World Series Sprintcars

Sprintcar racing was to take on a new dimension in 1987 with the announcement of the Winfield Australian Sprintcar Series to be conducted at all major speedway circuits, bringing together all the best Sprintcar drivers in the country with the possibility of overseas drivers participating. The inaugural championship, conducted by the newly formed World Series Sprintcars Company lead by John Hughes to organise and promote the series, was presented to the media at a special luncheon held in Sydney, attended by leading drivers, sponsors, promoters and officials.

Although the series was virtually confirmed in September, just weeks prior to racing commencing, 12 leading teams contracted to the series traveled to Perth for the opening round. The line up included Winfield drivers Garry Rush, George Tatnell and Bob Kelly, young up and coming driver Max Dumesny, current Australian champion Brett lacey, South Australian ace Phil March, former Mr Motocross Stephen Gall, 'Mad' Harry Delamont, loan Western Australian Des Nash and Victorians David Anderson, David Hetherington and Rob Richardson.

History shows that 'Mr Sprintcar' Alf Barbagallo capitalised on his home track knowledge to win the first round and veteran George Tatnell went on to win the first series. Due to tobacco legalisation restrictions Winfield sponsorship was replaced by QUIT and the championship name was changed to the QUIT World Series Sprintcars Championship in 1991/92.

In 1997 Hughes, together with other important stakeholders within the sport, founded NASR to operate as the governing body for speedway racing in Australia by providing a single point of contact for speedway racing and working together with the sport's stakeholders in developing a united approach to the overall management of the sport. NASR continued to operate WSS under the guidance of Hughes until he retired his position of NASR General Manager in 2001.

David Lander and Wade Aunger were awarded the WSS franchise for the 2001/02 season and continued the tradition of providing a professional, well organised series that showcases the sport of speedway racing and in particular Sprintcars across Australia. In 2002/03 Aunger lead the series introducing rounds in Tasmania, Giant Screens, Proton Car Australia sponsorship and commercial television on Channel Nine's Speed Machine program.

For more information visit www.worldseriessprintcars.com