Press Releases
Apr 1, 2011
Putland Wins Victorian Lightning Sprints Title
2011 NASR Rising Star Sam Putland has turned away all challengers in Avalon to claim the Lightning Sprints Victorian State Title.
A competitive field featuring cars from SA, Victoria and New South Wales contested the event on March 26.
“It’s my first title in any form of Motorsport in 8 years of racing and I’m rapt to win one, finally” said Putland.
Sam emerged from his first Heat victorious, and earned a hard fought 4th in Heat 2 (starting out of 9th place).
“I'm finding I am much more relaxed in the car now after following some advice I received at the AIS camp" commented Putland, "I'm working hard on getting fitter and having a better diet, which is making me feel clearer in my mind and I can tell it’s working already.”
In the event's Feature Race, Sam started out of second position. After gaining the race lead, the young South Australian powered through to the chequered flag, breaking the 15-Lap Avalon track record; a feat made even more impressive given the youngster's recent mechanical issues.
"After some car issues over the past few races the crew worked hard and we made some changes. The car was a rocket all night - the team at Strathfield Motors and Steve Monk who have helped with those issues over past few weeks have done an awesome job, and I couldn’t have done this with out them.”
Sam attributed his first victory to valuable skills learned while at the Australian Institute of Sport.
"Thanks to the NASR Rising Star Program for really helping my Speedway career, it’s really opened my eyes up to things that are going to help me immensely in my career.”
Sam would also like to thank the team at Fuchs Oils and Lubricants for their continued support and also Chooks custom graphics, and Woodside Auto Body repairs.
"It was also great to win in front of long time sponsors Colin and Cindy Schoell who have supported me for a long time and made the trek to Avalon to watch to title, so It was nice to do it for them."
Sam will be back in action this weekend at Speedway City.
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