Edition 25

Who is Highline Magazine Editor: Brett Swanson Artist/Layout; Andy Ticehurst Contributors; Kaylene Oliver, Grant Woodhams, Andy Ticehurst.

Photographers: Brett Swanson – Pirate Media Kieran Swanson – Pirate Media Andy Ticehurst – Andy Ticehurst Media Brett Williams – Lone Wolf Photography Rachel Cooper - Inaction Photos Leigh Reynolds - Inaction Photos Geoff Gracie (SA) Wayne Martin (WA)

www.HighlineMagazine.com.au

Cover – Main. Nakita Pollock captured James Mc Fadden adding yet another feature win to what has been a great season so far amidst all the Chariots of Thunder Razza mattaz.

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Darwin 2019 “The Scales”

Nakita Pollock

k Photo.

/HIGHLINE-MAGAZINE

Editorial Welcome to edition 25.

Chariots of Thunder Top level speedway choices are very limited in the cold winter months in southern Australia.

Traditionally your only realistic option was to make the expensive pilgrimage to the land of stars, stripes and Sprintcars, the USA, to take in the Knoxville Nationals or either the Indiana, Ohio or Pennsylvania Sprint/Speedweek’s or better yet all of them.

Over the past few seasons however, a new alternative has been emerging. A home grown alternative – Darwin’s Chariots of Thunder.

The Chariots of Thunder or COT in its abbreviated form, has grown to the point now that it is pretty much a must see or do event for any hard-core Australian Sprintcar fan.

Over consecutive weekends, teams and fans assemble in Australia’s tropical north, for four nights of “Winter” Sprintcar action with an optional week between exploring Australia’s Northern Territory, and best of all, it’s all done in a nice, warm, climate.

Darwin has always been remote and metaphorically distant from main stream Australian speedway, with its season running arse-about to the rest of the country, and a huge haul to get there from just about anywhere, but the local government, in contrast to most other state

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PIRATES POINT OF VIEW

governments, has been very supportive of the motorsport culture in the top end and hence we’ve seen the development of the Hidden Valley Motorsports venue and along with that the redevelopment of the accompanying and previously existing Darwin Speedway.

Taking advantage of this support the Darwin club have worked hard to set out and build a successful annual event that has grown to become one of Australia’s premier speedway carnivals at one of our premier speedway venues.

While it will never rival Warrnambool’s Grand Annual Sprintcar Classic for a number of reasons, it is none the less a seriously successful festival of speedway.

The club have gone all out with unprecedented live streaming of the races and the assembly of a top class on track and on screen ensemble of talking heads and the teams too have given it their wholehearted support as well.

Former Territorian now Warrnambool domiciled James McFadden flew back from a prime World of Outlaws stint with Kasey Kahne Racing to honour his previous commitment before jetting back to the USA to resume his time in the Kahne number nine.

Victorians Jack Lee, Rusty Hickman, Jamie Veal and many other southern staters headed north helping the Darwin club achieve their aim of a 50 car field and helping to grow and support the sport in the tropical top end.

For years, many locals like Chase Karpenko, the David family and others have spent their money to travel south and improve their own racing ability against the countries best. Now the countries best are heading north such is the stature of this event.

With all this in mind we thought why not bring the COT to our worldwide readers, and with their usual happy enthusiasm, the club have grabbed the opportunity wholeheartedly and for that we thank them and wish them all the continued success for COT and their domestic season.

This is definitely no cot case.

Stiffy getting hard.

Word from Ballarat’s Greg Raggatt, himself a former racer and car owner for Matthew Reed, is that Shane “Stiffy” Stephenson is going to make a return to the Sprintcar ranks this season.

/HIGHLINE-MAGAZINE

The 50 year Stephenson was part of the inaugural SRA Super Sprint Series in his rookie season

of 1995/96 when he shared a car with his brother Scott. Stiffy always showed speed and promise but a massive budget deficit never allowed him to truly or consistently display his form or ability, nor to have a lengthy career.

Stiffy has stayed involved spending some time in a Formula V8 sedan and helping out his mates and the Belmont Speedway Club at their track - Redline Raceway.

For his part Raggatt is looking forward to having fun once more with his mate, while not having to sleep in cars on the roadside like the last time they played with Sprintcars.

No doubt Stiffy will be hard-on the gas.

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Eureka it’s 25!

The Eureka Garages and Sheds Sprintcar Series will enter its 25th season this year while also representing Eureka Garages and Sheds seventeenth straight season as naming rights sponsor.

Big congratulations to both the Sprintcar Racing Association and Dominic Sabatino and his crew from Eureka Garages and Sheds for their continued support and success in what is without doubt the toughest and best domestic Sprintcar series in the country.

James Davison Years ago the path to Indianapolis was through the dirt and asphalt tracks of Midgets (Speedcars), Sprintcars and the Silver Crown cars or Champcars/Bigcars as they were known at the time.

The likes of A J Foyt, Mario Andretti, Parnelli Jones and others all got the

PIRATES POINT OF VIEW

chance to run the INDY 500 based on their success in the other cars on the daunting tracks like Eldora, Langhorne, Reading, Winchester, Dayton, Salem and others.

No Australian ever trod the wellworn path of progression to an Indy ride in this fashion.

Nowadays, the path to Indy is very

racers, is an Indy racer and despite the struggles to make it, did make it and actually led laps, purely on merit, in the 500.

Davo has carved out a nice living in the USA racing Sports cars and Indy cars but now the youngest of Jon Davison’s sons has done the reverse and taken on the high banks in a Silver Crown car. Why? No one has done this since probably the 70’s and maybe just the early 80’s!

When was the last time an Indy racer raced Winchester? How knows but even then it would have been someone who came up through the ranks and had raced there before making it to Indy.

different, bring some cash – preferably lots of it – have a road racing background and you may have a shot.

Aussie James Davison, a third generation of Aussie open wheel

Davo is different and from all accounts he held his own and in doing so won himself a bunch of new fans and no doubt some respect from other racers and hopefully the attention of a few more car owners.

/HIGHLINE-MAGAZINE

and soul and dedication to two things in his sporting life – Speedway and Football – Jason Crowe.

We attempted to contact James but he was busy racing at the Goodwood festival of speed and was unable to give us some thoughts on his latest oval track experience but we here at Highline say, Good on you James for doing something different just because you could and Jason has to give something back to the sport been at the – well done. forefront of bringing our When World’s Colide sport, specifically anything It’s no wonder our great sport strug- Sedan related, gles to get the media recognition into the techthat we all crave for it when those in nological era. charge make absolutely ridiculous decisions.

I’ve personally had the opporDennis Newlyn is the doyen of tunity to work Australian Speedway Media and with Jason through his lifelong efforts Dennis at a massive is still able to get coverage in main- National Championship and know stream media publications, but it first-hand how hard and how well is also because of his passion, his he puts these shows together from skills, his memory, his integrity and the media perspective including his his knowledge and commitment to own, near perfect on track comthe sport. We at Highline feel hum- mentary and instant and constant bled and privileged whenever Den- twitter, facebook and other on-line nis allows us to use some of his updates, so you could imagine my work, or better yet gives us an exsurprise and incredulity when I read clusive story. the below statement put out by Jason on September 15th.

On the other side of the country there is a man who has been recToday the Speedway Sedans ognised nationally by our peak Australia Board decided not governing body on numerous octo renew my position as Media casions as being in the same vein.

Manager of the organisation.

Someone who has given his heart 8

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thanks for the friendships.

Jason Crowe Those in charge of the SSA (Speedway Sedans Australia) clearly have no idea how good they had it. They had better coverage than the privileged Sprintcars ever have had and they had it all at a fraction of the price of what they should have paid.

Whatever “Superstar” has talked his way into the job will need to be something special, and to be honest, I can’t think of anyone out there capable of doing the job to the standard and with the dedication that Jason did. He didn’t do it for the money! He did it for the sport.

I have been the Media Manager since 2008, and since then, have written more than 10,000 articles and attended every National Title (bar three) in that time, and given my all to the Sport I love.

I respect their decision, however that does not mean I am not absolutely gutted by the decision.

I will see out the remainder of my time as Secretary of Speedway Sedans WA (30 June 2020).

This comment posted on Jason’s facebook page after his announcement pretty much sums it up.

Pretty devastating for our sport.

You have been so amazing and taken the sport to such a professional level. You are so highly respected and I really hope we still get to catch up with you around the tracks anyway.

Thanks for all your hard work over the years you’re a legend.

Cheers.

This therefor will be my last release. Thank you to everyone I have met over the journey, and /HIGHLINE-MAGAZINE

Chariots of Thunder

CHARIOTS SERIES DRAWS THE NATION’S BEST TO THE TOP END...

STORY: BENNIE BISHOP IMAGES: NAKITA POLLOCK & BARB TE IRI

W

ith the promise of “More than just a race,” the 2019 Ostijic Chariots of Thunder Series at Darwin’s 7Mate Northline Speedway has now convincingly been established as a jewel in the crown of the Australian Speedway industry.

Since 2006, the series has slowly grown, running annually in the Darwin dry season (with the exception of 2015) and according to former series winner and now “Sport Manager” for the series, Jason McIver, the long term vision for the four-round contest is starting to be realised.

“We had pretty lofty goals this year but we never anticipated having 50 cars for our thirteenth year, and an impressive depth of quality as well.

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But I guess it underscores our slogan, that the teams are coming for more than just a race. They’re coming to escape the southern winter and get four nights of racing in eight days, while spending the week in between taking in our unique tourism opportunities in the top end as well.”

“We’re privileged to have a great venue and don’t want it to be wasted, so we had to create a point of difference to entice teams to travel 3000km to be here. So now, the best in the country have begun to make it an annual season opener to try new equipment while battling for one of the biggest single-track series purses in the nation.”

Events Manager Jacalin Ekins echoed McIver’s thoughts but

was still determined to establish the event’s profile in the Northern territory community calendar with creative promotions that steal the attention of the non-speedway fan.

ing a key issue going forward.

“This is a club-run venue, and so it’s only fair that local drivers in support divisions have the opportunity to race in front of the biggest crowds of the season, however this year the nights “We have some really unique opportuwere later than we wanted and so that’s nities for promotional activations in the Northern Territory and that’s what we’ve a key issue for us that we will address going forward. Having said that, it’s a focussed on. For example, our Motorgood problem to have, when there’s not cade that tows around twenty Sprintcars through the Darwin CBD at lunch- enough time to meet the demand for time on the Thursday prior to the series the number of racers that want to compete here.” starting is something you wouldn’t find anywhere else in Australia. The cars The 2019 event had everything except are idling and revving and it echoes through the street and buildings and it’s tyre wear, with ECP Racing crew chief something that is well worth the effort to Nick Speed labelling the track surface as “magic dirt” that produced a raceget the Darwin public talking.” track on night two that his driver Robbie Farr referred to as “the slickest surface The growth in car count has created other challenges however, with schedul- in Australia he’d ever seen.

/HIGHLINE-MAGAZINE

But the slick track wasn’t suitable for everyone’s style, with unusual carnage on all four nights as a result of drivers struggling to come to terms with a surface that was vastly different to anything they’d ever tackled before.

James McFadden returned for the first round of the series, fresh from claiming the Knoxville 360 Nationals stateside just a fortnight earlier. Reigning WSS Champ Steve Lines claimed the first night’s $10k offering as reigning Chariots champion James McFadden fell victim to cut right-rear while running second, before leader Jamie Veal couldn’t avoid a struggling Jye O’Keeffe at mid race distance. Meanwhile, Jackson Delamont had assumed the last position on the grid as the first reserve but owned the pole line to take second and the Hoosier Hard Charger award, surviving a last corner crash between Ben Atkinson Snr and Jock Goodyer battling for the final spots on the podium. As a result, Danny Reidy inherited the third spot.

Round two was labelled the Tristar Cup, and produced another retirement for James McFadden before Tim Van Ginnekin collided with Rusty Hickman after the latter suffered a broken driveline.

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Jamie Veal however would dominate all the way to a win over a last-minute charge from Matt Egel and Ryan Jones.

After a week of servicing and relaxation in the 30 degree Darwin heat, the teams returned for the “Defend the Top End” third round, which would prove to be the most controversial of the series. Robbie Farr started from pole alongside Veal on a far more hooky track than the weekend previous.

Farr would lead the race from the start constantly threatened by Veal, while James McFadden would campaign from the 17th spot on the grid, making it to third in the final third of the 30 lap main event.

Farr looked untouchable until the final lap where he was snookered by a backmarker, rapidly losing speed and into the path of a fast-closing McFadden who slammed into Farr’s left side, dislodging the #NQ7 and allowing Veal to steal the win ahead of McFadden and Steven Lines to pass Farr for third.

The final night was a deviation to the prior three formats, with the Pope 65 Challenge offering the highest qualifier the opportunity to start from the back for a bonus $25,000 to take the win. Veal took the challenge, allowing James McFadden and Rusty Hickman to share the front row. /HIGHLINE-MAGAZINE

Veal had reached third as the last ten laps dawned, and then dislodged Hickman for second with just six laps remaining, before McFadden baulked on the final lap behind James Inglis to allow Veal within a car-length, only to hold on and win the final round and deny the SWi Racing #35 a $40k payday by just half a second. Veal however would still salvage the overall series win and bonus $5,000.

The 2020 dates have been locked in to fit with the change of the traditional Knoxville Nationals schedule, with the weekends of August 21-22 and 28-29 14

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hosting the four rounds, with some new and creative promotional activations already in planning for the mid-week events.

/HIGHLINE-MAGAZINE

nship at the same venue when he was taken out of the event in someone else’s wreck.

Steven Lines in the Brian Hall WA3 was a surprise winner of the USC round at Warrnambool recently. What’s so surprising about Lines winning, right? The reason it was surprising was that James McFadden in the Monte WA17 was lead o

Steven Lines would open his account with the win on night one in the Dave Ho 16Photo by Sphynx Photography HIGHLINE MAGAZINE

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ding all feature long until inexplicable spinning out of the lead a short distance from the chequered flag handing the win to Lines. Lines luck however, deserted him at the same venue a couple of weeks later in the Victorian Champi-

orrell Q83 and from there would be a consistently strong finisher /HIGHLINE-MAGAZINE

nship at the same venue when he was taken out of the event in someone else’s wreck.

Steven Lines in the Brian Hall WA3 was a surprise winner of the USC round at Warrnambool recently. What’s so surprising about Lines winning, right? The reason it was surprising was that James McFadden in the Monte WA17 was lead o

Local Cori Jackson gets a feel early on in the NT22.

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Photo by Sphynx Photo

ding all feature long until inexplicable spinning out of the lead a short distance from the chequered flag handing the win to Lines. Lines luck however, deserted him at the same venue a couple of weeks later in the Victorian Champi-

ography

/HIGHLINE-MAGAZINE

nship at the same venue when he was taken out of the event in someone else’s wreck.

Steven Lines in the Brian Hall WA3 was a surprise winner of the USC round at Warrnambool recently. What’s so surprising about Lines winning, right? The reason it was surprising was that James McFadden in the Monte WA17 was lead o

Two feature wins would seal the deal for Jamie Veal – the 2019 COT Champio

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ding all feature long until inexplicable spinning out of the lead a short distance from the chequered flag handing the win to Lines. Lines luck however, deserted him at the same venue a couple of weeks later in the Victorian Champi-

on.

Photo by Sphynx Photography

/HIGHLINE-MAGAZINE

nship at the same venue when he was taken out of the event in someone else’s wreck.

Steven Lines in the Brian Hall WA3 was a surprise winner of the USC round at Warrnambool recently. What’s so surprising about Lines winning, right? The reason it was surprising was that James McFadden in the Monte WA17 was leadi o

Marcus Dumesny (outside) runs wheel to wheel with West Australian Jason Pr

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ing all feature long until inexplicable spinning out of the lead a short distance from the chequered flag handing the win to Lines. Lines luck however, deserted him at the same venue a couple of weeks later in the Victorian Champi-

ryde.

Photo by Sphynx Photography

/HIGHLINE-MAGAZINE

nship at the same venue when he was taken out of the event in someone else’s wreck.

Steven Lines in the Brian Hall WA3 was a surprise winner of the USC round at Warrnambool recently. What’s so surprising about Lines winning, right? The reason it was surprising was that James McFadden in the Monte WA17 was lead o

The best result for the “Rock Star” Danny Reidy was a fortuitous 3rd on openin

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ding all feature long until inexplicable spinning out of the lead a short distance from the chequered flag handing the win to Lines. Lines luck however, deserted him at the same venue a couple of weeks later in the Victorian Champi-

ng night. Photo by Sphynx Photography

/HIGHLINE-MAGAZINE

nship at the same venue when he was taken out of the event in someone else’s wreck.

Steven Lines in the Brian Hall WA3 was a surprise winner of the USC round at Warrnambool recently. What’s so surprising about Lines winning, right? The reason it was surprising was that James McFadden in the Monte WA17 was lead o

Three wide with James Inglis WA80, “The General” Jack Lee V25 and Jye O’Kee feature that broke his collarbone and will sadly sideline him for some time. Pho 26 HIGHLINE MAGAZINE

| EDITION 25 |

ding all feature long until inexplicable spinning out of the lead a short distance from the chequered flag handing the win to Lines. Lines luck however, deserted him at the same venue a couple of weeks later in the Victorian Champi-

effe V42. Lee was to become the victim of a nasty wreck in the opening night oto by Sphynx Photography

/HIGHLINE-MAGAZINE

nship at the same venue when he was taken out of the event in someone else’s wreck.

Steven Lines in the Brian Hall WA3 was a surprise winner of the USC round at Warrnambool recently. What’s so surprising about Lines winning, right? The reason it was surprising was that James McFadden in the Monte WA17 was lead o

Another local in Simon Spitzbarth was looking for a solid result in his home sta

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ding all feature long until inexplicable spinning out of the lead a short distance from the chequered flag handing the win to Lines. Lines luck however, deserted him at the same venue a couple of weeks later in the Victorian Champi-

ate. Photo by Sphynx Photography

/HIGHLINE-MAGAZINE

nship at the same venue when he was taken out of the event in someone else’s wreck.

Steven Lines in the Brian Hall WA3 was a surprise winner of the USC round at Warrnambool recently. What’s so surprising about Lines winning, right? The reason it was surprising was that James McFadden in the Monte WA17 was lead o

WA’s Brett Barndon leads fellow statesman Trevor Jolly while former National V Photo by Sphynx Photography 30and fire.

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ding all feature long until inexplicable spinning out of the lead a short distance from the chequered flag handing the win to Lines. Lines luck however, deserted him at the same venue a couple of weeks later in the Victorian Champi-

V8 dirt Modified Champion Jai Stephenson races on despite a slight oil leak /HIGHLINE-MAGAZINE

nship at the same venue when he was taken out of the event in someone else’s wreck.

Steven Lines in the Brian Hall WA3 was a surprise winner of the USC round at Warrnambool recently. What’s so surprising about Lines winning, right? The reason it was surprising was that James McFadden in the Monte WA17 was lead o

More typical three wide action with Tom Callaghan WA50, Trevor Jolly WA18 a

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ding all feature long until inexplicable spinning out of the lead a short distance from the chequered flag handing the win to Lines. Lines luck however, deserted him at the same venue a couple of weeks later in the Victorian Champi-

and Matt Egel in the SA52.

Photo by Sphynx Photography

/HIGHLINE-MAGAZINE

nship at the same venue when he was taken out of the event in someone else’s wreck.

Steven Lines in the Brian Hall WA3 was a surprise winner of the USC round at Warrnambool recently. What’s so surprising about Lines winning, right? The reason it was surprising was that James McFadden in the Monte WA17 was lead o

Fresh from his first Knoxville Nationals campaign, Rusty Hickman didn’t have t 34the final night. Photo by Sphynx Photography HIGHLINE MAGAZINE

| EDITION 25 |

ding all feature long until inexplicable spinning out of the lead a short distance from the chequered flag handing the win to Lines. Lines luck however, deserted him at the same venue a couple of weeks later in the Victorian Champi-

the COT tour he was hoping for with his best result being a podium finish on /HIGHLINE-MAGAZINE

nship at the same venue when he was taken out of the event in someone else’s wreck.

Steven Lines in the Brian Hall WA3 was a surprise winner of the USC round at Warrnambool recently. What’s so surprising about Lines winning, right? The reason it was surprising was that James McFadden in the Monte WA17 was lead o

Matt Egel at speed in the SA52 in which he would finish runner up to veal in on

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ding all feature long until inexplicable spinning out of the lead a short distance from the chequered flag handing the win to Lines. Lines luck however, deserted him at the same venue a couple of weeks later in the Victorian Champi-

n night two.

Photo by Sphynx Photography

/HIGHLINE-MAGAZINE

nship at the same venue when he was taken out of the event in someone else’s wreck.

Steven Lines in the Brian Hall WA3 was a surprise winner of the USC round at Warrnambool recently. What’s so surprising about Lines winning, right? The reason it was surprising was that James McFadden in the Monte WA17 was lead o

Ryan Jones (left) has his scowling race face on while the wait to race is a bit ti

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| EDITION 25 |

ding all feature long until inexplicable spinning out of the lead a short distance from the chequered flag handing the win to Lines. Lines luck however, deserted him at the same venue a couple of weeks later in the Victorian Champi-

iresome for his rival.

Photo by Sphynx Photography

/HIGHLINE-MAGAZINE

nship at the same venue when he was taken out of the event in someone else’s wreck.

Steven Lines in the Brian Hall WA3 was a surprise winner of the USC round at Warrnambool recently. What’s so surprising about Lines winning, right? The reason it was surprising was that James McFadden in the Monte WA17 was lead o

Marcus Dumesny wings down in the primarily Valvoline sponsored N47.

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| EDITION 25 |

Pho

ding all feature long until inexplicable spinning out of the lead a short distance from the chequered flag handing the win to Lines. Lines luck however, deserted him at the same venue a couple of weeks later in the Victorian Champi-

oto by Sphynx Photography

/HIGHLINE-MAGAZINE

nship at the same venue when he was taken out of the event in someone else’s wreck.

Steven Lines in the Brian Hall WA3 was a surprise winner of the USC round at Warrnambool recently. What’s so surprising about Lines winning, right? The reason it was surprising was that James McFadden in the Monte WA17 was lead o

A smokey local, Danny Porter, cranks the NT9 in hard.

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| EDITION 25 |

Photo by Sphynx Pho

ding all feature long until inexplicable spinning out of the lead a short distance from the chequered flag handing the win to Lines. Lines luck however, deserted him at the same venue a couple of weeks later in the Victorian Champi-

otography

/HIGHLINE-MAGAZINE

nship at the same venue when he was taken out of the event in someone else’s wreck.

Steven Lines in the Brian Hall WA3 was a surprise winner of the USC round at Warrnambool recently. What’s so surprising about Lines winning, right? The reason it was surprising was that James McFadden in the Monte WA17 was lead o

At least this time Jamie O’Neill didn’t have any transporter troubles on his way

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| EDITION 25 |

ding all feature long until inexplicable spinning out of the lead a short distance from the chequered flag handing the win to Lines. Lines luck however, deserted him at the same venue a couple of weeks later in the Victorian Champi-

to the local speedway.

Photo by Sphynx Photography

/HIGHLINE-MAGAZINE

nship at the same venue when he was taken out of the event in someone else’s wreck.

Steven Lines in the Brian Hall WA3 was a surprise winner of the USC round at Warrnambool recently. What’s so surprising about Lines winning, right? The reason it was surprising was that James McFadden in the Monte WA17 was leadi o

Local runner Jason Gebert found himself in a spot of bother.

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| EDITION 25 |

Photo by Sphyn

ing all feature long until inexplicable spinning out of the lead a short distance from the chequered flag handing the win to Lines. Lines luck however, deserted him at the same venue a couple of weeks later in the Victorian Champi-

nx Photography

/HIGHLINE-MAGAZINE

nship at the same venue when he was taken out of the event in someone else’s wreck.

Steven Lines in the Brian Hall WA3 was a surprise winner of the USC round at Warrnambool recently. What’s so surprising about Lines winning, right? The reason it was surprising was that James McFadden in the Monte WA17 was lead o

The combination of young Tasmanian Jock Goodyer and Glen Beaton hasn’t s

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ding all feature long until inexplicable spinning out of the lead a short distance from the chequered flag handing the win to Lines. Lines luck however, deserted him at the same venue a couple of weeks later in the Victorian Champi-

shown it’s true potential yet – but it will.

Photo by Sphynx Photography

/HIGHLINE-MAGAZINE

nship at the same venue when he was taken out of the event in someone else’s wreck.

Steven Lines in the Brian Hall WA3 was a surprise winner of the USC round at Warrnambool recently. What’s so surprising about Lines winning, right? The reason it was surprising was that James McFadden in the Monte WA17 was lead o

Jackson Delamont and Chris McInerney run hard as they’ve done many times was as good as it got. Photo by Sphynx Photography 50 HIGHLINE MAGAZINE

| EDITION 25 |

ding all feature long until inexplicable spinning out of the lead a short distance from the chequered flag handing the win to Lines. Lines luck however, deserted him at the same venue a couple of weeks later in the Victorian Champi-

before. Delamont started out strong with a podium on opening night but that /HIGHLINE-MAGAZINE

nship at the same venue when he was taken out of the event in someone else’s wreck.

Steven Lines in the Brian Hall WA3 was a surprise winner of the USC round at Warrnambool recently. What’s so surprising about Lines winning, right? The reason it was surprising was that James McFadden in the Monte WA17 was lead o

James Inglis is turned around between Daniel Pestka (in his new SA74 ride) an

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| EDITION 25 |

ding all feature long until inexplicable spinning out of the lead a short distance from the chequered flag handing the win to Lines. Lines luck however, deserted him at the same venue a couple of weeks later in the Victorian Champi-

nd Jamie O’Neill NT24.

Photo by Sphynx Photography

/HIGHLINE-MAGAZINE

nship at the same venue when he was taken out of the event in someone else’s wreck.

Steven Lines in the Brian Hall WA3 was a surprise winner of the USC round at Warrnambool recently. What’s so surprising about Lines winning, right? The reason it was surprising was that James McFadden in the Monte WA17 was lead o

From this shot of Ben Atkinson Jnr you’d think that this pose is a Darwin thing a 54Photo by Sphynx Photography HIGHLINE MAGAZINE

| EDITION 25 |

ding all feature long until inexplicable spinning out of the lead a short distance from the chequered flag handing the win to Lines. Lines luck however, deserted him at the same venue a couple of weeks later in the Victorian Champi-

as it’s very similar to Jason Gebert’s effort earlier. /HIGHLINE-MAGAZINE

nship at the same venue when he was taken out of the event in someone else’s wreck.

Steven Lines in the Brian Hall WA3 was a surprise winner of the USC round at Warrnambool recently. What’s so surprising about Lines winning, right? The reason it was surprising was that James McFadden in the Monte WA17 was leadi o

Have you ever seen a more “chilled” drivers briefing?

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Photo by Sphynx Photo

ing all feature long until inexplicable spinning out of the lead a short distance from the chequered flag handing the win to Lines. Lines luck however, deserted him at the same venue a couple of weeks later in the Victorian Champi-

ography

/HIGHLINE-MAGAZINE

nship at the same venue when he was taken out of the event in someone else’s wreck.

Steven Lines in the Brian Hall WA3 was a surprise winner of the USC round at Warrnambool recently. What’s so surprising about Lines winning, right? The reason it was surprising was that James McFadden in the Monte WA17 was lead o

‘ 58A few familiar faces a long way from home.

HIGHLINE MAGAZINE

| EDITION 25 |

Photo by Sphynx Photography

ding all feature long until inexplicable spinning out of the lead a short distance from the chequered flag handing the win to Lines. Lines luck however, deserted him at the same venue a couple of weeks later in the Victorian Champi-

/HIGHLINE-MAGAZINE

nship at the same venue when he was taken out of the event in someone else’s wreck.

Steven Lines in the Brian Hall WA3 was a surprise winner of the USC round at Warrnambool recently. What’s so surprising about Lines winning, right? The reason it was surprising was that James McFadden in the Monte WA17 was lead o

Our author Bennie Bishop and crew hard at work.

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HIGHLINE MAGAZINE

| EDITION 25 |

Photo by Sphynx Photogra

ding all feature long until inexplicable spinning out of the lead a short distance from the chequered flag handing the win to Lines. Lines luck however, deserted him at the same venue a couple of weeks later in the Victorian Champi-

aphy

/HIGHLINE-MAGAZINE

nship at the same venue when he was taken out of the event in someone else’s wreck.

Steven Lines in the Brian Hall WA3 was a surprise winner of the USC round at Warrnambool recently. What’s so surprising about Lines winning, right? The reason it was surprising was that James McFadden in the Monte WA17 was lead o

Jamie Veal leads the four wide salute.

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HIGHLINE MAGAZINE

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Photo by Sphynx Photography

ding all feature long until inexplicable spinning out of the lead a short distance from the chequered flag handing the win to Lines. Lines luck however, deserted him at the same venue a couple of weeks later in the Victorian Champi-

/HIGHLINE-MAGAZINE

nship at the same venue when he was taken out of the event in someone else’s wreck.

Steven Lines in the Brian Hall WA3 was a surprise winner of the USC round at Warrnambool recently. What’s so surprising about Lines winning, right? The reason it was surprising was that James McFadden in the Monte WA17 was lead o

Luckily Dad’s not racing so we can use his tail tank! Marcus Dumesny with Ma

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ding all feature long until inexplicable spinning out of the lead a short distance from the chequered flag handing the win to Lines. Lines luck however, deserted him at the same venue a couple of weeks later in the Victorian Champi-

ax’s V5 tail inside of Jackson Delamont.

Photo by Sphynx Photography

/HIGHLINE-MAGAZINE

nship at the same venue when he was taken out of the event in someone else’s wreck.

Steven Lines in the Brian Hall WA3 was a surprise winner of the USC round at Warrnambool recently. What’s so surprising about Lines winning, right? The reason it was surprising was that James McFadden in the Monte WA17 was lead o

A couple of southerners in Warrnambool’s Jamie Veal and Winchelsea’s Ryan

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ding all feature long until inexplicable spinning out of the lead a short distance from the chequered flag handing the win to Lines. Lines luck however, deserted him at the same venue a couple of weeks later in the Victorian Champi-

Davis.

Photo by Sphynx Photography

/HIGHLINE-MAGAZINE

nship at the same venue when he was taken out of the event in someone else’s wreck.

Steven Lines in the Brian Hall WA3 was a surprise winner of the USC round at Warrnambool recently. What’s so surprising about Lines winning, right? The reason it was surprising was that James McFadden in the Monte WA17 was lead o

The fast but largely unlucky James McFadden. No one could doubt J-Macs co USA to jet back for his Darwin commitments before heading back stateside to Photo b 68and the Monte Motorsport team with a feature win on the final night.

HIGHLINE MAGAZINE

| EDITION 25 |

ding all feature long until inexplicable spinning out of the lead a short distance from the chequered flag handing the win to Lines. Lines luck however, deserted him at the same venue a couple of weeks later in the Victorian Champi-

ommitment to his team or the COT tournament leaving a winning ride in the resume his winning ways. All the effort was somewhat worth it for McFadden

by Sphynx Photography

/HIGHLINE-MAGAZINE

nship at the same venue when he was taken out of the event in someone else’s wreck.

Steven Lines in the Brian Hall WA3 was a surprise winner of the USC round at Warrnambool recently. What’s so surprising about Lines winning, right? The reason it was surprising was that James McFadden in the Monte WA17 was lead o

Warrnambool’s ring master Gavin White chats with the man he loves to call “Th

70

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ding all feature long until inexplicable spinning out of the lead a short distance from the chequered flag handing the win to Lines. Lines luck however, deserted him at the same venue a couple of weeks later in the Victorian Champi-

he Real Deal� Jamie Veal.

Photo by Sphynx Photography

/HIGHLINE-MAGAZINE

F R O M T H E V O LT W I T H G R A N T W O O D H A M S

Grenville, Alan & John

Photos Full Throttle Publishing and Pirate Media Group.

There was a song that

But I was reminded of the

was popular in my youth

more haunting Abraham,

that was called Abraham,

Martin and John recently

Martin and John. It was

when I saw a photo of

sung by Dion DeMucci.

three of Australia’s most

DeMucci had also penned successful and celebratthe song. DeMucci had

ed sedan drivers. I can’t

major hits with The Wan-

claim to have seen the

derer, Run Around Sue

beginning of speedway

and Ruby Baby. Songs

sedan racing in Austra-

that I used to hear over

lia but I grew up in and

the PA system at the

around the Stock Rods of

Sydney Showgrounds

Westmead, Windsor and

or Westmead Speed-

Kembla Grange so I have

way the favourite places

had a lifelong interest in

of my teenage years.

sedans in all their various

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shapes and sizes. Likewise, I have followed the careers and come to know a lot of the drivers over the years.

Nearly sixty years!

The Abraham, Martin and John photo I refer is the one on this page of Grenville Anderson, John Leslight and Alan Butcher. It would be harder to find three better exponents of the sport gathered together in one black and white photo.

And it is hard to know where to begin. I have seen them all race, probably my greatest disappointment knowing that John Leslight never won an Australian Title, but that is another story.

Between them there are 13 top three placings in Australian

/HIGHLINE-MAGAZINE

Super Sedan Championships. Butcher

(Fraser Park) in 1971 and the fact that

was also the inaugural Australian Late

Butcher and his wife Denyse were still

Model Champion at the Perth Motor-

racing and winning thirty years later a

plex in 2001-2002. Remarkably he’d

testament to their ability and dedica-

also won the Australian Grand National

tion to the sport. Butcher was a peren-

Title in Tasmania in 1984. In addition to

nial traveller and while not enjoying any

their Australian Title honours, the three

Title success in NSW he won Tasmanian

have at least a further twenty State

and Queensland Titles. The fact that he

top three’s. Leslight the standout with

won the first ever Australian Late Model

eight State Title wins in NSW and Qld.

title was no fluke. He knew speedway.

It is often claimed that Anderson was the

That’s Abraham and Martin and so now

greatest Australian sedan driver of all

to John. John Leslight, from northern

time. It is an interesting claim and I make

NSW (like Anderson) was similar to his

no judgement. I was privileged to see him Queensland neighbour Butcher. They at his brilliant best at Claremont Speed-

both had enormously long careers. Les-

way in Western Australia in 1978 when

light’s name in Titles first appearing in

he won his second Title at the wheel of

the Australian Title in 1981 where he

a Torana. Fifteen years later he would

ran third at Brooklyn in suburban Mel-

win his fourth and final Title at Latrobe

bourne. But he was racing long before

in Tasmania. In between times he won a

that and his name last appears in the Top

New South Wales Title and placed third

Three column in 2006-07 at Rockhamp-

in another, but his name does not appear ton in Queensland where he wins the in the placings of any other State Titles.

State Championship. Leslight was also a great traveller and ran a close second

Butcher’s career was far longer and

in the South Australian Title of 1995.

with arguably greater impact. Butcher had taken part in the first official ASCF

I don’t know the history behind the photo-

Sedan Title. It was held in Canberra at

graph or how the three came to be to-

the much vaunted Tralee Speedway

gether, although they would have met on

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and off different tracks on numerous oc-

ville Anderson would eventually suc-

casions over the years as they plied their

cumb to major injuries suffered at

trade, swapped paint and swung side-

Archerfield Speedway (Brisbane Inter-

ways and left at the end of the straight.

national) in 1993. He crashed during

They are all in racing suits. Leslight pre-

practice and would never race again

sumably sitting in the car he is competing finally passing away in 2004. When in and there is enough to make out that

the Australian Speedway Hall of Fame

it is a Torana, his favoured weapon for

was created in 2007 Anderson was

many years. All of them appear reason-

one of the first ten people inducted.

ably young, whether the night’s racing was behind or front of them unknown.

Ten years later in 2017 Alan Butcher would join his long-time rival Anderson

Sadly, as is well documented, Gren-

as a member of the Australian Speed/HIGHLINE-MAGAZINE

way Hall of Fame. Butcher was virtually a household name across the length and breadth of Australia and New Zealand. Many called him the King of Queensland and he appeared at over eighty different tracks in a career that started in the 1960’s and continued well into the 21st Century.

John Leslight has been retired from racing for over ten years now having spent more than 30 years competing in speedway sedan events across Australia, putting together one of the most impressive resumes we’re ever likely to see. Leslight for many was considered to be the perfect competitor. He was fierce and determined and totally professional. He had an attitude that fellow competitors respected. He was recognised as being fair and he treated every driver the same no matter their ability or reputation.

So there you have it, three of the best in one photo. Of course there are plenty of photos of drivers that capture some brilliant moments in our wonderful sport. And arguably it might be possible to assemble another three one day who were just as powerful, successful and massively entertaining as Grenville, Alan and John...

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To live through an era when these three produced a level of racing that has left us with enduring and lasting memories was truly a privilege.

With apologies to Dion DeMucci “Has anybody here seen my old friend Grenville, Can you tell me where he’s gone?

He raced for a lotta people, but it seems the good die young Has anybody here seen my old friend Allan, Can you tell me where he’s gone?

He raced for a lotta people, But I just looked around and he’s gone.

And Has anybody here seen my old friend John, Can you tell me where he’s gone?”

y d o o W /HIGHLINE-MAGAZINE

nship at the same venue when he was taken out of the event in someone else’s wreck.

Steven Lines in the Brian Hall WA3 was a surprise winner of the USC round at Warrnambool recently. What’s so surprising about Lines winning, right? The reason it was surprising was that James McFadden in the Monte WA17 was leading o

The Newcastle Nightmare Nathan Disney started his new Late Model season of 80 at Valvoline Raceway. Photo by Lone Wolf Photography HIGHLINE MAGAZINE

| EDITION 25 |

all feature long until inexplicable spinning out of the lead a short distance from the chequered flag handing the win to Lines. Lines luck however, deserted him at the same venue a couple of weeks later in the Victorian Champi-

ff in the best possible way with a feature win on opening night for the division

/HIGHLINE-MAGAZINE

nship at the same venue when he was taken out of the event in someone else’s wreck.

Steven Lines in the Brian Hall WA3 was a surprise winner of the USC round at Warrnambool recently. What’s so surprising about Lines winning, right? The reason it was surprising was that James McFadden in the Monte WA17 was leadi o

Matt Geering in the CoolDrive Sprintcar was in good early season form culmina

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ing all feature long until inexplicable spinning out of the lead a short distance from the chequered flag handing the win to Lines. Lines luck however, deserted him at the same venue a couple of weeks later in the Victorian Champi-

ating in a podium finish.

Photo by Lone Wolf Photography

/HIGHLINE-MAGAZINE

nship at the same venue when he was taken out of the event in someone else’s wreck.

Steven Lines in the Brian Hall WA3 was a surprise winner of the USC round at Warrnambool recently. What’s so surprising about Lines winning, right? The reason it was surprising was that James McFadden in the Monte WA17 was leadi o

James Duckworths Southern Engines Sprintcar looks a treat as he powers out

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ing all feature long until inexplicable spinning out of the lead a short distance from the chequered flag handing the win to Lines. Lines luck however, deserted him at the same venue a couple of weeks later in the Victorian Champi-

of turn 2.

Photo by Lone Wolf Photography

/HIGHLINE-MAGAZINE

nship at the same venue when he was taken out of the event in someone else’s wreck.

Steven Lines in the Brian Hall WA3 was a surprise winner of the USC round at Warrnambool recently. What’s so surprising about Lines winning, right? The reason it was surprising was that James McFadden in the Monte WA17 was lead o

Victorian Paul Solomon works the right rear tyre of his Melbourne Malibu All St Photo by Lone Wolf Photography 86son.

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| EDITION 25 |

ding all feature long until inexplicable spinning out of the lead a short distance from the chequered flag handing the win to Lines. Lines luck however, deserted him at the same venue a couple of weeks later in the Victorian Champi-

tar Access Hire machine hard as he experiments ahead of the Victorian sea/HIGHLINE-MAGAZINE

nship at the same venue when he was taken out of the event in someone else’s wreck.

Steven Lines in the Brian Hall WA3 was a surprise winner of the USC round at Warrnambool recently. What’s so surprising about Lines winning, right? The reason it was surprising was that James McFadden in the Monte WA17 was lead o

Alex Orr pushes the mud splattered Meander Village #43 early before scoring

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| EDITION 25 |

ding all feature long until inexplicable spinning out of the lead a short distance from the chequered flag handing the win to Lines. Lines luck however, deserted him at the same venue a couple of weeks later in the Victorian Champi-

a feature race podium finish.

Photo by Lone Wolf Photography

/HIGHLINE-MAGAZINE

nship at the same venue when he was taken out of the event in someone else’s wreck.

Steven Lines in the Brian Hall WA3 was a surprise winner of the USC round at Warrnambool recently. What’s so surprising about Lines winning, right? The reason it was surprising was that James McFadden in the Monte WA17 was lead o

Former National Speedcar Champion Kaidon Brown was fast early but the poc 90Photo by Lone Wolf Photography HIGHLINE MAGAZINE

| EDITION 25 |

ding all feature long until inexplicable spinning out of the lead a short distance from the chequered flag handing the win to Lines. Lines luck however, deserted him at the same venue a couple of weeks later in the Victorian Champi-

cket rockets proved fragile before night’s end. /HIGHLINE-MAGAZINE

nship at the same venue when he was taken out of the event in someone else’s wreck.

Steven Lines in the Brian Hall WA3 was a surprise winner of the USC round at Warrnambool recently. What’s so surprising about Lines winning, right? The reason it was surprising was that James McFadden in the Monte WA17 was lead o

Highlines favourite Sydney Star Troy Little throws some clay in this great Brett

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ding all feature long until inexplicable spinning out of the lead a short distance from the chequered flag handing the win to Lines. Lines luck however, deserted him at the same venue a couple of weeks later in the Victorian Champi-

Williams photo.

Photo by Lone Wolf Photography

/HIGHLINE-MAGAZINE

nship at the same venue when he was taken out of the event in someone else’s wreck.

Steven Lines in the Brian Hall WA3 was a surprise winner of the USC round at Warrnambool recently. What’s so surprising about Lines winning, right? The reason it was surprising was that James McFadden in the Monte WA17 was lead o

Young gun Joel Carrig looks right at home and under control in his XR1 Rocke

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ding all feature long until inexplicable spinning out of the lead a short distance from the chequered flag handing the win to Lines. Lines luck however, deserted him at the same venue a couple of weeks later in the Victorian Champi-

et Late Model.

Photo by Lone Wolf Photography

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