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Motor Racing Championship Update |
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Thursday, 10 August 2006 |
Championships on TV
Track Action, a new program covering state level motorsport will be covering all of the action from Morgan Park Raceway's State Championships.
The show is broadcast on Brisbane station Briz 31 at 7:30pm Thursdays, and again at 3pm Saturday, already has a strong following, with up to 40,000 people tuning in.
Track Action producer Sam Massey is looking forward to the championships, and returning to Warwick for the third shoot this year.
“Morgan Park Raceway is a tremendous backdrop for the show, and we love coming to Warwick for the weekend,” said Massey.
“I think in the short time that the show has been running, more people are becoming aware of state level motorsport, especially what is going on out here at Morgan Park.
“Hopefully an increase in viewers of the show will result in more people coming out to Warwick and becoming involved in the sport.
“Already we have seen new competitors buy cars and go racing, and improved grids for the classes we film."
Track Action will have a crew of 12 people travel from Brisbane for the event.
Track Records Tumble
At the previous round of the Queensland Motor Racing Championships at Morgan Park Raceway in June, three lap records were smashed.
Shane Hart set a new standard for the Formula Vee category, Steve Morcombe shattered the existing Sports Car record, and Geoff Gillespie bettered his own Sports Sedan benchmark.
Hart, who came a close second in the 2006 national series after dominating until a mechanical gremlin in the final race, will be looking to one again lower the mark in either his Jabiru or newer model Jacer Formula Vee.
Morcombe, from the Sunshine Coast, debuted his new British built Chiron, and straight away slashed seconds off the existing record, set by Ash Lowe several seasons ago in a Prosport Mulsanne.
With more development time under his belt, Morcombe and Chiron will be a spectacular sight around the tight and demanding Morgan Park Raceway.
Gillespie meanwhile has been slowly chipping away at his awesome turbo charged BMW, with the car getting faster all of the time.
In the last race at the last round, Gillespie started rear of grid, but quickly forced his way through to the front, and ran away with the race win.
Going the Distance
Morgan Park Raceway is growing a strong reputation that is resulting in competitors coming from all over the country to compete.
Many teams will be making the trek north or the border, or in the case of one competitor, over the Tasman from New Zealand!
Bob McLoughlin will be racking up the frequent flyer miles with him making the trip from his base in Hamilton, New Zealand.
McLoughlin's Chevrolet V8 powered Commodore is prepared at the Yamanto base of Marinelli Mechanical and Performance, who also prepare several other race cars.
One strong contingent of interstate visitors are the Superkarters.
The pocket rockets, which more often than not prove to be the fastest of any class at Morgan Park Raceway, will be battling out the Pacific Superkart Challenge.
Around 10 interstate competitors are expected for the races which feature significant prize money and awards.
The Pacific Superkart Challenge is supported by Rocklea Press Metal, Coach Design and Traffic Management Services.
Fast Facts
| 2006 Queensland Motor Racing Championships |
| Where |
Morgan Park Raceway, Warwick |
| When |
August 26/27 2006 |
| Admission |
Saturday- $10
Sunday- $10
Weekend- $15
Children Under 12- Free |
| Location |
The Morgan Park complex is located just outside of Warwick. Follow the signs through
town and south along the Stanthorpe road, before turning left a kilometre after the hospital. Inside Morgan Park,
follow the access road past the drag strip to the raceway. |
| Internet site |
www.qrda.asn.au - Accelerate, the home of Queensland Motorsport on the Internet. |
| Morgan Park Raceway |
| Circuit length |
2.1km |
| Number of turns |
11, including “The Cutting”, “Gumtree”, “Siberia”, “T-Junction” and “The Flip Flop”. |
| Racing Direction |
Clockwise |
| Surface |
Hot mix asphalt |
| The Morgan Park Raceway circuit comprises five individual circuit layouts, with the Queensland Motor Racing Championships using the longest configuration. The circuit features two control towers, full canteen facilities, and ever improving pit lane facilities. |
Competing Classes
- Saloon Cars
- Formula Fords
- Formula Vees
- Sports Sedans
- HQ Holdens
- Queensland Geminis
- Superkarts
- Sports Cars featuring Production Sports Cars
- Improved Production
- Historic Touring Cars
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Last Updated ( Saturday, 06 January 2007 )
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