Though speedways around Australia have been quieted by the COVID-19 lockdowns, one Goulburn-based team has been busy preparing for a potential racing resumption.
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Mick and Joes Racing Team, along with its drivers, Damien and Craig McAlister, have been champing at the bit to get back on track in their Holden Commodores.
Set to race in the Production Sedan division, which is one of the fastest-growing speedway divisions in Australia, they plan to take part in up to 15 events in the 2020/21 season.
"I'm really looking forward to the new season getting underway, especially since last season was cut short due to the coronavirus outbreak," Damien said.
"One of my goals for the season ahead is to run at the front of the field on a more consistent basis, and that's Craig's goal, too."
Both brothers have good racing backgrounds, and have recorded strong results at a number of state and national titles, the highlight of which was Damien's 2017 NSW Production Sedan title win.
This year, the main event will be the national title over the Easter weekend, from April 2 to April 4, at the Kingaroy Speedway in Queensland.
They also intend to race at the ACT Speedway in Canberra, the New South Wales Title, Victorian Title, and the Harbour City Hustle at Sydney's Valvoline Raceway, and events locally in Goulburn.
Along with their renewed determination following the lockdown, the brothers will be armed with cars on which they have worked meticulously in recent months.
Damien will start the season in his new VY Holden Commodore, which he bought and upgraded after selling his old race car. Meanwhile, Craig will get behind the wheel of a VE Holden Commodore.
"Although last season was cut short, on the positive side of things, it's given our team more time to prepare our race cars for the new season," Craig said.
"I'm really looking forward to getting behind the wheel of a new era with the VE Holden Commodore and developing it throughout the season."
Craig and Damien have raced for 10 and 23 years respectively, following in the footsteps of their father, Brian, whose racing career spanned two decades.
Both are eager to get back into racing in the Production Sedan division, which has enjoyed booming growth recently.
"The Production Sedan class has never been stronger, and we now have 15 registered cars in the local area, so that certainly bodes well for this season and it's all very exciting for everyone," Damien said.
Though no official date has been set for the resumption of the Australian Speedway season, an announcement is expected in the near future.
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