After a difficult start to the 2017-18 season, Dion Bellman managed to turn his luck around last Saturday night, clinching his maiden state title with the Formula 500s class in the re-scheduled South Australian Title at Mount Gambier’s Borderline Speedway.

Having been plagued with a mechanical problem since the beginning of the season, which was later identified as a fuel pump issue, with the fuel pump being replaced just prior to Saturday night’s event, Bellman couldn’t have been happier with his car’s performance, noticing a significant difference from the outset.

Qualifying in pole position for the 25-lap SA Title-deciding feature race, by virtue of two wins and a second-place finish in his three heat races, the 20-year-old racer continued to display solid pace and consistency on what was a single-lane race track.

Sticking to the bottom of the track and capitalising on the clean air out in front, Bellman maintained his composure throughout the duration of the race, going flag to flag to claim the SA Title crown aboard the Vic # 22 Autosmart NT and Vic supported D1 car, in what is his third season in Formula 500s.

“It’s a pretty great feeling to have written my name into the history books, but to be honest I’m just glad to know that the car is back up and running for Speedweek later this season, so the SA Title win is a bonus,” confessed Bellman, a two-time Victorian and one-time Tasmanian Junior Sedan Champion, who achieved his maiden feature-race victory with the class back in August at Darwin’s Northline Speedway.

“After winning in Darwin, it was really disappointing to start the 2017-18 season off with issues, so the SA Title win will definitely give us some added confidence for the rest of the season and hopefully we can continue to be competitive in the upcoming blue-ribbon events.”

Focusing on Formula 500s this season, having previously dabbled in 410 Sprintcars, Bellman is looking forward to contesting the annual Speedweek Series, which will be fought out at several Victorian tracks over seven rounds during the Christmas-New Year period. His next appearance will be in this Saturday night’s third Victorian Stampede Series round at Simpson Speedway, followed by the King of the Bridge event at Murray Bridge Speedway (SA) on the Saturday night of December 9.

Bellman would like to thank the following 2017-18 season sponsors for their support: Autosmart NT and Vic, RnR Contracting, InAction Photos, R&J Batteries, PBI, C.I.C Racing Wheels, Aeroflow, Sync Industries and D1 Chassis. Special thanks go to Ros and Roy (mum and dad), and crew members Ash, Mack and Jett for their help and support.

To find out more about Bellman and his team, LIKE them on Facebook by searching Bellman Motorsports.

Photo credit: Damo Shoots Cars

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