Cossar and Whetstone win thrilling final round but Treloar and Cox win the Series - March 2014

March 24, 2014 by Gillman Media

British Champions, Mark Cossar and Darryl Whetstone won the seventh and final round of the Blackchrome Sidecar Grand Slam Series which was staged at the Gillman Speedway Stadium on Saturday night (22 March).

Cossar and Whetstone’s victory was just reward for an outstanding Down Under campaign that saw them qualify for all 6 of the Finals conducted throughout the series (there was no final held at round 1). They have proved to be the equal of the best Australian riders which means they are truly regarded as world class now — and the good news for Australian fans is they have already confirmed they will return again in the 2014/15 Australian racing season.

“I have enjoyed racing in the Blackchrome Sidecar Grand Slam this season,” Cossar said. “This tournament has a worldwide reputation and to come here and do well was really important to me and my team. We have been racing and travelling around Australia since November last year and it has been a fabulous experience. I have learned a lot and I intend to come back here next season and give this Championship a red hot go.”

The British duo defeated Mick Headland/Jesse Headland, Darrin Treloar/Blake Cox and Daniel Puddy/Luke Puddy in a thrilling Final but it was the third placed combination of Darrin Treloar and Blake Cox (pictured above) who won the series overall thanks to the 8 point advantage they took into the final round.

With that 8 point advantage, no one thought Treloar was in any danger of not winning the series, but for much of the night that looked a distinct possibility as he struggled on a slow bike, especially getting away at the start. After two rides Treloar had only 2 points, and even with 5 from his next two rides, he was far from a certainty for a semi-final berth when he went into his last ride with just 7 points.

And it was a tough line up as well, with arch rival Mick Headland, plus two other riders, Trent Headland and Damien Niesche, who were also in contention for a semi-final berth. As it turned out, Treloar not only won the heat (to amazingly just miss an automatic berth in the final by just 1 point) but was the only rider to score any points as both Headlands were excluded for going infield, and Niesche crashed.

That put Treloar (10) into the semi-final, but main rival Mick Headland (11) still had enough points to qualify straight to the final, along with Cossar (12) and local pair Daniel and Luke Puddy, who had the crowd fired up as they top scored with 14 points, a career best performance without doubt.

Joining Treloar in the Semi-Final were Mark Plaisted/Brian Anthony (9), Trent Headland, with substitute passenger Jack Tucker (8), and Damien Niesche/Mitchell Spear (8). Riders missing out included Mark Mitchell and Warren Monson on 7.

The series outcome was still very much in the balance but Treloar made no mistake, winning the semi-final with ease to qualify for the final but more importantly to win the series at that point, prior to contesting the final.

For Treloar, his victory in the Blackchrome Sidecar Grand Slam Series, represents yet another milestone in a distinguished career for the Sydney-sider, who is the most successful speedway sidecar rider of all-time.

“This is a dream come true, Darrin beamed at the trophy presentation. I’ve been lucky enough to win a lot of races but taking out this series ranks as one of my career highlights. To win a series of this magnitude takes a lot of preparation, a lot of money and most of all, consistently good results. I’m absolutely rapt to win it and I’m very proud of my team. I have to extend a huge thanks to my new passenger Blake Cox; he and I only teamed up 4 months ago and we’ve had a great season. I can’t thank him enough. I am also happy that we won the series tonight in front of my mum and dad and my two kids. Life couldn’t be better.”

Despite the series being decided, the riders were no less fierce in the final which was a hectic, but classy affair. For two laps the underdog, Puddy, looked like he could win, but a slight mistake in turn four on the second lap was just enough to allow Cossar to get in front, and from that point Cossar was untroubled to win, as Puddy, Headland and Treloar constantly exchanged places until Headland got home second from Treloar and Puddy in a blanket finish.

A fantastic race to finish the season and the Grand Slam on. It was a break-through season for The Grand Slam as strong performances from Cossar, in particular, and Buchanan, at times, gave it a real international flavour, and plans are well advanced for next season’s Blackchrome Sidecar Grand Slam and event organiser, Full Throttle Promotions, will announce a preliminary calendar in coming weeks.

As well as being witnessed by one of the biggest crowds of the season, the meeting was also seen by several thousand fans via the internet (at www.sidecargrandslam.com.au) and those who missed it will be able to see a one hour highlights show on the Speed Channel’s Chequered Flag program (Foxtel and Austar) in coming weeks.

The 2013/14 SGS Series culminated last night with a gala dinner and awards ceremony in Adelaide.

Final Blackchrome Grand Slam Placings:

1. Darrin Treloar/Blake Cox (NSW) 129

2. Mick Headland/Jesse Headland (and Paul Waters) (SA) 123

3. Mark Cossar/Darryl Whetstone (ENG) 103.5