The former state and national dirt track champion showed his quality by taking out the long track meet.

Riders competed on an oval track and were faced with only left hand turns and no jumps. 

Sam put in some strong performances in the lead-up to the tournament with several podium finishes, but none of them prepared him for a long track race. 

However, it didn’t take him long to adjust to the conditions. After rocketing out of the gate in his first race, Sam ran wide mid-turn. 

He was forced to settle for second, but bounced back to finish first in his next three races.

Needing only a top three finish to win the class, Sam once again led from the gate.

However, the slick track was making him struggle and, for only the second time all day, he was passed.

Going into turn one on the last lap, Sam had made up considerable time and was on the leader’s back wheel down the front straight.

He gave it one final push but the rear end stepped out. 

However, it was still enough to give Sam his first class win at the cup in his fifth attempt.

He said it was a great experience to be able to perform in front of his supporters. 

“I’ve had a really good start to the year and it was a really good feeling to be able to perform in front of my sponsors for the first time,” he said.

“So a big ‘thankyou’ to Alison and Brian Nowlan from Port Tune Performance for coming out today and a big shout out to my grandparents for coming down and supporting Tommi and I.

“The last few months I’ve raced everywhere from Queensland to Canberra, so it was really good to have some extra support.”

An added bonus was seeing his little brother, five-year-old Tommi, ride in his first event.

He competed in the nipper class, due to his age, and his debut initially didn’t go to plan.

Tommi rode cautiously after a crash in practice and, as the group neared the end of its first race, he was hit from behind.

After a check over by medics, Tommi was up and walking back to the pits.

He rode the remaining rounds without incident and picked up a participation trophy for his efforts.

It wouldn't be possible to get any of these races and to be competitive without great support.