Colin McIntyre Wins Gold Nugget

by Mark Jones

The Rotax Heavy division claimed the Winton Gold Nugget as nature made a spectacular display over the Benella circuit on the weekend. Despite lightning, rain and hail, Colin McIntyre and Dean Crooke each dominated their classes, with the Rotax Heavy driver beating the Rotax Light driver on a countback.

Weather played a big part in the race meeting with the day starting wet, drying in the middle of the day for Races 2 and 3, although the Heavies were forced to face their third race with rain falling on slicks after the rain arrived too late for anyone to change tyres. The final races of the day saw the heavens open but lightning and hail did not deter the Nuggeteers.

Dean Crooke (HyperRacer) won the Rotax Light division, racing clear of the field in all four races with Russ Occhipinti taking second in the class and Aaron Gazzola completing the Rotax Light podium.

Above: Dean Crooke, 1st in Lights
pic - Gary Trounson, gtrounson@hotmail.com

Colin McInytre (RMR Suprkarts/Marron Excavations/Whizzer Race Engines Monaco) likewise won all four races but was pushed hard all the way by Rod Clarke. Lee Filliponi finished third for the meeting in a spectacular fight amongst several drivers over the day. McIntyre claimed the Nugget on countback over Crooke with the benefit of the class based points system.

Above: Colin McIntyre, 1st in Heavy
pic - Gary Trounson, gtrounson@hotmail.com

No clear winner emerged from the 125cc Gearbox division until late in the day. Darren Dunn won the class in the end ahead of Rob Miller and Mick Bakker. The 250 National class was claimed by David Yuill after mechanical problems removed Martin Latta from contention.

Above: Marty Latta
pic - Gary Trounson, gtrounson@hotmail.com

pic - Gary Trounson, gtrounson@hotmail.com

Above: Dean Davies cranks in the lock
pic - Gary Trounson, gtrounson@hotmail.com

Above: Rod Clarke kicks up the mist
pic - Gary Trounson, gtrounson@hotmail.com

Above: Chris Jewell heads the pack through 'old' Turn Two
pic - Gary Trounson, gtrounson@hotmail.com

Above: Russ Occhipinti was back in the ACE Karts machine for this round
pic - Gary Trounson, gtrounson@hotmail.com

Above: Peter Gazzola, Jason McIntyre and Jon Grant
pic - Gary Trounson, gtrounson@hotmail.com

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