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Blood, Sweat And Tears For Mvb’s Big Weekend
MVB Racing posted Tuesday March 13, 2007.
The huge double header of the Eureka Garages and Sheds Super Sprintcar Series this past weekend (March 10 and 11) was a mixed bag for Victorian star Mike Van Bremen. Magneto problems potentially robbed him of $5,000, push truck incidents, monster wheel stands, track records and a second place was all part of the drama for ‘The Flying Dutchman’.
“It was certainly a mixed weekend, one I won’t forget in a hurry,” says Van Bremen.
In front of his legion of fans at Avalon Raceway, Van Bremen had a near perfect night in Round 10 of the Eureka Garages and Sheds Super Sprintcar Series, which doubled as the $5,000 to win Great Southern Showdown.
After two strong heats, the V#6 Action Blast Cleaning / CSR Methanol Maxim qualified directly into the top six time trial. Van Bremen then set the second quickest time to qualify on the front row of the A-Main.
Starting on the front row presented a perfect opportunity for Van Bremen to take victory for the first time at Avalon Raceway. After a false start, on the second attempt ‘The Flying Dutchman’ won the drag race into the first corner against Steven Lines.
Van Bremen set about opening up a lead, with determination to have feature glory.
“I was so determined to win, if someone had of passed me I would have worked over time to get back in front. I would have given the car everything. It was my best chance to get that long awaited win,” said Mike.
Unfortunately, after a red light Van Bremen was unable to refire. As all cars pushed off, he was still circulating courtesy of the push truck. Everyone’s attention soon turned to Van Bremen’s car, with the tension building intensely.
The tension was all released when the push truck launched over Van Bremen’s right rear and into the top wing, nearly resulting in a rollover – to the push truck. Van Bremen knew at that point that his dream run was over with magneto issues.
“It felt like my heart sunk to the bottom of my legs,” said Mike from the infield.
The large crowd sympathised with the Avalon regular, with large numbers of people flocking to the MVB Racing Team after the race to send their condolences.
On the following night, the rescheduled Round 7 of the Eureka Series was held at Simpson Speedway. Good friend and current Victorian Champion Matthew Reed lent his magneto to Van Bremen, enabling him to compete.
MVB wheel stands down the front straight at Simpson Speedway. Wheel stands were the norm for the night. Daniel Beard photo.
“We have to thank Matty for the magneto for Simpson. There is plenty of bragging rights up for grabs between us, but it’s also great how we help each other get to the front,” Van Bremen said.
On the fastest Simpson track in history, Van Bremen broke the eight-lap record in heat five, which was set by Lines in a previous heat – 1.43.256, ‘MVB’ reset it at 1.39.776.
Van Bremen was the third highest qualifier after heats and in the top six time trial he set the fourth quickest time. In front of a packed Simpson crowd, Van Bremen was determined to pull off something special.
Towards the pointy end of the race, ‘MVB’ was in second and catching Reed. At one stage, the V#6 Action Blast Cleaning / CSR Methanol entry attempted a brave pass on the inside line in turns three and four.
In the dying laps, the car was low on fuel, which forced the Van Bremen machine to lose some ground – but luckily the chequered flag waved and the Lilydale flyer finished second.
“I was all over Reed there for a few laps, but I was pretty happy to finish second. What would have been great, is if we won the night before at Avalon and finished second at Simpson, that would have been superb on the points,” said Van Bremen.
This Saturday night (March 17), Van Bremen will be in action in Round 11 of the Eureka Garages and Sheds Series at Gippsland’s Nyora Speedbowl.
The MVB Racing team would like to thank the following sponsors for season 2006-2007:
Action Blast Cleaning
CSR Methanol
Wholesale Automatics
National Rod Ends
Speedway Motors Australia
www.sprintcarworld.com.au
Release by Jarryd Stokes
0400 912 581
stokesy24@hotmail.com
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