Drouin Speedway Club hosted the Victorian Championship for the VSC Open Sedan\u2019s on January the 6th and it was local resident Ray Gould who took a commanding victory never headed in the final race of the day to finally after 45 years of trying, win a Victorian State Championship.<\/p>\n
A delighted crowd saluted the new Champion with many of hits mates also long time racers in the crowd to watch him salute the flagman for the win. In fact some of his good mates prepared the best dry day track at the venue for a long long time and it was a credit to them as it allowed passing on the outside lanes and two lanes through the turns.
\nWith sixteen other drivers to beat, Gould would win against veterans and youngsters, V8\u2019s and Sixers and even a Ute!<\/p>\n
The six qualifying heats were won by Wayne Nelson, Ray Gould, Darren Nelson, Wayne Alberni, Sonia Nelson and Nathan Fawns. Fawns qualified highest points and claimed pole position for the championship with Gould alongside and Alan McKinnon with Wayne Alberni and Darren Nelson directly behind them with Tim McPherson.<\/p>\n
At the drop of the green flag to begin the championship, Gould took the lead and was over the distance of the race never headed. He stretched out a large lead in his Cortina over the Falcon of Fawns before a yellow light period brought him back to the pack. <\/p>\n
Gould finished just ahead of Fawns, then McKinnon in the Ute, Wayne Alberni and Matt Nelson who was elevated into fifth place after starting at the rear of the field in mums race car to defend his championship, at the expense of his uncle Darren Nelson who was excluded from fourth position by stewards due to a passing manoeuvre they deemed illegal.<\/p>\n
Gould spoke to the announcer after the race to share his delight. \u201cI\u2019ve been chasing this for 45 years to win a Victorian. My best mates, my family and a great bunch of competitors are here to share it with me. It is a moment to cherish. I thank all my supporters of course and Drouin Speedway Club and the Victorian Speedway Council for putting a fantastic championship.\u201d<\/p>\n
In other events on the day Dean West and Shannon Meakins won heats for the SDAV Rods before local Maryknoll resident West went on to win the final convincingly ahead of Kali Hovey and Meakins when West was so far in front he was almost on the tail of second, third and fourth place having their own battle for position.<\/p>\n
In Speedway Sedan\u2019s Australia Juniors Alexandra and Nyora visitors joined Drouin local Rochelle Hill to do battle. Cameron Pearson and Chevy Edwards both from the Alexandra club won heats before clashing in the final race as they both tried to pass a slower racer. They both moved to the outside and clipped each other and sent the car of Edwards flying into the concrete wall. Pearson went on to win from Seth Bent and Tyler Barton.<\/p>\n
Vintage Super Modifieds provided spirited demonstrations and for what its worth in a field that is in it for the social fun, Glen Barnett led Jeff Long and Graeme Briggs to the finish line. Anne Gooding won the ladies in front of Trish Dike and Karen Halliday and then watched as her husband thrashed the Open Standards field and then being blacked flagged out of the results for celebrating in a manner deemed potentially dangerous. This reporter has never seen this rule enforced before, however it exists according to conversation with stewards after the event.<\/p>\n
Victor \u2018The Inflictor\u2019 Benson was handed the win after the demise of Leigh Gooding and David Rose and Joseph Lia filled the placings. Victorian Speedway Council Juniors also had a run and Steven Danks had the race his to lose as he closed up behind Adrian Lawrence to lap him. A touch into the Lawrence car as Danks tried to find a way past, resulted in Lawrence losing a little car control and Danks being put back one position to finish second behind Lawrence.<\/p>\n
Drouin Speedway thanks its supporters:
\nWayson Oil\u2019s
\nAmpworks
\nRobin Hood Hotel
\nBrimstone Fire
\nPolish N Shine
\nVictory Lane Racegear
\nRamsdale Wreckers
\nMoe Grain & Farm
\nLaser Electrical
\nSensations Adult Store
\nSouthern Star Automotive
\nPakenham Automatics
\nPakenham 4 x 4 Wreckers
\nB.O.C Tyres
\nDensu Group Promotions
\nInaction Photos<\/p>\n
Written by DMT Media\u2019s Dean Thompson
\non behalf of Drouin Speedway club<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Drouin Speedway Club hosted the Victorian Championship for the VSC Open Sedan\u2019s on January the 6th and it was local resident Ray Gould who took a commanding victory never headed in the final race of the day to finally after 45 years of trying, win a Victorian State Championship. A delighted crowd saluted the new … <\/p>\n