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     Championship leader, American Travis Senter continued his dominant form throughout the Oval Express Formula 500 Series on New Year’s Day at Warrnambool’s Sungold Stadium to take out victory in round four. Senter defeated compatriot Mike Dicely while Australian champ Mick Pronger finished third ahead of West Australian Steven Gay in fourth.

With an all American front row for the beginning of the 20-lap feature, Dicely started on pole with Senter on his outside. Defending Series champion Ben McLeod and Ben Devlin filled the second row while Alex McLaughlin and current Australian Champion Mick Pronger rounded out the third row. A heat race win in heat five and solid fifth finishing position in heat one saw Tasmanian rookie Kristian Kelly start seventh, with Steven Gay on his outside.

Senter was in control of the race from the outset while the battle for the minor places was enthralling as positions changed with regularity. Current Australia #3 Alex McLaughlin would eventually fade to seventh after being as high as second during the opening laps. Dicely once again proved quick as he enjoyed the battle with several of Australia’s best.

Senter eventually was awarded the win after the race was declared due to numerous late race stoppages. Dicely was understandably thrilled with his runner up finish while Pronger, Gay and Australia #2 Garry Hart rounded out the top 5. Finishing behind were McLeod, McLaughlin, Queenslander Wayne Moller, Victorian Liam Williams and round 1 victor Derek King in tenth. Steve Caunt, Ben Devlin, Brett Willsher, Gerald Shadforth, Tim Winters and Kate Searle rounded out the finishers. Kristian Kelly, Matt Redpath, Jason Priolo and Jock Baker were non-finishers.

Lap Times and Results

Oval Express Series Point Standings

Senter created the solid front row starting position after good performance in the heat races during the night. The championship leader placed second in heat race four while he won heat race seven after running wheel to wheel for almost the entire distance with fellow team mate, Devlin. Senter eventually out ran Devlin in the ACT69 after the breathtaking performance from both Stallard drivers had everyone one the edge of their seats.

Heat one saw New South Welshman, Chris Alcorn out run Ben McLeod and an ultra impressive Kate Searle, while ‘lethal’ Leigh Van Ginneken experienced a big moment exiting turn four and got upside down after contact with the wall.

The interstate visitors were out in form in heat two when Gerald Shadforth brought the NT13 home ahead of Tasmanian Matt Redpath and West Australian, Tim Winters.

The turn four wall claimed another victim in heat three when youngster Shane Van Duynhoven rolled over, while ‘Hyper Mike’ Dicely sped to victory in the USA44. Jason Priolo and Alex McLaughlin fought for second and third, while Cobden’s own Jess Moulden was unable to finish the heat due to minor engine troubles.

Heat four was run and won by Mick Pronger from position one, while the pocket rocket, Senter put in an outstanding effort to finish second from his ninth starting position. With all four Stallard Chassis, Fire Service Plus cars present in the one heat race, Devlin climbed to position three from seventh starting position, while team owner, Steve Caunt remained in sixth. Unfortunately for the ‘Teenage Sensation’ Brock Hallet, contact with another competitor meant a DNF after sustaining damage to the front of the Q13 Quickshot entry.

The fifth heat race for the evening resumed after minor track preparations and allowed Kristian Kelly to take victory from the front row ahead of Ash Hicks and Matt Turner.

Another victim was caught out in turn four when the V19 of Scott Dillon rolled to a halt in heat race six. Dicely was untouchable from the front, as Baker and Aaron Higgins attempted to match his pace.

The aforementioned heat race seven was a battle that will be long remembered, while the eighth and final heat of the night delivered victory for McLeod in the Rocky Resort V88 ahead of Gay and Caunt before being declared with two laps remaining due to rain. Podium placegetter at Murray Bridge Speedway on night one, Dale Shilleto also had an upside down trip in turn four.

Due to weather affected conditions the cancellation of the C and B Mains were enforced and the top 20 point scorers transferred directly into the A-main.

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