Launceston driver Adam Garwood has stunned both drivers and fans alike when he took out his first state championship in only his fifth-ever speedway meet amid a debut appearance at the Hobart Speedway.
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The victory was one of two spectacular state titles up for grabs on Saturday night.
Garwood survived a war of attrition and drove a smart race as he progressed up the leaderboard after starting out in seventh place.
Jock Goodyer and Rick Hall shared the front row and after several first-lap incidents, the second restart saw the field settle down and eat into the 30-lap race.
Goodyer was strong in front with Rick Hall and Dylan Beveridge giving chase.
On lap five, Goodyer’s cars snapped sideways as a result of broken steering arm and his race was over.
Dylan Beveridge moved into second with Dean Elston, Kristian Kelly and Taylor Johnston in hot pursuit.
Johnson spun near the halfway mark of the race as Garwood commenced his charge towards the front.
Beveridge retired shortly after with mechanical issues and Rick Hall then had to defend his lead.
Garwood skillfully ran the highline to pass for the lead.
Hall finished second and Ellston third from Luke Sapwell and Johnston.
Matt Treweek and co-driver Brooke Bagorski had the perfect night, winning both heats and the final to be crowned Tasmanian bomber champions.
They certainly didn’t have it all their own way, as Corey Jetson challenged and passed them several times only for them to fight back.
Harley Croft was at the back of the field early in the race and drove solidly to pass Jetson on the final lap.
A massive wheelstand off the line for Jason Redpath saw him relinquish the lead to Nick Penno in the sprintcar final. Penno would lead but was challenged by Redpath and Jock Goodyer.
Redpath used lapped traffic to take the lead just before the caution flag after Kane Cruse spun on lap 12.
Redpath had to make the pass again after the restart and dived under Penno in turn one to lead the race.
He eventually powered away from Penno, Goodyer and Kurt Luttrell to win.
Andrew Ryder made his intentions known for next week’s AMCA state title to win his heats and the final.
Rohan Blair came under plenty of pressure, but would remain calm to take second with Jake Briggs third.
The modified sedans had provided plenty of entertainment as Brad Herbert led early to be passed by Jakobe Jetson, who ended up with diff problems and retired.
Herbert held out some determined passing moves from Josh Stephens and Trent Quillerat, with the latter grabbing second within sight of the chequered flag.
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