Successful run at Kingaroy for Macdonald
Sunday March 30, 2008
Click here to view photos from the event

Nathan Macdonald jumped at the chance to get back into his brother's VS Commodore after Shane had a fairly incident free run at the Australian Title the week before.  Kingaroy Speedway hosted the Modified Production Grand Prix sponsored by Seiler Earthmoving.  Over 20 cars were nominated which was a great effort by the class after a 4-day event over Easter for the Australian Title. 

In Nathan's first heat he started from position six, as the green flag dropped, the track conditions proved trying as all cars found out in the first turn as Ashley Barron got turned around in the first turn, Macdonald lucky to escape any damage and just missed the wall as Aidan Raymont tried to do the same.  The racing was underway again as Macdonald settled into 6th.  Macdonald made a move past Aidan Raymont up the inside for 5th, then passed Steve Price and continued a good run passing Darren Baldwin.  Macdonald looking for a way around Stephen Geritz, as Darren Baldwin fought back and it was a photo finish with Macdonald just clinching 3rd behind Geritz as Ashley Barron won the heat out in front.

Heat two saw Macdonald start from position 2 beside Gavin Fletcher, taking Darren Ciesiolka's place after he experienced engine trouble in his first heat and was out for the night.  As Fletcher jumped the start, Macdonald was hung out wide as Stephen Geritz and Travis Barron stormed by.  Macdonald trailed Barron all the way and wasn't able to advance any further finishing 4th.  With a few ruts developing in the heat, the setup was changed drastically to accommodate for the track conditions for the final heat.

Starting position seven, Macdonald had another hard race ahead if he was to qualify well.  On the start Macdonald followed Aidan Raymont through the inside up to 4th.  Macdonald pushed on with the car riding the ruts beautifully compared the heat before.  Sitting in 4th behind Raymont, Steve Thomsen slowed which set off a chain reaction as Macdonald tried to avoid Raymont but in turn got hit by Darren Baldwin, sending Macdonald onto the infield, luckily Macdonald was able to get back on the track and finish in 4th.

Qualifying in 7th place for the 30 lap feature, Macdonald was optimistic as the track didn't show too much promise if you got off line.  Gavin Fletcher qualified in pole position with Stephen Geritz on the outside, followed by Travis Barron, Aidan Raymont, Troy Ware, Travis Hutchinson, Nathan Macdonald and Steve Price rounding out the top 8.

A first corner incident saw cars going everywhere as Macdonald was able to keep clear of any damage.  A full restart was called with a single file start.  Macdonald moved into 6th behind Troy Ware, looking for a way past, at the same time fighting a fogging visor on his helmet, it took Nathan a few laps as he found a way around the outside of Ware to snare 6th then going on to pass Travis Barron on the top side and putting chase to Gavin Fletcher, Aidan Raymont and Stephen Geritz out in front.  Macdonald reeled in Geritz and continued to run around the top making a clean pass as Fletcher retired with a flat tyre.  Raymont had a sizeable lead out in front as Macdonald moved into 2nd and put chase the Queensland Champion.  Macdonald made a few car lengths on Raymont but wasn't enough to challenge for the lead as the chequered flag flew.  Stephen Geritz crossed for third with Troy Ware 4th.

Macdonald was extremely happy with the outcome with his third run in the car and second podium position.  Nathan now needs to focus on his new car for Modified Production.

Quick Results-
Heat 1
Start 6th      Finish 3rd

Heat 2
Start 2nd      Finish 4th

Heat 3
Start 7th      Finish 4th

Final
Start 7th      Finish 2nd