Tyson Martin Wins the Walpeup Cup Feature
| from David Rea | 23 March 2016 |
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The latest edition of the Walpeup Cup has been run and won at Olympic Park, Mildura, as the Sunraysia Dirt Karters again paid tribute one of the club’s heroes, multiple Australian Champion and mega multi state title holder - Bob Latta. During his still strong career, Bob has amassed 6 National and around 30 state titles across the country.
Named after Bob’s home town, the Walpeup Cup is unusual in many ways.
The trophies awarded to the place getters are amongst the most unique in motorsport – components for which are sourced from Bob’s own farm, resulting each year in different and very interesting looking trophies! They are never the same as previous years.
Above: The 1st place trophy for 2016
The main sponsors for the event are the honouree and his lovely wife, Jan. Lastly, at Bob’s request, the final is run in reverse grid with the highest point scorers starting from the back, making for some very interesting racing.
As ever, Bob was very keen to win the event but there were always others who aimed to upset his dream.
Tahleesha Mayes ranked as the one to beat on recent form; she had recently added two more state crowns to her resume at the Victorian Titles.
Local ‘International’, Mitch Gladman, who had contested the renowned Chilli Bowl Nationals in the U.S. in January, has been working hard to convert the experience into results. He has been figuring highly in heat races of late but has just missed out on converting those to wins in the finals.
Above: Bob Latta's honour award
Newly upgraded from the Junior ranks, Tyson Martin and reigning Oz #1 in Junior Standards, Liam Aunger, were looking to making their mark at their first opportunity to wrest the Cup from their more senior counterparts. Darren Latta was also taking another shot at ‘Dad’s’ race, making a rare return to the track and aimed to relieve his father of some of the prize money on offer.
With the prize money on offer for the Walpeup Cup being awarded to the top point scorers at completion of the heats and not on the final, the heats would become heavily contested.
Young Aunger was to suffer an immediate setback in his quest, as he fell victim to a first heat incident that was to claim his rear axle, snapping it in two. Thanks to exemplary efforts in the pits by fellow competitors alongside his own crew, Liam was on track again in time for next heat. Hot racing ensued through the remaining heats with frontrunners Mayes and Gladman also dropping points with non finishes, though Mayes made up for it by taking out all of her other heats.
Above: (L to R) Mitch Gladman 3rd, Liam Aunger 2nd, winner Tyson Martin, Jan & Bob Latta
Consistency paid off for the senior Latta through the heats, resulting in him finishing on high points and getting to take some of his own money home for a change. Filling out the remaining places on points and earning the privilege of joining Bob at the back of the pack were Tyson Martin, Darren Latta and Tahleesha Mayes.
The final was witness to some fine race craft from all drivers as the rear markers fought their way through the field. Martin made steady and enviable progress through the field, making the most of his opportunities, working his way to the front and holding on to take a well earned win. Following close behind, as they engaged in their own personal duel over the minor places, swapping positions repeatedly were Aunger and Gladman. Hot on their heels was Mayes. The Latta’s could not achieve the same result as Martin as they fell short in their quest from the rear where Darren managed to lead his father home.
Gladman was still able to hold his head high though earlier in the night as he was able to hold off newly crowned Victorian 125cc Open champion, Latta senior and Martin in the All Powers final.
Above: Bob Latta on track
The Juniors, again, provided some exiting racing during the meeting with Jake Adams, grandson of Latta, scything his way through the field in the Junior final to take the win and this week’s bragging rights from bigger brother Brodie, Todd Martin and Lachlan Barbary.
With only weeks to go before the annual Mildura All Power Nationals on 20th/21st of May, racers will look to next month’s All Powers Feature meeting, at Olympic Park, as a final chance to have a hit out before the big event.
Nominations for the All Power Nationals close on Monday, 9th of May. All details can be found at www.allpowernationals.com and follow the nominations tab to the 2016 event.
Above: The 2015 trophy