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Aussie sprintcar star off to America

By Thomas Miles

Aussie speedway star Lachlan McHugh will be taking on America later this year with Deuce 5 Motorsports.

McHugh has enjoyed a productive 2022/23 summer of speedway so far, but will soon have his sights set on the USA with a massive 50-plus race schedule planned later this year.

The 24-year-old is excited at the prospect of racing against the biggest names in the sport after getting a taste of competing in America last year.

“I’m really thankful for the opportunity that Brandon (Ikenberry) and the team have given me to race in the states again,” McHugh said.

“I am looking forward to getting over there to race the best in the world.”

Aussie sprintcar star Lachlan McHugh (centre) has been collecting plenty of trophies throughout the 2022/23 summer of speedway. Image: Ray Ritter KNJ Photography

Mchugh raced in America last year and took on the best of the best at the 61st Knoxville Nationals.

The Aussie finished fourth in the D Main and progressed to the 15-lap C Main where he finished 18th.

Since the experience on the biggest stage, McHugh has not looked back. 

In one of his first drives after jumping off the plane following an extensive US racing program, the Gold Coast driver won the first and third rounds of the Chariots of Thunder event at Northline Speedway.

McHugh has also secured wins at Borderline Speedway and the Queensland/New South Wales WSS State Series, while eight other podiums have also been collected across the ongoing season.

It is the continuation of strong form for McHugh, who also won Australia’s biggest race, the Grand Annual Sprintcar Classic, last year and he hopes to go back to back in the 50th running of the event this weekend.

Later this year the Gold Coast driver will be working with the Deuce 5 Motorsport team led by the experienced Brandon Ikenberry.

The American squad hopes to become a force at the top level with McHugh behind the wheel.

“We’re stoked to have Lockie onboard with the team for the upcoming season and can’t wait to see what we can achieve together” said Ikenberry.

“Make no mistake, we’re not going to be just making up the numbers and are very confident with our car and our team that we’ll be pushing for podiums and wins throughout the season.”

For more of the latest motorsport news pick up the latest issue of AUTO ACTION.

AUTO ACTION, Australia’s independent voice of motorsport