THREE-TIME winner John Vogels gambled and lost in the 2008-09 SRA sprintcar series.
The 40-year-old Simpson motor mechanic yesterday admitted he had paid the price for not updating key components of his Victoria 70 race car.
Ignition problems in the opening round, a damaged oil filter and blown differential quickly put him out of contention for a fourth successive aggregate win. He finished seventh.
"We weren't consistent enough and dropped a fair few races," Vogels said.
"Then we tried to win a round or two, then you try a bit too hard and run into trouble.
"Last year we didn't update enough stuff and this year we have."
When Vogels rolls onto the Avalon Raceway track for Saturday's opening of the 2009-10 SRA series , it will be in a new Cool chassis with a new differential.
There are also some cosmetic changes, with his yellow paint scheme decorated with silver graphics.
Avalon isn't Vogels' favourite track, due to its changeable surface, although he has a head start on settings after competing at the track in the Sprintcar Invitational Jackpot on October 10.
"You have to go with a set-up and be willing to change," he explained.
"Sometimes you can go with a set up and be as fast as anyone.
"The next time you can go with the same set up and be right off the pace."
Balancing business and family commitments, Vogels plans to focus on the 12-round SRA series and south-west sprintcar features.
He said the key to success in the SRA series was finishing heats and finals.
"It's just consistency," he said.
"You don't necessarily have to win a round but it helps.
"We know what it takes to be there. It's not easy. It's not just about what you do on the night,.
"It's about what you do at home during the week."
Vogels' main series competition is likely to come from other former winners Matthew Reed and Mike Van Bremen.
Reed is shooting for a seventh SRA title while Van Bremen is still out to win his first feature race at Avalon Raceway in almost 15 years of racing.
The young brigade looked well placed, with Warrnambool's Jamie Veal, Simon Van Ginneken and Timboon's Ashley Bourke among the contenders.
Nick Lacey is committed to running every round, with the third generation racer eyeing off a top-10 result.
"We can't wait for the Eureka Series to start as we will be doing the whole series and aiming to do well," Lacey said.
"Last season was a great learning curve and with Dad (Brett) helping me we are confident to get off to a good start."
On the comeback trail, Adrian Parr raced strongly on the Victorian circuit back in 2004-2005, finishing on the podium four times in 20 race meetings.
Bendigo's Darren Hickman will be hoping track conditions suit his style with a 360 motor strapped in, something he had success with last season on Boxing Day by winning the A Main.
Terang's Ricky Barrand will also represent the 360 brigade in the field of about 30 cars.
Saturday night's format is two rounds of heats, a B main and a 30-lap A main.
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