MAJOR CHANGES TO 2021-2022 LISMORE SEASON CALENDAR

Photo: Sydney’s Sam Walsh heads the early entry list for the November 20 fixture at Castrol Edge Lismore Speedway. Photo: Tony Loxley.

(STORY BY DENNIS NEWLYN).

DUE to ongoing COVID-19  health rules and regulations, Castrol Edge Lismore Speedway promoter David Lander says it has caused the venue to “re-think what we are planning for the upcoming 2021-2022 season.”

Some changes have already occurred, with an early season appearance of 410 Sprintcars as a replacement for a previously planned November 20 Super Sedan fixture due to Queensland border restrictions and entry by road into and out of the state not permissible until December 17.

The originally scheduled Super Sedan show (November 20) has now been transferred to January with a January 14-15 two-night double header.

Twin 25 lap Wingless Sprintcar main events will highlight the opening meeting of the season on November 6 with a full support card.

This latest addition represents an already changing 2021-2022 season calendar largely due to continuing COVID-19 regulations, restrictions, requirements and health orders.

David Lander has indicated “there could be more changes to come” to the season calendar as the racing term unfolds.

“We cannot help these changes, but I will always ensure we can keep as close to original planning as possible, but some changes will be inevitable,” he explained.

With Sprintcars making an appearance so early in the Lismore season, there are high expectations for the November 20 show. 

Already “expressions of interest are very encouraging” according to a NSW Sprintcar Association representative.

Sprintcar nominations close on November 1, however there is an option to extend that time frame another week for further entries if required.

Sydney’s Valvoline Raceway 410 Sprintcar Track Champion Sam Walsh heads the early entry list, which also includes Warren Ferguson and Mick Saller among others.

Based on a minimum of 16 cars, the current 410 Sprintcar prize money structure is an $8,000 purse.

The 30-lap feature pays $1500 to win, while second placegetter pockets $1200 and third driver across the finish line will receive $900. The main event has a pay-out back to sixteenth finishing position. (The prize money structure will be adjusted accordingly depending on final car count, which at this early stage is expected to go above the minimum 16.)

Four Sprintcar heats and a likely B-Main (depending on final entry list numbers) will be featured on the November 20 programme. 

The track will be made available to those drivers who require practice on the Friday night (November 19) prior to the following night’s Sprintcar events.

The regular support categories will be included for the first two fixtures (November 6 and 20) of the 2021-2022 season.

A note of entry at the November 6 opening night fixture – and all meetings this season – will be the requirement for all patrons to be double vaccinated with COVID-19 NSW Health documented proof and/or mandatory phone QR for condition of ground admission.

Exactly how the season unfolds remains uncertain and is surrounded by control of COVID 19.