WARRNAMBOOL’S Jamie Veal survived a drama-filled South West Conveyancing Grand Annual Sprintcar Classic night one A-Main on Friday night.
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Crashes were commonplace in the 30-lap feature as drivers battled a racy Premier Speedway track.
Veal launched from a re-start with seven laps to run to claim victory from Murray Bridge’s Ryan Jones and Timboon’s Luke Walker.
Fellow Warrnambool driver James McFadden was in front before a big crash ended his chances.
"It was getting real frustrating because there was a lot of rolling laps and I had to bite my tongue," Veal said from the infield post-race.
"James was really good in front so it was interesting to see him crash and we just did what we had to.
"Anything can happen, it's the Classic.
"I have been sitting in this position and some other car knocks you off but Sunday is another night."
McFadden led with 18 laps to run before a spectacular crash on turn one ended his night.
“I’d done it every lap the same way and that one didn’t work,” he said from the infield.
“It sucks for the guys. We were sitting pretty and now we’re not.”
Walker enjoyed a memorable career moment, starting on the front row with Tasmanian Jamie Bricknell off pole.
“We’re trying our best,” Walker said during a re-start.
“It is pretty cool, starting off the front row.”
McFadden took the lead on a re-start with 27 to run before another stop as Warrnambool’s Darren Mollenoyux, Jessie Attard and Jock Goodyer crashed out.
Ben Atkinson followed suit shortly after. Ian Madsen and Brad Keller were involved in another skermish with 14 laps to run.
Bendigo teenager Rusty Hickman was involved in a huge crash with Madsen in the B-Main with the two battling for a transfer spot to the feature.
“The car is pretty banged up actually,” he said after the incident.
“I went for it, you’re in the transfer, you’re trying your hardest.”
Allansford’s Jake Smith made a move at the re-start and was battling for a transfer position before he hit the wall after turning one, ending his quest too.
Brenten Farrer, Ian Madsen, Charles Hunter and Tim Hutchins advanced to the feature.
Geelong’s Domain Ramsay, who was involved in a big heat crash, was taken to hospital.
