THE CHALLENGERS: Phil Blake, foreground, Rod Blatchford nursing Blake’s daughter Tennille, 2; and Noel Sharrock. The car is the one Blake will use on Sunday. PHOTO: Wimmera Mail-Times
Victorian Limited Sportsman champion Rod Blatchford of Horsham will defend his speedway title at Bairnsdale on Sunday. Blachford, who won the title in Hamilton last year, will be one of seven Horsham Motor Sports Club drivers to compete for the state title.
Others are Noel Sharrock, Peter Gross, Trevor Jennings, Phil Blake, Dean Baker and Lester Mutch.
The picture shows three of the challengers, Phil Blake, foreground, Rod Blatchford nursing Blake’s daughter Tennille, 2; and Noel Sharrock. The car is the one Blake will use on Sunday.
Officials say Horsham’s best chances are Blatchford and Lester Mutch. Competitors must race in three heats to qualify for the final.
Other Horsham drivers will compete in Modified Saloon events at Hamilton tomorrow night .
Wimmera drivers recored wins and placings in motor races at Stawell and Portland at Easter.
Ken Kowarzic won the A-grade saloon event at Stawell on Sunday. Hedley Hair drove Kowarzic’s car to victory in the B-grade saloon race. Marion Kowarzic was third in the women’s race.
Graeme Muller recorded a second and two thirds in Standard Sportsman events in a return to racing after a short break.
Nev. Eltze recorded a first placing, and one second. Rex Koenig had a win. Kevin Baker had a win and a second place in races.
Eltze drove well in Portland on Monday to take two firsts, a second and third. He was second in a feature race.
Ron Frew had a second and two third placings. Eric Baker was third in a race. Graham Muller rolled after qualifying.