Tough conditions impact WASCC meet

Tuesday 03 August, 2021
Photos: Turn 7 Media
For the second race meeting in a row, heavy rain and strong winds caused plenty of drama for the Western Australia Sporting Car Club (WASCC).
  
More than 100 competitors across seven grids were entered in the event and before the first practice was even run, the Free Formula and Historic Sports and Racing class withdrew from the event due to the conditions. 
  
Once the racing did eventually get started, it was a difficult morning for many of the competitors, however each category put on a show when they did get the opportunity for some race time. 
  
There were multiple feature races throughout the day with the Make Smoking History Improved Production’s Tander Cup the headline act. 
  

While 19 cars were originally scheduled, the weather caused four cars to miss the action as well as a slippery affair in qualifying. Matt Cherry would eventually overcome the conditions, polesitter Nik Mitic and the Reuben Romkes to win the 10-lap race by four seconds. 

  

The other feature category saw the F1000s and Radicals in the Perth Motorsport Tyres FSR State Championship battling out for the Kostera Cup and Perth Motorsport Tyres Cup. 
  
RSEA Safety Motorsport Australia Rally Championship competitor Max McRae switched the rally car for the Radical and showed plenty of pace on a circuit, taking out victory in the Perth Motorsport Tyres Cup's first race over Adam Lisle and Andrew Malkin, while Gianni Lutzu was victorious in the Kostera Cup. 
  
For the second race, Malkin was the only one to compete as every other driver opted to run on slicks – withdrawing after the formation lap. 
  
Other notable results from the event saw Benjamin Leslie pick up two wins from two races in the Formula Fords and Tayla Dicker edge out Brett Sherriff for the outright victory in the Hyundai Excels. 
  

Not only did the poor weather conditions shorten the day, but a power outage to Wanneroo Raceway in the afternoon saw a number of categories notch up just one race for the day. 

That gave the race winners of Grant Johnson (Outright Saloon), Marc Watkins (Pro-Am Saloon), Grant Hill (Sports Sedan), Richard Bloomfield (Sports Car) and Stuart Young (Historic Touring Cars) effective round honours. 
  
Unfortunately, competitors and officials were left in mourning, with the passing of WASCC General Manager Andrew Stachewicz, who was involved in a fatal car accident on the Friday night before. 
  
Before the first session took place, motorsport chaplain Kim Van Kuele led a moment of silence for the 250 attendees to honour Andrew and mourn the loss of the popular figure. 
  
WASCC Motorsport and Officials Development Officer Lauren Cornes revealed the impact Andrew had on the team and paid tribute to all those who made it a special day, despite the poor weather. 

“We are a close-knit team in the office so the passing of Andrew has left us in shock and sadness. However, we have many great memories with him which we will cherish.” Cornes said. 
  
“The weather pushed us to the limits but ultimately a failure in the power grid resulting in the loss of radio communication and timing would see us call off the race meet early.
  
“Full credit goes to the officials who braved the very wet, windy and cold conditions to allow competitors to take to the track.” 
Motorsport Australia App

Download the Motorsport Australia App