Wayne Corbett got the jump on the rest of the Compact Speedcar drivers in the lead up to this seasons Australian Championships when he travelled to Gilgandra Speedway on Saturday night and took out the feature race after starting from near the back.

Corbett used the highline on a track surface much improved over that which was dished up for the heat races thanks to a quick grade prior to the start of the features.

Starting alongside Corbett was Cyril Robinson who looked most likely after some impressive speed in the heats.

Adam Lawson from the ACT had the Ellis/Yamaha handling much better and was the early leader followed by Keith Astrella, Gavin Gay, Darren Hawksworth and Stephen Birkett. Corbett was quickly rounding them all up with some very determined driving taking over the lead with two thirds of the distance to run.

Adam Lawson’s good run ended with five to go when the Yamaha’s engine decided not to play anymore. This brought on the yellows for the first time this night.

Corbett left the field napping with an early jump on the restart, that gap ended up being a little too big for the rest to offer any serious challenge. Birkett took advantage of a loose Astrella to move into second. When the checkered flag waved it was Queenslands Wayne Corbett across the line first from the fast finishing Stephen Birkett who was closely followed by Victoria’s Keith Astrella, Cyril Robinson, Carl Yenne, Gavin Gay, Darren Hawksworth and Erin Rowlands.

The earlier heat race action was hectic with all races going flag to flag. Cyril Robinson reveled in the conditions pulling off some adventurous moves to win heat one. Gavin Gay drove an outstanding race to follow the “Squirrel” home for second with Darren Hawksworth in third.

Darren Hawksworth surprised everyone with an all the way win in heat two. He was never under any threat beating home Wayne Corbett and Cyril Robinson.

The final heat had more of the wheel hiking action we saw in the earlier hearts this time it was Carl Yenne enjoying the spotlight out front. Cyril Robinson was again the big mover coming from the back row to finish second with Stephen Birkett now coming to grips with the rebuilt Jackson/Mazdinga placing third.

The drivers enjoyed the opportunity to sign some autographs and hand out photos for the kids who came down to the pits at the conclusion of the meeting. The night was rounded off with most of the teams returning to the Silver Oaks Motel for a few light ales (we know all race drivers drink responsibly) and some lighthearted chit chat.

If the atmosphere of this meeting is anything to go by then the Australian Championships at Easter is going to be one heck of a great time. The members of the NSWCSC are looking forward to catching up with our interstate friends for this meeting.

Erin Rowlands

Gavin Gay

Cyril Robinson

Keith Astrella chases Adam Lawson down the back straight.

Adam Lawson

Keith Astrella

Carl Yenne tries the inside of Adam Lawson

Feature winner Wayne Corbett

Stephen Birkett