Mann flawless in penultimate KRE round at Archerfield

Mann flawless in penultimate KRE round at Archerfield

By Jodie Bell

Racing last night was high-octane at Supercheap Auto Archerfield Speedway with multiple crashes and rollovers but Bryan Mann put in a flawless drive from pole position to take the win for round 14 of the KRE Race Engines Sprintcar Series.

KRE Race Engines Sprintcar Series round 14 podium pictured L-R: 2ND #Q5 Danny Reidy, 1ST #Q16 Bryan Mann, 3RD #Q59 Kevin Titman

Cooler temperatures permitted a dew to set-in prior to the 30 lap feature, the track ended up hooky in the turns and slick in patches; hard work for all.

Danny Reidy almost made it around the outside of Mann a couple of times and maybe, just maybe, would have got the job done if it wasn’t for the final red light with around 12 laps to go. Mann was too good off the restart and Reidy had to settle for second.

Kevin Titman was right in the mix with Australian Sprintcar champion Dave Murcott, both fighting equally as hard for third until Murcott backed it into the turn 3 wall, 13 laps in. Titman enjoyed some better luck and steered clear of trouble to take third; he was more than happy to load the John Titman Racing #59 into the trailer unassisted.

Luke Oldfield rolled out of turn 1 in the feature, 12 laps in, and although he DNF’d he’s likely to hold onto his second place in the KRE series with Titman remaining in third; the point’s difference too great.

KRE series leader Andrew Scheuerle crashed in his second heat. Substantial damage was done to the Ausdeck Patios and Roofing #25 but after qualifying second in time trials and a good first heat, Scheuerle had enough points to go straight through to 10^th in the A-Main; he eventually finished fourth and holds onto his series lead. 

Murcott had the speed in time trials; fastest with an 11.310 second lap. Racing in the first round of heats was fast with Ben Hilder, Mick Sauer and Brodie Tulloch all notching wins.

Murcott, Sauer and Luke Oldfield diced it up in heat 5, scintillating stuff as they repeatedly cut through each other’s wake however Mark Pholi, David Whell and Brent Kratzmann ended up with the heat wins.

Highest point scorer once again - Dave Murcott - drew the number #4 board to invert from fourth in the Lucas Oils Dash.  Eventual winner Bryan Mann chose not to take the Kratzmanns Caravans challenge; a wise move as it turned out.

In the Modlites, last night’s 20 lap journey was cut short and declared after a total of 6 stoppages; opposite to the feature at the last round which ran non-stop. Eight of the 22 contenders didn’t make the chequered flag and Chris Ruane walked away from a spectacular crash along the front-straight wall after contact with teammate Clayton Woodford.

Australian champion Jamie McHugh strengthened his lead in the Western Landscape Supplies/David Grose Real Estate Modlites Driver to America Series and led flag to flag in the feature.  Cliff Whitehill crossed the line in second and Dylan Menz converted his B-Main win to finish third in the feature; he’s likely to move up one spot into second in the series and replace Ruane – check out www.facebook/modlitesaustralia for full results.

Mitchell Gowland took the lead with 7 to go in the Wingless Sprints feature and didn’t look back. An inverted start in the Compact Speedcar division saw Australian champion Darren Vine win from the rear.  Ryan Skennar led the Formula 500 freight train from the get-go and he stuck it out to take the win and in the SSA Juniors, Maddie McGee showed the regulars the way to the checker.

Next week V8 fans will get their fix as the V8 Dirt Modifieds stage their Queensland Title. The Modified Productions return to continue the sedan tradition known as the ‘Cannonball’ supported by Lightning Sprints, Stock Cars, ASCF Four cylinder sedans and the FordvHoldenvSigma.  Check www.brisbanespeedway for ticket prices and times and check www.facebook/archerfieldspeedway for updates.

Get in early and buy online for our May 24 event; it’s the final round of the KRE Race Engines Sprintcar Series and the Polar Ice Midget Series.  Tickets are on sale now!

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