Thursday, 14 January 2010
Dennis Newlyn
Only 53 points separate the top three in the NSW Premier Formula 500 Drivers' Series heading into the next round at Lismore Speedway this Saturday night.
In one of the most keenly contested tournaments in years, the Formula 500s take centre stage in Lismore this weekend as NSW star Michael Baxter will attempt to protect his point lead in the series.
He has a 44-point advantage over Kenny Norman, while Scott Siemsen trails nine points behind Norman in third.
Just to make the series even more interesting veteran Formula 500 racer Roy Urpeth (NSW) is also in strong contention, just eight points adrift of Siemsen.
It sets the scene for what will obviously be one of the most vital rounds of the state-wide tournament.
Over twenty drivers from Queensland and NSW have entered. They will contest three rounds of eight lap heats in the preliminary events before the 20 lap feature race goes under the flag. Each round will consist of two heats, while the highest point scorer from the qualifying heats will start from the rear of the field in the main event.
It's an exciting programme format that should produce close and very intense Formula 500 action on the tight Lismore Speedway bull ring.
“We don't programme the Formula 500s all that often at the Lismore venue, but I must say that every time I have had them on the programme they have exceeded all my expectations and Saturday night will not be an exception,” Lismore Speedway promoter David Lander said.
Baxter has enjoyed a great series to date, but this round looms as one of the toughest as Norman also has been in white hot form.
The series is supported by the NSW branch of the National Association of Speedway Racing (NASR) – the chief controlling body of the sport in this country.
Most of the Formula 500 cars are powered by Yamaha R6 engines and these tiny cars are not only very exciting, but look in appearance like a small version of a sprintcar.
The Formula 500s will be supported by Lightning Sprints, Dwarf Cars, AMCA Nationals Sedans, Street Stocks, Four Cylinder Sedans and Junior Sedans.
Lander will continue his gate admission policy of all children under 12 accompanied by an adult admitted free of charge for this meeting.
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