The 2019 season saw a number of surprises take place over the course of the year, including the winner of the Sportslite class, which went to Steven Graham.
Despite having a huge opening two rounds, in which the New South Welshman secured an outright top five finish at St George, the Sportslite title was an added bonus to a solid season.
A big result for you in 2019 taking out the class win wasn’t it?
SG: To be honest, I didn’t expect it because we couldn’t make it to Rainbow and I thought that Patrick Geraghty would have won the class title. I felt for bad for him when it turned out that I won as he had gone to all the rounds, but hit a tree at Rainbow and lost out on crucial points which is a shame.
It’s a nice a feeling to have come away with the class win though. It was a great year because all of the dates suited us which means we could have made it to the rounds. Unfortunately, we had trouble with getting Rainbow. Really though, the St George win set us up for the year.
Any highlights to your win?
SG: No moments in particular, but I have to say both St George and Finke because we had really good results there. We are really happy with how the events went, especially St George, which as I mentioned, set us up for the title.
What about lowlights?
SG: While it was one of the highlights from a result point of view, I would have to say St George too. There were not too many bad moments from both rounds, but a few timing issues in St George hurt us a little.
Anyone you would like to thank for the title?
SG: Would have to say Ronnie Schmidt at Racetrans, Scott Muma from Raceline wheels, Gerald Reid of Springwood Car Care and Graham Farming of course. Definitely my wife Kara, my youngest daughter Ella who is always in the shed working with me and passing spanners. She is also the next navigator, but she’s just waiting until she’s old enough. My other children Madison and Cooper as well. Also a big thanks to my dad Daryl who navigates for me and my mum Elizabeth who comes to watch the races.
Will you be back in 2020 to defend the class?
SG: I haven’t completely worked out what I am doing this year but at this point I am definitely doing St George and Finke if I can get into it. It’s great to see Kalgoorlie and Loveday added to the fold this year but we will see if I can get there due to work availability.
