Off the back of what was a somewhat challenging last season, AMCA Nationals racer Shane Cartwright has certainly gotten off to a pleasing start in 2017-18, having already collected four podium finishes in as many starts, including two feature-race victories.

 

 

 

In what was certainly a season of change in 2016-17, having purchased a brand-new Panther chassis, a Chevrolet engine and a quick-change differential, not only was Cartwright required to learn about his new car and assess his current driving style, the Nowra, NSW-based driver was also forced to race predominantly throughout Victoria on unfamiliar tracks against different competitors, due to work commitments.

Having already banked a third, second and a first-place finish this season, it’s clear that Cartwright’s added knowledge of his car has paid off, with the driver continuing his consistent form last Saturday night at Valvoline Raceway, where he managed to claim the chequered flag for the second time this season, with the win also being his second of his career at the Sydney track.

29 11 2017 Shane Cartwright

“I definitely have a lot more confidence in the car this season, now that I know how it handles and how I need to drive it, which has no doubt helped me to achieve such strong results so far,” commented Cartwright, who admits that it wasn’t until his final race meeting of last season at Nowra Speedway, where he eventually placed second in the feature race, that he started getting used to his new car.

“The Panther chassis, along with the new engine and differential, is a totally different car and package to what I ran previously so I need to drive it differently as well. Mick Kiraly from Panther Chassis has been a huge help in terms of understanding car setups, so I have to say a huge thank you to him, along with my loyal pit crew for all of their continued hard work – both at the track and in the garage.”

For the rest of the 2017-18 season, Cartwright plans to contest the majority of shows throughout NSW, along with travelling to Victoria to participate in the Australian Title at Ballarat’s Redline Raceway in January, followed by a doubleheader at Mildura’s Timmis Speedway over the Easter long weekend, which will consist of the South Australian Title and the two-night Action Series. Cartwright will be hoping for a strong result in the Australian Title, having previously achieved a minor podium finish at Redline Raceway.

29 11 2017 Cartwright AMCA PodiumPhoto - Crashy's Photos

 

“My plan for the season is just to remain as consistent as possible and hopefully collect some more podium finishes and potentially feature-race wins,” added Cartwright.

“I’ll have a bit of added confidence heading into the Australian Title, having raced at the track and against the local competitors before, but I’m not getting ahead of myself. My aim is to qualify for the feature race and finish inside the top 10. Anything else will be a bonus.”

For his next outing, Cartwright will head to Sydney’s Valvoline Raceway on the Saturday night of December 16.

Cartwright would like to thank the following 2017-18 season sponsors: South Coast Security (Geoff and Debbie Gibbs), PB Motorsport Services, McGuires Smash Repairs - Bombaderry Southern Motor Works, Trick Group (Luke Pyne), Panther Chassis (Mick Kiraly), Reliance Brakes, Fuelworx, AFCO Shock Doctor (Wayne Randall), and Can-Am.

Special thanks go to wife Rejeanna, Rob Murphy, Geoff and Debbie Gibbs, Phil, Anne and Oscar Butt.

To find out more about Cartwright and his team, LIKE them on Facebook by searching Cartwright Racing