Round one win for Goodyer

TASMANIA’S Jock Goodyer took out the season opener at Premier Speedway in front of a strong crowd over the weekend.

Goodyer raced away to claim victory in round one of the SRA Open Sprintcar Series in a heated battle with Warrnambool superstar Jamie Veal, with Marcus Dumesny rounding out the top three across the line.

More than 40 sprint cars from across Australia descended on Warrnambool for the start of the season, with a blockbuster display of driving in both the Sprintcars and wingless Sprints.

At the time of publication, the Victorian AWSR Wingless Sprints results were in flux due to potential podium disqualifications at the conclusion of the race.

“After the A main, allegedly the first and second place finisher were seen driving from the track to the pit area without their helmet fitted,” Victorian AWSR Wingless Sprints spokesperson said in an online statement.

“Stewards are working on finalising a decision, therefore the outcome is still pending.”

Premier Speedway general manager Michael Parry said the season opener had proven a success, with a bumper crowd turning out to see the racing action – the first time under the $150,000 installation of new orange clay to replace the dark clay.

“The opening night went really good overall – some nice weather helps, and we saw a really good crowd turn up,” he said.

“Our new track surface performed very well and created some great racing – it made for a really good night.

“The final was a great race – there were sort of two lanes on the track, side by side, and drivers of that calibre can race anywhere on the track.

“We were really happy.”

The night also marked a special occasion with former commentator Garry Ross recognised for his milestone 20 years.

“Gary had been one of our commentators in the commentary box, who for 20 years had been working at Premier Speedway,” Parry said.

“In the offseason he decided to step down so we thought it was appropriate to recognise his efforts in what is a pretty important role at the speedway.

“We presented him with a little memento to keep, and put him up in our corporate box for the night.

“I think he appreciated being a guest for a change instead of having to work.”

As part of the opening night, there was also a prominent display of entries in to a colouring competition which Premier Speedway had hosted with students in local schools – with the wall of colour drawing rave reviews from attendees who love seeing the kids get involved.

“We’re always looking at activating junior initiatives,” he said.

“We got good engagement from the local schools so we wanted to recognise the kids, and rather than hand them the prize individually, invite them along to be part of the show.

“It’s a focus for us to ensure the kids have a good night out too, which makes it easier for the parents.

“We want to reach the next generation who are interested in speedway, who’ll hopefully be coming along for generations to come, and this was a way we could recognise them.”

Racing action returns to Premier Speedway on November 16 with the 360-LS Sprintcar series and the prestigious Formula 500 Jack Willsher Cup.

“It’ll be a good night of racing, and a great chance for the family to come along and sit on the hill, and kick back for a great night of speedway action.”