TENNANT Creek Speedway’s 24 October Bike Meet honoured Don “Sheppy” Sheppard, who contributed to the advancement of Solo and Sidecar competition for many years.
He leaves town with many written tributes from around the country and locals.
The Club greatly appreciated the attendance of locals, territory and interstate travellers including track steward Ian Jordan from MANT.
It was emotional for the veterans with many spectators for the first time feeling the engine roar and sheer speed of these amazing machines.
Solo Riders from Alice Springs Ryan Wark, Phil Miner, Ben Lennon and Peter Henderson lined up with one lone local Kerrin Giezendanner.
Fast starts saw many hearts miss a beat for these no-brake machines, however in all heats local rider Kerrin Giezendanner dominated.
Phil, Ben, Peter and Ryan all fought for the remaining positions with racing close and hard.
The Finals saw Kerrin first and Ben second.
Side Car Riders were Darwin Shane O’Connell, Joe VVhite, Perth Yancy Lee-Ross, Alice Springs Brian and Arlen Carragher, Cameron Miller, Marcus Seider, Gove Brendon Edge, Cassy Hall and local boys Shane Cramp and Aiden James.
Again fast starts and wheel to wheel racing, many rubs and bumps with a few swingers going for a dirt slide.
The Finals saw Joe/Shane take the win, with Shayne O’Connell/Yancy second and Brendon/Cassy third.
Dirt Bikes were James Linn, Michael and Peter Graves, Bryce Wright, Matt Henderson, Nick Reuther, Chris Dess, Doug Sims, and again Peter Henderson and Ryan Walk, speechless were many the dirt riders put on a show of skills and tenacity. The win went to Michael, second Dong and third Matt.
It must be noted it has been a while for some riders however the opportunity to race never fazed these die hards, no matter their age or fitness level.
It certainly is a field the Club wishes to host again.
Little Tykes Finals saw Ben G, Jarrod C, Michael J and Luke G, Junior Karts Jayden G then Trent W, Senior Karts win to Tim W, F500s Jamie Y, Rissa B and then Jerry S, Bombers Shaun J the Phil N, StreetStocks Shane C, Col F and Scott C.
Once again thank you to all our sponsors and volunteers for making the night happen.
Don’t miss the Tennant Creek Titles tomorrow night, Saturday 7 November.