designed, maintained & proudly sponsored by david batten - (c) 2006 - 2010
American Youngster Joins Brad Cox Motorsport for Oval Express Series - posted Dec 24, 2007
Joining the list of American driver’s competing in the upcoming Oval Express Formula 500 Series, youngster Tim Buckwalter has recently been confirmed to compete with the Brad Cox Motorsport team and isdefinitely not looking to just make up the numbers.
The highly talented 18-year-old has linked up with the Brad Cox Motorsport team, who are based out of Gunnedah (North Western NSW),and the Buckwalter name has been long associated with the team.
“Tim and the rest of the Buckwalter family have been closely associated with our family since our first American trip some two years ago, and their support has been instrumental with Brad’s [Cox] success in the
states,” explained Brad Cox Motorsport owner, Michael Cox.
“The whole aim for Tim to come out here to Australia is to repay Buckwalter Motorsport for all their support, as when we went to America for the first time they welcomed us with opened arms and things would have been a lot tougher had it not been for all their support. With Brad recovering from lower back injury for the last five months, it was a great chance to get Tim down under and have a drive.”
“We are definitely looking to be competitive, and we feel that Tim [Buckwalter] will have no dramas getting on the pace.”
Employed by VRP Shocks in America, Buckwalter is a consistent front runner in the Micro 270 ranks and has also proven no slouch on pavement either, winning the hard charger award for the season just past in the ultra competitive ¾ midgets.
Supplied with the Brad Cox Motorsport Castrol Oil / Leckie Insurance Brokers backed RTS machine, powered by a Yamaha R6 engine, Buckwalter should have no dramas being amongst the front of the field.
“Out of the six rounds of the Oval Express Series I have only been to one of the tracks, so it’s going to be very interesting,” mentioned Michael Cox.
“We have supplied Tim with the very best in terms of equipment and with his talent as a driver, coupled with Brad’s knowledge, acting as crew chief for the entire series; things are looking good for our team to be a contender.”
The Oval Express Series is to begin on Thursday night, December 27 at Blue Ribbon Speedway in Horsham Victoria.
Tim Morse Makes Formula 500 Debut with Brad Cox Motorsport - posted November 6, 2007
Current Australian V8 Dirt Modified Champion Tim Morse made a low key Formula 500 debut at Gunnedah Speedway on Saturday night (November 3) for the opening round of the NSW Formula 500 Series.
Driving the Brad Cox Motorsport RTS car, which is powered by a Yamaha R600 engine, Morse didn’t take long to impress, where he finished fourth in the opening two heat races, and in the third and final heat race he finished a credible second place.
Starting from position six in the feature race, Morse worked his way into second place by 2/3rds race distance and that is where he stayed, and he certainly built up more speed and technique as the night
wore on.
“Our results considering how far we were out from the set-up mainly in the gearing was very encouraging, and Tim [Morse] really drove well,” said Brad Cox Motorsport team manager Michael Cox.
“The whole point of contesting this meeting was to get Tim some track time and to also give our car a shakedown run in readiness for the Jack Willsher Cup in two weeks time.”
The Jack Willsher Cup will take place at Premier Speedway in Warrnambool - Victoria on Saturday night, November 24.
Brad Cox Motorsport Update - posted October 15, 2007
Alot has happened over the past few months for the Brad Cox Motorsport team, which has seen the youngster sidelined due to a lower back injury up until December, but with every dark cloud comes a silver lining, as they have recently confirmed that multiple Australian V8 Dirt Modified Champion Tim Morse will drive in the Oval Express Formula 500 Series and selected other major events with the team.
After completing a successful debut in the Micro Sprint 600 (Formula 500s) class over in America, Cox returned back to Australiain late July where he sustained a lower back injury, which has forced him to be unable to sit on his backside over the past three months, despite numerous attempts by doctors to fix the problem it is proving to be a more difficult task than first imagined, and this has forced Cox out of the drivers seat as a result.
“It is very disappointing that I have to sit out the upcoming season here in Australia due to injury, but my main focus now is to heal, as my health is more important than anything,” said Cox.
“The plan is to be back in the driver’s seat by sometime in December, and we then aim to get as many laps as possible in preparation for my return to America early next year. It’s very tough being unable to drive, as I haven’t stepped foot inside a race car since I got back to Australia, so that has been very frustrating, as it’s something I love doing.”
Cox and the Brad Cox Motorsport team are scheduled to return to America in March of next year where he will do the double duties of juggling drives in both the Micro Sprint 600s and ‘360’ Sprintcar classes and be based out of Pennsylvania.
One of the most disappointing things to come from this injury is the fact that Cox has been forced to decline a drive in next year’s Chili Bowl Midget Nationals in January, which is arguably the biggest Midget event in the world.
“During our trips over to America we have made a lot of contacts and everyone has been impressed by Brad’s driving and whole attitude on where he wants to head with his career,” commented Brad’s father Michael Cox.
“The offer to run in next year’s Chili Bowl came completely out of the blue, and if it wasn’t for his injury we would be competing in the event, no question about, but with lack of racing miles under his belt when January next year comes around, it just wouldn’t be right for all concerned.”
With the announcement of Tim Morse joining the Brad Cox Motorsport team to run their Yamaha 600cc powered RTS car in the Oval Express Series and selected other events on the Formula 500 calendar, it is certainly going to be quite a sight and has already created plenty of interest.
Some four seasons ago Morse and Michael Cox joined forces to run a very professional V8 Dirt Modified team and the pair were quite successful during their time together, and despite him now returning on a different scale, Morse will still run the full season with his V8 Dirt Modified team.
Morse will make his debut in the Formula 500s at the running of the prestigious Jack Willsher Cup in late November at his home track of Premier Speedway in Warrnambool, and from there he will turn his focus to the Oval Express Series.
“There is no doubt about it I’m not stepping into the Formula 500s just to make up the numbers, as I want to be competitive, as that is just in my nature, no matter what I’m driving,” Morse stated.
“Michael [Cox] and the team have supplied me with some of the very best gear, so there is going to be no excuses, and I’m just really looking forward to running in the Formula 500s and seeing what we can achieve.”
Cox Concludes American Trip With Solid Results - posted July 14, 2007
Australian youngster Brad Cox wrapped up his debut trip in the Micro Sprint 600 class over in America with two impressive hard charging top ten results recently at Greenwood Valley Action Track and Wyalusing Valley Speedways.
Last weekend saw Cox charge from the back of the field at Greenwood Valley Action Track in the feature race to finish in tenth spot where a field of 100 cars were on hand to contest the $ 1,000 to win show, and the following night (Sunday, July 8) at Wyalusing Valley Speedway he started the feature race from position 12 and work his way through the field to finish just off the podium in fourth place. This was without a doubt the best result for Cox during his debut outings in the Micro Sprint 600 class.
On the Friday night (July 6) Cox travelled to Linda’s Speedway and a bad pill draw saw him start his heat race from the rear of the field, and despite a strong drive fifth place wasn’t enough, as only the top three from each heat race went directly through to the feature race. As a result Cox took his place in the last chance qualifier and after starting from position four dropped down the order to finish in sixth as a result of a car that way too tight and therefore he missed the feature race transfer.
Once again, a bad pill draw (which determines your starting position for your one and only heat race) for Cox didn’t help his night one bit, and with it being the most important aspect of the night, as starting from the rear of the field in your heat races amongst such a high standard of drivers isn’t the easiest of tasks. In his last three race meetings the best pill draw he made was 44th.
Last Wednesday (July 11) at Kutztown Speedway for Cox’s final race meeting of his tour it was unfortunately cancelled due to rain.
Cox was most certainly impressive throughout his one month tour of America in the Micro Sprint 600 class, where he opened a few eyes, and it has already opened up a few opportunities for him in the not too distant future.
It has been confirmed that Cox has lined up a Limited Sprintcar ride for April of next year thanks to Pennsylvania based car owners Randy and Becky Fetter that will see him compete at tracks such as Lincoln and Williams Grove Speedways.
Cox would like to thank everyone for making his America such a success both on and off the track, in particular Buckwalter Motorsports, along with Jim, Sherrie, Paul, Kevin, and Terry from Factor One Chassis in Okalahoma.
The Cox family will now return home to Australia.
More Positives Signs for Aussie Youngster - posted July 6, 2007
Despite not having the best of luck this past week, Aussie youngster Brad Cox has continued to open eyes and as his American Micro Sprint 600 tour winds down the aim is to no doubt finish on a strong note.
With only four meetings remaining before Cox and his family fly back to Australia, he has certainly left his mark on America and earned the respect of many of his more established rivals during the past three weeks.
At Path Valley Speedway last Friday night (June 29), Cox had his night end virtually before it had began, due to a rival tangling with Cox on a complete restart as they lined up on the front row, which caused substantial damage to his car. With the fuel injection considerably damaged as a result of the contact from the other car, Cox was unable to complete the remainder of the meeting and was left a disappointed spectator.
The following two nights (June 30 – July 1) were held at Hills Valley Speedway and on the opening night a bad marble draw saw Cox start his heat race from deep in the field and he was forced to work his way through the field to finish in third place. In the second heat race, Cox suffered front wing damage after a collision with another car and finished in fifth spot. With the top 24 going through to the feature race, Cox’s two heat race results gave him 25th out of 68 cars and he missed the cut off by one place. The next night at Hills Valley Speedway, Cox finished in fifth and seventh in his two heat races as a result of being caught out by the track conditions and therefore missed the feature race cut off after being 30th in points.
A return to Path Valley Speedway on Monday night (July 2) resulted in Cox missing a direct feature race place in his heat race by one spot when he finished third in his heat race after starting from position nine in the field. In the semi-final last chance qualifier Cox managed to finish third and this allowed him to process into the last chance qualifier. Cox worked his way up to second after starting sixth in the field and once again missed the feature race cut by one place, due to the race winner only making it through to the feature race lineup.
Tuesday night (July 3) at Susquehanna Speedway, which is fast ½ mile track and saw Cox reach speeds of up to 111mph (170kph), however a bad pill draw saw him 44th out of 73 cars for the heat races. Starting from position four in his heat race, Cox was sent to the rear of the field due to tangling nerf bars with another rivals early in the race, and fought his way back to finish in fourth spot, missing the feature race transfers by one position. In the last chance qualifier Cox started from position nine and finished in fourth, just one place shy of a feature race birth. In a stroke of good luck, Cox was able to start the feature race as an emergency, due to a qualifier being unable to start. The feature race saw Cox make instant progress and after only five laps he had passed fives cars. Cox’s progress was floored when he suffered starter motor failure after five laps and therefore was forced into retirement. After those two nights it was discovered that Cox’s # 17 car suffered from two blocked fuel nozzles.
“We most certainly haven’t had the best of luck with our marble draws early in the night, and as we have found out, if you don’t get a one [a good pill draw] then you are on the back foot from the word go,” Cox admitted.
“As we showed we fought back pretty well, and at times it was frustrating missing out on feature race transfer by one spots.
“I’m very happy with my results over the past week as you are up against 70 plus cars every single night, and to be just missing out on feature race transfer considering our bad pill draws isn’t too bad.”
Tonight (July 6) Cox travels to Linda’s Speedway, followed by Green Valley Action Park the next night (July 7), followed by Wyalusing Valley Speedway on Sunday night (June 8), and his final appearance for this tour is scheduled down for Wednesday night (July 11) at Kutztown Speedway.
Aussie Youngster Continues to Impress - posted June 28, 2007
Brad Cox has continued his impressive debut performances in the Micro Sprint 600 class, after the Australian based youngster managed to qualify for all four feature races from as many meetings over the weekend.
Over the past week, Cox has competed on Wednesday (Kutztown Speedway), Friday (Path Valley Speedway Park), Saturday (Trail-Way Speedway) and Sunday (Susquehanna Speedway Park) meetings and put in some breathtaking drives to qualify for the feature race at each meeting, and only once was via the B-main.
In what was his second visit to Path Valley Speedway Park last Friday, Cox was on track for his very first victory, a heat race, only for a late restart with saw him taken out by an overzealous passing move that resulted in him tipping over, which caused extensive damage to his car and dashed his hopes of a front row starting position for the feature race. Forced to do it (qualify for the feature race) the hard way Cox took his place in the B-main where he had worked his way up to fourth from the rear of the field only to make a slight mistake and spin out. Cox restarted at the rear of the field for the restart and charged his way back into a feature race transfer spot. In the feature race, starting from the rear of the 24-car field, Cox drove the high line and placed in a respectable 12th.
On the Wednesday night at Kutztown Speedway, Cox managed to qualify directly into the feature race field after a fourth place finish in his heat race, but excitement turned to despair after only four laps of the feature race as he was forced to retire with steering problems.
It was later discovered that a rock has lodged itself into the steeringcolumn and as a result there was minimal steering on offer.
Cox faced nearly 50 competitors when he turned up to Trail-Way Speedway last Saturday night and it was going to be a tough meeting as he was forced to start from the rear of the field in every race, as the requirement there is that if you haven’t competed in three meetings at their track in one season, then you must start from the rear of field in all races, regardless of who you are. In his heat race Cox was able to gain the final transfer spot after coming via the rear of the field and qualify into the feature race field. On a one lane track, Cox worked his way up from the back of the field in the feature race to finish 18th, which was quite an achievement considering the nature of the track and the minimal passing that was available.
At Susquehanna Valley Speedway last Sunday which was a day time race meeting, Cox finished in a fine second place in his heat race after starting from the rear of the field. For the feature race, after starting form the second row in the field, lady luck wasn’t on Cox’ side and on the second lap he was able to avoid a crash between the leaders, but was cleaned up by a fellow competitor, which bent his front axle and sidelined him.
For Cox, he now has five consecutive nights of racing ahead of him starting on Friday night (Path Valley Speedway), Saturday and Sunday (Hill Valley Speedway), Monday (Path Valley Speedway), and Tuesday (Susquehanna Speedway).
Cox Exceeds Expectations in Initial Micro Sprint 600 Meetings - posted June 20, 2007
After only three race meetings into his Micro Sprint 600 debut, Australian youngster Brad Cox has well and truly exceeded expectations where he has managed to qualify for two out of three feature races, and he was unlucky not to qualify in the other.
Last weekend Cox arrived in America, where he and his family team are based in Pennsylvania with the Buckwalter Motorsports team, and last weekend contested three different race meetings in the Micro Sprint 600 class, Friday night at Path Valley Speedway Park (Spring Run, PA), Saturday night at Trail-Way Speedway (Hanover, PA), and Sunday night at Bridgeport Speedway (Bridgeport, NJ).
In two out of those three race meetings, Cox managed to qualify for the feature races at both Path Valley Speedway and Trail-Way Speedway, where he finished 12th and suffered a non finish (due to battery problem). On the Sunday night at Bridgeport Speedway for the annual Bridgeport Nationals Cox was unlucky not to qualify into the feature race and missed out on a feature race birth in the B-main with a seventh place finish, where the top six made the transfer. The most disappointing aspect for Cox was that he was in a transfer spot for the feature race, fourth place, only to be the innocent party in a spin which resulted in him being sent to the rear of the field.
Cox finished 12th at Path Valley Speedway in the feature race, and carried that form into the following night at Trail-Way Speedway but this time via a B-main transfer spot. Due to a battery problem, Cox was only able to complete two laps and then retired.
The Bridgeport Speedway, on Sunday, for the biggest event on their calendar for Micro Sprint 600 class, Cox continued to impress by firstly qualifying 25th in time trials out of a 52-car field and running as high as fourth in the B-main and in a feature race transfer only to spin out and cause a stoppage due to contact from a rival, and after starting at the rear of the field for the restart came home in seventh place.
As one would expect Cox is having alot of fun, and with each outing his confidence is growing, which is bound to bring more impressive results during the remainder of his American tour.
“Heading into our tour we were going to be rapt if we made feature races, and so far we have made two out of the three feature races, and that has certainly been a wonderful surprise to us all,” expressed Cox.
“With more track time I gained plenty of confidence, and hopefully that can help me continue to move closer to the front end of the field before too long, but at this stage I’m not going to get too ahead of myself, and just take it one race meeting at a time.”
This Wednesday night (June 20) Cox will appear at Kutztown Speedway (Kutztown, PA), followed by Friday, Saturday, and Sunday nights (June 22, 23, 24) at Path Valley Speedway, Trail-Way Speedway and Susquehanna Speedway Park (Newberrytown, PA).
Cox All Set for American Trip # 4 - posted June 13, 2007
Young Australian driver Brad Cox is set to jet off to America today (June 13) for what will be his fourth racing trip to the land of Uncle Sam, but on this occasion it won’t be in the Quarter Midget class it will be in the Micro 600 class.
Over his past three trips to America, Cox has performed well beyond expectations amongst arguably some of the world’s best young drivers. However, for Cox his fourth American trip will be in the Micro 600 class, this time against all-comers, and that is something he is very much looking forward to.
“In my past three trips to America I have only raced with drivers 16 years old and under, this time I’m going to be running up against driver of all ages, and that is something I’m really looking forward to,” Cox said.
“I have been doing alot of training leading up to this trip as it’s not going to be a walk in the park, especially running up against much older drivers, so I’m certainly not going to be expecting any favours out there - that’s for sure.”
Once again, Cox and his family team will run under the Buckwalter Motorsport banner for their one month trip, where they will set about doing as much racing as possible.
“The plan is to do as much racing as possible in the Micro 600 class, and we all know it’s going to be a huge learning experience for all of us,” admitted Cox.
“In order to learn as much as possible and build up speed, you simply cannot beat track time, and although the Buckwalter Motorsport team always prepare strong cars, there is still plenty for us to come to grip with, such as car setup and most importantly the driving aspect for myself personally.”
Shortly before leaving for America, Cox received a major boost with the announcement that Western Star Trucks has thrown its support behind his fourth campaign.
Cox will leave today (June 13) and return to Australia on July 13.
The American trip itinerary for the Brad Cox and his family:
June 13 - Fly out of Australia
June 15 - Path Valley Speedway
June 16 - Trail Ways Speedway
June 20 - Kutztown Speedway
June 22 - Path Valley Speedway
June 23 - Trail Ways Speedway
June 24 - Wyalusing Valley Speedway
June 29 - Path Valley Speedway
June 30 - Green Valley Action Park Raceway
July 1 - Hill Valley Speedway ($5000 to win)
July 2 - Path Valley Speedway ($1000 to win)
July 3 - Susquehanna Speedway ($1000 to win)
July 6 - Linda's Raceway ($1000 to win)
July 7 - Green Valley Action Park Raceway
July 8 - Wyalusing Valley Speedway
July 11 - Kutztown Raceway
July 13 - Fly out of America
Youngster Impresses in Formula 500 Initiation - posted April, 26, 2007
Brad Cox hit the track for the first time in his recently purchased ex Chad Sullivan RTS Formula 500, and at the completion of his 100 plus practice laps at his home built track he made some very impressive progress.
After dominating the Junior Quarter Midget scene, Cox is aiming to make the step up to the Formula 500 ranks in the not too distant future, and wants to get down as much experience as possible before making his debut.
“My family decided to purchase a Formula 500 now in order to get me up to speed for the future,” Cox explained.
“Hopefully in the near future I am able to compete here in Australia, as the competition here is very strong, and a challenge that is very exciting.”
At the completion of his 100 plus practice laps, Cox used his time to get familiar with the characteristics of a Formula 500.
“The Formula 500s are quite an awesome machine, and are naturally a far cry from my Quarter Midget in terms of its speed,” he said.
“The more time I spend in the car, the more comfortable I felt, and my speed improves too. One area that will take some getting used to is the speed, and throwing the car into the corners with confidence.”
In the meantime, Cox and his family are now focusing on their fourth trip to America, which will take place in June and they will spend a total of one month racing, where they will debut in the Micro 600 class.
Cox Second In Australian Junior Quarter Midget Title - posted March 13, 2007
Brad Cox fought a hard fight to take out second place at the inaugural Australian Junior Quarter Midget Titles held last Saturday (March 10) at Avalon Raceway in Geelong (Victoria).
Starting from fifth, the competition favourite bagged a win in heat one but was a non-finisher in the second after snapping a chain when the # 17 Leckie Insurance Brokers / Castrol Oils supported NC machine hit a rut in the dirt track and bottomed out.
Working hard to reclaim position, Cox took out the third heat convincingly which placed him as second highest qualifier in the 30-lap feature race. Grabbing the lead at the drop of the green flag from pole sitter Mitch Brien, Cox remained out in front until lap 26 where he got caught out by gear ratio set-up and was overtaken on the outside by overall winner Brien. Finishing second, the Gunnedah talent disappointingly missed the title by only one point on the night.
“We were just beaten by a better car and driver,” lamented Cox.
“Mitch [Brien] had a better setup than us in the end and we got caught out. It’s pretty disappointing to come second because we led the race for so long, but we simply were lacking engine revs.”
Cox is looking to get back in the winners circle at his next event in front of a home town crowd at Gunnedah Speedway (North Western NSW) on Saturday, March 24.
Youngster Revved Up for Australian Title - posted March 07, 2007
Brad Cox will make the trek to Avalon Raceway (Geelong, VIC) for the inaugural running of the Australian Junior Quarter Midget Championship this Saturday (March 10).
Without a question of doubt, Cox has one objective for the Australian Title, and that is to take victory. Cox has every reason to feel confident of achieving success in the Australian Title, as he has always performed strongly at the Avalon Raceway track.
“I’m very much looking forward to competing in my first Australian Title, and the aim is to try and win,” stated Cox.
“I have a good track record at Avalon Raceway, so hopefully that can continue this weekend at the Australian Title.”
Cox and his rivals will contest a total of three heat races, and then a 40-lap final that will determine the Australian Champion for the next 12 months.
Going on form, Cox is a firm favourite to take out the Australian Title, but he knows very well that reputations are going to count for very little.
“Australian Titles are always big events and one that everyone wants to win,” Cox admits.
“Consistency is going to play a big part during our heat races, as we need to start near the front of the pack in the final, and then once you get into the final, you lay it all on the line in chase for success. The # 1 would look very good on the Castrol Oils / Leckie Insurance Brokers supported car.”
New Challenge Awaits Cox - posted January 30, 2007
The next time Brad Cox travels to USA he won’t be competing in the Quarter Midgets, but instead he is set to step up to the 600cc Micro Sprint class, & this is no doubt going to present the talented youngster from Gunnedah, NSW, Australia with a whole new challenge, but it’s one that he is very much looks forward to.
After three successful American trips in Quarter Midgets over the past eighteen months where Cox has delivered outstanding results, Brad Cox Motorsport have decided that the time is right to step up to the next level.
“We have scored some outstanding results over our past three trips to America, ones that no one ever expected,” Cox said.
“I’m very much looking forward to my next challenge in the form of 600cc Micro Sprints, especially as it is an open class, thus we will be racing against all-comers.
“I know very well that the Micro Sprints are going to be no walk in the park, and the first 12 months will be a huge learning curve for not only me but my entire team.
“The short-term goal is to learn as must as possible and customize myself with this form of racing, and gradually improve my results with each and every outing.”
Cox will have at his disposal the latest equipment, with a new Stallard chassis currently on order.
“We are currently trying to raise the funds to purchase the power plant as well as the necessary parts inventory to allow us to launch a competitive campaign,” said Brad’s father Michael.
“Our team is talking to a number of potential supporters in order for this campaign to become a reality.”
“If we are successful in raising the necessary funds we should be jetting off to America at around June or July this year, so we have our fingers crossed that everything falls into place.”
Brad Cox Motorsport is also pleased to announce that they have recently gained the support of Awesome Race wear in a deal that is to carry over the next three years.
“We are very excited about the deal that we have reached with AWESOME RACE WEAR, which will see Brad protected by the safest, best looking race suits on the market,” added Michael.
In the meantime, Cox will compete in his first Junior Quarter Midget meeting since returning from his latest America trip this Saturday night (February 3) at his home track of Gunnedah Speedway.
Promising Results for Cox in US - posted January 8, 2007
Young Australian driver Brad Cox once again showed that he is the of the best in the Quarter Midget business after scoring a string of respectable results on tour in the US (in various classes) at the Tangerine Invitational and SMYRNA 500 events recently.
The Tangerine Invitational at Coca Beach, Florida from December 26 - 29, allowed the 12-year-old from Gunnedah (North Western NSW) to flex his muscles across three classes: the Honda Heavy, Honda 160 and World Formula divisions. Despite missing practice after being struck down by an unknown virus, Cox managed to put in some solid performances.
In the Honda Heavy class Cox ran the third fastest lap in time trials (shaving 15/100s of a second off the one lap record) before placing second and fourth in his two heat races. In the feature race Cox looked set for victory when he grabbed an early lead only to collide with an over enthusiastic second place driver. As a result of the contact Cox dropped down to fifth after sustaining a bent front axle, right spindle and front panard bar.
In the Heavy 160 and World Formula classes Cox’ plans once again went astray as he failed to reach the feature race field in Heavy 160 after finishing one spot (fifth) shy of a birth in the B-main. In the World Formula class, however, Cox was quick in the feature race where he moved from position 10 in the field to fight for second place – only for a driver ahead of him to hit his right rear tyre in a desperate blocking attempt, that broke the chain of his car and forced Cox to retire.
A few days later Cox contested the Little New SMYRNA 500 in the Honda Heavy, Heavy 160 and World Formula classes. Cox was to step onto the podium in second place in the Honda Heavy class feature race only to have his car to become too tight, forcing him to drop back into fourth at the completion of the 20 lap journey.
Cox maintained his speed in the Heavy 160 class where he was one of the fastest cars in the feature race field before being punted on a restart while placed second. As a result Cox dropped to the tail of the field and his charge back to the front of the pack was hindered by a lack of caution periods, thus creating no opportunities to pass before crossing the line in seventh. World Formula saw Cox finish the feature race in fifth place after it was determined that the team had chosen the wrong gearing.
In total 186 entries were received for the SMYRNA 500, with National Champions in all classes, and Cox was able to fly the flag high for Australia. Throughout the SMYRNA 500 the Cox team used in total 14 brand new tyres over the three classes, a very expensive exercise indeed.
“My results over the past fortnight have been pleasing considering I was feeling quite sick,” Cox commented.
“The racing was very tough and there were some moments of bad luck which saw me miss out on podium results, but with so many tough competitors it’s a cut throat style of racing.”
The Cox team is now on their way to watch the Chili Bowl, which is one of the World’s biggest Midget events.
FOURWAYS INVESTMENTS
W E L C O M E T O T H E O F F I C I A L B R A D C O X M O T O R S P O R T W E B S I T E
