Benaraby local leads the way for modified eighth mile racers
As a relative newcomer to the sport, Gladstone's Michael Cameron leads the way in Modified (Photo courtesy blacktrack.com.au)
Gladstone's Benaraby Raceway is expected to play host to an estimated 100 plus racers this weekend (Saturday 28 September) with entrants coming from all across South East Queensland to fight for titles in six different race brackets, with the points chase the closest ever seen in the Series' four year history.
Cameron heads to his home track with a seven point advantage over Warwick racer Ian Ham after being introduced to the Series at its Benaraby round last year, where Cameron took part after completing his licensing that day, finishing runner-up to eventual 2012 bracket winner Bob Frawley.
"I first started racing in the modified bracket last year, completing my licensing at the Benaraby JP Racing Eighth Mile Series event in July," said Cameron, a timber worker from Limestone Creek, Rockhampton.
"Once I successfully completed my licensing I was ecstatic to have them ask if I wanted to race, the team and I just jumped at the chance and after three qualifying passes and three races we found ourselves in the final facing off against Bob Frawley.
"All in all, it was one of the fastest and most nervous yet exhilarating days of my life, and I can't wait to relive that experience when I get on track for the 2013 finale."
As a relative newcomer to the sport, Cameron will be calling on all of his home track knowledge this weekend.
"Being my home track I guess there is some advantage – unlike the other rounds at Willowbank, Warwick and Roma where I had never competed before, at least I have some runs under my belt here and know where the finish line is!" laughed Cameron.
"It would be absolutely amazing to be able to take the Series win this time around, but it is so very close so anything could happen.
"I just hope I can get out there and give it the best I can for my team, and our sponsors Child's Emerald Tyre Service and Banyula Bulk Haulage.
"My family also have a lot to do with my racing so it would be great to deliver them a Series win – my sister Fiona and her husband Peter, as well as my mum Val and niece Shelby – as well as Shane Seawright who introduced me to this sport and has been a key supporter over the past year."
When you ask Cameron what he loves about the sport, he describes as "short, fast and furious".
"I am definitely hooked on this sport, ever since I was introduced to it and got on track for the first time I just haven't been able to get enough of it," said Cameron.
"It feels great to be leading the category in my very first JP Racing Eighth Mile Drag Racing Series heading in to the grand finale, I can't wait to get on track and battle it out this weekend.
"This Series is something really amazing; it is exciting and allows us to meet new people who have really helped us as beginners by being friendly and supportive as we have learned the ropes.
"Overall, drag racing is short, fast and furious, and I just love it."
Racers in all brackets are asked to nominate a 'home track' for the Series. Joining Cameron in leading the way to Benaraby Raceway will be points leaders Lyn Stewart (FG Loy & Sons Earthmoving Old School – Warwick), Caleb Oberg (Diamond T Products Junior Dragster – Willowbank), Simon Stevens (Queensland Nameplate Group Modified Bike – Willowbank), Andrew Lange (Ice Slushee Super Sedan – Willowbank) and Robert Winterburn (John William Auto Sales Super Street – Willowbank) - for the current points ladder (top five) please see the end of this release).
Benaraby Raceway's Grand Finale of the 2013 JP Racing Eighth Mile Drag Racing Series will take place on Saturday 28 September 2013. Gates open at 9.00am with qualifying from 12.00pm to 4.00pm and racing from 5.00pm onwards. Spectator tickets are available for $20.00 for adults and $15 for students with ID, while children 13 and under gain free admission.
For more information on the 2013 JP Racing Eighth Mile Drag Racing Series, including information on rules, how to enter and the points system, please visit to www.willowbankraceway.com.au.
Points ladder leading in to Grand Finale – Top Five
FG Loy & Sons Earthmoving OLD SCHOOL Bracket
- Lyn Stewart – Warwick – 104 points
- Peter Baczynski – Benaraby – 64 points
- Mark Petersen – Willowbank – 59 points
- Bob Mason – Willowbank – 56 points
- Randall Mohr – Roma – 34 points
RD Williams Excavator Parts MODIFIED BRACKET
- Michael Cameron – Benaraby – 92 points
- Ian Ham – Warwick – 85 points
- Jordan Radford – Willowbank – 58 points
- Mitchell Dell – Willowbank – 57 points
- Athol Jacobsen – Roma – 53 points
Ice Slushee SUPER SEDAN BRACKET
- Andrew Lange – Willowbank – 99 points
- Anthony Whyatt – Willowbank – 98 points
- Tom Parry – Benaraby – 93 points
- Gary Clarke – Willowbank – 89 points
- David Morris – Willowbank – 88 points
John William Auto Sales SUPER STREET BRACKET
- Robert Winterburn – Willowbank – 101 points
- Guy Henry – Willowbank – 96 points
- David Olsen – Willowbank – 94 points
- Terry Evans – Willowbank – 91 points
- Daryl Freeman – Willowbank – 87 points
- Brett McIlveen – Willowbank – 87 points
Queensland Nameplate Group MODIFIED BIKE BRACKET
- Simon Stevens – Willowbank – 94 points
- Matt Halpin – Willowbank – 92 points
- Paul Seawright – Roma – 92 points
- Noel Bartley – Benaraby – 81 points
- Shane Ball – Willowbank – 73 points
Diamond T Products JUNIOR DRAGSTER BRACKET
- Caleb Oberg – Willowbank – 102 points
- Dylan Leo – Willowbank – 96 points
- Christopher Schaper – Willowbank – 92 points
- Ethan Oberg – Willowbank – 92 points
- Alexis Barbeler – Benaraby – 91 points
- Zoe Curling – Willowbank – 91 points
