SPEEDWAY fans were treated to some of the best modified sedan racing they have seen for some time last Saturday night with Tasmanian driver, Jakobe Jetson, greeting the flag in the hard-fought final of the 2024 Silver Strike at Hamilton’s Western Speedway.

It was old style racing in each event, with heat wins going to Wade McCarthy, Tristan McGraw, Darcy Wilson and Jetson, with Brodie Chrystie showing the way in two of the heats.

The minor placings in each event were shared by Joel Berkley, Jetson, Brock Atkins, Dylan Barrow, Daniel Simpson, Corey Jetson, and Lachlan Fitzpatrick.

With the heats out of the way, the stage was set for a riveting pole shuffle of the top six-point scorers, and we weren’t disappointed with some thrilling duels leading up to the ultimate line up for the 35-lap final.

The shuffle saw Dylan Barrow defeating Brock Atkins, only to fall victim to Berkley in the next match-up.

Berkley then dispatched Corey Jetson and was then defeated in turn by Brody Chrystie, who suffered mechanical issues at the start in the next duel, leaving Jakobe Jetson to head the field for the final event.

The ensuing 35-lap final thrilled the fans, culminating with one of the closest finishes for some time, with Jakobe Jetson taking the flag, and Berkley and Atkins sharing the podium in second and third placings.

Jetson was visibly overcome at the win, stating he just couldn’t believe he had taken out the Silver Strike event, which carried a $10,000 purse for the win.

The Limited Sportsman Series action had a good field of drivers from Bairnsdale, Horsham, Portland and of course Hamilton, and again, fans were treated to close competitive action during the heats.

Jock Baker claimed two heat wins, showing why he has collected so many state titles, but the racing was close and showed that the drivers are running their A game in preparation for the VSC state title, which will be held here in Hamilton on April 27.

The other two heat wins went to Craig Ansell, and Rod Hetherington, while the minors were shared by Mal Siely, Daniel Hurley, Nathan McDonald, Darren Adams and Ansell.

With two heat wins to his credit, Baker went on to win the final, ahead of Ansell and Adams.

Vintage Rods and Vintage Sedans provided entertainment with their spirited demonstrations and Hamilton has a strong contingent of these, both in the sedan class and now in the rod section.

Drivers seemed pleased with the newly refurbished track at Hamilton and the club is now looking forward to the SSA Cush Clothing Australian Street Stock Championships, which will be run from March 8-10.   

 This event is expected to attract between 80-90 nominations, and will be the seventh Australian title, which has been hosted in the club’s history.

This weekend, the SSA Victorian Modified Sedan Championship will be contested over two nights at the Premier Speedway Warrnambool, and several of the drivers who were plagued with mechanical issues here will be burning the midnight oil to get their car in trim for the big event.

Queensland’s Nathan McDonald has travelled back north in order to get a new power plant for his machine, while several others with motor issues are hoping to get these sorted at local venues prior to the event.

With 97 street stocks, and 54 modified sedans nominated for the twin title events, the program should suit even the most hard-to-please fan. 

The Hamilton club has only two entrants with Brock Atkins again piloting the Tasmanian 6, and Stefan Clark behind the wheel of his Street Stock.

A full list of nominations and information on the SSA Cush Clothing National Street Stock Championships will be available shortly.

For up-to-date information on the Hamilton Speedway Drivers Club, check out our website or Facebook page.