Australian drivers were poised to continue their Lucas Oil Grand Annual Sprintcar Classic dominance at Allansford’s Premier Speedway last night.
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On the eve of our national day, five Australians had qualified in the top six positions for the 40-lap final.
Australian champion Dave Murcott was highest qualifier, ahead of Californian Kyle Hirst, Albury’s Grant Anderson, Sydney brothers Ian and Kerry Madsen and three-time winner Brooke Tatnell, also from Sydney.
Racing was delayed by more than 30 minutes last night when South Australian driver Brad Keller rode out a wild rollover in the back straight.
Keller rode the rear wheel of American Randy Hannagan on the opening lap of the final heat race in front of the grandstand, sending him into a series of five end-to-end rolls. He crashed back to earth in turn three.
The track’s crash crew, State Emergency Service volunteers and ambulance officers spent more than 25 minutes trying to delicately extricate him from the wreckage after he reported back pain.
He was taken to hospital by ambulance. Premier Speedway general manager David Mills said crews had to be careful in removing him from the car. But he was optimistic the extrication efforts and trip to hospital was precautionary.
At the time of going to press, the A main field was yet to be finalised, with a series of repechage races yet to be completed.
Those gaining direct entry into the $30,000-to-win-final outside the top six included Americans Jac Haudenschild and Daryn Pittman, occupying positions seven and eight.
Northern Territory hard charger Danny Reidy and Sydneysider Max Johnston filled the fifth row, ahead of Pennsylvania’s Lucas Wolfe in the Warrnambool-owned Droste Motorsport car and former national champ Robbie Farr.
South Australian Ryan Jones was in position 13 and Californian Brad Sweet in 14. Warrnambool’s Darren Mollenoyux qualified 15th, while South Australian Luke Dillon was in 16th.
Warrnambool’s Jamie Veal was due to start the second B main from position one after finishing 18th in the points. Three-time winner Max Dumesny was alongside Veal on the front row.
Timboon teenager Luke Walker was in position seven.
American young gun Christopher Bell was the polesitter for the first B main ahead of Daniel Pestka.
