SEARLE IMPROVES IN SECOND SEASON
Diggers Rest Formula 500 mum racer Kate Searle has ended her second season of racing pleased with the end result of a top ten placing in the local Stampede Series.
The ABC Realestate Racing Formula 500 team finished the Stampede Series in seventh place, which was a vast improvement from Searle’s first season.
“I struggled to make the top 20 in my first season,” Kate said. “So to finish in the top ten with some good results showed that I improved and I can’t wait to continue improving next season.”
Before the season, the goal was to finish in the top ten, which was achieved. Looking back in reflection of the Stampede Series, Searle had one regret, which was the round at Ballarat’s Redline Speedway.
“I’m kicking myself about the round at Redline, the car was running fine, but I was annoyed with myself. I could not get my mind right on the night, it was rough track which does not help when lacking confidence and during the final I pulled infield.
“The car was going along fine, but I was frustrated on the night and in a split second decision I pulled off in the final. I wish, now, that I never did that because it did affect the points and it may have been the difference to finishing in the top five, possible even top three,” Searle explained.
During the Stampede Series, Searle was only involved in one major crash and that came during a heat race at Mt Gambier’s Borderline Speedway when she span out with one lap remaining. Fellow lady competitor and eventual series winner Jess Moulden then slammed into the ABC Realestate Formula 500 of Searle. “That was the one major crash throughout the season for me. We used the same top wing throughout the season, so that was another plus for us,” she said.
The highlight of the season came in the third round at Simpson Speedway, a venue that troubled Searle in the past. In the February 2 meeting she won a heat and finished the final on the podium.
“In the past I struggled at Simpson, it is a very different speedway to other tracks. So to take a heat race win and finish the final on the podium would definitely be the highlight of my season,” Searle said.
Another highlight for the racing mother was the friendships she continued to build, particularly with Victorian Champion Jess Moulden.
“Jess is a great inspiration to me, she is a star. I always ask her for advice as well as Deanne Davis, I have great respect for them. Jess has given me a lot of confidence during the season and I’m very happy to see her win the Victorian Championship and Stampede Series. Jess in someone that has natural race craft and I can see her doing big things in her racing future,” enthused Kate.
“The whole class is fantastic to be involved with; it’s very laid back with a great atmosphere. There is a lot of talent within the drivers, each week is tough racing but most of all its fun and everybody is helpful.”
Over the next few months during the off season, Searle plans to upgrade her engine in readiness for a similar calendar next season, but with a changed goal – a top five finish in the Stampede Series.
“We’ll run a similar program next season with an engine that has a bit more grunt. I’m aiming to finish in the top five… I can’t wait for the challenge,” she said.
As always, there are a band of helpers who make the racing season happen and Searle was quick to thank a number of people.
“I don’t think you can ever stress enough how important and appreciated everyone’s help is. We have our two car main team sponsors in ABCRealestate.com.au. Mick and Kathy have been a huge support to the team, and I wish to thank them for giving their support to the team. “Summa Auto Parts, Gantec, VACC, Powerloan, Leading car Care Centre are
also big parts of it as well. I also have picked up my own sponsorship which I appreciate so much, Mainline Dynolog Dynamoneters, Drew has been a friend for over seven years, through my crew days with Adrain Parr and Dave Murcott and he has supported me now in my two years of racing.
“Also this season RED ED SHEDS, Red came along on board with me this season, he puts so much into all areas of racing just purely for his love of the sport and to give a helping hand. Overall all these sponsors are appreciated and valued so much and I could not be racing with out them.
“Next as we all know is the support from your family. Firstly I can’t thank my other half Simon Amato enough, he has been my biggest influence and is always there to help me and give me confidence when I need it. My Little daughter Tylah, just a simple “Go Mummy” no matter how your night is going means the world. Simon’s three kids, Lauree, Mahnie and Riley have done a lot of miles with us this year and they are always behaved on the hill and help me with the looking after Tylah which is a huge help. “My mum and Freddy are always around to help when they can or its just the support over the phone.
“Darren Mollenoyux, Deanne Davis, Ken Wilsher, Dave and the entire Moulden family team, Dillon race team, Tim Gray, Rob Talbot, Mat Turner, and Im sure I’ve missed a few. Either through set up help, lending parts when needed in a hurry or words of advice. Every form of help is truly appreciated and I thank everyone that has helped me this season,” said Searle.
ABC Realestate Racing would like to thank the following sponsors for their support throughout season 2007-2008: ABC Realestate, Power Loan, Summa Auto Parts, Mainline DynoLog Dynamometers, Leading Car Care Centre, Dyno-Mite Performance, Red Ed’s Sheds, Gantek and VACC.
