Corowa’s Brayden Creek will again compete in the Production Sedans. Image by Vern Parker Photography.
By Dean Thompson
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As is tradition in Corowa–Wahgunyah, the final Saturday in December signals race night at Wahgunyah Speedway, with competitors from across Victoria converging for a full night of action.
The headline events are the Noel McGrath Memorial for Production Sedans and the Queen of the Murray for Ladies Sports Sedans.
Supporting classes include Unlimited Sedans, Open Standard Saloons, Junior Sedans, Sports Sedans, and Goulburn Ovens Sedans, with around 80 competitors expected to fill the pit area.
Zoey Salau will be the favourite in The Ladies Sports Sedans Queen Of The Mount. Image by Vern Parker Photography.
Racing gets underway this Saturday from 3:00pm, with the meeting concluding no later than 10:30pm, making it an ideal family-friendly evening.
As with every Wahgunyah race meeting, fans who arrive early can take part in the popular pit walk, offering a behind-the-scenes look at the cars and drivers.
The pit walk provides a great opportunity to purchase merchandise, collect autographs, take photos, and even sit in a race car.
Victorian Production Sedan Champion Dehne Sparrow leads the nominations for the Noel McGrath Memorial and will make the journey from Hamilton in Victoria’s Western District.
Sparrow will face strong competition from Scott Hawkins, a frequent Wahgunyah winner in the past 18 months; Wayne Bourke, a consistent top-three finisher; Stephen Laidlaw, a two-time Australian Champion; Shane Roycroft; and former All Star Sprintcar Champion Brad Warren, renowned for his versatility across multiple categories.
In the Queen of the Murray feature, Victorian Ladies Sports Sedan Champion Zoey Salau heads the field.
She will be challenged by a strong group including Bree Simpson, Jasmine Kettels, Chelsea Hodge, Sarah Meakins, Larissa Ahearn, Bianca Ballantyne, and Kellie Latham.
Corowa member Chloe Creek will be aiming for a top-five finish, which would be an outstanding result in such a competitive field.
Another impressive line-up is locked in for the Goulburn Ovens Sedan Association point-score event.
Corowa members Ben and Tom Schmetzer lead the local charge alongside Brandan Lovell, Stu Balins, Robert Williams, Samuel Failla, Daniel Joosten, and Sam Schmedje.
The Schmetzers are regular top-three finishers and will battle Nathan Shortis, Mitch Watts, Ryan Chant, and Thomas Bowers for race honours.
The Sports Sedan field will feature visitors from Melbourne’s southeast, Shepparton, and Bendigo.
Brendan Miller, Jack Brennan, and Brad Warren are expected to be at the front, chasing bragging rights ahead of major upcoming events at Wahgunyah, including the Extreme Sports Sedan Series and the Sports Sedan Grand Slam.
Michael Fleming-Robertson starts as favourite in the Open Standard Saloons, having dominated the class in recent seasons.
Corowa members Russ Stone, Harley Matthews, and Rhyse Lavender will be looking to challenge their clubmate, with additional competition arriving from Mount Beauty and Nagambie.
In the Junior Sedans, Aidan Cunningham and Cruz Abela lead the field.
Cunningham, a developing driver from the New Stars category, edged Abela at the last Wahgunyah meeting with a final-lap pass.
Abela will be eager to turn the tables, while Lily Frost, Lucas Williams, and Kade Brockley represent the Corowa club.
Gates open at 11:00am, with racing from 3:00pm. A full canteen will operate, offering hot and cold food and drinks.
Entry prices:
Adults: $25
Aged pensioners & children (12–16): $15
Children under 12: Free
Family pass (2 adults, 3 children aged 12–16): $60
Australian Defence Force veterans (with valid card): Free entry
For enquiries, contact Brendon Eames on 0400 126 487.
The Corowa–Rutherglen Speedway Club thanks its supporters for their continued backing throughout the season.
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