THE GENERAL: Scott Whittle, of Ballarat, will drive a V8 Valiant Charger in the Victorian Standard Saloon Championship this weekend. PICTURE: JEREMY BANNISTER
THE General will be calling for everyone at Redline Raceway to stand at attention when he vies for state glory this weekend.
Ballarat’s Scott Whittle will be driving the bright orange V8 Valiant Charger in a bid for a fourth Victorian Standard Saloon Championship title.
Whittle won his first Victorian crown on his home track in 2001 – the last time Redline hosted the event.
He was among leading Ballarat competitors letting fly at Redline yesterday morning for a short exhibition drive.
But he was coy as to who might be his biggest rivals this weekend.
“We’ve had three different lead-up races (at Redline) for our class and the track’s been different each time,” Whittle said.
“I could say a few guys across the state who I think might win, but you never know.”
Whittle, in his Dukes of Hazzard General Lee-inspired Charger, is touted as favourite though, he said warm weather this week would likely make the track black, slick and a challenge to negotiate.
The titles have attracted 47 entries from across the state and into southern New South Wales.
Hometown hero Chris Whatmore proved hard to catch last year and David Chivers was runner-up in the class’ last meet.
Redline president Mick Purdie said the bulk of standard saloon competition was based in Gippsland and he was expecting a heavyweight contingent from the state’s east., including the dominant Russell Hill and Ash Fythe.
The marquee event will feature five heats on Saturday with a top-22 qualifier and 35-lap A-Main final on Sunday night.
Wingless sprints and V8 dirt modifieds will be in support on Saturday with the formula V8 sedans and the Speedway Drivers Association of Victoria Ray Welsh Cup for hot rods on Sunday.
Redline action starts with a grand parade from 4.30pm each day.
