The off-season is over, the schedule has been finalised, sponsors are locked in and now it is time to go racing. The 2014/2015 season of competition at Ausdeck Patios Archerfield Speedway fires into life this Saturday night (October 4) with a huge family entertainment spectacular comprising the opening round of both the Supercheap Auto Sprintcar Track Championship and the Polar Ice Midget Series. With Monster Trucks and Fireworks also on the program, along with good fields of Formula 500’s, Modlites and Wingless Sprints, the scene is set for a spectacular season launch.

Defending titleholder Andrew Scheurele leads the charge of the V8 brigade in the Supercheap Auto Sprintcar Track Championship, seeking a perfect start to the new season to serve notice of his intention for back-to-back titles. However, with current Australian Champion David Murcott and two-time national title winner James McFadden in the field, Scheurele will need to be on-song to score an opening night win. Murcott clinched his national crown in Tasmania last season after finishing on the podium the previous two years, while McFadden has spent the off-season racing in America with great success and he already has two feature race wins under his belt in Australia this season. All three drivers bring abundant experience and a record of success into the mix this weekend, ensuring that the rest of the 26-car field will need to be in peak form to meet their challenge.

Kevin Titman cemented his reputation last season as a genuine threat each week and he will be one of several contenders looking to stake their claim for championship honours with the strongest possible start to the season. The likes of Bryan Mann, Luke Oldfield, Brent Kratzmann, Mick Sauer, Mark Pholi and Steven Rowell also seem likely to feature prominently and West Australian Jason Pryde might prove a surprise packet, while former Australian Lightning Sprint champion Dave Fanning will make his Sprintcar debut.

In the Polar Ice Midget Series, a similar scenario looms with defending champ Michael Kendall setting a high benchmark for his rivals. Kendall, who is also a five-time New Zealand Midget champion, will face off against experienced trio of Ken Stanaway, Michael Harders and Darren Vine, with Matt Hefford also a contender, no doubt determined to continue the strong form he showed last season and build on his burgeoning reputation as a genuine front runner. All up, there are 16 drivers nominated for the event, with a few more also working hard in an effort to make the show.

The Formula 500 brigade have gathered a very strong field for their first show with 18 nominations received. There is plenty of talent in the line-up, including current Queensland champion Dale Shilletto and former titleholders in Charlie Brown and Nathan Pronger. Look out for former Australian Junior Sedan Champion Cody Maroske, second-generation North Queenslander Kayden Iverson and a couple of fast femmes in Kristin Brown and Brooke Wanless to also be mixing it up near the front of the field.

There are some famous names amongst the Modlite entries, but none more so than Aaron Seton, the son of two-time V8 Supercar champion Glenn Seton. The youngster will take on category standout Jamie McHcHugh and his son Lachlan, as well as 20 other competitors looking for early points in the Driver to America series.

Completing a big opening night race program are the Wingless Sprints with three competitors traveling from south of the border to take on a local contingent that includes two newcomers to the open wheel ranks in Sunshine Coast-based former sedan competitors Jaymee and Michael Budgen.

In addition to the racing action, there will be Monster Truck mayhem throughout the night from Spot the Dog and Outback Thunder, with a typically spectacular fireworks show to round out a huge night of family motorsport entertainment.

Supercheap Auto Sprintcar Track Championship - Round 1 nominations: Andrew Liebke, Andrew Scheurele, Anthony Lambert, Ben Hilder, Brad Ayers, Brandon Haynes, Brent Kratzmann, Brock Dean, Bryan Mann, Dan Moes, Dan Murray, Dave Fanning, David Murcott, David Whell, James Grady, James McFadden, Jason Pryde, Kevin Titman, Kristy Bonsey, Luke Oldfield, Mark Pholi, Melissa Boyes, Mick Sauer, Paul Rooks, Steve Greer, Steven Rowell.

Polar Ice Midget Series – Round 1 nominations: Michael Kendall, Scott Doyle, Ken Stanaway, Michael Harders, Matt Hefford, Darren Vine, Brett Foreman, Chris Singleton, Michael Wilson, Lance Towns, Scott Wilson, Corey Stothard, Brad Young, Troy Ware, Grant Watson, Scott Jeynes, Brendan Palmer (tbc)

Event Information:
Date: Saturday October 4, 2014
Venue: Ausdeck Patios Archerfield Speedway
Location: 63 Colebard Street West, Archerfield Qld

Adults: $28.00
Pensioners & Students (with Photo ID): $23.00
Teens: 13 - 15 yrs: $15.00, Children: 3 - 12 yrs: $10.00
Family Passes: $70.00 (2 adults + 2 children 12 yrs or under)

General admission gates open at 4:00pm (3:30pm for online ticket purchasers). Early racing gets underway at 4:30pm, with the main programme kicking off at 6:00pm. Parking is available at the track for $3.00. Racing finishes by 10.30pm.

Programmed events include: Monster Trucks, Sprintcars, Midgets, Formula 500’s, Modlites, Wingless Sprints and Fireworks.

For event information and updates visit www.brisbanespeedway.com.au or follow Archerfield Speedway on Facebook.