Tasty treats awaits at the Apple Isle
Tasmanians biggest sporting event, the Falken Tasmania Challenge at Symmons Plains, faced the chopping block earlier this year, as V8 Supercars and the Tasmanian state government squabbled over finances and other matters. Thankfully that’s all resolved, so this visit to Tassie won’t be a sad farewell but a celebration of a great little race-track in one of Australia’s nicest corners and a mighty championship fight.
After Jamie Whincup’s Bathurst disaster, when he lost the points’ lead to Craig Lowndes following mechanical failure, it was Lowndes’ turn to suffer the misfortune of electronic gremlins and other bad luck at the Armor All Gold Coast 600. The points lead has swung between them like a pendulum, currently sitting in Whincup’s favour by 143 points.
So, three events to go – Symmons Plains, Sandown and Homebush – and the title fight is between the two teammates; a proper head-to-head between two great drivers in the benchmark team in V8 Supercars. Throw into the mix the form of Bathurst winner Garth Tander, Gold Coast winner Mark Winterbottom and Shane van Gisbergen, third in points, and there are some spoilers to Whincup and Lowndes’ battle for maximum points.
Symmons Plains, which lies 30 minutes south of Launceston, is a tight, twisty and technical track where anything can happen. Traffic is always and issue on 2.4 kilometre track, particularly in qualifying as drivers struggle to find some clean air for their quick lap. In the race passing is difficult, so look for plenty of action at the XXXX GOLD hairpin at turn four – the best overtaking opportunity on the track.
For fans, it’s a great track to spectate at, particularly overlooking turn two as the cars begin their run down to the hairpin. But don’t forget your umbrella. As last season proved, weather can be fickle in that part of the world, although it does make for great racing!
The Australian Superbike championship will also be in attendance, along with Formula Ford, Formula 3 and the Aussie Racing Cars – two wheels, open wheelers and tin-tops all on the one weekend.
So, Whincup versus Lowndes. Who will be leading the championship race leaving Tassie? After the last couple of events, who knows?
