Author : Jason Crowe – SSA Media
The VMPA Tritech Lubricants Series will kick off with the first of the six round series at Hamilton’s Western Speedway this Saturday night.
A total of 32 nominations have been received for what promises to be night of fast, elbows up racing around the 450m clay track.
With in excess of 20 contracted drivers, this season is looking to be the biggest yet.
Back for another assault on the VMPA title will be joint winners Kye Walters and Nick Cockrill.
Speaking in the lead up to the series opener, Walters was feeling optimistic about defending his title as series winner when he rolls out his new car this season.
“It was a good feeling to get the win after a disappointing rookie season, like a weight off my shoulders,” Walters said.
“Everyone in our team worked super hard all season so it was super rewarding to get it done for those guys.”
Walters is hoping to be up the “pointy end” of the series by taking a few round wins – but admits it won’t be an easy feat.
“It will be extremely difficult with the awesome car count this season, however I am looking forward to the challenge,” Walters said.
Also making a return to the series is young gun Brock Atkins. Atkins sent out a warning that he’s a definite contender this year after finishing second in the feature event at Gympie this year.
Mildura will be well represented once again with the brothers/sister trio of Daniel and Jake Drewett along with their sister Taleah Dolic, who have all signed on for the whole series.
Joining them are fellow locals Wade McCarthy and ex-Australian Champion David Smith. Robbie Faux is hoping to make a few more appearances on the track this season in the Tritech backed FG Falcon.
Rounding up the Mildura based nominations are Angelo Halacas in his Falcon and the two VS Commodores of Jeremy “Red” McClure and Neil “Whoppy” Watson.
Other drivers to watch out for during the series are the likes of Russell Bent, who will be looking to do one better this year after finishing 3rd last season, Brody Chrystie in his FG Falcon, Russell Felsovary, Matt Nelson and Daniel Simpson.
The VMPA Tritech Lubricants Series also welcomes back ex two time Australian Champion Andrew Blackwell in his brand new VF Commodore.
Fan favourite and fresh from the streets of Newcastle is V8 Supercar young gun Cam Waters in the Travis Shore BA Falcon. Making his motorsport debut in go karts, before moving to Late Models and now Modifieds Waters is as at home on the dirt tracks as he is on the street circuts.
Stalward of the series, Graham West, or “Westy” as he is affectionately known, will once again campaign the little LJ Torana and regularly shows he isn’t to be take lightly.
The 32 nominated cars will compete in three heats each over eight laps before the all-important Blackwell Race Engines Top Six Pole Shuffle and the A Main to see who stamps their early dominance on the series.
The VMPA would like to thank all their sponsors:
Tritech Lubricants
Blackwell Race Engines
Atkins Autoworks
Bass Highway Waste
DNMedia
Elite Shock Services
Higgs Contracting
Highline Racewear
Hush Designs
Pakenham Plumbing Services
Pickos Photos
True Design Homes.
Jake Drewett will be a part of the big field entered for Saturday night. Photo courtesy of Stephen Pickering.