THE Southern 500 Speedway’s first event of 2023 was held on Saturday night, with organisers calling it a fantastic success.

Highlighted by the Standard Saloon King of the Ring and the famous Caravan Race, Saturday’s meet was the culmination of plenty of hard work from dedicated club members behind the scenes according to president Bob Wilson.

“It was a fantastic night, we got some great weather and some impressive crowds out there and some really good racing,” Wilson said.

“It’s a credit to all the people who put in hours and hours of work, it was great to have such a good turnout and it was very well ran.

“We continued to have some issues with the PA system despite so much effort to get it right after last time… once again full credit to everyone for persisting through the challenges.”

In the Standard Saloons event, it was Wayne Sheerman who finished on top with a time of 6:58.785, just over half a second ahead of Portland competitor Matt Domburg who came in second with a time of 6:59.474.

Sheerman won three out of his four heats, and while he was tested throughout the 25-lap final, managed to lead for the entirety of the race.

Fellow Portlander Sam Rundell finished up in 6th place.

The Caravan Race was less about who was quickest and more about who was the most entertaining, with all involved enjoying what was undeniably an awesome spectacle.

Terry Wilson completed the most laps, while most entertaining went to Billy Williamson.

The Classic Hot Rods support event saw five competitors take to the track.