Round 1 of 11 in the championship kicked off in spectacular fashion, with some thrilling performances that set the tone for the rest of the season. Competitors from across multiple classes brought their A-game, with each lap delivering excitement, tension, and unforgettable moments. Here's how the action unfolded:

Warren Mitchelson took an early lead in C-Class, finishing in a blistering total time of 10:37.6. His consistent runs, especially his fastest lap of 01:40.4, helped him edge out the competition to claim the top spot. It’s clear that Warren’s ready to make a serious championship push.

In D-Class, Richard Graves took the win with a solid 10:47.2. His strategy of steady, fast times paid off, including a fast 01:41.0 on his third lap, to hold off his rivals and take home the first-place trophy in this opening round.

S-Class was another fiercely contested race, where Justin Aylett claimed victory with a total time of 10:53.4. His standout run of 01:41.8 in lap three showed his strength, and despite some tough competition, Justin’s consistency was key to his success.

The P-Class featured an intense battle, with Travis Robson taking the win at 10:54.3. His precision, highlighted by a fast lap of 01:41.6, allowed him to stay ahead of Greg Jaeschke, who finished just behind at 10:56.3 in second. Russell Smith rounded out the top three in this class with a competitive time of 10:56.5.

As the race continued, John Burney delivered a strong performance in P-Class, finishing in 11:06.3, just outside the podium spots. In L-Class, Kerry Graves made her presence felt, claiming first place with a time of 11:51.7. Close behind, Hamish Bowden-Robson fought hard in J-Class and managed to hold his position to finish with 11:56.6, a solid performance in his class.

In W-Class, Anthony Newlands took a convincing lead with 12:15.3, while Brenton Bachelor kept up the pace in P-Class to finish with 12:17.8. The J-Class battle saw Dean Bray finish second with a total time of 12:30.8, showing he’s one to watch as the championship progresses.

Peter Cole took second place in C-Class, with a respectable time of 12:33.0, while Frank Garraway finished in 13:02.1 in P-Class. Sharleen Bachelor proved her mettle in L-Class, securing second place with a time of 13:26.4, showing that she’s got the skills to compete in the coming rounds.

And rounding out the field, Violet Newlands wrapped up W-Class with a time of 15:36.0, finishing strong despite a challenging race.

Round 1 has set the stage for an action-packed season. With 10 more rounds to go, the championship is still wide open, and these results show just how closely matched the competitors are. As we head into the next round, it’s clear that every race will bring new surprises, fierce rivalries, and plenty of heart-stopping moments. The championship is on, and these drivers are hungry for victory!

Round 2 of the championship was a thrilling continuation of what’s shaping up to be an unforgettable season. The competition heated up as the drivers pushed their limits, setting new personal bests and displaying intense determination. Here’s how the action unfolded:

Warren Mitchelson once again showed why he’s a top contender in C-Class, securing first place with an impressive total time of 21:34.9. Mitchelson's consistency and blistering lap times, including a fastest run of 01:32.7 in Lap 1, allowed him to maintain his lead throughout the race. It’s clear he’s not just in the hunt for the title but is leading the charge for it.

In P-Class, Russell Smith fought hard to finish in second overall with a time of 21:42.4. Smith’s early laps, especially his fast 01:32.8 in Run 1, set the pace for his solid performance throughout. Although a few laps saw him drop slightly, his ability to recover ensured that he stayed near the top, showcasing his championship potential.

John Burney continued his strong performance in P-Class, claiming third place with a total time of 22:06.3. His early laps were strong, and although there were some slower runs in the latter stages, he maintained enough speed to secure a podium finish. Burney’s effort further solidified his standing as a top contender in the P-Class.

Daniel Radivo (W-Class) demonstrated his skill by finishing fourth overall with a time of 22:21.5. Radivo showed great pacing, posting a solid 01:33.9 in his first lap, and despite a slower finish, his performance put him in contention for a top-five spot.

Greg Jaeschke, also in P-Class, rounded out the top five with a competitive time of 22:32.2. Jaeschke's runs were mostly consistent, though his late laps seemed to lose a bit of momentum. Nevertheless, his effort earned him a solid position within the top five, proving his tenacity and skill.

Dean Bray in J-Class finished sixth overall with a time of 22:56.8. Bray’s performance was solid, with a strong series of laps despite the challenging conditions. His time of 01:37.4 in Run 3 highlighted his strengths, though a few slower runs kept him from breaking into the top five.

Brenton Bachelor continued his push in P-Class, finishing seventh with a time of 23:44.3. Bachelor’s performance was strong in the early laps, but he faced difficulties in the later stages. His ability to maintain competitive speeds kept him in the top ten.

In C-Class, Peter Cole battled hard but finished in second place with a time of 25:30.2. Despite some challenges, Cole’s runs were consistent, and his effort ensured a strong position in the class standings.

Frank Garraway, also in P-Class, ended up in ninth place with a total time of 26:56.6. Garraway faced some tougher laps, but his early consistency kept him from falling too far behind. He will be looking to rebound in future rounds.

Zack Oyler in J-Class rounded out the top ten with a time of 30:57.6. Despite facing a few struggles, including a couple of slower laps, Oyler finished with a respectable time that puts him in the running for future rounds.

Key Takeaways:

Warren Mitchelson continues to be the standout performer in C-Class, asserting his dominance with back-to-back wins in the opening rounds.

Russell Smith remains a top contender in P-Class, with his consistent and fast runs keeping him in contention for the championship.

John Burney and Greg Jaeschke put in solid performances, cementing their places near the top of P-Class, while Daniel Radivo showed great potential in W-Class.

The J-Class saw some strong competitors like Dean Bray and Zack Oyler vying for positions, with some room for improvement in future rounds.

Round 2 has set the stage for an exciting continuation of the championship. With nine rounds to go, the drivers are clearly hungry for victory, and each race will bring new challenges, fierce rivalries, and the constant possibility of surprises. The season is heating up!

Round 3 of the championship delivered some thrilling racing action, with competitors across various classes battling it out for supremacy. The intensity on the track was palpable, as each lap brought new challenges, and the field was tighter than ever. Here’s how the race unfolded:

S-Class saw a dominant performance from Justin Aylett, who secured the victory with a total time of 19:59.9, despite a 10-second penalty. His consistent runs, including a fast lap of 01:19.9, showed his strength and composure, helping him maintain his position at the top. Justin’s smooth driving and ability to adapt to the pressure ensured that no one could catch him, making it clear that he’s a serious contender this season.

In P-Class, it was Ben McKee who took the second spot with a time of 20:52.0, trailing Aylett by 52.066 seconds. McKee was a strong contender throughout, with his fastest lap of 01:24.2 keeping him competitive, though a few slower laps and a penalty ultimately prevented him from closing the gap to Aylett. Still, his second-place finish sets him up well for the next rounds.

Warren Mitchelson performed exceptionally well in C-Class, finishing in 20:55.4 and taking the win in his class. His performance was solid across the board, with a strong 01:22.4 lap leading the way. Mitchelson’s consistency paid off as he managed to outpace the competition, including Russell Smith, who finished in fourth place overall.

Speaking of P-Class, Russell Smith finished fourth with a time of 21:34.4, just over a minute behind Ben McKee. Smith showed flashes of brilliance, including a fast 01:25.5, but struggles with consistency and a penalty prevented him from mounting a challenge for the podium.

J-Class had some fierce competition, and Bryce McKee clinched the 5th spot overall with a time of 21:45.5, despite a 10-second penalty. His fastest lap of 01:26.9 was impressive, but slower runs, like his 02:12.3, hindered his chances of climbing higher. Nevertheless, McKee’s performance placed him comfortably within the top five.

J-Class’s Jai McKee secured the 6th place with a time of 22:47.7. A penalty and some inconsistent lap times, including a 02:21.4, kept him from advancing further, but he remains a contender with some strong individual runs throughout the race.

In J-Class, Tyler McKee finished in 7th place with a time of 23:41.9, showing promise early on but struggling with consistency. His 15-second penalty and a few late mistakes, including a 02:33.6 lap, ultimately left him out of the top six.

Meanwhile, Travis Robson finished in 8th place in P-Class with a time of 23:58.4, just shy of the top competitors. His performance included a 40-second penalty, which impacted his overall standing. Still, Robson showed resilience with a solid start, but he couldn’t quite find the rhythm in the latter stages of the race.

Hamish Bowden-Robson had a steady run, finishing in 9th place with a time of 24:13.0. His penalty-free run was marred by slower lap times, including a 02:52.1, which ultimately held him back. Nonetheless, his performance in J-Class showed that he's capable of competitive results in the upcoming rounds.

In P-Class, Bemjamin Oyler finished in 10th place with a time of 25:23.4, hindered by a 40-second penalty and some inconsistent laps, like his 02:52.1. Oyler’s race was filled with challenges, but he’ll certainly be looking to bounce back in future rounds.

Frank Garraway had a tough race in P-Class, finishing in 11th place with a time of 25:40.0. Though he avoided penalties, his slower laps, including a 02:47.1, pushed him down the standings.

Zack Oyler, also racing in J-Class, struggled to find the pace necessary to challenge for a top spot, finishing in 12th place with a time of 26:27.3 and a 35-second penalty. While his performances varied throughout the race, the penalty and slower laps, including a 02:43.2, prevented him from finishing any higher.

Round 3 has set the stage for what promises to be an exciting championship battle. With drivers like Justin Aylett in S-Class and Ben McKee in P-Class showing their mettle, the pressure is on for the upcoming rounds. Each race is likely to bring surprises, with close margins and fierce competition across all classes. As the championship progresses, expect more intense rivalries and spectacular racing.

Round 4 of the championship brought even more excitement to the track, with each class delivering fierce competition and standout performances. The racers pushed their limits across 12 grueling runs, navigating changing conditions and tight margins to fight for every position. Here’s how it all played out:

C-Class belonged to Warren Mitchelson, who not only dominated his class but also claimed the outright win. With a total time of 30:28.521, Mitchelson showed off his speed and consistency, stringing together impressive lap times across all 12 runs. His fastest sector came with a 1:44.190, a blistering pace that helped him hold off all challengers. A clean race with no penalties sealed his status as the driver to beat in Round 4.

In W-Class, it was Sandra Cuttle who led the charge, finishing second overall and first in class with a time of 33:00.862. Despite some pressure from behind, Cuttle kept her cool and delivered a steady performance across all segments, even laying down a fast 1:44.798 lap. Her flawless drive, penalty-free and well-paced, proved she’s a serious contender in the women’s class this season.

P-Class saw Bemjamin Oyler take top honors in third overall with a time of 37:23.176, despite receiving a 5-second penalty. Oyler’s race was a rollercoaster of fast laps—like his 1:54.731—and some tougher ones, including a 6:40 opener. While the penalty slightly hurt his standing, his resilience and pace were enough to secure a strong finish in both his class and the overall standings.

Finishing just behind Oyler was Daniel Radivo, who took second in W-Class and fourth overall with a time of 38:35.208. Radivo pushed hard, throwing down solid mid-race laps like his 1:50.021, but a hefty 20-second penalty ultimately cost him a shot at the podium. His determination, however, suggests he’s one to watch in future rounds.

J-Class had a standout performer in Zack Oyler, who claimed fifth place overall and first in class with a time of 42:20.690. Although he was handed a 15-second penalty, his effort in the middle stages—particularly his 2:13.739—showed real speed. With a few refinements, Zack could start climbing higher in the outright standings.

Justin Aylett, racing in S-Class, took sixth place overall with a time of 45:37.658, including a significant 50-second penalty. Aylett opened strong, but some inconsistent laps and mistakes in the later stages—despite a fast 1:51.430—dropped him down the ranks. Nevertheless, his pace is undeniable, and if he can clean up his penalties, he’ll be a serious threat.

In W-Class, Stacey Thomas earned third in class and seventh overall with a time of 45:46.181. Her run was clean and steady, highlighted by a fast 2:38.483. While not the quickest overall, her consistency and penalty-free performance kept her firmly in the fight.

Rounding out the top eight was Max Radivo, who finished fourth in W-Class and eighth outright with a time of 47:38.369. A 20-second penalty and a few slower laps late in the race cost him valuable time, though his early pace and clean sectors suggest there’s untapped potential waiting to shine through.

Round 4 has shaken up the standings and made clear that consistency, speed, and clean racing are all crucial to success. With names like Mitchelson, Cuttle, and Oyler asserting themselves, the championship is shaping into a battle of skill, strategy, and endurance. As the competition heads into the next round, all eyes will be on who can maintain their momentum—and who’s ready to bounce back.

Round 5 of the Shepparton and District Car Club championship—doubling as Round 3 of the Victorian Club Autocross Series (VCAS)—brought a full day of action-packed dirt racing to our home track. With a strong field, a fast layout, and near-perfect weather, the competition was as fierce as ever across all classes. Drivers tackled the track with everything they had.

Here’s how the race unfolded:

S-Class saw a dominant drive from Arron Windus, who blitzed the field with a total time of 4:09.7, claiming first in class and first outright. His blistering lap of 1:22.4 was the benchmark for the day, backed up by two more 1:22 runs that cemented his top spot. His confident and clean driving style on the dirt had spectators and competitors alike watching in admiration.

Finishing second in S-Class and second outright, Darren Windus kept the pressure on with a best lap of 1:25.2, finishing the event in 4:16.8. Darren’s consistency was key, delivering six clean runs and staying firmly ahead of the rest of the pack.

In W-Class, Dylan McFarlane took top honours and third outright with a solid time of 4:21.6, thanks to a string of low 1:28s and a best lap of 1:25.4. SDCC’s own Ben McKee came home in second place with 4:23.7, bouncing back after a DNF in Run 3 with a strong finish. Glenn Scott rounded out the podium with 4:24.8, proving once again that the W-Class field is one of the most hotly contested in the series.

Also in the W-Class battle, Murray Mackenzie (4:26.9), Luke Whitten (4:29.5), and Mitchell Cooper (4:30.5) were right in the mix, all separated by just seconds in one of the day’s most exciting class fights.

Kenneth Chandler took home the P-Class win with a composed and clean drive, clocking a total time of 4:31.1. His best lap of 1:29.5 sealed the deal. Cody Richards followed in second on 4:35.0, while Leigh Swingler placed third in 4:43.0, with all three avoiding penalties in a tight and disciplined class.

In E-Class, Karli Vallence continued her great form, securing first place with a total time of 4:32.2 and a best lap of 1:29.9. Adam Bloomfield finished second on 4:35.6, despite a 5-second penalty in Run 2 that might’ve cost him a shot at the win.

C-Class saw Warren Mitchelson take victory with a strong performance and a total time of 4:33.3, closely followed by Timothy Brown in second (4:39.1) and Wesley Chandler in third (4:44.4). Warren’s quick run of 1:30.0 helped him maintain control in a class where consistency mattered most.

J-Class featured rising stars trading times all day long. Oliver Franks came away with the class win on 4:41.0, edging out Bryce McKee, who finished second on 4:42.5, despite a 5-second penalty in Run 5. Liam Brown took third with a time of 4:49.8, building confidence and pace throughout the day.

In D-Class, Antony Franks claimed the win with a time of 4:42.4, thanks to his best lap of 1:33.7. He was followed by Matthew White in second with 4:48.2 and Rodney Hall in third with 4:54.7, each driver showing determination and speed in a tightly grouped class.

In L-Class, Aleisha Chandler overcame a challenging start to finish with 5:19.3 and the class win. Improving with every run, Aleisha showed great persistence and was a standout among the newer drivers on the day.

The Water Truck Incident

And now, we come to the most unexpected star of the day—the water truck! While its job was to help maintain the track’s surface, it seemed to have developed a competitive streak of its own! During the day’s proceedings, this humble vehicle made several laps around the course, posting some surprisingly fast times. At one point, it was even rumoured that the truck was trying to compete for a podium spot, showing impressive consistency and speed! If it keeps this up, we might have to introduce a new class for future events: “Water Truck vs. The World.” Stay tuned, because this truck is clearly ready to race!

Round 5 was another fantastic day for SDCC, showcasing the talent, enthusiasm, and great spirit of club-level motorsport. A huge thank you to all competitors, volunteers, officials, and spectators who helped make the day such a success. With the season heating up, we can’t wait to see everyone back again for Round 6!

Round 6 of the Shepparton and District Car Club Championship delivered another thrilling day of grassroots motorsport action. With ideal weather and a fast, flowing layout, competitors put their skills to the test across nine runs. The longer format allowed strategy, consistency, and car preparation to shine—separating the contenders from the chasers in each class.

Here’s how the day unfolded:

C-Class

Warren Mitchelson put on a masterclass in precision and pace, taking out 1st in Class C and 1st outright with a lightning-fast time of 18:13.6 over nine runs. Warren’s day was defined by consistency, with every run well under control and multiple sub-1:55 laps in the back half of the day. His back-to-back 1:25.5s to close out the event were the fastest runs of the day and underlined his dominance.

P-Class

The Pro Class battle saw strong performances and fierce competition across the board.

Russell Smith led the way with a total time of 18:52.3, claiming 1st in class and 2nd outright. His tidy, penalty-free drive featured several low 1:50s and a sharp 1:26.1 to finish, showing pace and control from start to finish.

Harry Findlay took 2nd in P-Class and 3rd overall with 19:40.7. Despite a slower start, Harry clawed back time with consistent mid-1:50s runs and a rapid 1:25.9 in Run 9—his best of the day.

Brenton Bachelor came home 3rd in class with 20:53.2, even after a 5-second penalty in Run 3. His recovery was strong, posting a series of low 2-minute laps that helped him stay ahead of the chasing pack.

Eugene Garvin placed 4th in class with a time of 21:28.6, improving steadily throughout the day and avoiding penalties. A strong finish in the final runs saw him stay competitive.

Jordan Curran rounded out the Pro Class in 5th with 21:47.4. Despite two 5-second penalties (Runs 3 and 6), Jordan showed good speed in the clean runs, including a solid 1:32.6 to close the event.

J-Class

The Juniors delivered spirited drives in their own nine-run test of endurance.

Hamish Bowden-Robson continued to show maturity and pace, taking 1st in class with 21:31.0. His penalty-free performance included a consistent string of low 2:00s and a standout final lap of 1:35.5.

Blake Thompson finished 2nd in class with 24:28.0, and earns a special mention for tackling his very first event. As a Junior debutant, Blake impressed with his determination and positive attitude throughout the day. He built pace steadily with each run, completing all nine cleanly—a fantastic achievement for a young driver just starting out in competition.

Fastest Laps of the Day

Outright Best Lap: Warren Mitchelson – 1:25.5 (Runs 8 & 9)

Best P-Class Lap: Harry Findlay – 1:25.9

Best J-Class Lap: Hamish Bowden-Robson – 1:35.5

Final Thoughts

Round 6 showed the depth of talent across the SDCC paddock, with clean runs, close class battles, and some seriously quick times. A big congratulations to all drivers—especially our Juniors—and a warm welcome to Blake Thompson on a successful first outing.

As the season continues to build momentum, excitement is mounting for the next round. Huge thanks to all the officials, volunteers, and supporters who make it all possible.

We’ll see you back on the dirt for Round 7—don’t miss it!

Round 7 of the Club Championship delivered an exhilarating day of competition despite challenging weather conditions. Persistent rain created a wet surface that tested driver skill and grip from the outset. The event was limited to five runs as officials called an early stop due to worsening rain after the fifth run, adding an extra layer of strategy and tension to the day.

Drivers from all classes pushed the limits across the slippery course, and the fight for class honors was fierce, with incredibly close battles in the overall standings. Here’s how the action unfolded:

In P-Class, Russell Smith dominated the field, taking the overall win with a lightning-fast total time of 07:29.7. His pace was relentless, highlighted by a blistering 01:28.3 on his fourth run. Russell’s consistency across all five runs secured him the top step of the podium and kept his championship hopes very much alive. Behind him, Dean Hubbert claimed second in class with a strong 08:19.6, while Brenton Thompson fought through a tough day to secure third at 09:07.5.

C-Class saw an epic performance from Warren Mitchelson, who finished second overall and first in class with an incredible 07:31.9—just 2.197 seconds behind Russell! Warren also clocked the fastest single run of the day at 01:25.6 in Run 1, proving he’s one of the fastest drivers on the grid. Peter Cole took second in C-Class with a consistent drive, crossing the line at 08:32.3.

Women’s Class was all about Sandra Cuttle, who delivered a commanding performance to finish third overall and first in class with 08:16.2. Sandra’s best lap, a tidy 01:34.1, showcased her skill and determination. Stacey Thomas rounded out the W-Class field, finishing with 11:26.5 after a challenging day behind the wheel.

S-Class produced one of the closest battles of the day, with Wayne Adams taking the win at 08:34.7. His fastest run, a sharp 01:35.2, was enough to edge out Nathan Adams, who finished just 1.0 second behind at 08:35.7, despite a five-second penalty on his final run. This fight will be one to watch as the season continues.

In J-Class, Blake Thompson led the charge, finishing with a solid 08:52.2 to take class honors. Close behind, Zack Oyler battled hard and crossed the line at 09:44.7, setting the stage for more exciting junior action in future rounds.

Fast Facts

Fastest Overall Time: Russell Smith – 07:29.7

Fastest Single Run: Warren Mitchelson – 01:25.6 (Run 1)

Closest Battle: S-Class – 1.0 second between Wayne and Nathan Adams

Round 7 has shaken up the standings and delivered some thrilling on-track action despite the wet and slippery conditions. With the championship still wide open, the fight for every class title is heating up. As we head into the next round, expect more drama, more speed, and plenty of moments that will keep fans on the edge of their seats!

The latest round produced some of the closest finishes of the season, with battles decided by mere tenths of a second. Penalties reshaped the order, while consistency and clean driving proved the winning formula. Here’s how each class unfolded:

Class C

Warren Mitchelson delivered a stunning performance, pushing hard in every run. Despite carrying two early penalties, he stormed back with raw pace to finish 2nd overall and claim the Class C win. His consistency (five laps under three minutes) shows he’s a threat for outright victory.

What to Watch For: Warren’s pace is clear, but cutting penalties will be key if he’s to convert class wins into overall dominance.

Class J (Juniors)

Hamish Bowden-Robson set the benchmark in Juniors, finishing 7th overall and taking the class win with a strong string of mid-3:10 runs. Noah Moore chased hard to secure 2nd in class, while Blake Thompson held off Tommi Wallace to round out the podium. Further back, Zack Oyler and Charlotte Howell had mixed runs impacted by penalties, but showed flashes of pace.

What to Watch For: Hamish is setting the standard, but Noah and Blake are closing in. Expect the junior order to shuffle as penalties continue to play a role.

Class P

This was the most hotly contested class.

Darren Bohm not only claimed the P-Class win, but also took the overall victory by just 0.234 seconds. His clean, consistent laps proved decisive.

Russell Smith looked strong but a 10-second penalty cost him, dropping him to 3rd overall.

James Thomson and Trevor Blake battled closely, finishing within seconds of each other, while Brenton Thompson and Brenton Bachelor showed competitive pace despite penalties.

Ben Oyler and Lachlan Terry both struggled with time loss, but delivered gritty drives to bring the class home.

What to Watch For: With Darren, Warren, and Russell all showing outright pace, the fight for the overall win is tightly linked to P-Class. Penalty avoidance may decide the champion.

Class L

Jessie Kospartov flew the flag for the Ladies’ class. Despite picking up penalties in runs 3 and 6, she improved her times mid-event and secured a class victory with 21:30.1 total.

What to Watch For: Jessie’s consistency could see her challenge midfield drivers in P-Class if she trims down the penalties.

Key Rivalries to Watch

Darren Bohm vs. Warren Mitchelson (Overall/P-Class vs. C-Class): Just 0.234 seconds separated them after six runs — this rivalry could define the season.

Hamish Bowden-Robson vs. Noah Moore (J-Class): Juniors are closing the gap — expect an upset if Hamish falters.

Russell Smith vs. Penalties: He has the speed for outright wins, but must keep it clean.

Jessie Kospartov vs. the Midfield: Her times are edging into P-Class territory, making her a potential wildcard.

What to Expect Next Round

The season remains wide open. With razor-thin gaps at the front and penalties constantly reshaping the order, every second matters. Expect:

Another nail-biting Bohm vs. Mitchelson showdown.

Juniors to continue closing the gap on senior drivers.

Class P to deliver the deepest and most unpredictable fight of the championship.

The road to the title continues — and the next round promises even more drama.

Round 8.5 – VCAS State Round 6

Round 8.5 of the Shepparton and District Car Club championship—doubling as the second Victorian Club Autocross Series (VCAS) round for our Club—brought another full day of close-fought dirt racing. With a strong field and a grippy track late in the afternoon, competition was fierce from the first run through to the final lap. Drivers gave it everything, and the times proved just how tight this round was going to be.

Here’s how it unfolded:

W-Class

The outright fight came right down to the wire, with Glenn Scott taking both the W-Class win and outright victory by just 0.171 seconds. Glenn strung together a series of near-perfect runs, finishing on a total of 4:27.3.

Hot on his heels was Mitchell Cooper, who matched Glenn’s pace all day but was forced to settle for second on 4:27.5 after carrying a 5-second penalty. His clean lap of 1:28.5 was the quickest W-Class run of the day.

Graeme Cooper made it a Cooper family double-podium, securing third in class and third outright with 4:30.6. Just behind, Tanya Cooper rounded out the W-Class runners in fourth, finishing on 4:40.4 after steadily lowering her times across the day.

J-Class

The juniors showed plenty of speed and determination once again. Oliver Franks was the standout, posting a rapid 4:32.7 to take the class win and fourth outright—an incredible effort that had the seniors looking over their shoulders.

Liam Brown claimed second with 4:46.3, putting together a strong set of runs despite a tricky middle section. Tommi Wallace finished third on 5:14.4, improving steadily throughout the day, while Owen Loxton toughed it out to complete the event in 7:18.9, gaining valuable seat time.

C-Class

The Classics delivered some of the closest intra-class racing of the day. Kenneth Chandler set the benchmark early and held firm, winning with a total time of 4:33.6.

He was chased hard by Warren Mitchelson in second on 4:35.3, and Wesley Chandler, who took third with 4:38.9 after a consistent drive. Timothy Brown was right there too, clocking 4:43.0 for fourth. Chris Simpson closed out the class in fifth with 4:49.6, making it one of the most competitive fields on the day.

D-Class

Antony Franks secured the win with a tidy run to 4:44.5. Antony’s ability to recover from a tough Run 2 showed his experience, and his clean driving rewarded him with the class win and a top-10 outright finish.

P-Class

The Production class had its share of drama with penalties playing a role. Russell Smith emerged on top with a total of 4:45.9, keeping it clean when it counted most.

Second went to Jonathan Millar with 4:48.5, overcoming a 5-second penalty earlier in the day. Brenton Bachelor wasn’t far behind, finishing third on 4:53.3, while David Keogh came home fourth with 4:58.1 after carrying his own penalty.

L-Class

In the Ladies class, it was Brianna Chandler who took the win with a confident drive, clocking 4:52.1. She led home Aleisha Chandler, who secured second with 5:04.9, and Jessie Kospartov, who finished third in 5:06.9 after fighting back from a difficult start.

E-Class

Michael Loxton claimed victory in E-Class with a composed drive, taking the class win with 5:01.0. His consistency through the middle runs gave him a comfortable margin over the rest of the field.

New Centre of Operations

This round also marked the first time our canteen and spectator area operated from the new Centre of Operations. The new setup placed spectators right next to the start straight, giving them a prime view of the cars charging off the line and launching over the hill. The atmosphere was electric, with fans able to feel closer to the action than ever before.

The canteen was a huge success, providing great food and refreshments throughout the day. Both competitors and visitors made the most of the new facilities, and the positive feedback has set a strong foundation for future events.

Final Word

Round 8.5 proved why the VCAS State Rounds are so fiercely contested. Just fractions of a second separated the outright podium, while every class saw hard battles and strong improvements from drivers across the board.

Congratulations to all our competitors for another day of exciting racing, and a special thank you to the volunteers, officials, and supporters who make these events possible. With the season heating up—and our new Centre of Operations up and running—excitement is building for the next round as drivers continue their push for championship glory.

Championship Report – The Road to Presentation Night

The Blackout Continues

With Round 8.5 now complete, the championship enters its most intense phase yet. The blackout twist remains firmly in place: while drivers know their own scores, the true ladder is hidden until Presentation Night. Every run is now driven in the dark, every point scored could be the difference between glory and heartbreak, and nobody knows who really sits on top.

The Best 8 Rule – Now It Bites

The “best 8 rounds” rule is now starting to reshape the battle. Competitors who banked strong early scores, like Warren Mitchelson (C) and Russell Smith (P), are nearing their maximum potential. Every additional point they score now may simply replace weaker results, leaving limited room for growth.

Meanwhile, the chargers — drivers like Hamish Bowden-Robson (J), Zack Oyler (J), and Oliver Franks (J) — still have weaker rounds to discard. Each clean, fast finish they record now has the potential to rocket them higher in the standings once drop scores are applied.

Class specialists such as Peter Cole (C) and Justin Aylett (S) also remain in the mix. Both have proven winning pace and could turn mid-season inconsistency into an end-of-season surge.

The State Round Factor

The last event doubled as a VCAS State Round, and the pressure from that extra competition is still fresh in everyone’s minds. For some, it was an opportunity seized; for others, a costly reminder of how fine the margins are.

As we move to the next round, the State-level intensity lingers. Drivers like Sandra Cuttle (W) and Nathan Adams (S) proved in the previous rounds that they can mix it at the top when everything clicks — and they may yet become the surprise names in the title conversation.

Scenario Breakdown – Who Holds the Cards?

The Leaders Hold Their Ground

Mitchelson (C) and Smith (P) remain in commanding positions with big point totals already on the board. If they stay consistent, their rivals will need something special to unseat them.

The Juniors Rise

The Junior fight is becoming one of the stories of the season. Bowden-Robson, Oyler, Franks, Brown, Wallace, and Moore are all within striking distance. With three rounds left, any one of them could emerge as the star of the blackout.

The Specialists Strike

Cole (C) and Aylett (S) continue to be dark horses. Both have banked big results, and if they finish the year strong, the drop-score system could play right into their hands.

The Dark Horse Surprise

Competitors like Brenton Bachelor (P), Frank Garraway (P), and Sandra Cuttle (W) have the potential to upset the expected order. Their seasons look steady on paper, but once weaker scores fall away, their true positions could shock the field.

The Road Ahead

With just a handful of rounds left, the tension is at boiling point. The blackout keeps everyone guessing, the best 8 rule means every lap matters, and the season is now finely balanced between the established leaders and the late-season chargers.

The only certainty is that we won’t know the real story until the covers come off on Presentation Night. Until then: every run is vital, every second counts, and every driver still has a chance to rewrite the championship.