THREE years ago former Cobden driver Leigh Podger decided to take a break from super rod racing because of growing family and work commitments.
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But 12 months ago he got the bug again.
Podger was a spectator at Simpson Speedway last January watching the action of the Trevor Podger Memorial — a prestigious super rod feature named after his uncle.
“I was standing on the outside looking in,” he said.
“I said to the old man (Neil) ‘I can’t handle this, especially for this race’.”
Not long after, he and his father put his old car back together. Leigh raced in six events at the end of last season but the Geelong diesel mechanic spent the off-season rebuilding the car with new components and has completed three races this season.
Tonight, he wants to add his name to the trophy struck in honour of his uncle, a man he never knew. Trevor died a month before he was born.
Podger has contested the race at Simpson Speedway several times before without success.
But at 38, Podger is realistic about his chances.
“To finish,” he said of his goal.
“I just race for the fun of it.”
He raced for 10 years before taking the break, saying it became a chore.
But he is loving being back behind the wheel. Last Saturday he was fifth in the super rod feature at the Grand Annual Sprintcar Classic in Warrnambool.
Podger will be one of more than 20 drivers chasing victory in the 38th running of the Podger Memorial at Simpson tonight.
It is the feature event on the program which also includes junior sedans, modified production and limited sportsman.
Racing starts at 6.30pm.