Geelong’s Chris Fowler has been crowned Australian Grand Prix Midget Racing Association champion for the first time in his career.
Qualifying in pole position for the title at Wahgunyah was Alex Myers with Fowler, Gary Bowyer, Gavin Black, Adam Buckley, Matt Kamolins, Daniel Meredith, Locky Robotham, Paul Perry, Travis Florrimell, Riley Bowyer, Johnny Rouse, Shawn Ward, Dylan Lees, Terry Brown, Wayne Harrison-Watt and Mark Cecil completing the lineup for the 20-lap title distance.
Myers was the first to lead a lap with Fowler, Black, Bowyer, Buckley and Paul Perry the top six. Black would pass Fowler on lap two into second spot and Perry would be the first to come a cropper on lap four when he spun whilst in his six spot, sending him way back to 13th the next time he passed around.
On lap four Black would move to the lead of the race and Kamolins moved into the sixth spot vacated by Perry.
At the half way point of the race Black, Myers, Bowyer, Fowler and Buckley was the race order whilst Bowyer would spin on lap 10 and Meredith a lap later would start to have temperature issues when the water hose let go and he exited infield, whilst Bowyer also suffered a spin.
Robotham’s clutch gave up and his car exited the race on lap 12 with Fowler now back in third, Buckley fourth, and Riley Bowyer in fifth despite his spin.
On lap 13 Fowler moved to the second spot behind Black with Myers back to third before dropping another spot-on lap 14 to fourth and then three more positions on lap 15 settling into seventh spot.
Buckley moved into third with dramas plaguing the Myers car, and at the chequered flag Black crossed the line ahead of Fowler.
Post-race scrutineering found that Black’s rear wing was sitting too high and outside the rules and was disqualified.
Victorian champion Fowler became the new Australia one driver with Buckley second and Kamolins third.
“I would like to take this opportunity firstly and foremost to thank my father John for all the work, time, and effort he has done to get the car to where it is now so very consistent in its performance,” Fowler said.
“Also to Danny Stainer for building the car and his help and advice ever since we got the car from Danny and Ross. I am disappointed for Gavin and believe he made an honest set up error and look forward to racing with him again soon.”
