Sunday, 11 July 2010
Daniel Kirby
After a bumper 2009/2010 season, over 160 people gathered at the Warrnambool City Memorial Bowls Club last Saturday July 3 for the Annual Victorian Formula 500 Presentation Dinner.
General Manager of Sungold Stadium David Mills opened the night by welcoming Officials, Crews, Sponsors and all fans for a night to celebrate the past season with plenty of presentations to be done throughout the night.
The 2009/2010 Oval Express Formula 500 series was one of the biggest and best series yet with the overall Top 10 recognised for their achievements. Many contingency awards were also handed out throughout the series with all the winners mentioned.
Mills then thanked all of the sponsors from the Oval Express Series for their contributions to the 6 round series. It was also revealed that this upcoming season will see an expanded 8 round series starting later on December 30 at Western Speedway, Hamilton.
At the end of last season drivers in Victoria wanted something different with the result being the Jettco Triple Crown Series, a unique 3 round series with a new format. The overall Top 3 were announced with Young Victorian Liam Williams taking the overall win ahead of former National Champion Brock Hallett with 2008/2009 Victorian Rookie of the year, Steven Horton finishing 3rd.
Attention then turned to the KC Sheds and Garages/ Tri Steel Stampede Series. With single round wins going to Chad Sullivan, Jye O’Keeffe, Jesse Nicholas, Stewart Townley and James Arranyosi with Jack Lee winning multiple Rounds. The Top 10 in points then received trophies and prize money followed by a quick interview with Mills. 2nd year racer Steven Horton was officially crowned champion.
The past season was full of highlights and Victorian Formula 500 Association Commentator Daniel Kirby was interviewed by David Mills for his recap of the season. Kirby commentated at nearly every race in Victoria along with the Australian, Northern Territory and ACT Titles.
Former Stampede Series champion Dale Sinclair’s car was judged the Best Presented Car. After direct qualification into the Australian Title and multiple podium finishes, Jeremy Beddison was awarded with the Encouragement Award for his stand out season aboard the V45.
Victorian Chief Stewart Russell Brimacombe was awarded with the Presidents Award for his tireless efforts this season. Victorian Formula 500 Association chaplain Kevin Freeman awarded the Chaplains award to the entire Turner Racing Team for assisting Kevin getting back on his feet after his horrific crash at Hamilton during the opening round of the Oval Express series. The Turner team completely rebuilt the bent and busted PMP chassis of Freeman which means that Freeman will hit the track again next season.
Rookie of the year was hotly contested with Jye O’Keeffe taking out the top spot. Jesse Nicholas was second with Gerald Mabbitt third. Chad Sullivan won the time honoured Driver of the Year award. Steven Horton was second with the returning Greg Wickham taking the third spot.
The knowledge quiz was won by the Beddison/Willsher table with a hamper going to the winners.
The Best and Fairest Driver as voted by the drivers was won by Jack Lee with 12 votes. Ben McLeod and Ash Sinclair tied for second and third with 11 votes each.
The night wrapped up with various photos and videos of the past season being shown on the big screen.
Oval Express Formula 500 Series Top 10
1st- V88 Ben McLeod
2nd- V8 Chad Sullivan
3rd- GLB 4- Matt Brown
4th- V62 Liam Williams
5th- V5 Jack Lee
6th- V20 Simon Craven
7th- V10 Greg Wickham
8th- Q13/Aust 1 Brock Hallet
9th- V55 Jye O’Keeffe
10th- Q42 Mick Pronger
KC Sheds & Garages/Tri Steel Stampede Series Top 10
1st- V91 Steven Horton
2nd- V7 Dale Sinclair
3rd- V32 Mat Turner
4th- V51 Ash Sinclair
5th- V8 Chad Sullivan
6th- V10 Greg Wickham
7th- V13 Ian Smith
8th- V45 Jeremy Beddison
9th- V47 Jesse Nicholas
10th- V73 Marcus Heinrich
Jettco Triple Crown Series Top 3
1st- V62 Liam Williams
2nd- Q13/Aust 1 Brock Hallet
3rd- V91 Steven Horton
Best Presented Car- V7 Dale Sinclair
Encouragement Award- V45 Jeremy Beddison
President Award- Russell Brimacombe
Chaplains Award- Turner Racing Team
Rookie of the Year
1st- V55 Jye O’Keeffe
2nd- V47 Jesse Nicholas
3rd- V39 Gerald Mabbitt
Driver of the Year
1st- V8 Chad Sullivan
2nd- V91 Steven Horton
3rd- V10 Greg Wickham
The Victorian Formula 500 Association would like to thank Kristen and Emma Turner and Sharlene Zadow for their tireless work in organising the Presentation Dinner, for supplying the balloons, MC David Mills and all Officials, Drivers, Crews and Fans for making this night special
The Victorian Formula 500 Association would also like to thank the following People, Tracks and Sponsors for their valued support and help during the 2009/2010 season.
Sponsors
Oval Express Magazine- Phil and Michelle Jordison and Jon Evans
Max Dumesny Motorsport- Max Dumesny
Maxam Printing- Trevor Cottrell
Impact Racing – Max Dumesny Motorsport
Hoosier Racing Tire- Freddie Barker, Mandy Searle and Max Dumesny
Empire Graphics- Craig Bottrell
Swift Racing Products- Darren Mollenoyux
AG Racing Wings- Anthony Gittos
Upwright Enterprisers- Roy Wright
Spruce Enterprises- Lee Hardess
RTS Chassis Australia- Jock Baker and Ash Hicks
Lethal Race Wings- Leigh Van Ginneken
Phil Jordison Photography- Phil and Michelle Jordison
KC Sheds & Garages- Ken and Cheryl Willsher
Tri Steel- Mark Wiley
Jettco Developments- Stephen Bell
Officials
President/Chief Timing Officer- Chris Olsson
Oval Express Series Co-Coordinators- Penny and Kelvin Johnson and Chris Olsson
Commentator/Media Rep- Daniel Kirby
Stampede Series Co-Ordinator- Kristen Turner
Stampede Series assistants- Emma Turner and Charlene Zadow
Scrutineer/Quad Bike Rider- Paul Stevenson
Quad Bike Rider- Leigh Goodfellow
Chaplain- Kevin Freeman
Chief Stewart- Russell Brimacombe
Chief Catering Officer- Ann Brimacombe
Tracks
Western Speedway, Hamilton- Anne and Don Golding
Sungold Stadium/Premier Speedway, Warrnambool- David Mills
Simpson Speedway- Ken Buck
Mid Western Speedway, Darlington- Sandy Gardner
Laang Speedway- Damien Lee
Avalon Raceway- Jeff Drew
Blue Ribbon Raceway, Horsham
Drouin Speedway
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