Amato Makes Solid Return To Sprintcar Racing

Amato Makes Solid Return To Sprintcar Racing

Mar 02, 2007

After two months without turning a wheel, Victorian Sprintcar driver Simon Amato regained some confidence at the South Australian Championship at Adelaide’s Speedway City on Saturday night (Feb 24). The final touches are now being put together for the Krikke Boys Shootout this weekend in Bunbury, where the current Parramatta City Raceway Track Champion, Trevor Green, will occupy the seat.

The ABC Realestate Racing team walked away from the South Australian Championship completely satisfied after finishing 15th in the final.

Crew Chief Kate Searle said she was glad that the night was no disaster as it has been on occasions this season.

“It was good to pack the car up at the end of the night with it being straight. We are all rapt in the night and the refreshed motor worked a treat, ” said Searle.

“Simon qualified ninth quickest in time trials and he was absolutely stoked with that. He had a big smile on his face, it was a good effort for someone that hasn’t driven for around two months. ”

In Amato’s opening heat race, throttle problems forced him back through the field to finish sixth. In the final heat, an improved car saw Amato occupy fourth position to give him a starting position of 13th in the feature event.

The ABC Realestate / Power Loan v86 entry failed to move forward in the final, crossing the line in 15th. Opportunities presented themselves to make passes on occasions, but Amato was feeling at ease to finish the race.

“There were a couple of chances for do or die passes, but with my retched run this season, the last thing I wanted to do was get the car upside down again, ” Simon said.

“Overall I was extremely pleased with the night, the car felt the best it has, particularly in time trials. I’m sure Trevor (Green) will find the car great to drive this weekend at Bunbury. ”

Western Australia’s Bunbury City Raceway will play host to the 10th running of the Krikke Boys Shootout this weekend (March 3 and 4) and in a deal made last week, the 1997 Grand Annual Sprintcar Classic winner Trevor Green will race the Amato brothers machine.

“We are getting everything prepared to make sure Trevor is comfortable. He is going there to win and hopefully our car can give him the chance, ” said Amato.

“It is also a learning experience for myself, Kate and Dion (Amato) as Trev is an experienced racer both here in Australia and America, I’m sure he can show us a few things. ”

The Sprintcar will not be the only concern for the ABC Realestate Racing Team, with Kate’s Formula 500 also in action on both nights of the Krikke Boys Shootout and also the Nanovich Kings of Wings at Perth Motorplex the following weekend.