Agrela Aces the Mid West Challenge

Posted on August 20, 2018 Updated on August 20, 2018

The 4th round of the 2018 CAMS, Carnarvon Motel WAORC was the Cochrane’s Transport Mid West Challenge and not only is it a challenge by name, but this event served up some of the toughest racing in Australia. A field of 44 competitors was reduced to 43 when the Pro buggy of Dave Hickey pulled out pre event, but there was still a stellar line up ready to take do battle around the hills in the Shire of Eganu

Day 1 would see a prologue, followed by 2 laps of the course for section 1. The prologue was a fast and furious affair, with all drivers pushing the limits in their quest for pole position. Nathaniel Edwards in the #160 Prolite showed why he is the reigning event winner, flying on his way to the top spot. Behind him, Harleigh Uren, Darren Agrela and Shane Elphinstone filled out the top 4 spots, setting in motions a line up what would be an awesome spectacle for the afternoons racing. Marcus Wells slotted into 5th outright, a great result for the young charger in his twin turbo pro buggy. Other noteable prologue results included Dean Terry and Chris Unstead who piloted their Can Am X3’s to 9th and 10th outright. Mitchell Davies was top qualifier in Extreme 4wd whilst Peter Barrett piloted his Sportslite buggy to 17th outright

As section 1 got underway it was clear that this race was just starting to heat up. Edwards and Mclean made good of their early lead to set the fastest time, some 18 seconds ahead of the next best competitor. Darren Agrela was on a charge, passing Harleigh Uren as they passed through the spectator area on lap 2 thrilling the crowd with some awesome close racing.Shane Elphinstone slotted into 3rd outright, whilst 2nd place qualifier Uren dropped to 4th after he had some issues late in lap 2 dropping him a few minutes off the pace. Brad Cooper looked quick early until driveline issues sidelined the #968 machine whilst Mark Jarrett was a big mover, up to 6th after qualifying 11th. Event sponsor Barry Cochrane was debuting the ex Kevin Hood Pro Truck, but had a race to forget, power steering issues on prologue and then an oil hose letting go in section 1 put him out of the event The field had already been wittled down with just 24 competitors completing the 2 full 2 laps

Sunday morning would see the race take it up a notch, Edwards again lead the field away but early on lap 2 his charge came to an abrupt halt as he rolled the buggy which then caught fire. Fortunately the fire was put out and the crew were able to restart the final section of the race. Agrela took a well deserved lead with Uren up into 2nd place in his trophy truck as fuel issues put paid to the Elphinstones strong run. Mark Jarret continued his strong drive, setting the the 3rd quickest time ahead of Colin Doney, Chris Unstead and Mitchell Davies who was on a charge in his Navara Extreme 4wd

The final section saw the scene set for a massive battle, however Darren Agrela bolted, seeting the quickest time for the section by some margin. The #39 Jimco had beaten one of the toughest event on the calendar to seal 1st outright for the Undecided Racing Team. In 2nd place on road, Harleigh Uren was pushing hard until he broke an axle with half a lap remaining. The One Speed Racing Team limped home with 1 wheel drive in heavy sand with Mark Jarrett overtaking the #446 machine on road. Jarrett pushed hard all the way to the finish line, but couldn’t quite make up enough time to steal 2nd place, with Uren home in 2nd and Jarrett 3rd. Colin Doney banked strong championship points with a 4th outright and second in Extreme 2wd ahead of Chris Unstead who won the SXS Turbo class despite having turbo dramas late in the race. Mitchell Davies won the Extreme 4wd class wtih Daniel Allen best of the Super 1650’s and Travis Epis first in Production 4wd. Mathew Beck brought the Kingswood home for another popular Performance 2wd win as only 17 cars completed full race distance

Race Results can be found here

The WAORC now turns to its final 2 rounds, with Three Springs and Kalgoorlie playing host to what should be a thrilling end to the championship