The Lucas Oil Classic takes place during the Australia Day long weekend, and is the country’s most prestigious Sprintcar event with a prize pool exceeding $200,000.
Naturally, as the one they all want to win, the Classic attracts near sell-out crowds (25,000 over three days are expected this year) and a huge field including leading Australian and American drivers.
Among the homegrown contenders are: three-time champions Brooke Tatnell, Kerry Madsen and Max Dumesny, two-time winner Steven Lines, brothers Ian and Kerry Madsen, Garry Brazier, and dual Australian Champion James McFadden.
A 12-strong American contingent has also made the trip Down Under, led by reigning Lucas Oil Classic king Tim Kaeding. Joining him is two-time winner Jac Haudenschild, his son Sheldon and back-to-back King of the West titleholder Kyle Hirst.
Warrnambool’s golden boy Jamie Veal heads into the event as the odds-on favourite, riding a wave of success in season 2014/15.
The 25-year-old has had a staggering run so far with nine wins and 12 podiums aboard the SWI Engineering/Lucas Oil Sprintcar, including the Brian Healey Cup at Sydney Speedway, Avalon Raceway’s $10,000 Shootout and Warrnambool’s World Series Sprintcars round.
Veal came close to hometown glory last year, winning the second qualifying night before going on to finish third in the finale, and admits everything needs to go his way to top the big event.
“There are probably 20 guys who can potentially win the Lucas Classic. You need a clean qualifying night, and work hard from there,” Veal said.
“Our entire campaign this year has revolved around preparing for the Classic. It’s the race everyone aspires to, and I’m ready to get behind the wheel and give it another crack!”
“It’s an incredible event because of the atmosphere. All the big names are in town and it’s a real buzz to get out there and take them on with hometown support.”
Veal’s impressive form this season has left him feeling well prepared for the huge challenge ahead, his home track a happy hunting ground.
“We’ve been pretty good at Warrnambool this season, so our aim is to make feature race and start near the front,” he said.
To satisfy local and international demand, the Lucas Oil Grand Annual Sprintcar Classic will also be live streamed for the first time, ensuring fans can witness the spectacle wherever they are.
The event gets underway from 6pm on Friday 23 January for the first of the two preliminary nights featuring qualifying and heat races, with the finals of the 2015 Lucas Oil Grand Annual Sprintcar Classic on Sunday 25 January.
Tickets for the event and details about live streaming can be found at www.premierspeedway.com.au
