Families Double In Speedway Titles Thriller
| by Brian Van De Wakker | 16 June 2014 |
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Both the Baines and Geering families have claimed double wins at the 2014 New South Wales Speedway Karting Titles at Kurri Kurri Speedway. 100 karters made the trek to Kurri, the first time the titles were held at the venue, with eight state champions being crowned across the eight classes.
Jake Baines got the finals underway with a win in Clubman Light. It was a 3 wide battle into turn 1 on the opening lap between he, Jason Woodward and defending state champion Michael Saller. Jake Baines came out in front ahead of Woodward and Saller. Woodward lost ground on lap 2 when he half spin in turn 2. Jake Baines then built up a margin, but towards the closing stages, Woodward closed in. He wasn’t quite close enough to make a move stick on Jake Baines as the chequered flag flew. Woodward was second while Saller claimed third. Luke Ward was fourth ahead of Alana Onley, who drove through the field early to come back and complete the top five. Jake was speechless after the event as he readied himself to watch his Dad compete some classes later.
Wayne Baines (Jake’s Father) took to the track for the Clubman Over 40s. Starting from pole, Wayne Baines dropped back to fourth off the start. He later described after the race that he missed the tune. Wayne Baines worked his way back to second on lap 4 of 15. Wayne Baines closed in on Phillip Farrow out in front and made a stunning move around the outside in turns 3 and 4 with 5 laps remaining. From then on Wayne Baines pulled away out in front and took a sensational victory. Farrow was second ahead of Matthew Fahey in third.
Wayne Baines said after the race, “The wins mean a lot to the family, especially after the year that’s gone for our family. But to have Jake win the way he did, he had to earn it with ‘Bobby’ (Jason Woodward) Mick (Michael Saller) really giving it to him on the start, and then for me to work like that just makes it all that more satisfying.”
Above: Son Jake Baines (left) and father Wayne (right) lap up the celebrations
pic - Redline Media Plus
The Geering family got their double win rolling when Luke Geering led from start to finish in the final for the Rookies. Zak Blanch was strong all day claiming a number of heat wins. He closed in on Luke Geering out in front but was unable to get close enough to make a challenge. Luke Geering went on to claim a comfortable win ahead of Blanch in second and Liam Walker taking a brilliant third.
Mathew Geering, Luke’s older brother, dominated the final in Junior National Heavy. It wasn’t all smooth sailing though for Mathew Geering after being passed by Bailey Goodwin on the first lap in turn 2. Mathew Geering then threw it down the inside at turn 3 and reclaimed the lead off turn 4 to lead the opening lap. From then on Mathew Geering was unchallenged and took the title win. Jake Donaldson came from the back after a difficult day to take home second while Goodwin was third. It was Mathew Geering’s second podium of the day after securing third earlier in the night in the lighter class.
Mathew Geering mentioned after the race, “Bailey (Goodwin) got the jump on me and I knew I had to get him back straight away. The first chance I had I went for it.”
Above:
Mathew Geering enjoys the top step of the podium
pic - Redline Media Plus
Above: It’s champagne showers time for younger brother Luke
pic – Redline Media Plus
It was a case of youth verses experience in the final for KT Light. Donald Stevens got the jump and pulled away early. After starting third, Katelyn Hickey made her way into second after passing James Melling in turn 1 on lap 5. Hickey was then closing in on leader Stevens each and every single lap. Stevens went slightly high through turns 1-2 during the middle stages and this let Hickey close in dramatically. On lap 8, Hickey showed her nose down the inside of Stevens in turns 3-4. She got the drive off the exit of turn 4 and hit to the lead as the two reached turn 1. She then built up commanding lead and took a popular State Title win, the first of her career.
Hickey was overjoyed after the race and said, “Donald (Stevens) is a really good driver and I knew when he was in front of me it was going to be hard to get past, but I finally got there.”
Stevens made amends for it in KT Heavy. Cameron Coghlan got the best of the starts on the inside front row but Stevens was quick to get past on lap 2 in turn 3. From then on Stevens pulled away and won his third KT Heavy NSW State Title in a row. Jason Bisset was second with Coghlan in third.
Saller also claimed a three-peat in the Clubman Heavy class. Saller led from the front and dominated the 15 lap final. Joel Robertson and Nathan Camilleri had a tremendous battle for second. Ultimately that went the way of Robertson.
It was a landmark occasion for the club when the Cadets entered onto the track for their first time in a State Title in six years. Young Brayden Shute secured the Title deciding final race winning easily ahead of Sophie Coghlan and James Angilley. Coghlan and Angilley had a tremendous battle all day sharing the heat wins, but Shute was able to pull away and dominate the field in the final.
Above:
Brayden Shute completes his victory lap after winning in Cadets
pic - Redline Media Plus
Liam Camilleri held off best friend Kaidon Brown in the final for Junior National Light. Brown tried hard to find a way passed, and on many occasions had the nose down the inside, but was unable to make a move stick as Camilleri held on by the skin of teeth. Mathew Geering was third.
The club would like to take the time to thank everyone who helped out on the day. Everyone’s help was greatly appreciated. Everyone should give themselves a pat on the back after making the event the huge success that it was.
The major sponsors for the day were:
- Dean’s Tyre, Brakes and Mechanical from Narellan
- Karting World
- Autobarn Maitland
The next meeting for the New South Wales Speedway Kart Club will be held back at Nepean on Sunday June 22nd.
For more information about the New South Wales Speedway Kart Club - www.nswskc.com.au
