirtsport75@gmail.com

You can see lots more helmets of Speedway at https://www.facebook.com/brainprotector/

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McFadden back with KKR!

McFadden resigned by Kasey Kahne Racing!

After a successful season with Kasey Kahne Racing in 2019 it was a no brainer that the Mooresville based team would secure McFadden’s signature on the contract for 2020.After winning seven-time last season including the Knoxville 360 Nationals .McFadden’s credentials are up there with the very best

The Team will contest around 50 events starting down in Florida at Volusia County Speedway February 5 through February 9, 2010.

Their 2020 program will take in NOS Energy Drinks World of Outlaw shows and the Ollies Bargin Outlets All Star Circuit of Champions events.

Photo from KKR

To have been retained by the Premier Sprint car team in the World is a mighty achievement and underlines the extortionary talent and commitment of the bearded racer from the top end of Australia!

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They say its bigger in the West

In the West, this weekend it is!

There is a saying its bigger in the west, well this weekend over in Perth Western Australia the Perth Motorplex has a monster Show

The Final General John Day Classic will be run over 50 Laps with $25K up for grabs plus an additional $25K for the high points driver on the night if he can win from the back mark. The John Day Classic in its final year has attracted interest from across the Nation, New Zealand and the US.

Current USAC Midget Champion Tyler Courtney and his touring partner the defending John Day Classic Champion Jason McDougal together with Alex Bright head up the challenge from Uncle Sam! Our favorite Kiwi Michael Pickens is back again after spending a successful few weeks racing in the US.

Tyler Courtney “Sunshine” USAC Photo

22 drivers have nominated and heading the Australians is Current Australian Champion Dayne Kingshott and on home turf the internationals will need to be right on their game .Former Australian Champion Kaidon Brown is all so looking for the cash !.A most interesting entry is young West Aussie Kaiden Manders who returns to Speedcar racing after having a term in the 360 Sprintcars .You might remember a few years back Kaiden surprise  a very strong field to win that very special Speedcar race  in memory of Michael Figliomeni known as the Magic Man34 !

If the John Day Classic is not big enough for you how about the return to Australian of the “Mad Man ” Kerry Madsen  as he defend his Western Australian Sprintcar Title .New car, new livery 2020 shapes as a hot season for the Krikke Motorsports Team as they try and secure their first World Series Sprintcar Title together .Photo credit Krikke Motorsports

Just glance down the entry list for the John Day Classic

𝗢𝗳𝗳𝗶𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝗡𝗼𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 – 𝟮𝟮            

A1 Dayne Kingshott

2 Ross Heywood

NZ4 Michael Pickens

USA4 Alex Bright

7 Tom Payet

9 Vaughan Manders

11 Kaiden Manders

N14 Nathan Smee

15 Rob Golding

16 Alfonso Guadagnino

17 Dan Golding

USA22 Tyler Courtney

23 Glen Mears

26 Keenan Fleming

27 Shaun North

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Just give us a fair go Premier!

Dear Premier

The NSW voters are made up of many different types with many different needs and requirements and for your Government to satisfy all theirs needs must be a very difficult and demanding task.

Many follow Football, NRL AFL Cricket all very well-funded and supported codes. A much lesser number of us follow Speedway but Speedway is just as important in their lives as Football, Cricket and the many other Sports that form part of our entertainment.

The recent announcement that your Government will acquire the site that the Valvoline Raceway sits on is devastating to the followers of Speedway while your Government spends Billions on new facilities for other codes! Speedway appears to be way down on your list of priority. Promoters and fans might not have the dollar muscle of the other sports that forces you to act but we have many votes when it comes to an election.

Photo credit Valvoline Raceway

Speedway in Sydney has been a tradition handed down and enjoyed by generations of families .Most of our facilities have been taken from us in the name of progress and the big end of Town is in there with their deep pockets with little interest in what these decisions mean for the local Speedway fan. There are thousands of fans all voters who can decide the fate of your or any Government particularly when they feel they are being ignored and don’t matter. The difference between being in Government and opposition can be a very small number of votes in crucial seats

The recent reply of the Honorable Mr. lees the Acting Minister for Sport to a question in Parliament  from the Opposition Leader was less than convincing and builds fear in the minds of Speedway fans and Valvoline Raceway that the Government is not really committed to building a new facility by 2021 or what ever date you decide to take over the site .

Do you or any of your Government understand the benefits that Speedway brings to both the National and State economies, Mr. Lees appears not to.

Sydney Speedways fans ,have lost most all of their Speedways venues over time with almost no support from Government to replace them .They have been pushed out of Sydney and in the last 60 odd years we have lost the Sportsground Speedway the Showground Speedway, Westmead Speedway and  Liverpool Speedway .Of course there were many  others before these closures .

What do the Speedway fans want, just a fair goes and some certainty for the future of our Sport in Sydney. By now I guess you have either binned this email or maybe handed it down to an under Secretary to reply in typical Government waffle, I hope not!

Your Government made a very public commitment, you can’t blame us lacking trust in your commitment. 

This email will be posted on my Speedway web sites and on my social media platforms.

Just give us a fair go Premier!

Thank you,

David Platt

http://www.talkingspeedway.com/

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Farewell Mike Raymond

This morning as I woke from my overnight slumber and dreams my bedside radio told me the saddest news,Mike Raymond Mr. Speedway known to many of us had passed away.

Mike Raymond was a giant in the Motorsport Commentary and Speedway Management field. There will be lots of tributes from all those inside Speedway and Motorsports, but my tribute is from that of just a Speedway and Touring Car fan in Australia.

Mr. Raymond gave us color, lots of information as he introduced local and international drivers to us live at the Speedway or through his many interesting Newspaper columns and across our televisions screens and the radio dial.

A Big Man, big in his knowledge and support of Speedway always immaculately dressed. To me and many others you were and will always be Mr. Speedway. Thank you for your work from the inside of the Tracks.

This current journey will be at a slower pace ,rest in peace Mr Raymond

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Schatz wins at Port Royal Gap just 8 points to Sweet

Schatz wins at Port Royal Gap is just 8 points to Sweet
Donny Schatz records his 11th win of the season and 3rd straight at Port Royal and reduces the gap to Sweet to just 8 points.


The final night of the Nittany Showdown at Port Royal is Saturday night with more than cash on the line points are vital for both Sweet and Schatz as the chase for the Championship enters its final four nights.
It is amazing just how close and exciting this Championship has been all season long and its fitting that the two leading contenders will head into the World Finals after tonight’s Nittany Showdown with the Championship on the razors edge.
Team and driver rivalry could nor be higher but the level of sportsmanship around the pits is special with teams eager to assist each other in times of need, you see it at most shows and last night they all pitched in again to help get Jason Sides damaged car back for the last chance showdown !

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The Killing of a Speedway

Today the breaking news in Australian Speedway is the news that the NSW
Government finally advised what we have all feared for years that the
Parramatta Speedway (Valvoline Raceway ) will be flattened by the demolishers as Government prepares to make way for the marshalling yards for the New South West Metro .

The promoters were advised yesterday by phone in typical Bureaucratic style with little interest in the history and effort of the promoters who have spent millions in building and staging such a world class facility.

Progress is important, infrastructure needs to keep pace with population growth but better planning by all Governments State and Federal with decentralization of business would reduce the massive push for more and more facilities for more and more residents and their needs.

As recent as this morning after massive public response the Government is
talking about a possible new Speedway but can they be trusted?

Governments forget Speedway is a business, creates jobs and adds value to
our economy and the recreational benefits for families can’t be underestimated.

It had to happen, but how much better would it have been to have announced first that a new facility would be built rather than cause all the anxious moments for race fans, teams and the promoter.

Here is a thought, how many Speedways have been closed over the years, lots. But how many Football Stadiums and Racecourse have been closed for  PROGRESS can you name one ?

Photo Credit   Full Throttle Publishing and ABC News

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The Race for the Top Outlaw

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The Race for the Top Outlaw in 2019 has never been closer

Five races left in Season 2019 and Brad Sweet leads the 10 Times Champion Donny Schatz by just 32 points. The pair will go at it again next weekend where the Posse headed by Dewease and Dietrich will try and better the Outlaws and play interference between the top three Title chance in the two night show the  Nittany Showdown at Port Royal Speedway .Then its on to the final three shows  of the Cam – Am World Finals at the Dirt Track Charlotte where the Champion will be crowned!

Sweet moment before the challenge WoO Photo

Out of the 69 events decided so far, the top two in the Championship race have finished in the top five 45 times each with Sweet sitting on top with 16 wins follow by Schatz with 10. Third running Gravel sits 102 points behind Sweet and shares 10 wins with Schatz but has only finished in the top five 42 times.

Gravel winning Jason Johnson Classic DB3 Image

While most of the interest will be on the Championship battle there are plenty of other contenders for wins in the remaining five events .With 16 different winners so far in 2019 trying to predict the winners over these last 5 races will be extremely difficult with the Posses on hand at Port Royal and the World Finals attracting a wide level of entry

Just look at the last three races, Christopher Bell took his own car to a first ever Outlaw win at Tri – State. Schatz won at Lakeside with new Ford Motor and Gravel punched back in the Jason Johnson Classic at Ozark Speedway.

As the Outlaws head into the Port Royal double header weekend the spread of points over the top 5 drivers in the chase for the Championship looks like this looks like this .

1/ Brad Sweet 9586, 2/ Donny Schatz 9554, 3/ David Gravel 9484, 4/ Daryn Pittman 9260, 5/ Logan Schuchart.

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Robbie Farr misses out on the $100K bonus

Robbie Farr misses out on the $100K bonus offered by Murray Bridge Speedway for the Hi Tec Oils Ultimate Speedway Challenge if any driver could win all three of the features on the same night.

With strong second place finishes in the Sprintcar and Speedcar A Mains and a fourth in the Late Model A Main behind Clayton Pyne ,Farr was just “too far away “from the bonus cash on offer.

Kaidon Brown returned to the winners list coming from behind to beat Farr, Mills and Adam Clarke. This form reminds us he is a past Australian Speedcar Champion.

Mat Egel recovered from his last lap argument with the wall at the 60 for 60 Show last weekend at the Bridge by heading both heading Farr and Keller at the flag.

In the Late Model Feature Clayton Pyne and Callum Harper argued over race lead for most of the race before Pyne crossed ahead of Harper Alexander and Farr.

 

Speedcar results:

  1. Kaidon Brown
  2. Robbie Farr
  3. Travis Mills
  4. Adam Clarke
  5. Matt Jackson
  6. Robert Heard
  7. Joel Chadwick
  8. Brett Ireland
  9. Norm Moore
  10. Adam Wallis DNF
  11. Dillon Ghent

Sprintcar results:

  1. Matt Egel
  2. Robbie Farr
  3. Brad Keller
  4. Marcus Dumesny
  5. Ryan Jones
  6. Daniel Pestka
  7. Luke Dillon
  8. Hayden Pitt
  9. Keke Falland
  10. Lisa Walker
  11. Mark Caruso
  12. Shannon Barry
  13. Steven Caruso
  14. Stephen Taylor
  15. Brett Sullivan
  16. Ben Atkinson Jr
  17. Tregan Gates
  18. Adrian Cottrell
  19. Nick Rachwall
  20. Bryaden Cooley (DNF)

Late model Results:

  1. Clayton Pyne
  2. Callum Harper
  3. Ryan Alexander
  4. Robbie Farr
  5. Darryl Grimson
  6. Lachlan Onley
  7. Mark McCarthy
  8. David Doherty
  9. Tim Bink
  10. Nathan Disney
  11. Fiona Verhoeven
  12. Roger Oliver
  13. Andy Maxwell Jr
  14. Jason Robinson

Pics provided by Stephen Pickering. Picko’s Photos.

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