Goodyer makes history

Jock Goodyer added a historic third Australian Championship to his resume in dramatic style at the Avalon Raceway with a last lap pass to secure his maiden Australian Pro Sprintcar Championship.

After trailing local Jake Smith for 39 laps, Goodyer dove to the inside of turn one and came away with a spectacular win and in the process, joining Robbie Farr and Jamie Veal as the only drivers to have captured the #1 in both Open and 360/Pro Sprintcar competition.

Goodyer has become the first driver in history to claim a national title in all three “winged” speedway categories, having won the Australian Formula 500 Championship in 2020 at Simpson Speedway, the elite level Australia Sprintcar Championship in 2023 at the Perth Motorplex and now the Dirt X Industries Pro Sprintcar Championship at Avalon in 2024.

“Firstly, I have got to thank Domain Ramsay for allowing me to drive this car and Hayden Kendrick making the right calls tuning it up,” he said. 

“During the race I couldn’t believe how good the #72 (Smith) was through the traffic. 

“I just couldn’t bridge the gap. Then I felt the rubber come in and I kept looking at the lap counter, so I knew it was my last chance, so I drove it hard in there. 

“The rubber was hard to catch but I got it just right. Honestly, I was in the best position being second as I could see where he was running but I left it the last opportunity and we got it done.

Jock Goodyer flying in the #VA71 to the historic title.

“To win both Titles is pretty cool. In fact, I have now won all three of the winged classes when you add in the F500 Title, so maybe it’s time to retire now I have won them all!” 

Goodyer is also the second driver to claim a podium in both Championships, with his victory backing up his third placing in the 410cc Championship at Warrnambool in January.

The final spot on the podium went to Tim Van Ginneken, who charged from position nine on the starting grid. This was an outstanding result considering that he didn’t think he would even be competing at this year’s Championship and “just wanted to finish.”

For Van Ginneken this was his second on the podium after finishing as the runner-up in the Title at Kalgoorlie in 2019.

Just off the podium was four times Champion Ryan Jones who recovered well after starting from position 12 while Victorian Matthew Symons was the first LS powered Pro Sprintcar across the line in fifth. 

After running in a podium position for a majority of the race Daniel Pestka faded back to sixth late in the race with Chris Soloman finishing in seventh place.

Defending National Champion Mark Caruso finished a creditable eighth considering he had no brakes for a majority of the final while Josh Buckingham and Ricky Maiolo completed the top 10. Only two drivers were officially classified as non-finishers with Brett Milburn and Tate Frost failing to greet the chequered flag. 

At certain stages of the race both Milburn and Frost ran as high as third in the standings with Milburn spinning in turn 3 on lap 9 while Frost rolled on the front straight on lap 18 after contact with the slower car of Phil Micallef.

Don’t forget the latest issue of the free digital version of Auto Action is out now!

Or subscribe to the print edition here or at selected outlets. For more of the latest motorsport news, subscribe to AUTO ACTION magazine.

Podcast: We’re going to Taupo… Tow Paw… Whatever. Supercars is back!

After a break that feels like months, the Supercars Championship is back and headed across the ditch to Taupo in the middle of the North Island. And yes, Brodie Kostecki will be there! As will the rain.

Somehow, the rain will also be in China for F1’s return to 中国. Philip Island was stunning on the weekend, just gone, if a little cold, but we chatted about whether Supercars should return to the land of penguins.

Plus, there’s more… all the news in the way only the Auto Action RevLimiter can deliver.

Listen to our latest episode on your podcast app of choice or here