GP MIDGETS GET SET FOR A BIG SEASON AHEAD

From the outside it may have seemed like a quiet off season however there's been a lot happening during the Victorian Grand Prix Midget Racing Association's off season. Some fresh faces on the committee and new drivers joining the club, has a real positive vibe going around the club at the moment as we prepare to launch into a big season of racing. The biggest news during the off season was the acceptance of new Australian Specs which will now see both the VGPMRA and the NSWGPRA adhere to a national set of specifications. In addition to this the two clubs have worked together to put up $4000 in prize money for a 4 round interstate challenge of which the first round at Goulburn was unfortunately cancelled which means double points will be on offer for the next round and the challenge will now run over 3 rounds. This is a great initiative between the two clubs which will benefit not only the drivers but also the tracks and the paying public who will get to watch the best drivers in the country competing together more often. Winners all round! Bringing our focus now back to the Masters Series which kicks off on November 23rd for the first round at Wangaratta Speedway, Rob Cassar at Ballistic Performance Parts has once again committed to supporting the season-long series. Ballistic Performance Parts who is synonymous with high quality performance products, stocking a range of motorcycle parts for all makes and models. Rob has a wealth of knowledge and expertise, whether it be street or dirt bikes give Rob a call on 0402 145 357 for all your needs. The VGPMRA welcomes 4 new drivers this season to the club in Chris Carr, Luke Stanley, Terry Brown and Alex Myers. 3 of which come with previous racing experience from other divisions within speedway or motor racing whilst Alex has had the speedway blood running through him since birth. We're all looking forward to seeing them out on the track and watching their progress as the season goes on. Other changes throughout the off season will see Jason Crawford stay with the Pitstop Mowers team but move into the V51 HMJ Chassis that Danny Stainer has left vacant with his retirement from racing. Jason can't wait to get out on the track and get some seat time as he sets his sights on a tilt at the Masters Series Championship. Travis Florrimell is another who has been busy in the off season making some adjustments to the chain and drive system on his V81 Stinger. After narrowly missing out on the championship win last season he's out for redemption and hoping to have a more consistent year. Mark Blackeby has also been busy with a change to his engine package moving to the R1 Yamaha however he has also reworked his rear suspension which will be like driving a whole new car. Keep your eye on his progress as he likes to fly beneath the radar. All the other usual suspects will be out there at some point throughout the season which will culminate in the Victorian Title and final round of the Interstate Challenge on the June long weekend at Wahgunyah Speedway. So enough talking about how good the season ahead looks and time to get stuck into it at Wangaratta Speedway this Saturday night 23rd November. Get down to see all the action with racing starting from 4pm. Although it's a smaller field than we are use to seeing due to some drivers missing for varying reasons, I'm sure some clear battle lines will be drawn on Saturday night that will be worth following throughout the season ahead. Nominations: