Speedway drivers impress during long weekend

A group of Gunnedah Speedway Club drivers achieved podium placings on the October long weekend, as the club was represented in events at Narrabri and Gilgandra.

Clinton Hall and Trent Keeler claimed a top placing each, and Stephen Keeler achieved two runner-up placings while Gunnedah also had a couple of other runner-up placings as well as a third placing.

Fourteen Gunnedah Speedway Club members competed in the North West’s season-opening round which featured Fast 4’s, Junior New Stars, All Stars, Fender Benders and Street Stockers divisions in Narrabri last Saturday.

Gunnedah occupied all podium placings in the Street Stockers, with the first-placed Trent Keeler followed by Wyatt Lawler and Todd Keeler.

Stephen Keeler placed second to Portland’s John Spicer in the Fast 4’s while another Gunnedah driver, Grant Jackson, took a huge tumble between the third and fourth turns.

The vehicle rolled six times with some spectacular aerobatics including a small fire.

Stephen Keeler quickly attended to Jackson and helped him out of the damaged car, while the photographer from Nic Pic NSW also aided.

The driver sustained a few bruises while being a little stiff and sore, but he escaped serious injury.

Meanwhile the event at Gilgandra the following day featured the re-opening of the track, following many refurbishments to the racetrack and fence.

A grand parade was part of the occasion, and many competitors offered great feedback regarding the quality of the track.

The Gunnedah club had six members racing, with Stephen Keeler earning another runner-up placing in the Fast 4’s feature race while the winner was Isobelle Jenner of Gilgandra.

Hall won the Junior All Stars division while Gunnedah colleague Bailey Jackson celebrated his 16th birthday with a runner-up placing.

The crowd serenaded the runner-up with birthday greetings.