The Eureka Garages and Sheds Sprintcar Series this Saturday night (March 27) makes a return to Ballarat’s Redline Speedway after a six year absence from the racetrack and what an appropriate time to return, with the Grand Final round to be held with just 71-points separating series leader John Vogels and second placed Mike Van Bremen.

Over 25 Sprintcars will tackle the new look Redline Speedway, with a new infield lighting system and the start finish line being shifted to the pit side of the track just some of the improvements to the last time the Sprintcar Racing Association of Victoria visited the picturesque venue placed under Mt Buninyong.

In December 2004 the Eureka Series made their last appearance at Redline Speedway, with Vogels finishing second, while Brett Milburn, Ron Dalton, Rod Matthews and Van Bremen all finished the A-Main and are among the nomination list for Saturday night.

The battle between Vogels, from Simpson, and Van Bremen, from Lilydale, has been intriguing this season, with both drivers multiple winners of the Victorian based domestic series with ample experience on the local racetracks.

Vogels key to leading the Eureka Series has been his consistency, although he has not won an A-Main event, his points have been accumulated with early season podium results and regular top ten finishing results.

Meanwhile, Van Bremen provided a memorable result when he won the opening round at Geelong’s Avalon Raceway, his maiden win at his home based track in 15 years of racing and then carried on to win another final back at Avalon on Boxing Day. His excellent start to the season was followed with some hit and miss results but his latest second at Moama’s Heartland Raceway last weekend has Van Bremen back in striking distance for the $10,000 to win Eureka Series.

Warrnambool’s Jamie Veal could arguably be much closer than 171-points behind the series lead after some recent bad luck, but a sterling drive from rear of field at Moama to finish in third position last weekend gives him a mathematical chance of winning the series.

Placed fourth is Geelong’s Domain Ramsay, one driver that would not have fond memories of Redline Speedway when he rolled over in stunning fashion in front of the spectator area early in his Sprintcar career six years ago the last time the Eureka Series visited the venue.

Rounding out the top five on the points table is Ballarat’s very own Rod Matthews. The well known local driver has been a model of consistency in recent years and he has been knocking on the door for an eye catching result and on home turf, Saturday night could be his night.

Pearcedale’s Brett Milburn had a night he would rather forget in the latest round at Moama, but the early season winner at Mt Gambier will be elbows up in his bid to finish inside the KTM top five.

Showing some positive form recently is seventh placed Charles Hunter after a recent fourth place. Hunter, from Bacchus Marsh, will relish making the half an hour trip down the highway to contest the Eureka Series Grand Final as one of the main players.

The KTM top ten gives the opportunity for one driver to win a stellar quad bike valued at over $16,000, with New South Wales Eddie Lumbar and Victorian duo Nick Lacey and Ryan Davis rounding it out leading into the final. Eagerly keen to change this is youngster Ashley Bourke and veteran Ron Dalton just outside the top ten.

Joining the impressive list of nominations for Saturday night include Warrnambool’s Carl Ludeman, Melbourne’s Brett Smith, promising youngsters Brad Warren and James McDonald and South Australian pair Glen Sutherland and Daniel Pestka.

Eureka Garages and Sheds Series – KTM Top 10 after round 11:
1st. John Vogels - 3198
2nd. Mike Van Bremen - 3127
3rd. Jamie Veal - 3027
4th. Domain Ramsay - 2802
5th. Rod Matthews - 2613
6th. Brett Milburn - 2584
7th. Charles Hunter - 2540
8th. Eddie Lumbar - 2210
9th. Nick Lacey - 2138
10th. Ryan Davis – 2046


The Sprintcar Racing Association of Victoria thank the following
Eureka Garages and Sheds Sprintcar Series sponsors:
EUREKA GARAGES & SHEDS, KTM AUSTRALIA, CAMDEN NEON SIGNS, AMERICAN TIRE & RACING SERVICES, HI ACE WINGS, JOHN SIDNEY RACING, CASCADE SOLUTIONS FOR CLEANING, D&F RACING PRODUCTS, SMILEY’S RACING PRODUCTS, ELF RACING FUELS, COREY GIBSON PHOTOGRAPHY, MAXAM PRINTING, SPRINTCARWORLD, QUEENSLAND SPEEDWAY SPARES.

Eureka Garages and Sheds – www.eurekagarages.com.au
KTM Australia - www.ktm.com.au
SprintcarWorld – www.sprintcarworld.com.au
John Sidney Racing – www.johnsidneyracing.com.au
Camden Neon Signs – www.camdenneon.com.au
Corey Gibson Photography - www.gibsonphotography.com.au
ELF Racing Fuels – www.racefuels.com.au
QSS – www.speedwayspares.com.au