Simon Barlow earned his second event win in a row last weekend during Round 1 of the Summit Racing Equipment Sportsman Series at the Desert Nationals in Alice Springs.
The 2015 Modified Championship runner up previously won at the Pro Series 1000 in his hometown of Adelaide now making it two National event wins from three events contested in 2015 with a semi final appearance at Fuchs South Coast Raceway in Portland Victoria.
Barlow is excited by the results in a car that hit the track just 18 months ago but he still feels there is room for improvement.
“It is pretty satisfying and also unexpected as Modified is such a tough field these days to compete in,” said Barlow.
“The level of competition is tougher now than ever and a lot faster too. To get a round win is hard let alone an event win.
“This new car, which only hit the track 18 months ago, provided a few early headaches but we seem to be getting on top of them and now are starting to get some consistency out of it. It is good now but I believe there is room for improvement.”
Barlow last raced in Alice Springs back in 2001 when racing was conducted on the old airstrip. The 2015 Desert Nationals was his first look at Alice Springs Inland Dragway and he came away impressed.
“The new track is a credit to the club (Central Australian Drag Racing Association) and everyone involved in making it happen.
“It is definitely one of the smoothest tracks I have raced on and everyone was more than helpful and very welcoming. I am sure we will make the journey again.
“Big thanks to Gary and Kylie Tanner for some quick side of the road welding on the trailer to get us home.”
Despite leading the points heading into the Fuchs Winternationals last season, Barlow was unable to make the trip. But 2015/2016 is a new season and one he wants to make the most of.
“It was actually a surprise to finish second in last year’s championship as I just thought others would leapfrog past me at the winters since I couldn’t attend,” he said.
“The plan has always been to have a real crack at it this season. For now we will just be doing a bit more testing and getting ready for the Springnationals in Adelaide October17-18 with all of my sponsors including Lawrence and Hanson Gawler, Just Muscle Cars, Wade’s Automotive Refinishing, MV Automatics, Walkom Performance Engines, Infinity Signs and Tig on Welding.”
Image: Dave Hope