Rain in NSW causes late charge for Shootout nominations

Nominations are still coming in for this weekend’s Krikke Boys Shootout, with the forecast of heavy rain in Sydney seeing drivers crossing the Nullarbor to race at the QUIT Bunbury Speedway.

Speedway promotions manager Andrew Roberts said he had heard a number of Eastern States drivers were considering coming over for the race.

“We are trying to find them teams to drive with,” he said.

“Nominations look like they will come in right up until Saturday.”

Roberts said a field of 24 drivers would be ideal.

“That way we have three heats of eight cars per night,” he said.

“Nominations are increasing by the day which is good.”

Reigning champion Steven Lines will compete alongside a star-studded field which includes 2015 champion Brooke Tatnell, World Series Sprintcar champion James McFadden, Victorian speedster Jamie Veal and in-form Perth driver Jason Kendrick.

South Australians Luke Dillon and Chad Ely have also been confirmed to take the wheel of the W26 and W53 cars respectively.

All eyes this weekend will be on Myalup’s Jamie Maiolo, who will compete in his 20th shooutout, having yet to miss an annual race.

However, he has never won the shootout, with his previous best being third in the inaugural race in 1998.

Jamie’s brother Brad is a strong chance to win this year’s shootout, having found form in the past two years.

2016 360 sprintcar State champion Mitchell Wormall will also contend for the title, having impressed over the weekend at the Perth Motorplex.

Geraldton’s Callum Williamson will also take to the track, despite crashing out at the weekend when he hit the wall after his back right tyre blew.