PABS fan: Peter Johnston of Prospect, an electrician at Bell Bay Aluminium, is hoping to clinch the Tassie Sixes statewide point series with a win at Carrick Speedway on Saturday and Sunday night. Photo: Phil Biggs

The PABS Discount Car Parts paintwork on Peter Johnston’s race car is prominent down either side and reflects the big difference this local sponsor has made to the Prospect man’s speedway performance this season and in seasons past.

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Johnston didn’t finish the first four meetings this year - niggling mechanical issues were testing both driver and crew.

But in the undeniably pocket-draining sport, Peter was relieved to be able to turn to PABS, as he has done many times, and source knowledge, parts and sponsorship.

“Iain at PABS has been looking after me for 30 years, basically ever since I first got my licence,” Peter said.

“Back then it was all about hotted up Toranas and sourcing cheap parts, and later on it’s where I went to when the family vehicles needed some TLC.

“This locally-owned business, along with Legana Tyres and More, helps keep me on the track and doing what I love.

“It’s been a two-way partnership and it shows that when you support local business they support you back.”

Peter and his team were able to sort out the mechanical problems that dogged them early in the season and have since dominated the Tassie Sixes racing around the state.

Currently on top of the leaderboard, Peter is aiming to perform well in the King of Carrick event at Cranes Combined Carrick Speedway this Sunday night which will also be the finals night for the two-night South Pacific Sprintcar Classic.

The former Callum Harper super sedan was purchased and modified by Peter three years ago when he decided to return to speedway racing after an absence of decades.

PABS helps keep Pete’s speedway dreams alive

It meant racing against his now 20-year-old daughter Clare, who is second to her dad on points as the season winds down.

A state titles meetings will be held at Latrobe next weekend followed by the season ender at Hobart.

Peter won the King of Latrobe and another win at Carrick this weekend should see him clinch the Tassie Sixes championship on points.

“It’s been a huge learning curve coming back to speedway, the safety requirements have really improved and I feel safer that I ever did before,” he said.

“With the support of PABS I hope to continue racing, possibly even stepping up a category.”