Mother Nature certainly wasn’t ready for the race season to kick off and made it particularly challenging for everyone involved with putting on the Opening night at Blue Ribbon Raceway. Gale force winds and showers most of the afternoon made for a later than scheduled start but in the end competitors won and managed to get all the features in.

Series Champ Michael Tancredi’s V29 took out the honours of being the first Covid Cup winner. Paul Solomon’s V7 in second and Mildura based Jay Brown SA51 home in third. The field lined up for the A with the Solomon brothers on the front row and as always make the start interesting as one brother tries to physic the other brother out. This time Paul got he start but only to be passed by Chris on the second lap. Chris held a strong lead over the field for just over half the race but his night finished in the middle of the back straight sitting the remainder of the race infield.
While this was happening Tancredi had gained on Paul and passed him for the lead. With 12 cars for the shakedown show it was a perfect opportunity for All Star Rookies to get some laps and they did themselves proud. 17 year old Rookie Todd Moule showed talent in the D26 machine moving up to P3 at one stage in the A before retiring with front end damage. Adam Cullinger’s V76 also showed speed on his first night with the All Stars running a strong 4th place for several laps. His results didn’t show what he was capable of being the first car to pull out with a right rear wheel problem. Jason Bolitho’s VA52 first time run in a sprintcar was also encouraging for the team learning more each time he went out.

Andy Hibbert was in the seat of the well-known Mat Eastham owned V88. Hibbert was comfortable in the seat coming home in 5th place. All Star regular SA95 Jarman Dalitz made the long drive from Murray Bridge and after dropping a heat finished strong in 4th place. Unfortunately V60 Jordyn Charges night was finished abruptly hurting his engine at the start of the night. Marcus Green in the Skidmore V71 sustained damage in his second heat and was also out for the night.

Heat wins – Paul Solomon, Chris Solomon and Michael Tancredi
A Main – 1st V29 Michael Tancredi, 2nd V7 Paul Solomon, 3rd SA51 Jay Brown, 4th SA95 Jarman Dalitz, 5th V88 Andy Hibbert, 6th VA52 Jason Bolitho, 7th D26 Todd Moule – DNF, 8th VA99 Corey Sandow – DNF, 9th V83 Chris Solomon DNF. 10th V76 Adam Cullinger DNF.

IDIGIT Lucky $100 Draw winner – Andy Hibbert
Sacrifice Scooters winner – Jason Bolitho