Big Money and Stars Hit Simpson
World of Outlaws superstar James McFadden returns to Heytesbury Stockfeeds Simpson Speedway this Saturday night for the annual Mainline DynoLog Dynamometers 15k All Star Challenge.
James McFadden is aiming for another major win at Simpson Speedway- Photo Geoff Rounds
Fresh from a busy racing season in the USA, McFadden will pilot the Tim Van Ginniken Triple X machine in the 13th running of this $40,000 event and is looking to add to his win in the prestigious event in 2021.
McFadden will be joined by last year’s winner Brendan Quinn who grabbed the biggest win of his career with victory in the Challenge that again pays a whopping $15,000 to the winner, making it the richest 360 cubic inch sprintcar race in Australia.
Brendan Quinn 2021 Challenge winner- Photo Geoff Rounds
This season second place will pay $5,000, with third $3,000 and race promoter Mandy Searle said the increase further enhances the status of the event.
“We were all in agreement that we wanted to payout more through the field, we have $15K to win and $1K to start. Mainline DynoLog Dynamometers have taken onboard naming rights for the event again, we cannot thank them enough for their long-term support of this show,” Searle said.
“Last year was a nail-biting race with another great crowd in attendance. Hopefully, with such a stellar field already locked in I am sure fans will get to witness some of the country’s best action in this category.”
The 2022 race saw eventual winner Quinn of Adelaide start from position three for the 35-lap feature and drove a steady and patient race to win from Grant Anderson and the hard charging Jordyn Charge.
Drama struck on lap five when Steven Lines rolled. At the restart polesitter McFadden’s car bounced hard entering turn three after hooking a rut in the track, while he avoided hitting the pit gate his race was over with a bent radius rod.
Local John Vogels
This year, near 40 cars have nominated and another former winner John Vogels (2016) will be keen to grab the six-foot tall trophy to his Simpson residence.
Recent winner at Avalon Raceway Charles Hunter and former state champion Brenten Farrer loom as big chances to win along with Albury’s Grant Anderson who had a last start win at Simpson, while multiple SRA champion Matthew Reed always performs well at the popular venue.
Brenten Farrer
Once again, the Challenge has attracted an international flavour with Chase Randall from the United States of America the lone overseas entry.
Randall,18, has been in Australia since Christmas and competed in both Speedweeks including SA/Vic and also the NSW/Qld version with some pretty solid results.
He won the 360ci Rookie of the Year and the 360ci Hard Charger at Knoxville Raceway and has a full season with the USAC National Midget series.
Randall drives the DKM Motorsport owned USA 9 Maxim and Searle says she was rapt when his entry was lodged.
“His team owners are giving it 110% and deserve every credit for introducing a new talent to Australia. After watching him at several shows I just know that he is going to love the little bull ring at Simpson and put on a show for the crowd,” Searle said.
One driver that’s always on the entry list for this race meeting is local favourite Phil Lock.
The popular Simpson dairy farmer has not raced since being badly injured in a huge crash at the 360ci national championships last year.
Phil Lock back on the entry list– Photo Donna’s Photo’s
“I haven’t missed a Challenge yet and really didn’t want to this season. It’s been playing on my mind for a few months and I really didn’t want the accident to decide when I would retire from racing, I want to do it on my terms. So, after a lot of discussion with the entire family and team we have decided to sit back in the seat and have another go,” Lock said.
This will be Lock’s 119th Australian All Star series round and Searle said he’s been sorely missed.
“Locky always brings a tribe with him. Their dedication is amazing, and we wish then nothing but the best of luck,” she said.
“He is a big part of our All Star family and has been missed this season. Up until a couple of seasons ago he hadn’t missed a show.”
The annual Snoopy’s Super Rod Slam has attracted around 20 cars and is a race dedicated to John “Snoopy” Verhoeven for his 40 years of service and dedication to the class.
Snoopy beside the winners trophy
The 72-year-old former racer from Cobden who had numerous feature wins during his racing career until he retired at the end of the 1991 season.
His sons Adam and Paul have followed in their father’s footsteps and have both been involved in racing Super Rods with his help.
Neville Gange has a strong record in the Super Rods at Simpson-Photo Geoff Rounds
This is a race still in its infancy and last year’s winner Stan Marco Jnr looks hard to beat again along with inaugural winner Michael Coad.
Current Victorian Super Rod champion Jacob Pitcher is in hot form and will be challenged by Dane Court, Neville Gange and Jamie May in an always competitive field of everyone’s favourite class.
Sponsors for the Slam include Lupton Builders, Compass Powder coating, Dirt X Industries, PWS Fabrications, Sacrifice Scooters, JD Race Parts.
Jayden Lock will be a crowd favourite in the Junior Sedans Invitational. Photo Geoff Rounds
Once again, a strong field of future stars of speedway will compete in the Junior Sedans Invitational also on the packed card at Simpson Speedway.
Prices
Adult $30
Concession $26
Child 12-16 $10
Child under 11 Free
Grandstand seating $5-purchase at the main admission gate
Gate opens at 4pm
Cars on track from 5:30pm
Tickets available online at: www.simpsonspeedway.com.au or at the gate.
