Regaining his confidence in last Saturday night’s second 360 Sprintcar All Stars Series round at Moama’s Heartland Raceway, off the back of a challenging run in his 410 Sprintcar a fortnight prior, Rusty Hickman was rewarded with a pleasing runner-up result.

Attempting to utilise the high line during the feature race in the third Eureka Garages & Sheds Series round at Warrnambool’s Premier Speedway and subsequently tagging the wall, which cost him a podium finish, Hickman certainly made amends on Saturday night when he managed to pull off the same strategy.

Lining up on the outside of the second row for the 30-lap feature race, by virtue of his Top-Six Shootout result, Hickman quickly made his way into third place in the opening stages, before eventually encountering lapped traffic, which he was able to use to his advantage.

Driving around the top of what was a dusty track, the 17-year-old racer managed to pip defending series champion Chris Solomon for second place on lap 12; a position he retained through to the fall of the chequered flag.

“We’re really happy with a second place result, particularly having utilised the high line to get there, which definitely gave me back my confidence after what was a difficult run in Warrnambool two weeks ago,” admitted Hickman.

“Heartland Raceway is a great track to learn on and I definitely picked up some more valuable experience, which I’ll continue to draw on throughout the rest of the 2017-18 season.

“I have to thank my entire crew for all of their amazing efforts on the night and for being able to give me such a great car for the feature race, after having sustained damage during the heat races.”

Earlier in the night, Hickman placed third in Time Trials, before coming home second in his opening heat race, after starting pole. Starting out of eighth in heat-race two, Hickman made his way up to fourth place, but was forced to spin in order to avoid a crash in front of him, consequently hitting his front wing and damaging it, which resulted in a complete restart. Unfortunately for Hickman, his front wing had sustained too much damage and flew off during the restart, with officials sending him to the rear of the field. He managed to salvage a sixth-place finish.

Beating out Mark Caruso in the Top-Six Shootout, Hickman then went up against Chris Solomon for third place, but unfortunately spun out, therefore securing a fourth-place start for the feature race.

For his next appearance, Hickman will head to Mount Gambier’s Borderline Speedway this Saturday night where he will contest round four of the Eureka Garages & Sheds Series. Hickman is currently leading the series point standings, 33 points ahead of Jamie Veal in second place, and will be hoping to further consolidate his lead.

Hickman is proudly supported in the 2017-18 season by: Hickman’s Tree Maintenance, Beeps Auto Parts - Bendigo, Victory Lane Racegear, Tasco Petroleum, Mobil 1, Choice Graphics, Jackal Fencing, Peerless Products Pty Ltd, Advanced Engine Dynamics, Camden Signs, and J&J Auto Racing. Special thanks must go to Sandie and Darren (mum and dad), Amy and Olivia (sisters), and crew member Frog.

To find out more about Hickman and the Hickman Motorsport team, LIKE them on Facebook by searching Hickman Motorsport Vic 40.