High octane

The last round of the QLD – NSW Sprint Challenge this weekend kicks off with a new sponsor, as the Stanthorpe RSL Services Club has taken over the sponsorship of the event.
This weekend’s event has smashed all records as far as entries are concerned, with over a hundred and forty competitors to face the starter over the weekend. The best line-up of racing machinery ever seen at Carnell Raceway will be competing at the event, which will provide some top motor sport action.
With the point-score in both the short circuit racing and the sprint challenge still too close to call and still wide open as far as an outright winner, there are still about ten drivers in contention for an outright championship win.
The last round saw some very close racing in the short circuit events. Tamworth’s Bruce Worgan, running a Holden Commodore in the Improved Production over 2000cc class, was the star at the last round, winning six events and finishing second in the other. Worgan holds the outright lead with 90 points.
Warwick’s hard driving Errol Stratford in a very quick Ford Escort competing in the Improved Production under 2000cc is a close second on 82 points. Tamworth’s David Rogers in a Ford Falcon is holding down third place on 68 points, and will be the one to watch. The defending champion, Forest Hill competitor Cec Morgan in a Ford Escort MK1 competing in the Sport Sedan class with 64 points, is still in contention in fourth spot.
On the super sprint side, things are really hotting up. The current points leader, Tyronne Bauer in a Subaru WRX, has been top gun in the last two rounds leads on 70 points, but he will not be contesting the event, due to other commitments. Manly’s open wheeler driver Vern Hamilton in his Elfin 623 racing car is holding down second place on the points table, with 66 points. The reigning sprint champion, NSW’s Nicholas Contojohn driving a Subaru WRX STI, is on 59 points and is going to be the man to watch as he will be out to retain his championship crown. The dark horse in the pack, Gatton’s Will Vernon in a Nissan S13 Silvia, is on 58 points; this is only Vernon’s second trip to Stanthorpe.
Stanthorpe will be well represented by John Eldridge in his RB Corolla open wheel racing car. Eldridge is always on the pace and holds down second place in the class on 40 points. Doug Chippendale, the reigning class champion in Pre 1972 Classic Touring Cars, is holding equal first place with Gold Coast’s Kent Larsen in a Ford Escort; both are on 45 points. It will go right down to the wire at the weekend and this will be the most interesting class to watch. Amiens’ Gerry White will make his first appearance at the circuit in a Raw Fulcrum sport car which has been purchased in the UK, and is said to be the first of its kind in the country.
The teams have been great throughout the series for the Noel Simpson Memorial Shield. NSW are the 2011 shield holders and have a one-up lead over QLD, so NSW will start hot favourites to take the shield home in 2012.
Full catering will be available on the grounds and entry to the grounds is free.