Aussies Top Tulsa
Newcastle Herald
Saturday January 21, 2006
BRANDY Hill's Steve Smith Racing speedcar team has become the best in the speedway racing world after winning the prestigious 20th annual O'Reilly Chilli Bowl Midget Nationals in Tulsa, Oklahoma, last weekend.
American Late Model star Tim McCreadie, having only his second start in the potent open-wheel racing class, started the 50-lap A-Main final in 10th spot and clawed his way through the star-studded field, claiming fifth position by lap 10 before jumping into the lead on lap 35 and holding it all the way to the chequered flag.His victims along the way, from the original 260-strong entry list, included the likes of reigning NASCAR champion Tony Stewart and World of Outlaws sprintcar stars Steve Kinser, Danny Lasoski, Kasey Kahne, Cory Kruseman, Jay Drake and Jerry Coons.McCreadie made the final after placing second in a qualifying night heat race and first in a heat race, his fourth spot in the qualifying final giving him 10th on the A-Main grid.The Watertown, New York native finished ninth outright on debut in last year's Chilli Bowl.Matthew Smith, son of team owner Steve Smith, said his father is now in New Zealand where the team will run four Midget meetings before returning to Australia.
© 2006 Newcastle Herald