Alexandra’s Matt Magor has won the Victorian title for Vic Sports Sedans after a hard-fought final at the Wangaratta Speedway on Saturday night.
In a 25-lap final brought forward because of the threat of rain, Magor and his Ford Falcon outlasted their rivals to head a top five dominated by Alexandra drivers.
After three tight heats, seventeen cars lined up for the final in perfect conditions.
Wangaratta’s Brian Delarue looked like the man most likely to take the title as he moved into the lead in his Holden Commodore.
But his chances of becoming the state champion were dealt a terminal blow when his car’s gearbox failed just 10 laps from the chequered flag.
That left Magor with a clear track to the flag, with Wangaratta driver Darren Levy slotting into second place in his Commodore and thwarting a total domination from Alexandra drivers, who took third, fourth and fifth places.
Wayne Shearman took the final position on the podium, followed by two of the pre-event favourites, Luke Fallon and Matt Ridd.
After the 25 laps, only 11 of the original 17 starters made it to the finish.
Four eight lap heats for Standard Saloons produced a winner, where Corowa’s Peter Brown managed to bring his Commodore home as the top points scorer, ahead of the in form Bob Jarred.
Michael Vandenborn was third in another Commodore, despite missing one heat while his car’s gearbox was changed. Vandenborn also received a cash prize for the most impressive drive of the night.
Much interested centred around the Junior class, where 10-year old Ricky Jarred made his speedway racing debut. A small, but competitive field of three was headed by Robert Nicholas, with Jarred second and Jesse White third as they showcased the speedway drivers of the future.
Australian Champion, Danny Stainer, was again too good for his opposition in the Compact Speedcar category, easily winning the 15-lap final.
Matt and Keith Astrella both pushed hard for second and third, but Stainer’s class shone through.
Cars from the Wilby motorsport track made their annual appearance in Wangaratta with three heats and a final.
Their final was shortened to just five laps because of the onset of rain, with Darren Dunham taking the chequered flag ahead of Daniel Vanderwal and Josh Renn.
Aussie Wingless Sprinters also entertained an enthusiastic crowd with three heats and a 10 lap final. David McKay won the night, ahead of Adam Greenwood and Dan Robson.
The next race meeting at the Wangaratta Speedway will be on Saturday, March 20, with the feature category being the Victorian title for Compact Speedcars.
Standard Saloons, Juniors, Vic Sport Sedans, Production Sedans and Super Sedans will also be on the program, with racing to get under way at 4pm.
matt magors my uncle