Burnouts, fireworks thrill crowd of hundreds as Morawa Speedway roars away

Morawa’s population increased by more than a third on Saturday as the Morawa Speedway roared to life with a burnout competition and pro modifieds race.

Speedway president Shirley Katona said the event was a success.

“We had a good turnout of (racers) and a good turnout of burnouts, and amazing fireworks at the end of the night,” Katona said.

“It was amazing.

“We would have had, probably, 200 people from out of town, not just competitors but spectators and everybody else that comes.”

Ben Ludlow won the pro modifieds.

Glen Fiorenza was second.

Geraldton driver Aaron Poletti and Morawa local Brandon Garlett created lots of smoke on the burnout pad.

Committee member Ashleigh Lawrance said the competition was tight.

“It was quite tight between the top three,” she said.

“The scores were pretty close and there were only a few points between them.”

Josh Fitzpatrick won the contest in Hyper while Jayden Shaddick was second in Twitchy.

Chayce Denham in 1SUSSVX came third.

There were good nominations for the burnout event, with 18 cars competing.

The competition also featured a “blown” car, with forced induction, for the first time.

Lawrance said motorsport was a huge part of the town and the burnout competition provided hectic fun for a dedicated local crew, while several speedway racers lived locally.

“There are 10-15 burnout guys who participate, and it’s definitely a win for Morawa having those guys here,” she said.

Morawa’s normal population is about 530.

Geraldton Speedway will hold a practice day on October 24 before racing starts on November 6 with a speedcar event.

Moora’s season begins on October 10 with a practice and scrutineering day. An event featuring 320 sprint cars, V8 dirt modifieds and modified sedans will run on October 23. The Phill Farly Memorial Production Trophy Night, featuring Super 6s and club divisions, will be on November 13. The season has wrapped up in the North West although drivers from the region will be travelling to other tracks.

The North West Championships on WA Day attracted 90 cars, the biggest event the Gascoyne had seen.