Raymont clinches a decisive round win
Monday January 29, 2007. Nathan Macdonald

Greg Raymont continued his strong run in the 2006/2007 HDS Modified Production Series with a stand out drive in the 35 lap main event.  The win may have handed the HDS Series lead back to Raymont.  Todd Doyle was the early race leader, as Greg Raymont took chase to the Tracwell Commodore.  Doyle looked to have the race under control, but Raymont reeled in Doyle as he started to apply some pressure.  Doyle would eventually pull onto the infield as the car suffered engine problems around the half way mark.  Doyle started from pole position with Raymont on the outside. 

From here on Raymont would extend a buffer over the rest of the field.  Craig Mellor qualified from position seven, but got sent to the rear after receiving a tap, putting him out of shape bringing on a complete restart.  Michael Hally and Neil Coomber come together on the back straight on lap one, which saw a freight train of cars having nowhere to go.  A multi car pile saw several top contenders put out including Brian Learoyd, Neil Coomber, Steve Price and Aiden Raymont.  Hally was sent to the rear of field. 

Adrian Stott was running a solid third before engine trouble struck his car forcing him onto the infield.  Shane Macdonald was running well in third place behind Glenn Pagel, after starting from 15th place.  However this would be short lived as Macdonald would take a ride on the wild side, climbing the cement wall in turn one after a racing incident between himself and Dennis Shallcrosse.  Macdonald rode the wall and rolled awkwardly, the car landing back on its wheels.  Macdonald escaped with no injuries, the car suffering severe damage to the front suspension.

Greg Raymont had an ailing car with a few laps remaining.  The #29 green Falcon slowing, the engine only running on five cylinders.  Raymont had extended a good enough lead to cruise over the finish line and in the process claiming the $2000 cheque for the win.  Glenn Pagel drove faultless all night to take second place, while Troy Ware come through to finish third after starting back in 12th position, with Michael Hally salvaging fourth spot from the rear.  Craig Mellor also made his way back up the order to finish in fifth, followed by Steven Zahl, John Tischler, Steve Downes and Gary Maroske.

Only nine cars finished the event but it was nothing short of pure excitement for all spectators.

There was one round of heats remaining on the final night.  Glenn Pagel drove away with a heat win in the Geritz Earthmoving entry, with Neil Coomber, Todd Doyle and Aiden Raymont all vying for second place.  A close finish saw Coomber cross the line in second, Doyle third and Raymont in fourth.

Heat two of the night saw Michael Hally move through the field to the win comfortably.  Dennis Shallcrosse finished a close second from Darryl Neisler in third.  Shane Macdonald and Brian Learoyd were also amongst it coming across the line in fourth and fifth respectively.

Troy Ware was the victor in the final heat, with Greg Raymont right on his case.  Raymont proved you can pass on the outside with several sensational moves to advance through the pack.  Raymont then started to work on Troy Ware, the two cars putting on a brilliant display of clean racing.  Raymont trying his all but couldn't make a pass having to settle for second.  Brendan Bayfield finished in third place with a fast finishing Craig Mellor fourth.

Congratulations to the Rockhampton Speedway club for putting on two fantastic nights of racing.  Everyone will be looking to return next time being even bigger and better.

The chase for the point score is really starting to heat up with two rounds remaining.  The top two drivers on the point standings, Greg Raymont and Michael Hally both receiving great results for the weekend.  Only thirteen points separating the two before round five at Rockhampton.  Check back for more info at www.qldmodifiedproduction.com