A RECORD field has nominated for the 42nd Grand Annual Sprintcar Classic.
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Nominations for the three-day speedway showdown surpassed 100 yesterday.
Premier Speedway manager David Mills said there was a chance the 108-strong field could increase further before Monday’s 5pm deadline.
There are 17 American hopefuls among the field for the January 24-26 Classic. Mills said reaching the magical triple-figure goal was a positive reflection on the club and its standing.
“In essence we had 102 nominations last year but 98 competed on race day, so hopefully this is the first time we have 100 cars compete,” he said.
“As a club it’s justified our decision to go to a three-night Classic.
“We are very proud of the fact we have categorically one of the biggest sprintcar races in the world.
“Knoxville had 104 cars in August.”
Mills said there was a buzz around the club and organisers would now direct their attention to the Classic itself.
The drawcard event will test its new three-night format which will involve the field being split across two nights for time trials and heats.
“From a management point of view, the next nervous stage is to make it work,” he said.
“On paper the guys are reasonably happy with it. We will find out.”
New South Welshman Ian Madsen headlines the latest batch of Grand Annual entries.
Madsen had a strong season running at both Knoxville Raceway and at selected meetings with the World of Outlaws.
He scored a career-first Outlaws victory at Deer Creek Speedway in Minnesota in September and qualified for the Knoxville Nationals A main in August.
American Kody Kinser, who was forced to abort his Classic campaign at the 11th hour last season, has also joined the bumper field.
New South Wales pair Andrew Wright and Mark Attard, South Australian Ricky Maiolo and Victorians Brett Milburn, Ryan Davis, Peter Doukas and Liam Williams — a former Australian formula 500 champion — have also thrown their support behind the new format.
Former wingless sprint standout Jay Waugh has stepped up to sprintcar ranks. The Canberra talent will contest his first Classic.
justine.mc@fairfaxmedia.com.au