Matt Egel will chasing a return to top form when he contests the upcoming 45th Grand Annual Sprintcar Classic in just over a week.
Driving the immaculately presented Downing Brothers Racing #S97 Cool, Egel travels to Warrnambool’s famed high banks keen to erase a topsy turvey opening to 2017.
After capping a great start to the 2016-17 campaign with a strong fourth placing in the World Series Sprintcars A-main at Avalon on December 30, Egel’s initial trip to Premier Speedway for this year ended prematurely after a roll-over following a sixth place in his opening heat at the WSS round on January 1.
Last Saturday night’s international event at Murray Bridge also provided some disappointment as a couple of uncharacteristic spins in his only heat left Egel forced to qualify for the feature through the B-main, which he did with a solid second placing.
He then displayed his true worth with a gutsy drive from near the rear of the field to eventually claim an eye-catching seventh place in the A-main.
“It was a little disappointing that some earlier things put us on the back foot,” suggested Egel.
“However, there were many positives as the night unfolded, and we have already displayed this season that at our best, we can run with the best, so I’m looking forward to the Classic.
“We are drawn to run in the Saturday night section, so hopefully we can qualify well and give ourselves a chance to make Sunday’s final.
“I’m keen for it, given last year’s Classic was somewhat lack-lustre for me.”
So far this campaign, the talented SA charger has contested 10 meetings, achieving nine A-main starts for four podium finishes.
Matt Egel and Downing Brothers acknowledge their generous supporting sponsors for the 2016-17 season: Mainline Dynolog Dynometers, National Karate, Vins Buses, Moore Mechanical, Plaza Auto, Regency Shower Screens, Optimal Air, Infinity Signs, East Coast Logistics, James Rosenburg Racing, Cool Chassis, Taylor Made Wings, Reynella Raceway, Hooligators.