

Blistering pace was set early by Kraken’s Brian Jackson and Michael Matesich 55.44 second pacesetter. Not to be outdone, Fired Up’s Jayden Myers joined by cousin Dylan Schmidt followed with a 53.01 in Q2. Q3 honours went to Fired Up adding 33 tenths to their time. Q4 saw the first dip into the 50s with Hustler’s Mitch Hade and AJ Greedy running 50.24s.
The 7 teams competing went ‘All In’ for the only eliminator round, with top three going through to the shoot-out.
Kraken was the first to contest running 53.46. An early uncharacteristic tussle with the tyres saw Jayden becoming flustered in the Fired Up vessel which after a sub 20 second split saw the boat beached in spectacular fashion against the wall. The hard shunt meant both Jayden and Dylan were left dangling upside down from the wreck which they detached themselves from for the Mud Rats to right. The damage to persons was limited to Dylan’s broken nose from the helmets impact against his glasses, the boat, well lets just say that it is no longer water tight.
I checked in on the pair before leaving the track. Jayden disappointed with his first off course incident and both racers in good spirits surrounded by supportive friends and Jayden’s sister Brittany.
The night was called early sighting possible oil on track and response time of a reserve Ambulance would push past curfew. On the count back, Hustler will claim the win, followed by Fired Up then Kraken.
Group A Indulgence team of Isaac Leith and Liam Kresting were ably assisted by Serrah Ferris in the opening qualifiers, filling in as navigator, with a best time of 52.70 in the 4th qualifying round.
Todays round also saw the return of Cheryl Welch and Shauna Harris in the indomitable twin turbo methanol fed Natwell Racing entry with a best time 53.62.

My personal highlight from Saturday, good news from the Toy Yoda camp with the boat coming off the the jig this week after extensive repairs. It looks like the team are on track to attend the annual Keith Diesel & Dirt Derby (South Australia) in two weeks time as planned.

Thanks to Dave McMahon (Toy Yoda team mechanic) for the progress photos.
Good luck to skipper Darrin Jones and navigator Shane “Hollywood” Hammer 


