Delivering a solid performance throughout last weekend’s Australian AMCA Nationals Championship at Kalgoorlie International Speedway in Western Australia, Geelong’s Jamie Collins came away with a runner-up finish.

A model of consistency throughout the weekend, the current Victorian Champion was awarded a front-row starting position for the 40-lap Australian Championship-deciding feature race, after winning three of his four heat races and finishing fifth in the other, impressively setting quick times in each of them.

Unfortunately not making the best of the start in the feature race, third-placed David Boyes managed to overthrow Collins for second at the drop of the green flag, leaving the latter to chase down his opponent in an effort to regain his starting position. Proving his pace, Collins worked his forward to within striking distance of Boyes and launched a successful attack on the Kalgoorlie native to once again take over the runner-up position on lap nine.

Setting his sights on chasing down race leader and good mate Tim Reidy for the remaining laps, Collins gave his all in his Vic # 34 Tuff Lift / AAA Above Plumbing-backed Panther car, but wasn’t quite close enough to make a move on fellow Victorian Reidy, being forced to settle for second, in a repeat of the 2014 Australian Championship at Carrick Speedway in Tasmania, where he finished second to Ryan Alexander.

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“While it’s disappointing to come second best again, finishing runner-up in the Australian Championship against such top-class competition is still a fantastic result and if I have to finish second to anyone, I’m glad to see one of my mates on the top step,” expressed Collins.

“I had really good speed throughout the heat races, but the car’s setup was just slightly loose during the feature race and that certainly hurt my chances.

“Huge thanks must go to my dad and crew chief Phil for all of the hard work he has put into the car throughout the weekend, and none of this would be possible without all of his ongoing support.”

For his next appearance, Collins will head to Hamilton’s Western Speedway to contest the fifth Victorian Action Series round, while his next major event will be the South Australian Title at Waikerie’s Sunline Speedway on the Saturday night of April 22.

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Collins would like to thank the following 2016-17 season sponsors for their valued support: Tuff Lift, AAA Above Plumbing, Fluid Drive, Panther Race Cars, Geelong Carbys, and Johnny Dyno Engines. He would also like to give special thanks to his dad and crew chief Phil, his wife Alana, Luke Keay, his aunty and uncle (Brad and Jenny), who acted as the catering team throughout the weekend, and the rest of his family and friends.

To find out more about Collins, LIKE him on Facebook by searching Collins Racing Team.