GOLD CUP GRAND FINAL NIGHT  - Saturday April 4th, 11

Saturdays Grand Final meeting at the Perth Motorplex was one of the most anticipated rounds for the season.  The closeness of the Southside Engine Centres season points at the forefront of every competitor’s mind.  Not only was it possible if all the moons aligned for Gary Higgs to overhaul Marc Giancola for the series lead, but right through the top ten it was possible to improve positions.

Race 1

Started with a slightly greasy track.  Phil Barton from Broome and Michael Nash starting on the front row the Centre Ford sponsored GT Falcon of Nash getting sideways entering turn one and bringing some of the field undone.  This resulted in a DNF for Terry Green, Tristan Green and Michael Nash.  While under the red light situation Bartons Dominator developed an oil leak and was billowing smoke in front of the starter’s box in the main straight.  Once the race got under way Gary Higgs was on a mission and determined to score maximum points.  Kemble Aylett finished in second position, followed by Frank Does and Marc Giancola who had stormed through the pack from position 16 and Murray Iwanow coming home fifth.

Race 2

All the heavy hitters were starting near the front and for the informed spectator this was a mouth-watering situation.  The track was nearly at its peak and there would be no excuses in this down to the wire point’s chase.  WA 1 Giancola took the honours in his Dominator Grand Prix from SA 2 Danny Miller also in a Dominator with a RX 8 body mounted.  Gary Higgs car 81 the first Sweet car to greet the chequers in this event followed by Frank Does #3 also in a Sweet car and fifth place was taken by Kodee Brown in his ageing Dominator leaf sprung car.  The only retirement in this event was John Triplett.  I was informed after this heat that Marc had nothing more to extrude from the engine, it was absolutely flat out.

Race 3- 15 lap final

Last race of the year at the Motorplex for Super Sedans and it had everything a promoter and sedan car fan could want, a shootout between the seasons most intense two rivals Giancola had the right to choose starting position as the pole sitter and beside him Gary Higgs last year’s SSRC series winner.  At the drop of the flag Dusty tried an impressive pass on the low line hoping to slide up in front of the 43 car that was running the highline where the track had moved.

Giancola managed to maintain the lead and with momentum on his side slowly opened a gap between the pair.  The big mover in the race was young Superman Dustin Higgs who had started a long way back in position nine.  Dustin had found something magical in his car setup and was passing cars as if his life depended on it.  Seeing as his car has been sold it was a great confidence builder for the new car owner.

With about 5 laps to go the first caution was flown with Kyle Larson on a precarious position between turns 1 and 2.  This closed up the field only momentarily as the 43 car of Giancola powered to the win, Gary Dusty Higgs #81, second Danny Miller # SA2 back on the podium in third position.  A very fast finishing #82 Rocket of Dustin Higgs and Frank Does in his immaculate #3 Sweet four bar taking fifth position.

At the podium presentation Marc Giancola was presented with the Gold Cup trophy, also it was announced he had won the Motorplex series points score, Dusty Higgs gave a speech congratulating Marc, thanking his crew and supporters Pigdon Portables.  Danny Miller who raced the whole season on the west coast was happy to be back on the pace.  The likeable croweater was quizzed if he would be running here again next season.  He answered unsure as yet on next year’s program. 

With the racing out of the way the pit party began.  A festive atmosphere was in the air with Tina Lizzi our promotion guru organising a sausage sizzle and drinks for the fans to mix with the drivers and crews to celebrate the end of season.

With the generosity of Dusty Higgs another bbq with salads, steaks, snags, loud music and a light show projected on the side of his transporter added to the enthusiasm and sense of friendship and goodwill.

But wait there is a twist, the racing is over but all the drivers have to drop their worst two rounds results.  Several positions are in doubt so stay tuned for the official announcements very soon.

 As part of the Southside Engine Centre Super Sedan Summer Series

Glenn Piper

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