Winning the Australian Oval Express Series title for the 2nd time in two tries is quite an honor. To race this far from home, using resources your not used to, makes it that much harder. Last time I came to Australia in 2006/2007 I had limited resources, an unfamiliar car, an untested engine, and hardly any spare parts. I attribute us winning the championship that year to just sheer willpower. We made a car go around the track the best we could using the resources we had. I had a great crew My Dad, Peter and Greg Wickham, Jon Fitzpatrick, Tim and Shane Hicks, and we worked our tails off. Once we got finished that season there I knew we had to return, and I made numerous notes on what to expect the next time around. I also have a better understanding of currency issues, parts supply issues, tire supply, etc. Using all this information I embarked on a plan to return to Australia and with the help of Steve Caunt this became a reality. I shipped my car much earlier this time (June), I had a fresh engine installed, I shipped a spare engine in September, and with each box I sent down I threw as many spare parts in as I could. Just knowing you have parts available allows you to push a little bit harder when racing because your not terrified of wrecking and being unable to get back on track.

      The Oval Express series takes place around South Australia, and Victoria. The trip was around 2800km or 1,739 miles in total from Sydney to all the races and then back to Sydney. There were 6 races at this years Oval Express Series, Murray Bridge, Mt. Gambier, Hamilton, Warrnambool, Laang, and Laang. The point system is super tough, every heat race, every feature rewards points to accumulate for the series title. Just dealing with this is stressfull enough, know that one little slip in a heat race will cost you dearly in the championship. That along with the final round at Laang a smallish 1/6 mile racetrack is a super round double points situation. You must finish every race in order to win the series. Last time I raced the series I had one problem the whole time and that was at the first round, this time I made a decision to finish every race. Luckily it paid off in the end. There were around 45 cars at each round, from all over Australia and with Mike Dicely and Derek King here from the USA competition was quite tough. 

Final Points Standings

Race Results and Lap Times

Flickr Images of the Trip

    I have to give a huge thanks to my family for supporting me through my career. My wife for being understanding and allowing me to travel to Australia during Christmas and be away for so long. Being away makes me realize how special our relationship really is and I'm ready to get back home. My Dad, Step-Mom, and Brother who have been following me the entire time have to get major praise for giving me support. Of course all my friend and other family members who have emailed each and every day wishing me the best, it's always good to know someone cares for you back home.

     "There is no way I could have done this again without Steve Caunt and his family for their hospitality and full support." 

     Also giving support was my long time friend and new crew member Robert Longo (motorstands.com). He came along to help and probably wasn't sure what he was getting into. I think he's ready to go back to work at home so he can relax. I worked him pretty hard each night, because of the tire issues he must have mounted 10 or more tires each night. I also had my previous crew members with me this year in Peter and Greg Wickham. They added much valued experience last time, and were one of the main ingredients in our last championship. This time was a bit more relaxed, but their support will be forever appreciated. I have made life long friends in the Wickham family and I give my ultimate thanks for their help.

     Also in the crew was Anthony Gittos, Chris Rodda, Geoff Murphy, and Matt Brown , they mainly worked on Steve's car but of course would lend assistance whenever we needed a big hand. I can't thank them enough for the help.

     Sponsor wise I want to foremost thank Fire Service Plus for providing the majority of the support to get the job done. Along with Stallard Chassis AU , Stallard Chassis USA , FTZ Racing Engines , Keizer Wheels , Senter Farms, Motorstands.com , ARS Shocks , Wickham Smash Repair, AG Wings, Accurate Machine Works , Xtreme Graphics , ButlerBuilt Seats , Killer Coatings , Braille Batteries , Clayton's Body Shop, Saldana Racing Products , Max Dumesny Motorsports , Hoosier Tire , Intense Fabrication , AIM Sports , Indy Race Parts , Stren-Flex , Design 500 , Oval Express Magazine , Warrnambool International Hotel , and the Tailem Bend Hotel.

     I would like to thank Oval Express Magazine for sponsoring the series, and the Victorian F500 Association for organizing the series, Ken and Cheryl Wilsher for all they do, as well as all the stewards and volunteers that make it happen.

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