The latest instalment of the ‘Thunder Down Under’ SDAV Hot Rod series thrilled the fans at Hamilton’s ‘Western Speedway’ on Saturday the 6th of February when last start winner Phil Jenkins, Victoria # 2 Kali Hovey and speedway legend Ray Welsh led the gang into town.

The first of three heats began with Welsh from pole position leading lap one and Dean West who began in 5th moving quickly into second. From sixth position Kali Hovey (# 2 Dandenong Iron Foundry) was on a march and she past West on lap two before chasing down Welsh on lap three and holding the lead all the way to the finish. Welsh held onto second then came West, Russell Hovey, Shannon Meakins and Vaughan Matthey whilst Jenkins (# 3 P & S Automotive) didn’t fire due to ignition faults.

From pole position in the second heat it was an all the way win for Jenkins. Kali Hovey held second for the opening five laps before West made his move into second. Kali Hovey finished third in front of Welsh, Matthey (# 12 Werribee Hire a Hubby), Meakins and Russell Hovey.

The front row of Kali Hovey and West blasted away at the start of heat 3. West crossed the line ahead on lap one and that’s where he stayed. Matthey failed to finish losing oil pressure whilst Kali Hovey took second ahead of Welsh (# 75 Donna’s Hair Design), Jenkins, Russell Hovey and Meakins.

In the traditional coin toss to see if lowest or highest points would start at the head of the field the coin fell the way of the lowest. With Meakins (# 25 Northern Auto Recyclers) starting at the rear due to being in only his second race meeting this meant Matthey and Russell Hovey would begin at the front. Matthey who has shown some speed at times began fantastically well assuming the lead with West who started sixth chasing him across the line on lap one.

Come lap two Matthey was still leading and stretching the field out with his pace. Matthey led lap 3 and on lap 4 disaster struck as his suspension collapsed and he drifted back in the field before pulling infield. Top point scorer in the heats Dean West, then led the next 9 laps whilst Kali Hovey passed Jenkins to snatch second spot on lap 4.

West in the # 4 ‘Ace Timber & Fencing’ car took the win when the chequer dropped on lap 12 with Kali Hovey, Jenkins, Welsh and Meakins all finishing strongly. Russell Hovey (# 26 Todd & Todd Cores) was unable to finish with driveline failure.

The Sdav Hot Rod’s head to the ‘Podger Memorial’ at Simpson on the 20th of February, then to Alexandra Speedway on March the 6th for the next round of ‘Thunder Down Under’ before returning to Hamilton for the Victorian title on March the 20th.

The SDAV Club would like to thank their minor sponsors:

Mega Auto Parts
Ribeau Interstate Transport Carrier
Tony Delmo Radiator Service
Bob Fisher Automotive
Meehan’s Race Engines

Written by Dean Thompson
DMT Media
0412061208
dmtmedia@speedway.net.au

Dean West in action (C) Mark Lynch

Jenkins at Doruin (C) www.inactionphotos.com.au

Jenkins the Winner (C) Daryl Whitlow 2010

Jenkins at Drouin (C) www.inactionphotos.com.au

Jenkins the Winner (C) Daryl Whitlow 2010

Riley Memorial Winner Paul Cadle (C) www.inactionphotos.com.au

Division 2 Hot Rod winner - Andy O'Connell (C) www.inactionphotos.com.au