Home

Australia’s richest limited sprintcar race to run at Geraldton Speedway on Saturday for King of the Hill crown

Reuben CarderGeraldton Guardian
Anthony Gaudio and his limited sprint car.
Camera IconAnthony Gaudio and his limited sprint car. Credit: Reuben Carder/Geraldton Guardian

Anthony Gaudio might have been the fastest sprintcar driver around the track at Geraldton Speedway’s King of the Hill in 2020, but competition is so tough for the rip-roaring event this year he’s hoping just to make the main race.

Gaudio said with nearly 30 drivers from around WA racing their 320 cubic inch limited machines over 50 gruelling laps, including other past winners and local speed demon Callum Williamson, one of the best sprintcar drivers in WA, the night would go off with a bang.

“(In terms of competitiveness) we’re the best sprintcar division in the State,” Gaudio said.

“We’ve got a number of blokes on the night who can shine and we’ve even got Callum Williamson — even he wants to come and race with us.

Get in front of tomorrow's news for FREE

Journalism for the curious Australian across politics, business, culture and opinion.

READ NOW

“It’s a very tight track, too. If you start having accidents and things like that, that can hurt you.”

Aside from Williamson, Michael Keen, Tim Boujos and Tim King would be three to watch.

Gaudio said with the 320 class being very accessible, the depth of competition was good.

“My aim will be just to make the A main,” he said.

“We pride ourselves on being a budget class.

“The division travels all over the State. We’re a big supporter of all country tracks and the numbers when we go to all these tracks are high.”

Williamson, who won Speed Week this month and is second overall in the State in 410 sprintcars, said he was looking forward to a fun night.

“It’s a local track and close to home,” he said.

“We (his team) won the event years ago, but we’re just there to have a bit of fun really and support the locals.

“It’s a great event for everyone.

“People from all over the country towns and Perth will be there to support Geraldton, so everyone should get down have a look and support the night.”

Speedway president Peter Dowie said nominations for the sprintcar division were stacked, with 28 drivers including several past winners of the race, while the junior and production sedans would provide ample support.

“This is our biggest meeting of the year every year,” he said.

He described the event as Australia’s richest limited sprintcar race, with $11,000 of prize money up for grabs, including $3000 for the winner, and ex-racer Brett Barndon would be providing an extra $1000 for a “King’s challenge”.

To win the extra money, the driver of the car that takes pole position or outside pole will need to drop their spot and win the race from the back of the field.

“It’s a race of attrition,” Dowie said.

Get the latest news from thewest.com.au in your inbox.

Sign up for our emails