WARRNAMBOOL driver Will Carroll is the new 20-lap formula 500 record-holder at Murray Bridge Speedway.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Carroll claimed the feature win in the Brad Tink-owned S81 car on Saturday night.
His time smashed Warrnambool driver Ken Willsher’s previous track record by about 20 seconds, although official times were not available yesterday.
Carroll said the race would be his last before the Victorian title at Hamilton on Anzac Day.
He planned to race at Portland on March 14, but rain intervened.
He ran first and fourth in his two heats, improving on his grid position in each, before winning the A main from position two.
“I’m really happy. It gives me a bit more confidence going into the Vic title knowing the car is fast,” he said.
“We think we have a big shot at getting the win.”
He described his return to the formula 500 ranks as “comfortable” and “just like riding a bike”.
Setting a new track record was a welcome bonus.
“It’s always a good thing to have.
“Even though it was a little race, to come away with the 20-lap record is a pretty big thing,” he said.
Carroll said he was unsure what his racing future held beyond the speedway season.
The 20-year-old spent 2014 in the United States, winning the Pro Late Model championship at Florida’s New Smyrna Speedway in his debut campaign. A return trip was in the pipeline — he signed a deal to race in the Automobile Racing Club of America series, a step below NASCAR’s second-tier Nationwide series.
But a lack of sponsorship means he is uncertain if he will take up that opportunity.
“At the moment I’m staying here and racing whatever I can for now, trying to pick up a ride.
“I don’t know (what’s going to happen) at the moment,” he said.
“The States are going to be too expensive to go back over.
“I’ve got the ride there if I get the sponsors and can get back there, but I don’t think that’s going to happen.”
Meanwhile, Warrnambool sprintcar driver Jamie Veal posted a podium finish in the John Day Tribute Night at Perth Motorplex on Saturday.
Veal, driving the Krikke Motorsport W2 usually steered by Brooke Tatnell, started out of position 10 before rising to third behind Ryan Farrell and Jason Kendrick.
