With the SEQ Interclub Round 3 event just two weeks away, and the final club event run yesterday at the Sunshine Coast track, it’s time for some baseless predictions (informed opinions welcome also). After a slow lunchtime at the office, here are my fanciful thoughts….
In what is always a competitive series, this event takes on extra significance, with the Sunshine Coast club also hosting the Queensland Championships for 2007 – just six weeks after the interclub event.
EP 540: It’s hard to go past Chris Hyde. Chris is fast with a proven track record in 540, plus he’s a Sunshine Coast local so knows the track well. Logan’s Tristian Hyde is another chance – and potentially Johhny Hyde if he drops back into the novice class again.
Gas Tourer: Another home win is on the cards here – with Graham Lloyd-Jones, Peter Giblin, Heath Douglas and John Wuersching all chances. From other clubs, John Taynton will be hard to stop, Tony Nettleton a chance, and could we see Jason Dorn make an appearance? I’ll pick Graham Lloyd-Jones if he runs GT.
EP 19T: Always hard to figure out with Stock and Mod regulars. The form guide usually sees the mod guys in the first few spots though, so it’s hard to see it not being Anthony Atack, or Keith Mackrill. Not sure if Drew Crawley is running 19t, or Leonard Lai. Of the stock guys, Karl Yeung is always fast, and if Chris Shevelling runs 19t he could threaten as well. I’ll say Anthony by a whisker from Keith…..or the other way around.
Pro Tourer: I’m going to go out and say this will be a Peter Giblin win. Unless Jason Dorn shows up. Or any of the “fast” guys from QRCCRA. Then anything could happen. I pick Peter. Surprise A finalist – Heavy D (if he runs the borrowed Pro Tourer, rumours now circulating that he has abandoned retirement and will be back in the EP tourer ranks on a regular basis….).
EP Rebuildable Stock: Previously this was an easy class to pick – just tip Keith Mackrill. With Keith likely (or possibly) moving back to the hi-po modified ranks, that leaves this open. Karl Yeung is the standout from previous rounds, but will be pushed hard by some of the regular sunshine coaster’s. I think “The Shevinator” will be tough to beat (my apologies to Chris Shevelling for the very bad nickname) but also Andrew Clough has been quick up there recently. Through in the usual mix of Bob Vardy, David Guyatt, Johnny Hyde and it will be a competitive day in the mainstream electric class. The Shevinator is my pick
EP Modified: I might be biased because this is the class I race, but the prospects for great and competitive racing in this class are mouthwatering. Anybody tipping against Anthony Atack in previous rounds would have been rightfully considered nuts, but now there are 3 or 4 other genuine prospects to upset the reigning champ and a few more outsiders who could sneak a big one. Here’s my thoughts on the top 10 contenders.
- Drew Crawley is the quick local driver who has been on the edge of a big result for ages. Could it be this weekend? X-Ray, track time, horsepower. Big chance of top 3 result.
- Leonard Lai likewise just needs to hang it all together for a day at a big race and will threaten. He has plenty of track time at Sunshine Coast, and is making the TC5 work well. Could go top 3, might even win if everything goes well.
- Michael Sherman is coming back after a long time away and very, very fast at Logan recently after setting TQ at the Logan Winter Cup. Corally Phi is fast, but lack of local track time could hurt him. Good chance of top 3, possible winner…but completely depends how well he gets to grip with the track. Definitely in the show at the Qld Titles
- John Perkins was fast yesterday having not spent too much time at Sunshine Coast. Another Corally Phi and another coming back after a bit of time off mid-year. Mid-field in A final would be a good result
- Peter Dooley may or may not arrive – depending on work commitments. The first of the HB Cyclone runners and with plenty of pace on his day. Limited track time in the last month could hurt. Mid-field A good result, outside chance top 3.
- Anthony Atack is hard to tip against. It’s a long time since he was last beaten outright in a major Queensland meeting. HB Cyclone going well, lots of track time. Definite top 3, still favourite to win.
- Keith Mackrill might well have been the last one to beat Anthony….and he’s back. Car unknown (Corally?), motor unknown, entry status unknown. Has speed, knows the track. Probably top 3, definite chance to win.
- Martin Nichols has been fast all year in 2007 and finished top 4 at the first two rounds of Interclub series. X-Ray ’07 (I think!??) will be quick. Doesn’t have much track time, but should be running Saturday in 19T. Mid-field A final would be good result.
- Big Mac is back. The Corally Phi will make its debut as the Toowoomba legend makes his first 2007 TC appearance. Look for horsepower and determination. A final appearance would be good result. Is running 19T to get the track knowledge.
- Scott Guyatt is too old, and too slow. Schumacher Mi3 could be the saving grace, but he has never run at the track before and limited track time in recent months. Has been seen out and about looking for excuses already. Outside chance top 3, midfield A would be good result. Probable BQ.
There are a couple of others who could also threaten the A final (Tim Weier, Heath Douglas if he runs mod are two obvious candidates) but I think the 10 above will be the top 10 (unless I’ve forgotten anybody…). Andrew Shapland will force his way into the mix come Qld Titles time, but won’t be there at the interclub. Here’s my prediction:
- Keith Mackrill
- Anthony Atack
- Michael Sherman
- Drew Crawley
- Leonard Lai
- John Perkins
- Peter Dooley
- Martin Nichols
- Big Mac
- Scott G (modesty forbids me tipping myself any higher…!)
Interclub: With Sunshine Coast being competitive already all year, and on home turf, it’s hard to pick against them. Should be Logan third, and my tip is chargers to spring a surprise third (yeah right – me, Heavy, and Big Mac….) OK, QRCCRA third.
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