Local Primed for Darwin Title Defence

Local racer Hayden Brown will attempt to back up his last season victory to successfully defend his Darwin Title in the Formula 500s this Saturday night at Darwin’s Roller Door Services NT Northline Speedway.

Earlier this month, the track hosted the Presidents Cup for Formula 500s over two big nights of racing, where Brown was unable to best interstater and former South Australian Champion Jack Bell (Vic) and his uncle, veteran Stephen Bell, who clinched first and second place respectively. However, while Brown was unable to secure the victory, his third-place finish has put him back in the game, following his mixed start to the 2016 season.

With the Bell pairing not nominated for this Saturday night’s event, Brown, who is also the Northern Territory Champion, will be looking to go back-to-back, after dominating last season’s Darwin Title proceedings, winning all three heat races and leading the feature race from start to finish and scored the victory, in only his second race meeting in Formula 500s. Hard-charger John Staynoff will also be one to watch off the back of his recent victories, while Boysie Bartholdt has also proven to be consistently fast. Completing the field will be Scott Leonhardt, Casey Hills, Ellie Hills, Daniel White, Gavin Jaenke, Cori Jackson and Joseph Baronet.

Also returning to Northline Speedway will be the Open Sprintcars and it will be rookie Chris Harrison in the spotlight yet again, following his two previous feature-race wins. Steven Ling will look to go back-to-back and defeat Harrison, while Luke Robinson will hope to move up through the ranks to clinch the top spot, off the back of his recent third-place finish. Third generation racer Jason McIver will join the pack, along with fast-paced Chace Karpenko, and both are sure to be front runners. Keith Phelps is not to be discounted, having shown good pace, while Mark Robinson, David Ling and another rookie Caleb Gotts will also return.

Following an impressive 1-2 finish earlier this month, the brother-sister duo of Zack and Aleisha Grimshaw will be setting their sights on mirroring this result in the Junior Sedans, while previous feature-race winners Isaiah Strong and Nathan Downs will look to prevent it. Joining the fray will be the Dennis Brothers, Daniel and Nicholas, Brodee Everett, Xavier Gotts and Lance Carew.

The locals will attempt to best interstater Sam Borlini (WA) in the Wingless Sprints, after his recent feature-race win. Josh Norman and Sean Tiedeman filled the minor podium places and will be vying to score the first-place honours. Also joining the fray will be Kyle Wiseman.

In the Speedway Karts, Rebecca Pearce will be a likely front-runner, following her recent performance which saw her claim the feature-race win, while Darrin Uniacke will be looking to hinder her chances. Kirsty Driver will hope to repeat her recent form to clinch a podium finish, while Steve Driver will be challenging her. Joining the field will be Dennis Banicek, Tim Fry, Alison Fry, Tristan Roulston and Tony Brown.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION:
Times:
Gates Open: 4:30pm
Racing from: 6pm

Prices:
Adults: $20.00
Family: $40.00 (2 Adults and 2 Children between 12 & 15 years)
Children under 12: FREE
Concession Holders: $5

Food and beverages:
Northline Speedway has two full-time track canteens and two Vendors on each race night. Two Bar facilities available in turn one and in the member’s bar on each race night.
BYO: It is permitted, but strictly NO GLASS. Full Bar facilities are available at track.

Track address:
Hidden Valley Motorsports Complex, Hidden Valley Rd, Hidden Valley, NT 0822

For more information about Darwin’s Roller Door Services NT Northline Speedway, visit their website: www.darwinspeedway.com.au. You can LIKE them on Facebook by searching Northline Speedway or find them on Twitter, Instagram and Snapchat by searching Northline Speedway.

NOMINATIONS:

Open Sprintcars:
David Ling
Keith Phelps
Steven Ling
Chris Harrison
Chace Karpenko
Luke Robinson
Mark Robinson
Caleb Gotts
Jason McIver

Junior Sedans:
Zack Grimshaw
Aleisha Grimshaw
Nicholas Dennis
Brodee Everett
Daniel Dennis
Isaiah Strong
Nathan Downs
Xavier Gotts
Lance Carew

Formula 500s:
Boysie Bartholdt
Scott Leonhardt
Ellie Hills
Daniel White
Gavin Jaenke
Cori Jackson
Hayden Brown
John Staynoff
Joseph Baronet
Casey Hills

Wingless Sprints:
Josh Norman
Sean Tiedeman
Kyle Wiseman
Sam Borlini

Speedway Karts:
Dennis Banicek
Kirsty Driver
Tim Fry
Alison Fry
Steve Driver
Darrin Uniacke
Tristan Roulston
Tony Brown
Rebecca Pearce

-ENDS-
Northline Speedway Media Enquiries: Daniel Powell from Redline Media
Mobile: 0432 126 210
Email: daniel@redlinemedia.com.au
Website: www.redlinemedia.com.au

Photo courtesy of Nakita Pollock Photography.