This Saturday night Valvoline Raceway honours the memory of one of Australian Speedway’s most unique and decorated champions.

George “GT” Tatnell was unlike any other. Flamboyant, charismatic, determined, outspoken and intense Tatnell was a man who impacted everyone he met both on and off the Speedway.

“Gorgeous” George raced in the halcyon days of the Sydney Showground through the breathtakingly dangerous and revered non-roll cage era of the Speedcars where crowds of 30,000 would flock to the venue to see the daredevil drivers battle the odds.

He would later progress into Sprintcars but not before winning three Australian Speedcar Championships in the 1970’s and would also taste National title winning champagne in the thunder and lightning Sprintcar class in the 80’s.

He was a pioneer of the World Series Sprintcars Championship and eagerly flew into battle in the administration side of the sport where he was ferociously passionate as the president of the Sprintcar Control Council.

George remains as one of only three men to have ever won an Australian Speedcar and Sprintcar Championship – though to be fair he has two more Speedcar title victories than the other recipients Philip March (SA) and Robbie Farr (NSW).

He passed away in 2007 as a 68 year old that succumbed to cancer and who fitted more into his life than three people could combined.When they made George Tatnell, they then broke the mould – nobody would ever be the same.Though the list of his racing achievements were long and distinguished his proudest achievements were certainly that of his daughters Kelly and Gale and son Brooke.Brooke has gone on to become the most successful driver in the history of World Series Sprintcars with 9 Championship wins and five Australian Championships – he has also raced with distinction in the USA (where he now lives) for over two decades.

And this Saturday night, Brooke returns to his home track in Sydney to contest the event that honours his Dad’s memory with a special ‘double duty’ concept for Ultimate Sprintcars and Speedcars.Brooke plans on contesting both categories – a challenge that his Dad would have relished doing himself and also watching Brooke attempt.

Brooke has been a fearsome competitor around Valvoline Raceway since he began racing there as a 16 year old and there’s little doubt he needs no more determination than usual to win the inaugural “GT Challenge” on Saturday night.

The Speedcar competition is also the third round of the lucrative Speedcar Super Series and will boast a field of so far 33 cars that is a who’s who of the category.

“Anyone who wins the feature race Saturday night will have deserved it,” says SSS organiser Ken Jenkins, “the field has some real superstars in it. Brooke will have his hands full for sure.”

Sydney superstar Nathan Smee leads the point-score in the SSS coming into this Saturday night but with teams from Victoria, NSW, ACT and QLD all expected in their droves.

South Australian Sprintcar hotshots Brad Keller and Ryan Jones will make their USC NSW debuts this Saturday night and will remain in Sydney for the following weekend’s World Series Sprintcars kick off.

The Ultimate Sprintcar Championship has quickly become the toughest weekly Sprintcar series in the world and this Saturday night’s seventh round will feature a car count of 67 including drivers from the USA, SA, QLD, VIC, ACT and NSW.

American star Kyle Hirst will make his USC NSW debut also with the Monte Motorsports team.

It’s a gritty contest that George Tatnell himself would have relished.
“I can’t wait,” says Brooke, “there’s no easy rides at Valvoline Raceway these days and this weekend in particular is a fitting tribute to Dad. I think almost every major team is here in some form. It’s going to be really, really tough. I wouldn’t have it any other way and I know he wouldn’t have either.”

Brooke Tatnell’s inclusion into the Ultimate Sprintcar and Speedcar ranks is a huge bonus to the intensity of the competition.

“It’s fantastic that Brooke can be here Saturday,” says Valvoline Raceway Managing Director Steven Green, “everyone knows how much he wants to win this race for his Dad but he also adds so much star and fan appeal to the event. He’s one of the most popular drivers ever produced in Sydney and he cut his teeth racing at Parramatta in the 80’s. It’s wonderful to have him, his Mum Val, sisters Gale and Kelly back here for the weekend to celebrate George’s memory with this race."

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 5
GT CHALLENGE – Ultimate Sprintcars Rd 7 & Speedcar Super Series
Prices: Adults $30 / Pension $20 / Juniors 13-15yrs $15 Family (2 adults and 2 teens) $70
Speedway Info line: (02) 9637 0411 Address: 21 Wentworth Street Granville / Clyde
Gates open 2pm, action on track 6pm
Website: www.valvolineraceway.com.au