THRILLING FINISH TO THE SEASON AT THE IRONBARK CLASSIC

The Victorian Grand Prix Midget Racing Association (VGPMRA) brought down the curtain on a thrilling 2024–25 season with a night of spectacular racing action at Rushworth Speedway on Saturday night. The Ironbark Classic, one of the club’s marquee events, not only delivered heart pounding wheel to wheel action but also saw the Stinger Chassis Masters Series go right down to the final lap of the season.

Nine drivers lined up to contest the Classic, and it was clear from Heat 1 that fans were in for a treat. Alex Myers (Vic #11 – GSXR Suzuki – PBR Chassis – Automotive Super Balance) got the jump early and went on to claim the win in the opening heat, holding off Travis Florrimell and newly crowned A1 Chris Fowler, Daniel Meredith, Locky Robotham, Toby Brown and Luke Ward. Myers put in the fastest lap of the heat on lap 5 with a 17.123 sec lap. Drama struck early with Mark Cecil exiting on lap 1 due to a broken bearing block, and Matt Kamolins (Vic #22 – GSXR Suzuki – Paul Perry GHC Chassis – Dalton Building and Garden Supplies) pulling infield shortly after with an oil leak.

Heat 2 saw Fowler (Aus #1 – Yamaha R1 – HMJ Chassis – R & P Stainer Grinding Services) take command from the start, powering to a dominant win and posting the night’s quickest lap up to that point with a 16.981-second flyer. Florrimell was home in second from , Myers, Robotham (Vic #50 – Yamaha R1 – HMJ Chassis – Pitstop Mowers), Brown who showed great promise in just his first GP Midget event and Ward.

In the final heat, the action escalated. Florrimell (Vic #81 - GSXR Suzuki – Stinger – Melton Bolts and Industrial Supplies) led early while a fierce battle brewed behind. Tragedy struck on lap 5 when Kamolins’ car suffered a rear axle failure, sending him into Myers in a frightening incident that saw both cars hit the wall. A fire erupted under Kamolins' car, but in a true show of sportsmanship, Myers was quick to assist Kamolins from his vehicle before safety crews arrived. Thankfully, both drivers emerged unharmed, though Kamolins’ night was done. Florrimell went on to win from Fowler, Robotham, Brown and Ward (Vic #32 – GSX 1100 Suzuki – Stinger – JF Racing Team).

Following the heat results and an invert of four, the feature grid was set with Robotham on pole, Myers second, Fowler third, and Florrimell starting fourth, with the two rookies in Brown and Ward behind. With only a few points separating Myers, Fowler and Robotham in the Stinger Chassis Masters Series, the feature promised fireworks—and it delivered.

Robotham and Myers charged side by side at the start, with Myers eventually taking the lead. Fowler, knowing the series was on the line, made his way to second on lap 3 and began the chase. What followed was a masterclass in racing as Myers and Fowler diced through lap after lap, thrilling the Rushworth crowd. Fowler closed the gap to under half a second, but Myers remained composed, nailing his marks and getting strong drive out of the turns to stay ahead. After 12 hard-fought laps, Myers took the chequered flag just 0.392 seconds in front of Fowler—claiming his first Ironbark Classic victory and securing his second Stinger Chassis Masters Series Championship in the process.

Robotham rounded out the podium after an impressive drive, followed by Florrimell, Ward, and Brown. Myers also claimed the fastest lap of the night with 16.829 sec lap on lap 2.

Post-race, Myers was gracious in victory, thanking his family and team for their unwavering support and acknowledging the Rushworth Speedway for their tribute to Marg Beattie, whose son Jason pit crews for his team. The heartfelt gesture highlighted the community spirit that runs deep in the VGPMRA paddock.

The night also saw the final round of the AustClean Shepparton Best Presented Car award, with fans voting Chris Fowler as the standout. Fowler received a prize pack of premium car care products for his immaculate A1 entry.

With the season concluded, the VGPMRA now turns its attention to off-track celebrations and planning. The Annual General Meeting will take place on 15 June at Avalon Raceway, followed by the much-anticipated Presentation Dinner on 19 July at Eagle Ridge Event Park, Tallarook. Tickets are now available via the Club Secretary.

The VGPMRA thanks all drivers, crews, volunteers, sponsors, and fans for another fantastic season racing and looks forward to an even bigger 2025–26 season. Victorian Grand Prix Midget Racing Association supporters:

Stinger Chassis

Melton Bolts & Industrial Supplies

Automotive Super Balance

AustClean

Pitstop Mowers

DMT Speedway Media

Alex Myers hard on the gas - (c) Noah Thorley Images