It was a case of contrasting fortunes for the current and former World Sidecar champions when the Ikon Suspension Sidecar Grand Slam was staged at the Newcastle Showground Speedway last Saturday night.
Former world champion, South Australian team Mick Headland and passenger Paul Waters were the stand-out performers for most of the night, winning all five of their heat races including several occasions when they had to come from behind.
The A Final looked to be in their keeping but mechanical problems forced them out of the race on the second lap.
Reigning world champion Darrin Treloar, with teenage passenger Sam Gilbert were the beneficiaries who took over the race lead after having been the second top scorer in the heats.
There was plenty for Newcastle fans to be enthused about as Darren Caf̩, with passenger Shane van Ginnekin, turned in close to a career-best performance to be placed second in the A Final after holding off a determined charge from North Queenslanders Brodie Cohen and passenger Cal Campbell.
Caf̩ and Van Ginnekin had earlier scored a great win the B Final where they headed two other teams from North Queensland Wes Jenkins / Matt Duce and former Australian champion Scott Christopher / Tyler Moon.
Another local team Grant Bond / Glen Cox had mixed fortunes along the way to their third place in the B Final with problems for one of their team machines meaning they had to share a bike with their sons Hayden Bond / Brady Cox.
Recent addition to the senior ranks Sam Hudson, with passenger Lionel Cornwall acquitted themselves well which augers well for their future.
Results of Round 9 of the IKON SUSPENSION SIDECAR GRAND SLAM staged at Newcastle Showground Speedway on Saturday night 25 February 2012
Results
1. D. Treloar / S.Gilbert NSW
2. D.Cafe / S. Van Ginnekin NSW
3. B.Cohen / C.Campbell Q'ld
4. M.Headland / P.Waters SA
5. W.Jenkins / M. Duce Qld
6. G.Bond / G/ Cox NSW
7. S.Christopher / T.Moon Qld
8. T. Headland / J. Headland SA
9. S. Hudson / L.Cornwall NSW
10. B. Gates / M.O'Loughlin Vic
