DRIVERS from various speedway classes will face a new challenge at Carrick Speedway tomorrow night in the Launceston V8 AMCA 20-20 race.
The event will consist of heats, plus a 40-lap final, broken into two halves, with a driver change. Teams consist of one regular V8 AMCA driver with a teammate, who cannot be a registered V8 AMCA driver.
Naturally, a number of drivers have selected team- mates from other speedway classes, or recently retired racers, but several have opted for novices including HQ Holden circuit racer Shane Ashlin, who will make his speedway debut, teamed up with Hobart's Shaun Kelly.
Former Tasmanian sprintcar champion Tim Hutchins, of Sassafras, will co- drive with Latrobe's Kallan Muir. V8 super sedan driver and former V8 AMCA state champion Corey Smith, of Ulverstone, will pair up with Latrobe's Jeremy Smith while three- time Australian street stock sedan champion Todd Auton, of Ulverstone, will partner Devonport's Matt Harris.
Another former V8 AMCA state champion and former sprintcar racer Marcus Alexander, of Devonport, will drive with regular V8 AMCA competitor Matthew Graham, of Sheffield.
Recently-crowned Tassie sixes champion Luke Gunn will team up with fellow Southerner Daniel Brooks, while two of speedway's young guns, Andrew Ryder, of Hobart, and modified production sedan racer Jake Taurian, of Launceston, will make a formidable team.
The programme will also feature V8 super sedans, plus the Tasmanian lightning sprint championship, the Sue Webster memorial race for junior sedans and racing for Tassie sixes. Gates open at 3pm, with action from 6pm.