It was an explosive weekend of racing at the Steel City Raceway on the 3rd and 4th October, with 25 of the toughest Supercharged Outlaw cars, Nitro Funny Car, Jet Cars and fireworks ensuring the spectators had a lot to smile about.

October was Round 1 of the Club Championship with the weather conditions being quite testing with some close and competitive racing. Super Sedan saw Tony Miskelly in his AMX Hornet take the win in the Max Cranes Lane 1 running a 5.934 at 109.07 mph on a 5.92 dial in over Danny Buccella who ran a 6.441 on a 5.91 dial in.

With Round 1 done and the weather on their side, racers returned to the track on Sunday 4th October for the biggest event the Steel City Raceway has staged hosting the inaugural Steel City Supercharged Shootout.

Darryl Walford made the huge trek from Canberra for the first time to test his new Nitro Funny Car outfit and ended up claiming a new track record running a 3.84 at 188 mph which was proudly sponsored by Westlands Hotel Motel.

Michael Jennings took the win for the Bradford Automotive Super Sedans running a 6.877 at 90.81 mph on a 6.87 dial in the Hi-Tec Oils Lane 2 over Lance Larcombe running a 5.789 at 105.06 mph.

The Supercharged Outlaw field certainly had the crowd excited and on their feet with all competitors running good times, no one could be disappointed with the track conditions and traction. A credit to the track staff that had been tirelessly prepping the track for weeks.With racers like veteran racer Ben Gatt (Mr Wild Bunch), Bruno Matijasevic, Doina Day, Rob Coote, John Brunner, Alf Sciacca Junior, John Ward, Paul Stephen, Jason Keily, Robert McDonald, Tim McCarthy, Murray Rogers, then our local racers Larry Basile, Shaun Kerkman, Shane Kramer, Gary Busch, Mark Zauch, Graham Shiell, Grant Brokenshire, Peter Datson, Rodger Weste, Darren Astle, Warren Leonard and not forgetting our President Mark Kuhn racing was tough, hard and exciting all day.

The Sundowner Hotel Supercharged Outlaw bracket was won by South Australian Gary Busch driving the A1 Racing Funny Car in Max Cranes Lane 1 defeating John Ward in his blown dragster.

Michael Jennings took the win for the Bradford Automotive Super Sedans running a 6.877 at 90.81mph on a 6.87 dial in the Hi-Tec Oils Lane 2 over Lance Larcombe running a 5.789 at 105.06mph.

Richard Motors Modified Eliminator saw Serg Bonetti in his immaculate black 32 Ford Coupe breaking out running a 6.292 at 108.16 mph on a 6.35 dial in against Bradley Hicks who also broke out running a 5.089 at 135.43 mph on a 5.15 dial in.Tough racing but Bonneti took the win in Max Cranes Lane 1.

Kylie Langley gave the win to Neville Herreen after Langley ran a red light in the Halls Cranes Super Street Bracket. Herreen took the win in Hi-Tec Oils Lane 2 running a 7.137 at 95.51 mph.

CBCH Crane Hire and Britto’s Skidsteer Tipper Hire Modified Bike saw Derryn McGregor taking the win again in Max Cranes Lane 1 over David Willis. McGregor took the win running a 7.079 at 105.8 mph on a 7.07 dial in after Willis broke out running a 6.509 on a 6.60 dial in.

Outlaw Speed Shop Junior Dragster saw the girls take to the track with Kelly Donnelly breaking out running a 8.136 on a 8.20 dial in over Amber Young who took the win in Max Cranes Lane 1 running a 10.65 at 66.07 mph on a 10.50 dial in.

The crowd favourite side by side pass of the DPE USA vs AUST Jet Cars took to the track with Peter Bedford in the Australian Jet Car winning the first two races and Darren DeFilippo driving the USA Jet Car winning the last round after Bedford ran a red light. The drivers received standing ovations from the crowd after every run and it was a very entertaining and well received show.

Finishing the epic weekend off with an amazing fireworks display brought more smiles to the faces throughout the crowd.

“So we can say that everyone had a great weekend with great racing, a show of jet cars and fireworks we thank you all for supporting our Club,” said a club spokesperson.

“Thanks to all the sponsors of the Supercharged Shootout brackets including the Best Western Alexander Motel who provided accommodation for the Women for Wheels Fire Fighters for the weekend and also the Whyalla City Council.

“Lastly a huge thank you again to our valued sponsors, volunteers, helpers and committee who spent months and months organising this event for everyone to enjoy. Thank you to the track committee for putting up a fantastic track, nothing but praise from all the drivers. We look forward to seeing you at the track again soon.”

Image: Darren Shaw Photography