Round two Supercharged Outlaws winner Alan Mahnkoph might have missed the last two rounds of the Summit Racing Equipment Sportsman Series due to work commitments, but that hasn’t dampened his enthusiasm for this weekend’s round five at the Perth Motorplex.
The Prestige Lock Service Goldenstates will be held at the Perth facility this Saturday, November 11.
The 48-year-old has made some changes to his Force Fed Ute in preparation for this weekend’s racing, following what was an action-packed opening two rounds of the Series for the MEM Supervisor of the Tom Price Mine Site – located around 1600km north of Perth.
“Rounds one and two were good fun, we had a great road trip, caught up with some good friends and kept ourselves entertained – we even entered our EH in the Kununurra Agricultural Show on our way to Darwin and won an award – Best Feral Ute!” laughed Mahnkoph, who thanks his wife Lisa, his dedicated crew members, and supporting sponsors Alan Eriksson Builder and Boddington Mechanical for their support of his racing program.
“When we got to the Nitro Up North, the Force Fed Ute went as well as was to be expected following some minor off-season changes – in the second round of eliminations I got loose and knew my work was cut-out for me to round up Mark Hunt in the Customline. Unfortunately, the track was a bit short for me and Mark got the win.
“Alice Springs was up next and it was nice and warm despite us being prepared with heaters following last year’s ‘South Pole’ weather! The Force Fed Ute ran well all weekend with only a few minor adjustments.
“At that event we were able to take home the win with a Silver Christmas Tree and a bunch of points which made for an even better trip home following what was a really enjoyable experience at a well-run event at a good track with a great bunch of spectators and competitors.
“Unfortunately, we weren’t able to go to rounds three and four due to work commitments, so that has seen us move down to fourth position on 190 points. With the quality of the racers in this bracket, it is likely to be anyone’s championship come the final round.”
With the championship already on his mind, Mahnkoph will have his eye on gathering as many points as possible this weekend.
“I am looking forward to getting back into it this weekend in Perth. The Motorplex is one of the best set-up complexes around with friendly racers, track staff and officials, so it should be a good one-day event” Mahnkoph said.
“We have made a few changes since Alice Springs, and hopefully they will work out for us and not put us on the back foot!
“We are looking to pick up some more valuable points towards the cap of 300, to ensure we are in with a chance come the final round in Adelaide.
“Overall, I am looking forward to great racing. The Supercharged Outlaw classes has good, friendly people; safe and fast competitive racing; and you always get an awesome rush from racing a supercharged big block on steroids!”
Perth’s Prestige Lock Service Goldenstates event will be held on Saturday November 11, hosting racing from the Modified, Top Sportsman, Supercharged Outlaws, Super Sedan, Denso Super Street, Modified Bike, Summit Racing Equipment Junior Dragster, Super Gas, Competition, Competition Bike and Super Stock brackets. For more information, visit www.andra.com.au and www.motorplex.com.au
Image: Alan Mahnkoph – image by Dave Hope