35 fastlane
To take the Modified Bike victory,
Oberti faced off against Jake
Hamilton-Moderate in the final
after having earlier defeated David
McGinn (semi-final), Mario Baker
(round two) and Levi Addison
(round one) while enjoying a bye
run in round three. Hamilton-
Moderate meanwhile had booked
his spot in the final with a bye in
the semi-final following victory
over Johnny Ireland, Edge Mallis
and Bryan Finn. Last year’s winner,
Gordon Crawford, was the Top
Qualifier for the bracket.
“I am stoked to win this event, I have been
down here a few years, I haven’t always
raced but I have always crewed for Bradley
Hicks and I am just over the moon,” Oberti
said of the win which not only saw him
claim the Phil Parker Memorial Trophy, but
also his first ever ANDRA Christmas Tree.
“I can’t really describe how I am feeling
at the moment (to win the event and the
Phil Parker Memorial Trophy), this is an
awesome feeling.
“I have to thank my beautiful wife Sonya
for supporting me in everything that I do,
as well as all of the track crew, staff and
volunteers for putting on a great event; and
also the competitors,” said the Salisbury
Downs (SA) racer.
Another first time winner was found in the
champion (2017, 2013)
fought back tears on-
stage as he reflected
on his victory in 2018
which came as his
wife Audrey battled
breast cancer while
celebrating the fact
that the 2019 event
victory finds her
having won that
battle.
Super Street bracket, with Paul Jennings
breaking through for his first ANDRA
Christmas Tree in his 1965 Nova with victory
over Tony Barbara following races against
Rodney Kerr, Greg Holland, Garry Hutchins
and Michael Bridges. Barbara benefited
from a bye run in the semis, having earlier
defeated Nikolas Karanovic, Des Jeffree
and Craig Ferguson. Also recognised at
the Sunday afternoon presentations was
Malcolm Todd, who clinched the top spot in
qualifying earlier in the weekend.
To read what Jennings has to say about his
victory, click here.
Emotions were also running high for
Modified racer Craig Baker, who defended
his 2018 South Coast 660 event victory with
another win. The two-time Summit Racing
Equipment Sportsman Series national
Baker took the trophy
– which he presented
to his wife – thanks
to victory over Chris Farrell, who red-lighted
in the final. The Gowanbrae (Victoria) racer
had previously faced off against Jess Voigt
(semi), Stewart Johnson and Bradley Hicks
while Farrell booked his place in the final
after a win over Top Qualifier Adam Mundy
(semi) followed triumphs over David Willis
and Davydd Estcourt.
For a special interview with Baker, click
here.
Glenn Henley was another racer who
enjoyed a solo pass to his ANDRA Christmas
Tree after runner-up Rick Smith was unable
to front for the Top Sportsman final due to
a broken rocker. Henley had earlier found
wins over Chris Theo (semi), Julian Carafa
and Daniel Jones while Smith had defeated
Top Qualifier Darren Saliba (semi), Stuart