Victorian state series head to Calder Park

2023 Victorian State Race Series Concludes at Calder Park Raceway

The eagerly anticipated conclusion of the 2023 Victorian State Race Series is poised to be a spectacular event, as the series culminates at Melbourne’s Calder Park Raceway, breaking a 15-year hiatus.

Racing enthusiasts are buzzing with excitement as the Motorsport Australia endorsed championship makes its triumphant return to the iconic Melbourne circuit, a track that has not felt the rush of the state series since 2008. The revival of this iconic venue was earlier hinted at when the AASA’s Victorian Motor Racing Championship marked their return in August. Subsequent granting of its Motorsport Australia licence sealed the deal for the season finale.

This final leg promises to be an explosive end to an already competitive season. The renovated track will host nine thrilling categories, with racers either revisiting the familiar terrain or navigating the circuit for the first time. From Saloon Cars and the new 2023 addition, Combined Sedans, to Formula Vee and Improved Production, the series offers a diverse palette of high-octane action.

In the Improved Production spotlight, we have Luke Grech-Cumbo and Daniel Timewell. Despite Timewell's impressive performance in the previous round with his VF Commodore, all eyes are on Grech-Cumbo, who leads by 58 points in his HSV.

Notably, when Calder last echoed with the roar of the VSRS in 2008, Saloon Cars weren't part of the state-level competition. Veteran racer, Keven Stoopman, who previously graced the circuit in a Holden HQ, will be steering a Ford AU Falcon this time around. The fierce championship rivalry between Ford's Daniel Johnson and Holden's Adam Lowndes is sure to keep fans at the edge of their seats.

The Combined Sedans' spotlight shines on the father-son duo of Rob and Bailey Love, steering their Mercedes AMG GT4 sports cars. Formula Vee's Reef McCarthy, with a commendable four victories out of five races and a 69-point lead, looks set to claim the title. Lee Partridge and Nicholas Jones, however, are not far behind in their sleek Sabre 02s.

The MGs and Invited category promises a nail-biting finale. With Trevor Lindsay and Michel Trathen both at 217 points, driving a Triumph GT6 and MG Midget respectively, and Phil Chester hot on their heels after two consecutive victories in his MGB V8, this weekend promises high-stakes racing.

The 2023 Victorian State Race Series at Calder Park Raceway is set to be an unforgettable conclusion, celebrating both the past and the future of racing in Melbourne.