The opening qualifying night of the Grand Annual Sprint Car Classic promised a showdown between the best Australian and American drivers on the first half of the draw.
Would Brad Sweet, Jock Goodyer, Lachlan McHugh, Brock Zearfoss, Kerry Madsen or Tyler Courtney prevail in the charge to qualify for the $50,000-to-win Classic on Sunday night? When the checkered flag dropped after 30 hectic laps, it was a virtually unknown 21-year-old from Tasmania, Tate Frost, who stood in victory lane.
In a victory that signifies the depth of Australian Sprint Car racing currently, Frost snatched the laurels in his Doolan’s Heavy Haulage/Kart Magic car from some of the best exponents of oval track racing in the world.
Lachlan McHugh (Leigh Smith Yachts/Western TruckingGroup) followed the young Tasmanian to the line, ahead of Brock Hallet (GW Racing), Brad Sweet (NAPA Auto Parts), Jock Goodyer (Platinum Prints) and Steven Lines (MSM). Cole Macedo and Kerry Madsen filled the next places.
Randall (EZ Print) outgunned Frost at the start to lead with McHugh then driving into second position. The young Texan led the chase until crashing between turns one and two with 18 laps remaining. McHugh battled with Frost for the lead, but the young Tasmanian prevailed.
Sweet turned in an eye-catching performance, coming from position 18 for fourth placing.
Frost, McHugh and Hallett secured starting positions on the first three rows of Sunday night’s grid.
“This is quite unbelievable really, I’m lost for words,” said Frost. “You try so hard in this sport to have good results and to try and get that elusive win, and for it to come here at the Classic is bloody incredible!”
Coming just a week after his 21st birthday, Frost marked his potential at the wheel.
The 12 heat wins were spread among the competitors. Jock Goodyer claimed the first 10-lap qualifier, returning to finish third to Cody Maroske in heat eight. Lachlan McHugh claimed a win and a third placing, as did Chase Randall.
Brock Zearfoss won the fourth heat, but was out of the 10th qualifier after a lap, and had to qualify for the feature by winning the B-main.
Brad Sweet scored a fourth and a second placing to make the A-final.
Other heat winners included Luke Oldfield and Steven Lines.
Keyword: Frost Cools Stars In Grand Annual Prelim