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Justin FrisSouth Western Times
Tasmanian driver Jock Goodyer is aiming for a podium finish at the Make Smoking History Bunbury Speedway on Saturday night.
Camera IconTasmanian driver Jock Goodyer is aiming for a podium finish at the Make Smoking History Bunbury Speedway on Saturday night. Credit: Richard Hathaway/Richard Hathaway

Tasmanian teen Jock Goodyer has been keen to hit the ground running ahead of Saturday night’s World Series Sprintcars extravaganza at the Make Smoking History Bunbury Speedway.

After spending a few hours on Friday at the “Bunbury Bullring” getting a feel for the track, Goodyer headed to the Perth Motorplex a night later to “get a few laps in” ahead of his first assignment down south.

Goodyer ended up getting more than he originally anticipated, pipping Jason Kendrick to claim the Maddington Toyota Sprintcar Series feature in a thrilling final lap.

The mild-mannered youngster is excited about his first opportunity to race for keeps in the South West.

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“It is big — as a lot of the tracks are bigger over here,” he said. “It is also an eye-opener to get down and get a few laps in.”

Goodyer is third on points heading into tomorrow night’s opening WA show in Esperance and will look to topple Kerry Madsen and James McFadden, who both are above him in the standings.

“The World Series has been big so far,” Goodyer said. “There has been a lot of engagement with the fans which has been good.

“Hopefully, this continues in the west and it draws some big crowds.”

Goodyer feels a strong start in Bunbury could hold him in good stead.

“Qualifying is obviously a major part of World Series Sprintcars,” he said. “If you qualify well, you can bank a lot of points straight up, which helps you a lot.

“That is obviously why we have been able to get a lot of points earlier on and help us. In the heat races, you just have to survive or move a couple of spots.

“And then you are basically locked into the dash which is obviously the ideal situation, so you just have to try and do that.”

The 18-year-old also feels comfortable whenever he hits the track, with quality personnel all around him.

“The car has been really good,” Goodyer said. “I have a really good crew around me that helps me a lot. I know I have confidence every time I get in the car.”

Racing starts from 6pm.

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