Words: Paul Griffin
Images: Peter Roebuck

JAMIE VEAL powered to his first 360 Australian Title at Perth Motorplex last night in front of a huge crowd.

Veal started on pole and telegraphed his intentions immediately by catapulting the Monte Motorsport/Milwaukee Tools W17 to the lead on turn one.

He powered through the 40 lap final and didn’t relinquish his leading position.

Veal crossed the line ahead of defending Australian Champ Luke Dillon and Jason Kendrick.

Dillon drove the race of his life, starting out of P9 and working his way through the field with exacting precision to take a very popular second place.

He actually secured second on the last turn with a triumphant lunge on local hot shoe Jason Kendrick.

The 2017 Di Candilo Steel City 360ci Australian Title was a memorable race for many reasons.

Huge Crowd Enjoys the Action

The crowd, one of the largest all season was treated to fine weather, ripper driving and some stunning passing in heavy traffic. Things were red hot action-packed as predicted, with multiple stoppages.

On lap 27 an open red was thrown to allow teams to refuel the race cars as officials were rightly concerned that the methanol might not go the distance.

Fancied local Cameron Gessner was unable to complete the race with steering issues that caused the #68 to plough into the fence. Gessner emerged unhurt to the applause of the big crowd.

Veal’s victory was hugely popular and added volumes to the stunning season that Monte Motorsport have had.