Tasmanian sprintcar sensation Jamie Bricknell has once again displayed his skills to the nation during the running of the 40th Annual Lucas Oils Classic at Warrnambool.

The two night event is one of the largest races on the Australian calendar, and is a pre-cursor to the Australian title which will be held in Adelaide this weekend.

After time trialling in 17th position, out of 81 competitors, Bricknell took little time to start climbing up the rankings, finishing all his heats in a better position than he started. Despite crossing the line first in his second heat, Bricknell was penalised for the stewards for placing a rear wheel on the infield during a passing move early in the race.

"We protested the decision" reflects Jamie. "It all depends on which angle you look at from as to whether the rear wheel was on the grass, or if it was a puff of dust from the front wheel.  They maintained the decision, meaning we started the A main further back than we could have, but we accept their decision."

"We just wanted to make it into the A Main" says team owner and proud father Steve. "Not only did we make it, we qualified in the top 15 out of 80 odd cars, despite copping a penalty.  That's no mean feat, and was a great boost for Jamie and the team heading into night two."

Bricknell made light of the decision the following night, taking a bag of lollies from his sponsor Allsorts onto the infield, telling them on the big screen the chief steward wouldn't accept his bribe, and offered them to commentator Wade Aunger instead.

But the realisation the Jamie had fulfilled his initial plan did nothing to slow him down.  During night two, he again climbed through the field in his heats, again qualifying directly into the A Main for one of the biggest races of the season.

"There is a lot of big names and big budget teams who didn't make it into the A Main, and were forced to drive through the finals just to try and make it" says crew chief and fellow driver Anthony Frost. "We've given him the best set up for the conditions, so hopefully he does alright".

But disaster struck as the team settled on the bank to watch the final.  One of the push vehicles had inadvertently struck the right rear tyre of the T55 Maxim, causing it to deflate instantly.  In a display of the respect and comradeship of the sport, the crew from rival team Monte Motorsport, who were already on the infield, swamped Bricknells car and began changing the wheel on the stricken car.

"It was a flurry of activity" says Steve. "The Monte guys were on him in a flash and were even going to put one of their tyres on his car.  I can't thank them enough for their help, as it meant we could start."

But the run of bad luck did not finish there.  Bricknell was sent to the rear for changing a tyre, a decision that was made by the stewards without being informed the car had been damaged by an push car until after the race had begun.  In another unfortunate twist, the team had to fit a softer compound tyre to the car, which did not suit the hard track and lasted only half the race distance.

"The Monte boys were going to fit one of their tyres" reflects Frosty. "In hindsight, we should of let them, but we were under so much pressure to get it back on the track we didn't have time to discuss options."

Jamie battled his way up to 13th before being forced to save the tyre and settle for position, but the team is far from disappointed.

"What a great few weeks it's been" beams Steve.  "We've beaten Dollansky on home turf, and then qualified into the A Main of the Classic two nights in a row.  We've got some great momentum and unfinished business going into the Australian Title, and after finishing 5th last year, we are aiming high."

For the 2011/2012 Season Jamie Bricknell is proudly supported by:

Montile Tile Boutique – Launceston, Devonport and Hobart

Precision Autos

KRE Race Engines

C&A Milne Builders

JMC - Jackson Motor Company

All Sorts of Treats

Frost Civil Construction

Angryman Photography & Media