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Great result for Round 2 of the
series
Sunday, 11 November 2007
Click here
to view photos of the event
 Shane
Macdonald and his team made their way to Maryborough Speedway on
Saturday night (10th November) for round 2 of the G&W Racing
Modified Production Series. With around 45 cars nominated for the
event, it was going to be one of the biggest races Shane has
competed in, this being Macdonald's second only visit to the track.
Shane's first heat saw him start from position three, as the green
lights come on Macdonald slipped into 4th spot behind Matty
Swarbrooke. Macdonald showing plenty of speed in the Linmac
Commodore but couldn't find a way past Swarbrooke. Shane crossed
the line in 4th.
Starting out of 4th place in heat two, Shane once again slotted into
4th as the race got underway. Macdonald got up the inside of Darryl
Etherden on several occasions for third but would be shut out by
Etherden. After several close calls with Etherden, Macdonald had to
settle for 4th.
Heat three saw Macdonald start from 4th place once again. Shane
made a bold move around the outside of David Jacobi's BA Falcon to
clinch 3rd spot, then a lap later Neil Coomber took a nasty roll
over in turn three and four. The race restarted with Macdonald in
second, Steven Zahl looked to have control of the race, Macdonald
waiting for a mistake by Zahl, but it only come in final few laps,
Zahl got crossed up on the back straight which saw Macdonald take
advantage and jump straight into the lead. Shane went onto win the
heat with Zahl 2nd.
Shane qualified out of position 10 for the 30 lap feature event, and
after several first lap incidents and restarts, Mark Raymont had
been sent to the rear for spinning all by himself, and Matt
Swarbrooke had to retire due to extensive damage. This elevated
Macdonald up to 6th place for a full restart. The race got back
underway as Macdonald got stuck up high and drifted back to 9th
place after five laps. Shane knew he couldn't push too hard or he
would lose more places if he wasn't careful.
The
track had gone dry and slick on the racing line, and Macdonald
slowly ventured up high around turns one and two and found some
tremendous drive, Macdonald made a move stick and passed three cars
on the outside coming into turn three into 6th place with nine laps
to go. With 5 laps to go Todd Doyle spun his car whilst leading,
which brought the yellow lights on and sent him to the rear.
The
sprint race to the end was hotting up, with the top five cars
nose to tail. Shane Macdonald went around Steve Downes for
fourth, as Steve Price and Mark Raymont battled for second, the
two cars come together on the final turn which allowed Macdonald
up the inside to clinch second place across the finish line.
Aiden Raymont made it two starts, two wins for this season at
the Maryborough circuit and couldn't be happier, while Shane
Macdonald showed that some patience and hard driving can pay
off.
This
would have to be one of Shane's best ever results in such a
quality field of drivers, and to drop back as far as 9th, and
fight his way back up to 2nd was absolutely sensational,
especially on the tight circuit of Maryborough where passing
opportunities can be limited. Some more helpful set-ups made it
a very worth while trip, as the team look forward to the
Australian Title being held at Maryborough over Easter in 2008.
Shane looks to be in the top five in points after round 2 of the
series.
A
lot of outside help goes into the race car, and Shane would like
to make special mention of Dennis from Toowoomba Steering
Service who has been invaluable to the success of Shane's
driving. Dennis, as a racer himself, a lot of times puts more
time and effort into other peoples cars ahead of his own and the
team are greatly appreciative of it, we just hope we can
continue our strong start to the season.
Shane's brother Nathan Macdonald will step back in the car for
next weekend at Charlton Raceway Toowoomba, then Shane will take
back command for Round three of the G&W Racing Modified
Production Series at Lismore Speedway on the 24th November.
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