Finally for the Summer Season our last track night arrived with the Westral Wheel Race Carnival, this H’cap is the second oldest wheel race in Australia and was a 3 day carnival, times have changed now all we can manage is one night of racing, at least we have managed to keep some of the tradition alive.

We had some good financial support from Midland CC, Northern Districts CC, Peel CC & Southern Districts CC which helped to boost the prize pool somewhat.

We were a bit concerned as quite a number of our riders were away with other duties in various parts of the cycling world despite this the racing was very good, our first aid lady had a very good night with no customers, the spectators were a bit sparse but those who came added good vocal support to all the events. The Wheel Race Final was one of those sit on the edge of your seat affairs, with the scratch rider Peter Dawson just missing out from repeating last year win by the narrowest of margins to a worthy winner in Darren Harry (15m), with a flying young Mitch Benson (60) a very close third, this U/17 rider was on his restricted gear, his feet were just a blur and is somebody that will be well worth watching for the future.

As it was our final night, the Rider of the Year, male and female, competition finished, points are awarded each race night by the Judges, Both the winners were Juniors, male Mitch Benson, female Sarah Kent, congratulations to them both.

What would a final night be without a beer or ‘girlie’ drink and a few snacks in the car park after all the shouting and yelling has died down.

This is our first season since we become incorporated and to my mind independence, a good year but of course with room for improvement.

My personal thanks go to all those who worked hard to make this year successful, our all most permanent Commissars, keeping their shrewd eagle eyes on the lookout for those who misbehave, the Registry Ladies who check licenses, collect entry monies and issue race numbers, our Starter and Lap Scorer who makes sure that the riders are very informed of when to go and how many laps to go, the Commentators who get roped in week after week to keep the spectators informed on just what the hell is going on, our Judging Group and Recorders, by far the most stressed group of all people, with white hair and haggard looks in abundance, (well that’s my excuse) and the  infamous ‘Duke’ for not creating too much mayhem.

Finally but no means least, a Very Special Thanks must go to Murray Hall who tireless work and energy makes this happen week after week. Thanks Mate!!

Westral Wheel Race Carnival

A Grade: 20 lap Scratch Race (1); 1 P Dawson, 2 D Harry, 3 D Miller. 20 lap Scratch Race (2); 1 P Dawson, 2 D Harry, 3 M Benson.

B Grade: 15 lap Scratch Race; 1 S Kent, 2 L Zaccaria, 3 J Blissett.

C Grade: 12 lap Scratch Race; 1 G Betts, 2 S Wood, 3 M Young.

B & C Grades: Women’s 25 lap Points Score; 1 J Allen, 2 D Summers, 3 M Anderson.

B & C Grades: Men’s 25 lap Points Score; 1 J Blissett, 2 D Robertson, 3 C Johns

Junior U17 Girls: 12 lap Points Score; 1 I King, 2 M Anderson, 3 J Allen.

Junior U17 Boys: 12 lap Points Score; 1 T Griffiths, 2 J Blissett, 3 D Robertson.

U13/U15: 10 lap Scratch Race; 1 C Williams, 2 T Yates, 3 B Cottrel. NDCC 1000m H’cap; 1 C Williams, 2 B Cottrel, 3 B Meaney.

Invitation Keirin Women; 1 S Kent, 2 M Young, 3 D Summers.

Invitation Keirin Men; 1 D Harry, 2 C Barrendilla, 3 M Benson.

Westral Wheel Race: Heat Winners; D Harry, B Wibberley, G Betts. Final; 1 D Harry, 2 P Dawson, 3 M Benson, 4 P Nichols, 5 D Summers, 6 G Betts.