Nathan Smee has claimed his third 50-Lap Speedcar Classic in front of an enormous crowd at Tyrepower Sydney Speedway on Saturday night. Second to the finish line was Mark Brown who threw everything he could at Smee over the latter part of the race. Third was comeback kid, Adam Clarke. Smee had a dominating half-a-lap lead until some late yellows gave Mark Brow and Adam Clarke a last throw of the dice – bit it wasn’t to be as Smee claimed yet another 50 Lap Speedcar Classic.

Kiwi Brock Maskovich claimed fourth position, with Adam Wallis, Dave Lambert, Alan Day, Queensland’s Jason Bell, Victoria’s Troy Jordan and Trevor Malouf rounding out the top ten.

One of the big talking points of the race was the dramatic exit of defending champ, Michael Pickens with suspected engine dramas after just thirteen laps. The aftermath showed Pickens’ demise was courtesy of fuel delivery issues.

Robbie Farr was on the charge up to third from his ninth row starting position until he looped Steven Graham owned machine – only to be collected by a car on the way through – damaging the right-rear wheel.

Second in last year’s Classic, Troy Jenkins was running fourth with two laps remaining until the thirsty Synergy V8 machine ran out of fuel in the dying laps.

Meanwhile, Troy’s younger brother, Darren Jenkins proved his capable of switching to athletics. After his car tumbled out of the race on lap 22, Darren Jenkins exited the car, hurdled the turn four inside wall, ran the length of the diagonal infield, and hurdled the turn two infield wall, to have a quick chat to Queensland’s Adam Wallis. Ironically, it was discovered afterwards – despite the height Jenkins got – the car was undamaged and he could have restarted.

Ant Brien was running in the top five with six laps remaining until a flat battery left the ignition system with little firepower.

New Zealand’s Hayden Williams – who earlier in the night took out a dominating win in the Trans Tasman Stampede – suffered a major end-for-ender down the front straight on lap two. Williams had no where to go – starting from deep in the pack – when Dave Lambert’s car failed to go on the restart from the front row – it caused a concertina effect down the field until William’s found a wall of cars and riding a wheel. Although William’s extracted himself from the car and was interviewed afterwards – he was later transported to Westmead Hospital for precautionary x-rays.

As mentioned earlier – the Trans Tasman Speedcar Stampede – that was held over from April 21 – was claimed in convincing fashion by Kiwi Hayden Williams who used the cushion to perfection. Compatriot Michael Pickens was second with Troy Jenkins claiming third.

Jay Waugh claimed the Wingless A-Main among an extremely healthy field of forty plus entrants with Tim Bink second and an emotional Daniel Flood third – who paid a heartfelt acknowledgement to his girlfriend’s family upon receiving his trophy.

Daniel Needham claimed the Sprintcar Invitational Shootout – among news that it maybe his lat drive in a Sprintcar for quite some time as the talented soccer play may well be on the move to Turkey to accept a professional contract. Matt Read and Peter Gordon claimed second and third.

Earlier in the race Toby Bellbowen – who was aboard big brother’s #7 – flipped the Spies Hecker machine – somewhat shortening the wheelbase.

The crowd on hand was the biggest seen at the venue since the John R Turk Monster Truck Spectacular held back in 2008 – and the biggest speedway event crowd since 2004.

Photos: Lauren King

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The 50 Lap Classic Podium (L to R) Adam Clarke, Nathan Smee and Mark Brown.

Kiwi Michael Pickens (inside) and NAthan Smee during the National Anthems

Hayden Williams was outstanding to claim the Trans Tasman Speedcar Stampede earlier in the night.

The Tyrepower Top 20, with the top 20 starting positions.