by Dean Thompson
This Sunday the Drouin Speedway Club will present their season-ending show with club class racing, division two hot rods, limited sportsman, the hilarious ramp racing and a crowd-pleasing demolition derby to end the day.
The crowd is anticipated to be large with the interest immense on the ramp racing and demolition derby, always bringing the crowd a range of emotions, not the least laughter.
Standard saloon racing will once again bring together a number of local Gippsland stars. The Miles clan from Catani and Warragul - Mark, Chris and Jay - plus Leigh Gooding from Trafalgar East, Jeff and Mitch Blencowe from Bunyip, and Warragul's Chase Ingram in his senior racing debut are all keen to leave with the final victory of the season.
Nathan Miles, who in the previous event set new junior standard saloon records, was also fast enough to have set a senior record if in fact he was a senior competitor.
He is back to compete with Hunter Carey - who's been busy as a drift racer most of this season - William Hickey, Cooper Irons, Liam Ingram and Grace Evans.
The women will also be back in standard saloon competition with Ella Sheedy, who was third in open standard saloon competition at the previous race meeting, doing battle with Bree Walker from Trafalgar, Kate Stuchbery, Kath George, Amanda Pritchett and Liza Sweet.
Sheedy is favoured based on the display she gave at the last show, however Walker in particular is serious competition.
Division two hot rods return with the class steadily on the increase.
Aaron Laidlaw, who won at the last Rosedale show, Ben Crittenden, who won at Swan Hill this past weekend, and Keven Stoopman from Sale and his New South Wales-based teammate Adam Leach are all entered.
Whilst Trafalgar woman Mel Tatterson who is consistently one of the best competitors in the class is keen to collect the first place trophy. Daniel Angus and Fraser Crittenden are also in the field and are more than capable of being up the front.
Limited sportsman are another class on the increase.
Darren Adams from Corinella is amongst the field that includes Victorian champion Mal Siely and previous state champion Dillon Siely.
Dan and Matthew Hurley from Bairnsdale will also be keen to get this victory at the long-awaited chance to compete at Drouin. They will be joined by Jayden White and Sean Axnick and fans will enjoy the variety they bring.
Ramp racing heroes Brendan Sheedy and Darwin Lee will be leading the likes of Beau Evans, Wayne Gibson and Ella Sheedy in her debut in the class that sees car hit two ramps each time they make their way around the track.
Names are not yet listed for the demolition derby, however, expect eight to 12 cars ready to tear each other apart.
Gates open from 8:30am. Racing from 11am.
Entry will cost $25 for an adult, children 12 to 16 is $15 and children under 12 years of age are free. A family ticket for two adults and two children aged 12 to 16 will cost $60.
Track is at 140 Main Jindivick Road, Jindivick.
General enquiries can be made to 0422 289 133.