April 2000

29.....Under threatening skies, Labrador Speedway was able to proceed with their first Round of the 'Gold Coast Winter Series'. Much improved local Solo rider Sam Taylor performed very well throughout the heats recording 14 points from 5 rides, only to blow his chance in the Final by being caught wide in heavy traffic and almost coming to grief against the tyre fence.
         Ricky Nicol, who handed Taylor his only heat defeat, emerged in front of the 'race that mattered' and narrowly held on to win from Gold Coast young gun Trent Leverington with Todd Groves third. 
        The Sidecars were plagued with mechanical problems throughout the afternoon. Steve Taylor/Dave Oliver continued their great form from the previous Labrador meeting, and NSW visitor Steve Houston/Brian Young provided ample opposition. Bruce Cooke/Troy Squires were looking handy until they too suffered bike trouble.
         The Final was run with only two trikes left with Houston/Young victors over John Williams/Steve Topfer.

22/23.....Jane Collier reports from the Australian Individual Speedway Sidecar Championships Held at Riverview Speedway, Murray Bridge South Australia on Saturday April 22^nd, 2000

 Heat 1: 1^st Glenn O’Brien/Nathan O’Brien (Wa) 2^nd  Grant Bond/Thomas Kruse (Nsw) 3^rd  Mick Headland/Damien Niesche (Sa) 4^th  Jason Bradshaw/Matt Logan (Vic)  Time:103.14

Heat 2: 1^st  Darren Nash/Peter Teale (Wa) 2^nd  Justin Plaisted/Klae Hobbs (Sa)  3^rd Mark Drew/Steven Blair (Nt)  4^th  Mick Sita/Chris Summerfield  (Wa)  Time: 103.07

Heat 3: 1^st  Andrew Cleave/Dave Power (Vic) 2^nd  Dave Bottrell/Kevin Waters (Sa)  3^rd  Jeff Bishop/Steve Licence (Wa)  4^th  Darrin Treloar/Allan Griffiths  (Nsw)  Time: 103.11

Heat 4: 1^st  Jim Irwin/Les Bremner (Sa)  2^nd  Gary Moon/Chris Hughes (Qld) 3^rd Bill Sewell Jnr/Loueen Sewell (Qld) 4^th  Deon Lynd/Shane Rudloff (Vic) Time: 103.88

Heat 5: 1^st  Glenn O’Brien/Nathan O’Brien (Wa) 2^nd  Gary Moon/Chris Hughes  (Qld) 3^rd  Darrin Treloar/Allan Griffiths (Nsw) 4^th  Justin Plaisted/Klae Hobbs (Sa)  Time: 103.42

Heat 6: 1^st  Jim Irwin/Les Bremner (Sa) 2^nd  Mick Headland/Damien Niesche (Sa) 3^rd  Mick Sita/Chris Summerfield (Wa) 4^th  Dave Bottrell/Kevin Waters (Sa) Time: 105.07

Heat 7: 1^st Andrew Cleave/Dave Power (Vic) 2^nd Darren Nash/Peter Teale (Wa) 3^rd  Deon Lynd/Shane Rudloff (Vic) 4^th  Jason Bradshaw/Matt Logan  (Vic) Time: 104.36

Heat 8: 1^st  Mark Drew/Steven Blair  (Nt) 2^nd Grant Bond/Thomas Kruse (Nsw) 3^rd  Jeff Bishop/Steve Licence (Wa) 4^th  Bill Sewell Jnr/Loueen Sewell  (Qld) Time: 104.82

Heat 9: 1^st Glenn O’Brien/Nathan O’Brien   (Wa)  2^nd  Andrew Cleave/Dave Power (Vic) 3^rd  Bill Sewell Jnr/Loueen Sewell (Qld) 4^th  Mick Sita/Chris Summerfield  (Wa) Time: 103.81

Heat 10: 1^st  Deon Lynd/Shane Rudloff (Vic) 2^nd  Justin Plaisted/Klae Hobbs (Sa) 3^rd  Mick Headland/Damien Niesche (Sa) 4^th  Jeff Bishop/Steve Licence (Wa) Time: 104.72

Heat 11: 1^st Mark Drew/Steve Blair (Nt) 2^nd   Jim Irwin/Les Bremner (Sa) 3^rd  Darrin Treloar/Allan Griffiths  (Nsw) 4^th  Jason Bradshaw/Matt Logan (Vic) Time: 103.63

Heat 12: 1^st  Gary Moon/Chris Hughes  (Qld )  2^nd  Grant Bond/Thomas Kruse (Nsw)   Dave Bottrell/Kevin Waters (Sa)-EX  Darren Nash/Peter Teale (Wa)-EX   Time: 104.68

Heat 13: 1^st Glenn O’Brien/Nathan O’Brien (Wa) 2^nd  Jim Irwin/Les Bremner (Sa) 3^rd  Darren Nash/Peter Teale (Wa) 4^th  Jeff Bishop/Steve Licence (Wa) Time: 104.24

Heat 14: 1^st Mark Drew/Steve Blair (Nt) 2^nd  Andrew Cleave/Dave Power (Vic)  3^rd  Mick Headland/Damien Niesche (Sa) 4^th  Gary Moon/Chris Hughes (Qld) Time: 104.43

Heat 15: 1^st  Justin Plaisted/Klae Hobbs (Sa) 2^nd  Bill Sewell Jnr/Loueen Sewell (Qld) 3^rd  Jason Bradshaw/Matt Logan (Vic) 4^th  RES Vince Gianocelli/Warren Harvey    -Dave Bottrell/Kevin Waters (Sa)-N/S  Time: 105.12

Heat 16: 1^st  Darrin Treloar/Allan Griffiths (Nsw) 2^nd  Grant Bond/Thomas Kruse (Nsw) 3^rd  Deon Lynd/Shane Rudloff  (Vic)  4^th  Mick Sita/Chris Summerfield  (Wa)  Time: 105.37

Heat 17: 1^st  Glenn O’Brien/Nathan O’Brien (Wa)  2^nd  Mark Drew/Steven Blair (Nt) 3^rd  Deon Lynd/Shane Rudloff (Vic)  4^th  RES Col Lyall/Michael Millstead (Nsw)   -Dave Bottrell/Kevin Waters (Sa)-N/S  Time: 103.54

Heat 18: 1^st  Darrin Treloar/Allan Griffiths (Nsw) 2^nd  Mick Headland/Damien Niesche (Sa) 3^rd  Bill Sewell Jnr/Loueen Sewell (Qld)     Darren Nash/Peter Teale (Wa)-DNF    Time: 104.12

Heat 19: 1^st  Gary Moon/Chris Hughes (Qld) 2^nd  Jason Bradshaw/Matt Logan (Vic) 3^rd  Mick Sita/Chris Summerfield (Wa) 4^th  Jeff Bishop/Steve Licence (Wa) Time: 104.57

Heat 20:1^st  Justin Plaisted/Klae Hobbs  (Sa) 2^nd  Andrew Cleave/Dave Power (Vic) 3^rd  Jim Irwin/Les Bremner (Sa) 4^th  Grant Bond/Thomas Kruse (Nsw)  Time:

Heat Points:  Glenn O’Brien/Nathan O’Brien (Wa) 15,  Andrew Cleave/Dave Power (Vic) 12, Mark Drew/Steven Blair (Nt) 12, Jim Irwin/Les Bremner (Sa)   11, Gary Moon/Chris Hughes (Qld) 10, Justin Plaisted/Klae Hobbs (Sa) 10, Darrin Treloar/Allan Griffiths (Nsw) 8, Grant Bond/Thomas Kruse (Nsw) 8, Mick Headland/Damien Niesche (Sa) 7, Darren Nash/Peter Teale (Wa) 6, Deon Lynd/Shane Rudloff (Vic) 6, Bill Sewell Jnr/Loueen Sewell (Qld) 5, Jason Bradshaw/Matt Logan (Vic) 3, Mick Sita/Chris Summerfield (Wa) 2, Jeff Bishop/Steve Licence 9Wa) 2, RES Vince Gianoncelli/Warren Harvey 0, RES Col Lyall/Michael Millstead 0

FINAL: 1^st  Glenn O’Brien/Nathan O’Brien (Wa)  2^nd  Andrew Cleave/Dave Power (Vic)  3^rd  Mark Drew/Steven Blair (Nt) 4^th  Jim Irwin/Les Bremner (Sa)   Time:  

Australian Speedway Sidecar Teams Championship

Held at Riverview Speedway, Murray Bridge South Australian on Sunday April 23^rd, 2000

Heat 1: 1^st  Mick Headland/Damien Niesche (Sa)   2^nd  Mark Drew/Steven Blair (Nt) 3^rd  Dave Bottrell/Kevin Waters (Sa)  4^th  Bruce turner/Justin Greasely (Nt)  Time: 105.13

Heat 2: 1^st  Deon Lynd/Shane Rudloff (Vic)  2^nd  Andrew Cleave/Dave Power (Vic) 3^rd  Glenn O’Brien/Nathan O’Brien (Wa)  4^th  Darren Nash/Peter Teale (Wa)  Time: 104.59

Heat 3: 1^st  Grant Bond/Thomas Kruse (Nsw)  2^nd  Gary Moon/Chris Hughes (Qld) 3^rd  Bill Sewell Jnr/Loueen Sewell (Qld) 4^th  Col Lyall/Michael Millstead (Nsw) Time: 104.42

Heat 4: 1^st Justin Plaisted/Klae Hobbs (Sa2)  2^nd  Jim Irwin/Les Bremner (Sa2)  3^rd  Dave Bottrell/Kevin Waters (Sa)   Mick Headland/Damien Niesche (Sa) –DNF  Time: 102.62

Heat 5: 1^st  Mark Drew/Steven Blair (Nt) 2^nd  Deon Lynd/Shane Rudloff (Vic) 3^rd  Andrew Cleave/Dave Power (Vic) 4^th  Bruce Turner/Justin Greasley (Nt)  Time: 103.12

Heat 6: 1^st  Glenn O’Brien/Nathan O’Brien (Wa) 2^nd  Grant Bond/Thomas Kruse (Nsw) 3^rd  Col Lyall/Michael Millstead (Nsw)    Darren Nash/Peter Teale (Wa) –DNF  Time: 104.62

Heat 7: 1^st  Justin Plaisted/Klae Hobbs (Sa2) 2^nd  Jim Irwin/Les Bremner (Sa2) 3^rd  Gary Moon/Chris Hughes (Qld) 4^th  Bill Sewell Jnr/Loueen Sewell (Qld)  Time: 103.15

Heat 8: 1^st  Andrew Cleave/Dave Power (Vic) 2^nd  Deon Lynd/Shane Rudloff (Vic) 3^rd  Dave Bottrell/Kevin Waters (Sa)   Mick Headland/Damien Niesche (Sa)-DNF  Time: 104.45

Heat 9: 1^st  Glenn O’Brien/Nathan O’Brien (Wa) 2^nd  Mark Drew/Steven Blair (Nt)  3^rd  Darren Nash/Peter Teale (Wa) 4^th  Bruce Turner/Justin Greasley (Nt)  Time: 103.70

Heat 10: 1^st  Justin Plaisted/Klae Hobbs (Sa2) 2^nd  Jim Irwin/Les Bremner (Sa2) 3^rd  Grant Bond/Thomas Kruse (Nsw) 4^th  Col Lyall/Michael Millstead (Nsw) Time: 104.48

Heat 11: 1^st  Dave Bottrell/Kevin Waters (Sa) 2^nd  Gary Moon/Chris Hughes (Qld) 3^rd  Bill Sewell Jnr/Loueen Sewell (Qld)  RES: Vince Gianoncelli/Warren Harvey-DNF   Time: 105.70

Heat 12: 1^st  Mark Drew/Steven Blair (Nt)   2^nd  Grant Bond/Thomas Kruse (Nsw) 3^rd  Col Lyall/Michael Millstead  (Nsw) 4^th  Bruce Turner/Justin Greasley (Nt) Time: 104.17

Heat 13: 1^st  Andrew Cleave/Dave Power (Vic) 2^nd  Gary Moon/Chris Hughes (Qld) 3^rd  Bill Sewell Jnr/Loueen Sewell (Qld) 4^th  Deon Lynd/Shane Rudloff (Vic) Time: 106.08

Heat 14: 1^st  Glenn O’Brien/Nathan O’Brien (Wa) 2^nd  Jim Irwin/Les Bremner (Sa2) 3^rd  Darren Nash/Peter Teale (Wa)  4^th  Justin Plaisted/Klae Hobbs (Sa2) Time: 105.20

Heat 15: 1^st  Grant Bond/Thomas Kruse (Nsw) 2^nd  Mick Headland/Damien Niesche (Sa)  3^rd  Col Lyall/Michael Millstead (Nsw)    Dave Bottrell/Kevin Waters (Sa) –DNF   Time: 106.60

Heat 16: 1^st  Mark Drew/Steven Blair (Nt) 2^nd  Gary Moon/Chris Hughes (Qld) 3^rd  Bill Sewell Jnr/Loueen Sewell (Qld) 4^th  Bruce Turner/Justin Greasley (Nt) Time: 104.34

Heat 17: 1^st  Andrew Cleave/Dave Power (Vic) 2^nd  Jim Irwin/Les Bremner (Sa2) 3^rd  Justin Plaisted/Klae Hobbs (Sa2)  4^th  RES Peter Wyles/Matt Muldoon   Deon Lynd/Shane Rudloff (Vic)-EX  Time: 105.76

Heat 18: 1^st  Glenn O’Brien/Nathan O’Brien (Wa) 2^nd  Dave Bottrell/Kevin Waters (Sa)  3^rd  Mick Headland/Damien Niesche (Sa) 4^th  Darren Nash/Peter Teale (Wa) Time: 104.68

Heat 19: 1^st  Mark Drew/Steven Blair (Nt) 2^nd  Justin Plaisted/Klae Hobbs (Sa2) 3^rd  Jim Irwin/Les Bremner (Sa2) 4^th  Bruce Turner/Justin Grealesy (Nt)  Time: 105.05

Heat 20: 1^st  Glenn O’Brien/Nathan O’Brien (Wa)  2^nd  Grant Bond/Thomas Kruse (Nsw) 3^rd  Deon Lynd/Shane Rudloff (Vic) 4^th  Col Lyall/Michael Millstead (Nsw)  Time: 106.37

Heat 21: 1^st Glenn O’Brien/Nathan O’Brien (Wa) 2^nd  Gary Moon/Chris Hughes (Qld)  3^rd  Darren Nash/Peter Teale (Wa) 4^th  Bill Sewell Jnr/Loueen Sewell (Qld)  Time: 103.07

Heat points:  SA2 – Jim Irwin/Les Bremner, Justin Plaisted/Klae Hobbs   23pts,  VIC  Andrew cleave/Dave Power, Deon Lynd/Shane Rudloff   23pts,   WA  Glenn O’Brien/Nathan O’Brien   19pts,   NT  Mark Drew/Steven Blair, Bruce Turner/Justin Greasley  16pts,  NSW  Grant Bond/Thomas Kruse, Col Lyall/Michael Millstead  16pts,  QLD  Gary Moon/Chris Hughes, Bill Sewell Jnr/Loueen Sewell  15pts,  SA  Dave Bottrell/Kevin Waters, Mick Headland/Damien Niesche  14pts.

Run-Off for 4^th and 5^th place

1^st  Mark Drew/Steven Blair (Nt)  2^nd  Grant bond/Thomas Kruse (Nsw)

 Run-Off for 1^st and 2^nd place

1^st  Justin Plaisted/Klae Hobbs (Sa2)  2^nd  Andrew Cleave/Dave Power (Vic)

15.....Although low bike numbers fronted at the Gatton Showgrounds for the season finale, there was still plenty of action. Report by Gavin Elmes..................

     Clinton Butler is off to England on the wings of his pointscore win in the Lockyer Valley All-Stars Solo Series.  Joining Butler on his two week tour of the English tracks in June will be Todd Groves whose upright GM Butler rode throughout the six round series.
    Although Butler finished second to Trent Leverington in the series final, he had already secured a runaway win from the previous rounds.
    Much improved Leverington led for the first lap of the A Final with Butler riding a high line and challenging strongly for an outside pass.  This paid off as Butler charged ahead on lap two.  However, Leverington was not to be outdone and came back inside Butler on the final bend to cross the line in what looked like a dead-heat.
    Leverington got the judge's verdict over Butler, with Todd Groves coming in third.  Fourth rider, Rockhampton visitor Luke Kluver, withdrew with engine failure.
    Travelling down from Rocky with Kluver to bolster the dwindling solo ranks were his younger brother Joel and rookie Andrew Wright who had only one meeting under his belt but put up a promising show.
    An inspired Adam White came from behind to win the B Final from Joel Kluver and Wright.

    Bruce Cooke's second placing in the sidecar final was enough to snare him the holiday for winning the Lockyer Valley All-Stars Sidecar Series.  Cooke and passenger Troy Squires finished ahead of their nearest rivals Scott Johnson/ Russell Simon, in one of the best sidecar races seen at the circuit.
    First away from the tapes in the A Final were Dave Hagel/ Steve Ingham out of gate four, while Johnston from the inside gate was squeezed out of track space by Cooke and Dean Brown/ Steven Hughes.  Hagel led the first lap with the other three outfits bunched behind and snapping at his heels.  Brown made his move under Hagel on the second lap, with Hagel trying in vain to reclaim his lead with an outside charge.  On the final lap, Cooke shot from fourth to second with an inside dash along the back straight, swatting Johnston then Hagel, as Johnston followed in his slipstream and darted under Hagel.
   It was a race of quality sidecar action and as the chequered flag fell, Brown crossed just ahead of Cooke, Johnston and Hagel.
    Although the B Final could muster only two starters, it too was an action-packed affair.  A neck and neck race between Mitchell Mort/ Robert Thistleton and John Williams/ Brad Robinson came to a spectacular end  on the second lap when Mort's machine spun and flipped.

    Gatton now goes into recess until 30 September.

Results:
Solo A Final:  1. Trent Leverington 2. Clinton Butler 3. Todd Groves  4. Luke Kluver (dnf)
Solo B Final:  1.  Adam White  2.  Joel Kluver  3. Andrew Wright
Sidecar A Final: 1. Dean Brown/ Steven Hughes  2.  Bruce Cooke/ Troy Squires  3.  Scott Johnston/ Russell Simon  4.  Dave Hagel/ Steve Ingham
Sidecar B Final:  1. John Williams/ Brad Robinson (declared)  Mitchell Mort/ Robert Thistleton (excl)      

15......Very dissapointing to hear the Newcastle track was in a terrible state to host the Solos on Saturday night. The rain the area has experienced in the lead up to the meeting has left the surface badly rutted. Only a handful of riders braved the conditions with Chris Watson winning the Final from Ben Shields, then Strider Horton and Darren Wade 4th.

12......The riders list for this Saturday night at Newcastle, is.............
Dean Wiseman, Leigh Fernance, Dave Booth, Strider Horton, Darren Wade, Daniel Mason, David Archer, Paul Parlett, Ben Peck, Chris Watson, Rueben Axentiess, Ben Shields, Peter Pono, Jaye Stevens & Dennis Hall.
           The Wynns Newcastle Speedway Track is centrally located in the Hunter Valley on Old Punt Rd Tomago. It is 8 klms from Raymond Terrace, 10 klms from Maitland & 12 klms from Newcastle City centre. It is easily accessible from the
Pacific Highway and is located North over the Hexham bridge.

1.......LIGHTS GO OUT AT CLAREMONT By Ken Brown

           The final showdown at the Claremont Speedway was staged over two nights - with the bike brigade only programmed on the first evening - Thursday March 30.
          Newly crowned state solo champion Lee Redmond shot underneath comeback rider Greg Bartlett as they negociated Pits Bend for the first time in the opening heat. Lee Blackman maintained his third position over Nigel Flatman, who was riding with twenty stitches in his right arm following his recent accident at Kalgoorlie.
          Heat 2 again saw Redmond in control over Bartlett and Blackman, with Gavin Lewis coming in fourth.
         They were lined up eight bikes wide for the start of the 4-lap ‘End of an Era’ solo cup feature event. Redmond jumped out ahead of Guy Wilson, who had not started in either one of the previous heats. Blackman came down on Pits Bend and they lined up once more.
         This time it was Wilson in front of Bartlett and Redmond, who struck trouble and slowed along the back straight. Wilson went on to score over Bartlett and Flatman, with a big gap back to the fourth placed Lewis.

         Two very popular events on the night were the races for the ‘Past Champions’. In the first one former English rider Rob Woffinden, who is now living in the west, kept out in front of Glenn Doyle, Michael Carter and David Cheshire.
         Race 2 saw the determined Doyle turn the tables on Woffinden, with Carter, Cheshire and Mick McKeon further back. Doyle’s 3-lap time of 1:01.59 was a very respectable effort for the former two-times National titleholder - and was actually 0.06 of a second quicker than Redmond set in his second heat success. Also in the field were David Coles and Bob O’Leary.

          Opening heat for the sidecars saw Darren Nash keep out in front of the current Australian Champion Mark Drew and Glenn O’Brien.
         Jeff Bishop set the pace during heat 2 over Paul Pinfold and Tasmanian Deon Lynd, who was riding Mick Sita’s bike. It was all Nash again in the third heat as he kept in front of O’Brien and Pinfold. Despite a bad start Drew was able to sweep into the lead during heat 4 and win comfortably over Tony Shield and Richie Boon.
           Fifth heat was all O’Brien as the current state champ led home Pinfold and Boon. Drew took Nash wide into the first bend in heat 6 and was able to maintain his advantage up to the line, with Lynd coming in third.
           Only four bikes were still mobile to contest the B Main with Vince Gianoncelli clearing out from Jero Joyce and Trevor Potter.
            O’Brien was unable to contest the A Main, with Nash hitting the kerb soon after the start and forced to retire. Drew cleared out from Lynd, who lost his passenger Sita on the final lap and was excluded from the results. This mishap put Tony Shield up into second place ahead of Pinfold and Boon.

            And so the long tradition of solo and sidecar racing at the Claremont Speedway - which stretches way back to 1927 - came to an end. Hopefully the proposed new Kwinana Motorplex will be completed by November to continue that tradition on the bike track to be constructed inside the main clay circuit.

            RACE RESULTS - ‘End of an Era’ - Claremont Speedway - Thursday March 30, 2000.
SOLOS
Heat 1 (3 laps): 1. Lee Redmond, 2. Greg Bartlett, 3. Lee Blackman, 4. Nigel Flatman, 5. Gavin Lewis, 6. Jamie Ratcliffe; 1:00.97.
Heat 2 (3 laps): 1. Lee Redmond, 2. Greg Bartlett, 3. Lee Blackman, 4. Gavin Lewis, 5. Darren Dawes, 6. Tony Shield; 1:00.51.
Feature (4 laps): 1. Guy Wilson, 2. Greg Bartlett, 3. Nigel Flatman, 4. Gavin Lewis, 5. Darren Dawes, 6. Jamie Ratcliffe; 1:19.96.
Past Champions -
Heat 1 (3 laps): 1. Rob Woffinden, 2. Glenn Doyle, 3. Michael Carter, 4. David Cheshire, 5. Bob O’Leary, 6. David Coles; 1:02.97.
Heat 2 (3 laps): 1. Glenn Doyle, 2. Rob Woffinden, 3. Michael Carter, 4. David Cheshire, 5. Mick McKeon, 6. David Coles; 1:01.59.

SIDECARS
Heat 1 (3 laps): 1. Darren Nash/Peter Teale, 2. Mark Drew/Steven Blair (NT), 3. Glenn O’Brien/Nathan O’Brien, 4. Jero Joyce/Brad Davies, 5. Tony Shield/Corey Blackman, 6. Shane Shield/Kane Blackman; 1:01.40.
Heat 2 (3 laps): 1. Jeff Bishop/Brett Evill, 2. Paul Pinfold/Lisa Pinfold, 3. Deon Lynd/Mick Sita (Tas), 4. Vince Gianoncelli/Craig Hughes, 5. Richie Boon/Lincoln Barnden, 6. Trevor Potter/Brad Palmer; 1:01.65.
Heat 3 (3 laps): 1. Darren Nash/Peter Teale, 2. Glenn O’Brien/Nathan O’Brien, 3. Paul Pinfold/Lisa Pinfold, 4. Jeff Bishop/Brett Evill, 5. Trevor Potter/Brad Palmer, 6. Shane Shield/Kane Blackman; 1:01.71.
Heat 4 (3 laps): 1. Mark Drew/Steven Blair, 2. Tony Shield/Corey Blackman, 3. Richie Boon/Lincoln Barnden, 4. Deon Lynd/Mick Sita, 5. Vince Gianoncelli/Craig Hughes, 6. Jero Joyce/Brad Davies; 1:03.13.
Heat 5 (3 laps): 1. Glenn O’Brien/Nathan O’Brien, 2. Paul Pinfold/Lisa Pinfold, 3. Richie Boon/Lincoln Barnden, 4. Vince Gianoncelli/Craig Hughes, 5. Tony Shield/Corey Blackman; 1:02.12.
Heat 6 (3 laps): 1. Mark Drew/Steven Blair, 2. Darren Nash/Peter Teale, 3. Deon Lynd/Mick Sita, 4. Jero Joyce/Brad Davies, 5. Shane Shield/Kane Blackman; 1:02.17.
B Main (3 laps): 1. Vince Gianoncelli/Craig Hughes, 2. Jero Joyce/Brad Davies, 3. Trevor Potter/Brad Palmer; 1:03.04.
A Main (4 laps): 1. Mark Drew/Steven Blair, 2. Tony Shield/Corey Blackman, 3. Paul Pinfold/Lisa Pinfold, 4. Richie Boon/Lincoln Barnden; 1:22.22.

1.....Although the rider field was down in numbers, those competing at 'Mike Hatcher Park's' Labrador Speedway put on a tremendous display of hard and fast racing for the good sized crowd on hand.
       In the Solo ranks, Scott Smith and Clinton Leitch lapped up the very well prepared track and fought out an intriguing battle in the 3 races they competed with each other. None better than their second meeting, heat 8, where Smith got the jump out of the tapes only to have Leitch sweep around him exiting turn 2 with a drag race down the back straight resulting in one of the fastest entries into turn 3 witnessed for some time. Leitch held his outside line and was able to stave off the advances that Smith could muster for the remainder of the race.
       The Solo 'A' Final was won by Smith as HE held out the Leitch attack.
        Young 'up and comer' Sam Taylor is showing terrific progress in this sport, having his best meeting yet at Labrador, as he and Ricky Nicol were involved in a second string battle for third in the Final. Taylor got the 'nod' at the checkered flag and gave patrons a glimpse of why he is the current New Zealand U/21 Champion.
        The Sidecars were ferocious as usual with Bill Sewell jnr/Loueen Sewell in red hot form as they were unbeaten in their first 3 races, however the engine expired when crossing the line of their third ride and they took no further part in the meeting. Steve Taylor/Dave Oliver took up the challenge and emerged as the frontrunners, in particular, a blistering heat 8 where the pair went oh so close to breaking the longstanding 3 lap track record set by former Aus. Champ Vic Martin. Taylor/Oliver went on to win the Final in fine style with the vast improving David Hagel/Steve Ingham second, John Williams/Kerry McLeod into a good third and local Bruce Cooke/Troy Squires (also making huge inroads on their form) coming in fourth.
Meeting details.......
Solos
Todd Groves...0,1,1,2,ef=4
Clinton Leitch...3,3,2,3,3=14
Trent Leverington...2,0,1,fell,1=4
Ricky Nicol...1,2,2,3,2=10
Sam Taylor...3,2,3,1,2=11
Adam White...1,1,0,1,0=3
Scott Smith...2,3,3,2,3=13
Final...Smith,Leitch,Taylor,Nicol.
Sidecars...
Bruce Cooke/Troy Squires...1,2,2,2,3,=10
Bill Sewell jnr/Loueen Sewell...3,3,3,-,-,=9
Steve Taylor/Dave Oliver...2,3,3,3,2,=13
Scott Johnston/Russell Simon...ef,ef,dnr,3,2,=5
Gary Sewell/Mick Chase...2,0,1,1,0,=4
John Williams/Kerry McLeod...1,2,2,1,3,9
David Hagel/Steve Ingham...3,1,1,2,1,=8
Final...Taylor,Hagel,Williams,Cooke ret.

1......The field for the Australian Sidecar Championships to be held at Murray Bridge's 'Riverview Speedway' at Easter is.........

         March 2000

28......Tragic news released just today comes from Victoria where Sidecar Passenger Chris Ewan has been killed in a racing accident at Broadford Speedway last Saturday evening. 
         There was a run-off for the Speedway Sidecar Riders Association of Victoria (SSRAV) club championships between Paul Birch/Billy Campbell and Bill King / Chris Ewen. Coming into corner one ( pit corner) Birch/Campbell were leading, the throttle then stuck on the King/Ewen machine. The bike highsided and threw both Bill and Chris off, Bill was thrown clear, Chris was thrown back first into the pole that holds the pit gate and the bike followed him in.Chris died from his injuries.
         Up until that Final decider, the twilight meeting (which was the first Speedway Meeting held at the venue), was hailed as a great success, however the accident shocked and stunned all those attending.
         Bill King and Chris Ewen had ridden successfully at Undera Speedway and made it to the 'A' Final just one week earlier.
         Chris was probably best known as Swinger for Bob Smith.
       The Funeral will be held Friday 31 March
                                    Sandy Golding and Jane Collier

25.......Results from Tamworth's Sidecar Stampede from Steve Bignall................

23.......Myrtleford Speedway needs your support.

            In the picturesque township of Myrtleford, surrounded by the mountain ranges of the Victorian Alps, a Motorcycle Speedway exists, just.
           Easter has emerged over the last few years as Myrtleford's major race weekend and (with their race dates of Saturday and Sunday applied for very early), this year is no exception. However, Murray Bridge's Riverview Speedway has snared the Australian Sidecar Championships, which will also be run at Easter. Organisers at Myrtleford are, to say the least, very nervous as to whether their 'Big' weekend will attract a good field of competitors and supporters. In fact, (due to lack of local support and sponsorship) if the meeting fails, it could mean the end of the Speedway altogether.
            Competitors alike, be it Solo, Sidecar or Junior riders, are unanimous in their praise for the race track and it's hoped they will flock to the North-eastern town for a great weekends racing.  
            An incredible amount of time and energy has been ploughed into the venue, and a quick look at the facilities posted on the 'Tracks' page shows what a glorious track it is. Situated at the Showgrounds, camping is allowed and with the extra long weekend in store with Anzac day tacked on, what better way to spend the holiday than sightseeing this pristine area AND taking in a couple of Bike Speedway nights as well.
            

20.......Western Australia's Solo and Sidecar Championships were decided with the running of theTitle's Final round held last weekend at Kalgoorlie. Lee Redmond takes the 2000 State Solo Title finishing with 44 points, '99 titleholder Guy Wilson was second on 36, and Lee Blackman took third with 29.
           The 2000 WA Sidecar champ is Glenn O'Brien/Nathan O'Brien on 44 points, runner up Darren Nash/Peter Teale 37, and third place to Jeff Bishop/Steve Licence on 29.
                         Gavin Migro

20.........The Western Australian Government has finally given its approval for the construction of a new motorsport complex in Kwinana to replace the Claremont Speedway and the Ravenswood International Raceway (drag strip) which have to close down at the end of this month.
The project had been put on hold due to opposition from the Kwinana Industries Council which had been saying the patrons were at risk in the event of a chemical spill from nearby industries.
This is despite the fact that the towns of Hope Valley and Wattleup have existed in the vicinity for the past 25 years.
Work is expected to start on the sixteen million dollar complex within a week and should be completed by November in time for the next speedway and drag racing season.
Further details can be found on the Kwinana Motorplex site at www.motorplex.com.au

          Final meeting at Claremont will be double-header on Thursday March 30 and Friday March 31. Solos and sidecars will compete on the Thursday only.

Ken Brown

20......The Gold Coast Motorcycle Club has made a big score by securing the services of Norwegian ex-British League rider Rolf Gramstad, who is now a certified FIM junior speedway coach. The Labrador (Queensland) track will soon have it's junior track up and running and with Gramstad relocating to the area it augers well for the development of junior speedway in Australia.
           Gramstad - former Leicester (England) team mate to John Titman - is being assisted in gaining permanent residency by the Gold Coast club and Martin Rogers, the former UK promoter.
          Bike fans of twenty years ago may remember Gramstad for his stirling performances both at the Brisbane Exhibition Ground and the Sydney Showground. His racing career was cut short however, in a pre-race incident in Europe when the late Zdenek Kudrna piled into Gramstad whilst doing a practice start. Gramstad suffered spinal injuries.
          Speaking of the juniors, racing will soon no longer be confined to two wheels in Queensland.

          With the assistance of Bob Cowley (Gold Coast Motorcycle Wreckers) and Titman, retired National Sidecar champ Vic Martin will build three 250cc junior sidecars. The future certainly looks bright for the junior bikes and trikes, at least in South East Queensland.  
Steve Magro

18.......Venue:     Undera Park Speedway, Shepparton Victoria................

 A Grade Sidecars

Heat 1: 1^st  Andrew Cleave/Dave Power  2^nd  Neil Turner/Peter Turner  3^rd Bill King/Chris Ewen  4^th  John Rasmussen/Nathan Chisholm  Time: 58.90

Heat 2: 1^st  Darrin Treloar/Billy Campbell NSW  2^nd  Jayson Trewin/William Beanham 3^rd  Col Winzar/Matt Newton-King     Neil Turner/ Peter Turner   EX         Time: 58.84

Heat 3: 1^st  Bill King/Chris Ewen  2^nd  Col Winzar/matt Newton-King  3^rd  John Rasmussen/Nathan Chisholm    Andrew Cleave/dave Power – DNF  Time:  102.07

Heat 4: 1^st  Darrin Treloar/Billy Campbell  NSW  2^nd  Andrew Cleave/Dave Power  3^rd  Jayson Trewin/William Beanham  4^th  Neil Turner/Peter Turner  Time:  57.46  TRACK RECORD

Heat 5: 1^st  Darrin Treloar/Billy Campbell  NSW  2^nd  Ronny Parker/Jason Bloffwitch  3^rd  Bill King/Chris Ewen    4^th  Col Winzar/matt Newton-King  Time: 58.69

Heat 6: 1^st  Andrew Cleave/Dave Power  2^nd  Neil Turner/Peter Turner  3^rd Jayson Trewin/William Beanham  4^th   Bill King/Chris Ewen  Time: 58.05

Heat 7: 1^st  Darrin Treloar/Billy Campbell  NSW   2^nd  Ron Parker/Jason Bloffwitch 3^rd  Jayson Trewin/William Beanham  4^th  Col Winzar/Matt Newton-King  Time: 59.92

Final: 1^st  Andrew Cleave/Dave Power  2^nd  Darrin Treloar/Billy Campbell  NSW   3^rd  Jayson Trewin/William Beanham  4^th  Bill King/Chris Ewen  Time: 57.30 NEW TRACK RECORD

 B Grade Sidecars

Heat 1: 1^st  Paul Birch/Billy Campbell  2^nd John Rasmussen/Nathan Chisholm  3^rd  Simon Hartley/Michael King  4^th  Tim Bannon/Peter Taylor  Time: 101.06

Heat 2: 1^st  Paul Birch/Billy Campbell  2^nd  Simon Hartley/Michael King  3^rd  Tim Bannon/Peter Taylor  4^th  John Rasmussen/Nathan Chisholm  Time: 103.72

Heat 3: 1^st  Paul Birch/Neil Turner  2^nd  Simon Hartley/Michael King  3^rd   John Rasmussen/Nathan Chisholm  4^th  Tim Bannon/Peter Taylor  Time: 101.68

Heat 4: 1^st    Paul Birch/Neil Turner  2^nd  Simon Hartley/Michael King  3^rd  John Rasmussen/Nathan Chisholm  4^th  Tim Bannon/Peter Taylor  Time: 104.15

Final: 1^st   Paul Birch/Matt Newton-King  2^nd  Tim Bannon/Peter Taylor  3^rd  Simon Hartley/Michael King  4^th  John Rasmussen/Nathan Chisholm  Time: 102.78

 Solos

Heat 1: 1^st  Ashley Jones   2^nd  Rick Wason   3^rd  Matt Jones   4^th  Gordon Young  Time: 104.06

Heat 2: 1^st  Ashley Jones  2^nd  Rod North 3^rd Gordon Young 4^th  Matt Jones  Time: 103.38

Heat 3: 1^st  Ashley Jones  2^nd  Rick Wason  3^rd  Matt Jones  4^th   Gordon Young  Time:  102.25

Heat 4: 1^st  Ashley Jones  2^nd  Rick Wason  3^rd  Matt Jones  4^th  Gordon Young  Time: 102.10

Heat 5: 1^st   Ashley Jones  2^nd Rick Wason  3^rd Matt Jones    4^th  Gordon Young  Time: 102.19

Final: 1^st   Ashley Jones  2^nd  Matt Jones  3^rd  Rick Wason  4^th  Gordon Young  Time: 101.06

 Celebrity “Old Timers” Challenge

1^st  Rod North  2^nd  Ronny Parker  3^rd  Col Winzar  4^th  Noel Heenan    Time: 109.32

17.......Motorcycle Speedway in Queensland has received a long awaited shot in the arm from several angles.
            After much lobbying to the local Council, the Mike Hatcher Park Speedway at Labrador on Queensland's Gold Coast can confirm a further 6 night meetings later this year and into 2001. With one more night fixture on the 1st of April before the 4 round 'Day Series' starts, it's heartening to know that the track will continue past those dates and the club can now concentrate more on their venue, than just survival. The completion of the Junior track will now take priority. Noise restrictions and leasing problems have been the major stumbling blocks. Exact dates for those 6 meetings, starting in October, will be announced soon.
          One hour west of Brisbane, the Gatton Showgrounds continue their programming of the Bikes with the culmination of the 'Lockyer Valley Masters Series' due next month where a big field of both Solos and Sidecars are promised to battle for the title. The track is proving a major favorite for the riders as the racing on show is superb.
          Northgate Speedway held a terrific meeting last Sunday with good fields of the bikes as venue improvements are ongoing, promising patrons and riders alike a wonderful days racing into the future. Lighting is a main priority to their plans. Their next meeting will be held in late May.
           Exciting news behind the scenes, sees a concerted effort to ressurect Bike racing at Yandina Speedway on the Sunshine Coast, just north of Brisbane. An inspection by MAQ official Barry Newton has been conducted and while safety improvements are to be made, it's hoped meetings featuring the bikes could start mid year.
           Rockhampton Showgrounds may ring to the tune of Motorcycle Speedway sooner than later as new promotors are prepared to run Solos and Sidecars once more at the very much liked venue. An initial three meetings are mooted, also to be run mid year.
           And Promotors at Cairns Speedway are seriously looking at the two and three wheeled section as well with at least one big bike night already pencilled in.
          Although bike numbers have been steadily declining partly due to lack of venues not only in Queensland, but Australia wide, the interest and enthusiasm now being shown from the various venues could hopefully bring those frustrated riders back to this great sport.    

12.......Brisbane Solo stalwart Wayne Kennedy has won the 'A' Final at Northgate Speedway after a near faultless day's racing. Dropping just the one point in his first heat to track specialist Steve Viner, Kennedy then went on to take the honours with a tapes to flag victory in the race that mattered. Viner, who was faultless during the heats, was overpowered in the Final to spoil his early work with a third.
             Dave Watt's slow start gained momentum during the afternoon and by final time was well and truly in the running to take the all important win, however his last ride was spent trying (with success) to pass Viner as Kennedy sailed off into the distance.
           The second meeting aboard his new Jawa, Clinton Leitch blasted out of the blocks winning his first 3 heats in very fine style and looked an absolute certainty for the remainder of the day. But those troublesome engine gremlins that seem to plague this star, were present once again allowing Leitch only to jump from the gate in the final and roll to a stop before the first turn. The primary chain that parted company while leading his 5th heat ride, appeared the culprit at day's end.
         The North Brisbane Junior Motorcycle club must be commended for their work over the new year period on their venue with a junior speedway track in place, covered pit areas for the competitors, and better car parking for the patrons. The venue as a whole looks superb with plenty more improvements pencilled in for the future.

Solo Details...........
Robbie Walters...1,2,1,1,1=6
Sam Taylor...2,2,2,1,2=9
Clinton Leitch...3,3,3,1,dnf=10
Wayne Kennedy...2,3,3,3,3=14
Steve Viner...3,3,3,3,3=15
Dave Watt...1,2,3,3,3=12
Ricky Nicholl...0,3,2,3,2=10
Danny Jordan...2,1,1,2,3=9
Barry Morgan...1,1,2,2,2=8
Adam White...3,2,1,0,1=7
Neil Kerrigan...1,0,0,2,0=3
Trent Leverington...2,0,1,2,0=5
Todd Groves...3,1,2,0,0=6
'B' Final...Nicholl, Taylor, Jordan, Morgan
'A' Final...Kennedy, Watt, Viner, Leitch dnf.

11.......After the very first heat of the '2000 Queensland Sidecar Derby' at Mike Hatcher Park, Labrador Speedway, the reasonably sized crowd on hand could have been forgiven for thinking they were watching the 'Darrin Treloar Derby'. The dominence of the recently crowned NSW Sidecar Champion and passenger Allan Griffith in that initial race was simply breathtaking as he hurtled around the track to stamp......no, stomp his authority. 
            However, and a great aspect of Motorcycle Speedway is that word 'however', two other NSW visitors were not to be denied their night of glory.
            First time visitor to the Gold Coast venue Mark Griffiths and passenger Chris Wilson, took to the track like they'd raced there forever bagging two wins and two second placings, plus a superb win in the second semi-final to take their place in the Final.
            Tamworth's Jim-Bob Turner and George Ricard started the night disasterously when Ricard fell from the bike on their first lap to record a disqualification. However (that word again), the duo then proceeded to build momentum posting heat placings of a third, second, second, win, then a monumental last gasp push to the finish line in a brilliant first semi-final to hand Treloar his first defeat of the night.
             Young Gun's Scott Christopher and Trent Koppe from Nth Qld. were very consistent throughout the meeting registering 10 points from their 5 rides and a very hard fought second in their semi-final.
            So, the stage was set for honours in the Final with most pundits trying to figure out who would place the better behind Treloar. Out of the gate and with much hustle and bustle, the favorite found himself spat back into third with Mark Griffiths leading the charge and Turner pressing hard. Treloar simply could not make any inroads on the leading pair and maybe the tell-tale fine plume of smoke that wafted from their bike on the wind down lap of the semi-final had something to do with their position.
            However (and again) all eyes were on the other two interstaters with Jim-Bob constantly jabbing at Mark until the last uphill climb along the back straight of the final lap. A last ditch lunge up the inside when the two leaders entered turn 3 was a telling blow for Griffiths as he helplessly watched Turner run to a magnificent win. Christopher was powerless in the flurry and finished fourth. Treloar's trike ground to a halt on the back straight of the wind down lap. 

           The Solo 'supports' were excellent value as always, with Clinton Leitch aboard his new Jawa showing very strong form as he familiarised himself with the bike. Unbeaten going into the Final, Leitch couldn't match the jump from the tapes that comeback veteren Darren Stirling made, and without any way around the determined leader, had to settle for second. It was a sterling effort from Stirling!
          Young local Gold Coast 'up and comer' Trent Leverington has been making steady progress on the Solo over the past 12 months and undoubtedly showed his best form at Labrador to date with stylish displays in the heats and a stirring third place in the Final. After an engine rebuild on the trusty 'upright', he felt right at home with the set-up on the bike and is now pressing the better credentialled riders. Another young gun, Todd Groves, is also coming to grips with his bike and ran a close fourth in the Final after good scores in the heats..

Meeting Details....
Sidecar Derby...         
Treloar/Griffith...3,3,3,3,3=15
Christopher/Koppe...2,2,3,1,2=10
Turner/Ricard...0,1,2,2,3=8
Ian McVie/David McVie...1,2,1,1,1=6
John Williams/Brad Robinson...0.dns,dns,dns,dns=0
Bruce Cooke/Troy Squires...2,3,1,2,1=9
Griffiths/Wilson...3,dns,2,3,2=10

Andy Miller/Chris Lewis...1,0,0,dns,0=1
1st Semi-final...Turner,Treloar,Cooke,Miller
2nd Semi-final...Griffiths,Christopher,McVie.
Final...Turner, Griffiths, Treloar, Christopher.

Solos...
Leverington...2,1,fell,2=5
Leitch...3,3,3,3=12
Sam Taylor...dns,2,dnf,1=3
Adam White...1,1,1,1=4
Stirling...2,3,3,3=11
Barry Morgan...1,0,2,0=3
Groves...3,2,2,2=9
Final...Stirling, Leitch, Leverington, Groves

Next Labrador meeting tentatively set for 1st April.

5........After recent critisism from David Tapp regarding his non-appearances in the last two International Speedway Masters Series and Australian Solo Championships, Australian Grand Prix rider   Ryan Sullivan has rejected those critisism's in this reply.............................

                       ................I was very disappointed by David Tapp’s article singling me out as a contributor to the downfall of Australian speedway.

So in response I thought I would give my side of the story and set the record straight.

After all the years David Tapp has run the series, I have only missed 3 seasons.

One of which I rode locally in South Australia to avoid the travelling involved in the series, and another as a result of injuries. I had dislocated my shoulder and broken a finger at the end of the season.

The third from the birth of my son in September 1999, so that I could spend time with my family.

I offered to ride in his events that came through Adelaide, but after talks with the local promoter nothing came of it.

In the years I have ridden in David’s series, I have never asked for anything, have never given any cause for complaint and always turned up for Press/Practice days and promotional events when asked.

I travelled to and from all events in my own van with a mechanic and two competitive bikes.

When declining David’s offers, I always gave considerable thought before hand and gave him sufficient time to find another rider, without messing him about.

I always thanked him and apologised, as I thought what he was doing was good for Australian speedway. But I do not have the sponsorship in Australia, unlike some other riders who ride the series every year.

As for the Australian final, I have missed it for the last two years. The first, like all Grand Prix riders, to give the younger riders a chance to get a work permit in the UK, which is based on their results in the Australian Final. The second, as I was already back in the UK preparing for the new season.

I have represented Australia many times and with pride, one being the World Team Cup championship.

I was disillusioned with David’s attitude toward me. It was quite clear David had his favourites, and I was not one of them. In fact this is the only time he has given me any publicity, despite my achievements in the past.

Unfortunately I cannot please everybody but I have many friends and supporters who have helped me in my quest to become World Champion, and to them I thank you.

Ryan Sullivan.

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4..........South Australian Speedway Sidecar Championships, Renmark. ..........Jane Collier

Heat 1: 1^st Anthony Collins/Adrian Smith 2^nd Wayne Hearne/Lance Hollow (Vic) 3^rd Colin Daken/Karen Ryan 4^th Dennis Todd/Brenton Schilling Time: 104..65

Heat 2: 1^st Dave Bottrell/Kevin Waters 2^nd Mick Headland/Damien Niesche 3^rd Colin Lyall/Mick Millstead (Nsw) Ronny Parker/Jason Bloffwitch-DNF Time: 102.98

Heat 3: 1^st Justin Plaisted/Klae Hobbs 2^nd Mal German/Don Morris (Vic) 3^rd Roger Evans/Shane Rudloff 4^th Robert Matthews/Travis Carpenter Time: 103.47

Heat 4: 1^st Mark Drew/Steven Blair (NT) 2^nd Jayden Mayes/Jaeben Underhill (Vic) 3^rd Sam Harrison/Nick Warnest 4^th Ron Rohde/Paul Marker Time: 103.31

Heat 5: 1^st Mark Drew/Steven Blair (NT) 2^nd Ron Parker/Jason Bloffwitch 3^rd Anthony Collins/Adrian Smith 4^th Robert Matthews/Travis Carpenter Time: 101.06 New Track Record

Heat 6: 1^st Justin Plaisted/Klae Hobbs 2^nd Colin Lyall/Michael Millstead (NSW) 3^rd Colin Daken/Karen Ryan 4^th Ron Rohde/Paul Marker Time: 102.86

Heat 7: 1^st Mal German/Don Morris (Vic) 2^nd Mick Headland/Damien Niesche 3^rd Jayden Mayes/Jaeben Underhill (Vic) 4^th Dennis Todd/Brenton Schilling Time: 103.32

Heat 8: 1^st Dave Bottrell/Kevin Waters 2^nd Sam Harrison/Nick Warnest 3^rd Wayne Hearne/Lance Hollow (Vic) 4^th Roger Evans/Shane Rudloff Time: 101.76

Heat 9: 1^st Colin Lyall/Michael Millstead (Nsw) 2^nd Mal German/Don Morris (Vic) 3^rd Sam Harrison/Nick Warnest 4^th Anthony Collins/Adrian Smith Time: 102.54

Heat 10: 1^st Ron Parker/Jason Bloffwitch 2^nd Jayden Mayes/Jaeben Underhill (Vic) 3^rd Roger Evans/Shane Rudloff 4^th Colin Daken/Karen Ryan Time: 104.08

Heat 11: 1^st Dave Bottrell/Kevin Waters 2^nd Ron Rohde/Paul Marker 3^rd Dennis Todd/Brenton Schilling 4^th Robert Matthews/Travis Carpenter Time: 102.18

Heat 12: 1^st Mark Drew/Steven Blair (NT) 2^nd Wayne Hearne/Lance Hollow (Vic) Justin Plaisted/Klae Hobbs-EX Mick Headland/Damien Niesche-EX Time: 102.42

Heat 13: 1^st Mick Headland/Damien Niesche 2^nd Anthony Collins/Adrian Smith 3^rd Roger Evans/Shane Rudloff Ron Rohde/Paul Marker-DNF Time: 104.13

Heat 14: 1^st Mark Drew/Steven Blair (NT) 2^nd Dave Bottrell/Kevin Waters 3^rd Mal German/Don Morris (Vic) 4^th Colin Daken/Karen Ryan Time: 101.53

Heat 15: 1^st Sam Harrison/Nick Warnest 2^nd Justin Plaisted/Klae Hobbs 3^rd Ron Parker/Jason Bloffwitch 4^th Dennis Todd/Brenton Schilling Time: 103.10

Heat 16: 1^st Colin Lyall/Michael Millstead (Nsw) 2^nd Wayne Hearne/Lance Hollow (Vic) 3^rd Jayden Mayes/Jaeben Underhill (Vic) Robert Matthews/Travis Carpenter-DNF Time: 103.94

Heat 17:1^st Dave Bottrell/Kevin Waters 2^nd Jayden Mayes/Jaeben Underhill (Vic) Justin Plaisted/Klae Hobbs-EX Anthony Collins/Adrian Smith-DNF Time: 101.69

Heat 18: 1^st Mick Headland/Damien Niesche 2^nd Sam Harrison/Nick Warnest 3^rd Colin Daken/Karen Ryan Robert Matthews/Adrian Smith-N/S Time: 102.21

Heat 19: 1^st Mark Drew/Steven Blair (NT) 2^nd Colin Lyall/Michael Millstead (Nsw) 3^rd Roger Evans/Shane Rudloff 4^th Dennis Todd/Brenton Schilling Time: 101.13

Heat 20: 1^st Ron Parker/Jason Bloffwitch 2^nd Mal German/Don Morris (Vic) 3^rd Wayne Hearne/Lance Hollow (Vic) Ron Rohde/Paul Marker-N/S Time: 102.59

Run-off for fourth place: 1^st Mick Headland/Damien Niesche 2^nd Mal German/Don Morris (Vic) Time: 102.79

Heat Points: Mark Drew/Steven Blair (NT) 15 points Maximum, Dave Bottrell/Kevin Waters 14 pts, Colin Lyall/Michael Millstead (Nsw) 11pts, Mick Headland/Damien Niesche 10pts, Mal German/Don Morris (Vic) 10pts, Ron Parker/Jason Bloffwitch 9pts, Sam Harrison/Nick Warnest 9pts, Justin Plaisted/Klae Hobbs 8pts, Wayne Hearne/Lance Hollow (Vic) 8pts, Jayden Mayes/Jaeben Underhill (Vic) 9pts, Anthony Collins/Adrian Smith 6pts, Colin Daken/Karen Ryan 4pts, Roger Evans/Shane Rudloff 4pts, Ron Rohde/Paul Marker 2pts, Dennis Todd/Brenton Schilling 1pt, Robert Matthews/Travis Carpenter 0.

           There was a run-off between Mick Headland/Damien Niesche and Malcolm German/Don Morris (Vic) for fourth place. Headland/Niesche won.
           The final placings for the South Australian Sidecar Championship are

1^st Mark Drew/Steven Blair (NT), 2^nd Dave Bottrell/Kevin Waters, 3^rd Colin Lyall/Michael Millstead (Nsw) 4^th Mick Headland/Damien Niesche. Bottrell/Waters being the first placed South Australians they have qualified for the Australian Sidecar Championships to be held at Riverview Speedway, Murray Bridge, there home track.

4..........Venue: Undera Park Speedway, Shepparton Vic. ...............Jane Collier
Sidecars
Heat 1: 1^st Andrew Cleave/Dave Power 2^nd Bill King/Chris Ewen 3^rd Jason Trewin/William Beanham 4^th John Rasmussen/Nathan Chisholm Time: 59.86
Heat 2: 1^st Jason Bradshaw/Matt Logan 2^nd Col Winzar/Matt Newton-King 3^rd Paul Birch/Matt Smailes 4^th Tim Bannon/Peter Taylor Time: 100.6
Heat 3: 1^st Col Winzar/Matt Newton-King 2^nd Bill King/Chris Ewen Paul Birch/Matt Smailes-DNF Jason Trewin/William Beanham-DNF Time: Race Declared
Heat 4: 1^st Andrew Cleave/Dave Power 2^nd John Rasmussen/Nathan Chisholm Tim Bannon/Peter Taylor-EX Jason Bradshaw/Matt Logan-DNF Time: 100.33
Heat 5: 1^st Jason Bradshaw/Matt Logan 2^nd Jason Trewin/William Beanham 3^rd Bill King/Chris Ewen Tim Bannon/Peter Taylor-DNF Time: 101.39
Heat 6: 1^st Andrew Cleave/Dave Power 2^nd Col Winzar/Matt Newton-King 3^rd John Rasmussen/Nathan Chisholm Paul Birch/Matt Smailes-N/S Time: 101.51
Heat 7: 1^st Andrew Cleave/Dave Power 2^nd Jason Bradshaw/Matt Logan 3^rd Col Winzar/Matt Newton-King 4^th Bill King/Chris Ewen Time: 100.29
Heat 8: 1^st Jason Trewin/William Beanham 2^nd John Rasmussen/Nathan Chisholm 3^rd Tim Bannon/Peter Taylor Paul Birch/Matt Smailes-N/S Time: 102.15
Heat 9: 1^st Andrew Cleave/Dave Power 2^nd Jason Trewin/William Beanham 3^rd Bill King/Chris Ewen 4^th John Rasmussen/Nathan Chisholm Time: 101.16
Heat 10: 1^st Jason Bradshaw/Matt Logan 2^nd Col Winzar/Matt Newton-King 3^rd Tim Bannon/Peter Taylor Paul Birch/Matt Smailes-N/S Time: 101.98
Sidecar Heat Points
Andrew Cleave/Dave Power 15 Points (maximum), Jason Bradshaw/Matt Logan 11pts, Col Winzar/Matt Newton-King 10pts, Jason Trewin/William Beanham 8pts, Bill King/Chris Ewen 6pts, John Rasmussen/Nathan Chisholm 5pts, Tim Bannon/Peter Taylor 2pts, Paul Birch/Matt Smailes 1
Sidecar Final
1^st Andrew Cleave/Dave Power 2^nd Col Winzar/Matt Newton-King Jason Trewin/William Beanham-EX Jason Bradshaw/Matt Logan-EX Time: 101.28

Solos
Heat 1: 1^st Ashley Jones 2^nd Matt Jones 3^rd Dean Coles 4^th Gordon Young Time: 102.79
Heat 2: 1^st Ivan Coil 2^nd Tony Strybosch 3^rd Gordon Young Time: 107.36
Heat 3: 1^st Ashley Jones 2^nd Matt Jones Tony Strybosch-EX (crash) Dean Coles-DNF Time: 102.81
Heat 4: 1^st Ivan Coil 2^nd Matt Jones Gordon Young-DNF Time: 105.79
Heat 5: 1^st Ashley Jones 2^nd Ivan Coil 3^rd Dean Coles Tiny Strybosch-DNF Time: 103.81
Heat 6: 1^st Ashley Jones 2^nd Matt Jones 3^rd Gordon Young Time: 102.91
Heat 7: 1^st Dean Coles 2^nd Tony Strybosch Ivan Coil-DNF Time: 104.50
Solo Heat Points:
Ashley Jones 12 point (maximum), Ivan Coil 8pts, Matt Jones 8pts, Deam Coles 5pts, Tony Strybosch 4pts, Gordon Young 2prs.
Solo Final

1^st Ashley Jones 2^nd Dean Coles 3^rd Matt Jones 4^th Ivan Coil Time: 104.62

4..........Glenn Russell sends his report from Gosford..................

                             ..........................The NSW Sidecar Championship was won for the 7th time by Darrin Treloar who was unbeaten in his 5 qualifying rides and also won the final. He was gating very quickly and on only one occasion did he have to come from the  back. That was in his second ride when he was outgated by the improving Tamworth rider Jim-Bob Turner. Darrin however passed Turner on the 2nd lap with a good inside manoeuvre after convincing Turner he was going round the outside.
            Second place in the final was Queensland visitor Bill Sewell Jnr with local star Grant Bond taking the 3rd place trophy after being excluded in the final for crossing the inside line.
            Prior to that Gavin Edwards was excluded for losing his replacement passenger. This was after his original passenger was injured during a first corner incident in the first attempt to stage the final. Gavin was awarded the 4th place trophy.
            The three placegetters in the final also met in Heat 17 after they had all won their previous 4 races. This was the race of the night with Darrin Treloar winning the heat, but behind him a battle royal developed firstly between Neil Turner and Bond, and then between Sewell and Bond. Bond put in
a great effort to pass Turner shooting up the inside when Turner went wide in the first corner of Lap 3, and set off after Sewell. Bond really put the pressure on but was unable to find a way through by the time the chequered flag was shown.

Qualifying Points
Neil Turner 8
Gavin Edwards 11
Greg Allen 4
Mick Saunders 2
Paul Slade 2
Mark Griffiths DNR
Jim-Bob Turner 10
Bill Sewell Jnr 14
Rob Kemp 6
Grant Bond 13
Murray Fyfe 4
Chris Pym 9
Graham Sipple 7
Steve Houston 10
Darrin Treloar 15
Ms Alana Harrington 2

Final
Treloar, Sewell, Bond (exc leaving track), Edwards (fell exc)

In the Solo Support races Mick Poole had a good night, being unbeaten and also setting a new 2 lap record in the final of the shoot out. Dean Wiseman also continued his good form of recent weeks.

Results
Scratch Series
Heat 1 Mick Poole, Dean Wiseman, Dave Stevens, Darren Wade (f rem)
Heat 2 Stephen Davies, Ben Shields, Leigh Fernance, Paul Parlett
Consolation Fernance, Stevens, Parlett, Wade (f exc)
Final Poole, Davies, Shields, Wiseman
Stars Scratch Poole, Davies, Wiseman, Shields
B Handicap Stevens (20), Parlett (Gate), Fernance (40)

Solo Shoot out
Heat 1 Poole, Davies, Wiseman, Shields (shields eliminated)
Heat 2 Poole, Wiseman, Davies (Davies eliminated)
Final Poole, Wiseman 31.16 (new 2 lap record)

King of the ring
This is a series of 2 lap match races where the winner stays on to meet the
next challenger. Riders are seeded from bottom to top in order of perceived
ability. The top seed only has to ride in one race.
Heat 1 Stevens, Parlett
Heat 2 Stevens, Wade
Heat 3 Stevens, Fernance
Heat 4 Wiseman, Stevens
Heat 5 Wiseman, Shields
Heat 6 Davies, Wiseman
Heat 7 Poole, Davies

             Was talking to Jaye Stevens during the meeting. As you may remember he was injured during a Long Track meeting earlier this season. He has made progress from his injuries and is planning to ride at the new Barleigh Ranch Speedway at Raymond Terrace next Saturday 11th March.
               He sends his best wishes to all the supporters at Oxford and hopes to be
back there one day. He indicated that he will be taking it easy for a while and not take many risks so as to get his confidence back.
               Next Meeting at Gosford will be on Saturday 20th May.
              The next one after that is scheduled for Sunday June 11th in the afternoon.

Glenn Russell