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MELVIN SHOWS HIS CLASS

The weekend began with a sense of anticipation as teams, drivers, and fans made their way to Perth Motorplex for Round 6 of the TKL Contractors Championship Series. The facility’s sweeping grandstands and wide, floodlit circuit set the stage for a night that would test both nerves and machinery.

Sixteen Legend Cars, each meticulously prepared and bearing the colors and logos of their sponsors, lined up in the pits. The air was filled with the scent of high octane fuel, the rhythmic clatter of impact guns, and the hum of last minute conversations between drivers and crew chiefs. For many, just making the grid at such a high profile venue was a reward in itself, for others, it was another step in the pursuit of championship glory.

As the sun dipped below the horizon, the first heat rolled out. Ken Melvin, a name already familiar to anyone following the series, wasted no time in staking his claim. He launched from the grid with precision, threading his way through the opening corners as the pack jostled behind him. Wayne Campbell and Brendan Radford matched his pace, their cars dancing on the edge of adhesion through the Motorplex’s sweeping turns. Every lap was a battle, drivers dicing for position, inches apart, sometimes trading paint as they sought the smallest advantage. The crowd responded in kind, their cheers rising above the roar of engines whenever a bold move was made or a position changed hands.

The second heat brought a new narrative. Brendan Radford, determined to keep his championship hopes alive, found another gear. He made a decisive pass early, then defended fiercely as Campbell and Greg Joss closed in. Behind them, the field was a kaleidoscope of action, cars darting left and right, some struggling with handling, others forced to pit with mechanical issues. The attrition rate was high, a testament to both the intensity of the racing and the unforgiving nature of the sport. For those who retired early, frustration was evident, but so too was the resolve to return stronger.

As the night wore on, the main event, the Busselton Bitumen & Civil A-main became the focal point of the evening. The cars gridded up two by two, lights reflecting off the polished clay. The green flag waved, and the field thundered into turn one, a blur of color and sound. Melvin, carrying the confidence of his earlier win, immediately set a blistering pace. Radford and Campbell shadowed him relentlessly, their cars never more than a few lengths back. The midfield was a maelstrom of competition, with drivers like Cody Roberts, Steve Barrow, and Brittany Nash fighting tooth and nail for every position. The tension was palpable, one slip could mean disaster, but fortune favored the brave.

Lap after lap, the leaders traded fastest times, weaving through lapped traffic and navigating the ever changing track surface. In the closing stages, Melvin’s composure under pressure paid off. He crossed the line to take the win, greeted by the jubilant shouts of his team and supporters. Radford and Campbell completed the podium, exhausted but satisfied after a race that demanded everything from both driver and machine. In the pits, crews congratulated one another, sharing stories of close calls and hard fought gains. For some, the night ended in disappointment, but for all, it was a reminder of why they raced, competition, camaraderie, and the thrill of the unknown.

Barely pausing for breath, the series shifted north to Moora Speedway for Round 7. The change of venue brought new challenges, a tighter, more technical circuit, and a smaller town atmosphere where every fan felt like part of the family. The morning was spent in preparation, trailers opened, cars rolled out, and the familiar rituals of setup and tuning played out under the bright Western Australian sun. By afternoon, the paddock buzzed with anticipation, drivers swapping notes about the track’s unique quirks and the strategies they hoped would pay off.

The first heat at Moora saw Mark Maczek seize the initiative. With a clean start and aggressive moves through the opening corners, he built a gap that proved unassailable. Garry Walker and Brendan Radford gave chase, while further back, drivers like Brittany Nash and Brad McGregor found themselves embroiled in tight battles for every spot. The second heat returned Melvin to the top, his car perfectly balanced as he picked off rivals and controlled the race from the front. The field shuffled and reshuffled, mechanical issues again claiming a few unfortunate competitors.

By the third heat, the intensity had only grown. Wayne Campbell, determined to leave his mark on the weekend, drove with a blend of patience and aggression that saw him take the win. Radford and Barrow were close behind, their cars showing the scars of earlier battles but losing none of their pace. The heat races at Moora were a showcase of both raw speed and tactical nous, with drivers forced to adapt to changing track conditions and the ever present threat of contact.

As dusk settled over the speedway, the A-main loomed. Twenty laps stood between the drivers and the next chapter in the championship fight. The start was chaotic, cars jostling for position, dust billowing as they funneled into the first corner. Melvin, ever the opportunist, found a gap and slipped through, setting a pace that forced the rest to respond. Campbell and Radford kept him honest, their cars glued to his bumper, never allowing him a moment’s respite. Behind them, Maczek, Trenaman, and Barrow scrapped for every inch, the midfield battles as fierce as any at the front.

For Brittany Nash, the race was a test of endurance and focus. Lap after lap, she battled seasoned rivals, her lines growing smoother, her confidence building with every pass. The crowd, many of whom had followed the series from its earliest days, cheered her on, recognising not just her talent but her determination to push the boundaries in a male dominated sport.

As the laps ticked down, Melvin’s lead grew ever so slightly. The final laps were tense, every mistake punished by the chasing pack. When the chequered flag finally waved, it was Melvin who emerged victorious once again, his second Feature win in as many days. Campbell and Radford completed the podium, their efforts ensuring the championship would remain a tightly contested affair.

The weekend closed with teams packing up under the stars, already looking ahead to the next round. For some, it was a weekend of triumph, for others, a lesson in perseverance. But for everyone involved, drivers, crews, and fans alike, it was a celebration of what makes Legend Cars racing in Western Australia so special. Fierce competition, unwavering community spirit, and the promise that the next race could change everything.

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