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Dobson To Rejoin WSS As 2 Teams Bow Out Of Western Swing
Jan 27, 2012
Tasmanian young gun, Shaun Dobson is preparing to rejoin the 25th anniversary season of Hi-Tec Oils World Series Sprintcars after parting ways with the Titan Racing Team during Speedweek.
Dobson rejoins the series in Western Australia, piloting his family's T77 car.
“I loved being part of the WSS competition this year," said Dobson. "Now I’m back in the family car and have my confidence back, I can't wait to get to WA with the boys and have another go."
"I'm really looking forward to it, and I'd like to thank my family for the opportunity, especially my sister, Emma, who has stepped out of the car so I can do this.”
Shaun will contest the remaining rounds of the series, with the exception of Bunbury, as the family have committed to helping Shaun's sister Emma, at the Tasmanian Formula 500 Championship.
The 18 year old was selected to pilot the Q36 car for Reeve Kruck's operation prior to the start of the WSS campaign, but after a troublesome start to the series, the team elected to part ways with Dobson.
Matthew Reed stepped into the car at Warrnambool, only to bow out in the C Main. The team then turned to 2010 Knoxville Nationals winner, Tim Shaffer for rounds 9 and 10, but the experiment ended on a sour note when Shaffer retired from the B Main at Speedway City.
Crew Chief Bingo Jenkins lamented the team's disppointing season.
“Unfortunately, due to the season we have had, and with engine problems and the driver issues, Car owner Reeve Kruck has asked that we return home to Brisbane and start again, basically," said Jenkins.
"We need to look at our engine package and really start fresh, which was going to be hard if we stayed out on the road with a new driver, so we have decided to go home.”
As a result of injury, Ricky Maiolo's TRG Racing Team will join Titan Racing on the road back home.
"Unfortunately as a race team we are in no shape to head to the west [for the last 5 rounds], the main reason being my health," said a disappointed Maiolo. "I have a painful back and shoulder injury that has slowly been getting worse over the past few weeks, and it’s so bad now I can barely handle the car. I am struggling to work when home and the doctors have told me it will not get any better unless I have a break."
"I have always been loyal to WSS and love being on the road, but this time I have to look after myself, as [the injury] is affecting my everyday living, and with the family run business as we have at home, I have to be able to work."
"As a result, unfortunately I won’t be driving the race car for a few weeks after the title. Tony from TRG Transport has been very supportive and wants me to get it right, so I have had to make this decision for my personal health."
While the loss of two contracted teams is certainly a disappointing development for the series, the addition of Shaun Dobson and an injection of local West Australian talent sets the table for a thrilling conclusion to one of the most competitive series in history.
The sensational superstar, James McFadden, has wiggled his way to a commanding lead in the series, but positions 2 through 6 are separated by a mere 161 points, setting up an intriguing dogfight as the series heads to the goldfields of Kalgoorlie.
Hi-Tec Oils World Series Sprintcars Management were appreciative of TRG Racing and Titan's contributions to the series, and wish both teams well.
“Both race teams have been very open with their communication to us and we understand their position," said WSS Race Director, Shane Collins. "It’s disappointing for the WA tracks that not all contracted drivers will be coming across, but this will not take away from the great show that will be put on."
"WSS wishes Ricky [Maiolo] all the best with his recovery. The whole family have been apologetic about their situation, but Ricky’s personal health and fitness is the most important thing right now."
"The positive news that Tasmanian hard charger Shaun Dobson is coming to the West in his family owned and run team, is a massive bonus for the fans," continued Collins. "Shaun’s season has been a learning curve but his recent form in the T77 car has been outstanding and he will be one to watch in the west."
Stay tuned to the World Series Sprintcars website at worldseriessprintcars.com.au in the lead up to round 11 at Kalgoorlie International Speedway on February 1st and be sure to search for "sprintcars" in the Apple iOS App Store for the official WSS Live iPhone App. WSS Mobile continues to be available via wss-live.com on compatible smartphones.
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