A couple of Upper Hunter businesses have played a major role in the success of two local riders in the 2014 Australian Production/Formula 400 Series.
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Pirtek Muswellbrook and Reliance Motorsport Aberdeen were credited as driving forces behind the efforts of Mitch Kavney (Muswellbrook) and Grant Jordan (Singleton).
The production series is a support category to the Australian Superbike Series, which takes place over two events during the year – at Queensland Raceway and Phillip Island Raceway in Victoria.
In the final round at Phillip Island on July 19 and 20, Kavney secured the weekend victory along with the overall championship in the 300cc category while Jordan finished second overall in the 250cc championship.
Both riders were extremely happy with their results; and grateful for the support of the small businesses from their home towns.
“I had a good weekend setting the lap record and then bettering it again on Sunday,” Kavney said.
“It was really tough with mixed weather conditions but I was able to take away my first race victory and win the round and championship as well.
“I would like to thank Pirtek Muswellbrook for supporting me this season.
“They have been a great help and I really appreciate their support.”
Jordan was also full of praise for his personal backers.
“Brad and Carly at Reliance Motorsport Aberdeen have helped me with so much throughout this racing season,” he said.
“It was a great feeling to be able to grab a result like this and put the Reliance Motorsport logo out there on the national stage.
“Being the other side of 30 and a first-timer to racing, the tips, knowledge and support I receive from the team up there at Aberdeen is huge.”
Both riders now turn their focus to completing the Ninja FX300 and FX250 competition of the Swann Insurance Racing Series, which is another national format comprising of six, three-race rounds across the country.
After the first three rounds at Wakefield Park (Goulburn), Mallala Raceway (South Australia) and Queensland Raceway, Kavney is in 10th position in the FX300 (after missing the Mallala round) and Jordan holds first spot in the FX250 with a lead of 30 points.
“I haven’t gone as well as I’d hoped,” Kavney admitted.
“I have struggled to set my bike up with the different specifications we are allowed in the FX300 Cup.
“I still plan to compete at Wakefield and Eastern Creek so I can get a good set up and, hopefully, some good results to look ahead for next year.”
“Having some local support for the racing season is adding another dimension to the sport I never expected,” Jordan said.
“It’s great to take a bit of the Hunter Valley with me on the journey, and I’m looking forward to achieving some more good results.”