Photos courtesy of Ben Graham
Round 1 of the 2007/2008 G&W Racing Modified Production Series stormed into Charlton Raceway on Saturday night (6th October) with a massive car count of around 35 cars to contest the first round.  The round was headlined by some of the best in Australia including current Australian champion Todd Doyle, and Queensland title holder Aiden Raymont.

The night started off with excitement plus, as 12 cars battled between themselves for the first heat, which resulted in several yellow light caution periods.  Troy Ware who has hit some great form as of late in his Buderim Glass & Screens Falcon, looked to take the lead in the race but spun in turn four in the greasy conditions.  Local hero Dennis Bullpitt knew what he was doing, storming through the field from position ten to move into 3rd place, but Bullpitt ended up in the concrete wall in turn four.  Steve Price went on to win the heat comfortably in his new ride, owned by Jeff Blackburn.  Steve Collins drove a hard fought race to finish second and Gary Maroske third.

Matt Swarbrooke was welcomed back to competition after a traffic accident early in the year caused injury to themselves, they're transporter, trailer and race car.  Matty stole the show in heat two, driving underneath Mark Ferguson to take the lead.  Todd Doyle charged through from the rear to finish second with Colin Hockley in 3rd, driving the ex-Wayne Miles Falcon.

Heat three was a showdown between two locals of Robert Trapp and Shane Macdonald, both in V6 Commodores off the front row.  Trapp had the better line around turn one, Macdonald sliding into second.  Trapp suddenly pulled to the infield with electrical gremlins, allowing Steve Downes into the lead with Macdonald on his tail.  Macdonald tried a sensational move on the final turn on the high side of Downes, but didn't quite pull it off, settling for second with David Jacobi in third.

Todd Doyle raced to victory in heat four, ahead of Greg Raymont and Colin Hockley.

Other heat wins went to Steve Price, Matt Hefford, Aiden Raymont, and Todd Doyle.

The final heat race of the night saw a 3-wide battle between the top four cars.  Rodney Pammenter cleared out in his VS Commodore to take the win with Steve Price crossing in second and Colin Hockley third.

The B-main was run and won by Troy Ware, followed by Jason Campbell, Troy Richards and Shane Dennis taking the last transfer spot.

Todd Doyle was the man with highest points, starting from pole position in the 25 lap final.  Steve Price was on the outside in position two, followed by Aiden Raymont and Colin Hockley.  Doyle got away to an early lead, as the pack tried to sort themselves out.  Rodney Pammenter dropped back to 7th place at one stage, then clawing his way back up the order.  All cars and drivers were being challenged by the very rough track conditions, with many having to retire from mechanical failure.  Steve Price was one of those, who at the time was running 3rd.  Pammenter was the one to watch, making his way back to the front with many gutsy moves, including a move on the outside of Aiden Raymont and Steve Price in turn four with the car bouncing like never before. 

Doyle led from start to finish and was never challenged, with Pammenter finishing a strong second, and Aiden Raymont third.  A last corner incident saw Greg Raymont and Matt Swarbrooke come together, with Shane Macdonald taking advantage of the situation with a lunge up the inside on the front straight, just pinching 5th place from Matt Swarbrooke, Raymont taking 4th place.  Travis Barron finished in 7th followed by Steven Zahl, Troy Richards, David Jacobi, Neil Coomber and Gary Maroske.

An eventful night was had by all competitors and spectators, and be assured there will be plenty more action in this years 2007/2008 G&W Racing Modified Production Series.

The next round hits Maryborough on the 10th of November, so make sure your there to see the best Queensland has to offer battle it out at the venue which will be holding this years Australian Title for Modified Production.