Wednesday, September 29, 2010

A healthy field of 22 nominations have been received for the Victorian Wingless Sprint season opener at Avalon Raceway this Saturday night.

Given the early nature of this event it is a sure sign of a big year ahead, demonstrating just how eager drivers are to hit the track following a three month absence from the dirt.

Heading the list of nominations are defending Parr Motorsports Super Series champion Phil Micallef and 2009/10 North Eastern Series winner David McKay. Both drivers will look to kick off the new season in similar fashion to last, however will be forced to overcome recurrent front runners Andy Hibbert and Dan Dubois. Sprintcar driver Charles Hunter will be behind the wheel of brother Heath’s car for the opening race, giving him some valuable seat time ahead of the upcoming winged season.

A host of locals will be in attendance including Glenn Jones, Michael Parry, Tim Fisher, Paul Drew, Peter Green, Peter Walters and Shawn Skene. Former Junior Sedan racer Luke Cole was impressive as he debuted towards the end of last season and along with Dayn Bentvelzen will look to be on the pace early. Warrnambool’s Sean McKeever will have his first start at the Lara venue, Travis Effern returns to a track where he has previously shown good car speed, while both James and Sam Wren should pose strong competition for all comers.

Kris Lacey debuts in a new car, sporting the number of his father and former Sprintcar champion Ray ‘Nippa’ Lacey. Rookie drivers Shane McCutcheon, Gabe Goode and Chris Halesworth will also turn their first competitive laps.

All cars are to be in the pits by 6pm for a 7pm race start.

NOMINATIONS
V8 Peter Walters
V9 Dayn Bentvelzen
V12 Luke Cole
V13 Charles Hunter
V16 Kris Lacey
V17 Andy Hibbert
V19 Sam Wren
V20 Dan Dubois
V26 Glenn Jones
V44 Michael Parry
V45 James Wren
V61 Peter Green
V62 Shawn Skene
V65 Paul Drew
V70 Sean McKeever
V71 Shane McCutcheon
V75 Gabe Goode
V76 Travis Effern
V83 David McKay
V90 Chris Halesworth
V95 Phil Micallef
V99 Tim Fisher