STEWART GOES BACK-TO-BACK IN GLADSTONE

MEDIA RELEASE | QUEENSLAND SPEEDCAR RACING ASSOC

Harry Stewart (Titan Garages Spike/Esslinger BB 7) scored an emphatic win in the Bob Baker Queensland Championship at the McCosker Gladstone on Saturday June 6 winning by 6.5 seconds in the non-stop 30-lap event. He became the first driver to go back-to-back since Ross Kiehne in 1988 and 89.

Stewart started the feature on pole along side Scott Farmer (GSA Advanced Machining Spike/Stanton SR 11X) with Casey O’Connell and Aston Rodriguez (Vic) on the second row and Kacy Black and Scott Doyle in row 3. On the green Stewart powered into the lead with Farmer, O’Connell, and Rodriguez in tow. Behind them was plenty of action with Black, Doyle, and Darren Vine in close company. Cody O’Connell (Millo Motorsport Spike/Stanton SR 11X) dropped back early after some contact but quickly began to pick off cars.

When the leaders encountered traffic Stewart made easy work of the lapped cars while Farmer was momentarily held up. After a DNF in his last heat and a car still showing some effects of that crash, Hayden Williams (NZ) was advancing through the field after starting from P 11. By manhandling the car and using his vast experience, he worked his way to fifth by lap 10.

Stewart continued to head the field with Farmer next followed by Casey O’Connell (Millo Motorsport Spike/Esslinger BB 7) and Aston Rodriguez. There was still plenty of interest further back with Cody O’Connell, Scott Doyle, Darren Vine, and Kacy Black racing in very close company. The leaders continued to lap cars and by the end of the race they would lap up to 6th place.

Stewart crossed the finish line to collect his second consecutive title with Farmer next while Casey slowed coming to the line and Rodriguez grabbed third while Casey coasted over the line for four. Williams was next home followed by Cody O’Connell, Vine, Black, Doyle, and Hailey Ferguson with thirteen cars finishing in total.

The night did not start well for Andrew Roeser (Lockyer Auto Air CP 3/Gaerte) when a noise was detected in the engine during ‘Engine Starts’. After unsuccessfully trying to restart the car, the decision as made to park it for the night.

The opening heat went to Victorian visitor Aston Rodriguez (P 1) who won comfortably from Scott Farmer (P  and Rusty Whittaker (P 4 - Oz-Tac Engineering Spike/Esslinger BB 7). Harry Stewart (P 1) cruised to the win in Heat 2 crossing the line ahead of Hayden Williams (P 4) and Casey O’Connell (P 6).

Heat 3 had some unwanted action when a couple of cars collided during lap 3 which saw Williams and Hailey Ferguson go over. When racing resumed Casey O’Connell (P 3) took the win from Scott Doyle (P 1) and Kacy Black (P 7). There were lots of passes in the last heat with Harry Stewart (P 9) and Aston Rodriguez (P 7) looking for every opportunity to score valuable qualifying points. Scott Farmer (P 1) won from Stewart and Darren Vine with Rodriguez fourth.

Both the Williams and Ferguson’s crews had to work hard and quickly to get their cars ready for the feature with the Williams’ car suffering damage to both ends of the Andy Hassan owned NSW 5. With help from other teams, they both made it in time but # 5 would be a handful.

Congratulations to Harry Stewart and his team and all the drivers who travelled to Gladstone to compete. It is always good when the race goes non-stop. Teenage sensation Aston Rodriguez created his own piece of history becoming the first Victorian to stand on the podium of a Queensland Title in its 80-year history.

This meeting also closed out the Oz-Tac Engineering Country Series for this season. Congratulations to Seth Atkinson and his small family team who continue to punch well above their budget. Well down.

This event brings the 2015 – 26 season to a close and it has been a big season celebrating the 90th year since speedcar racing began in Brisbane. It was highlighted by many blue-ribbon events including numerous tribute races, a special 90th anniversary event, a great 50-lapper, and a highly successful Queensland Championship. Next season will be even bigger with the Australian Speedcar Championship to be held at the Hi-Tec Oils Toowoomba Speedway on March 5 & 6. It has already created a lot of interest with many looking to join the division next season.

Like every speedway section sponsorship is especially important to allow the sport to grow. A huge thanks to our sponsors including Oz-Tac Engineering in Gympie and Nancy Baker who continues to support us in her late husband’s name. Every team has their own sponsors and they are important to keep them on the track.

Thank you to all the drivers, crews and officials who kept the wheels turning and things working smoothly. Most of all, a big thank you to all the fans who are a big part of the reason why we all do this.