American Cory Eliason rallies late to secure remarkable Sprintcar Speedweek victory

Bunbury’s Diamond Bay Motorsport were left in dreamland on Wednesday night as classy American Cory Eliason delivered them a win for the ages at the Perth Motorplex. Eliason, who started from 13th on the grid in the round two feature of Sprintcar Speedweek, flew past a shell-shocked Matt Egel in the dying seconds to claim the chequered flag by 0.265 of a second. American Tyler Courtney, who claimed round one on Boxing Day, finished third for Monte Motorsport. In an absorbing race from start to finish Egel looked on course to taste victory given his composure when put to the test by Eliason, Courtney and Jason Kendrick. Sensing his chance, Eliason made his move with five laps to go — outlasting Courtney in a scintillating duel before pipping Egel in a pulsating finish. Post-race, Eliason revealed he had more than coming from 13th on the grid to deal with heading into the thrilling finale. “We ran hot laps, came in and I told them it (engine) wasn’t running well,” he said. “As I was sitting there letting it idle down it was making a terrible noise. “So we checked what we could there. I said I’d push it and if it did not clunk around I would give it a go. But it did not turn past eight grand, so I knew something was definitely wrong. “Unfortunately, we did not time well enough for the dash, but we changed the motor, got better and started from 13th.” A man who backs himself, the American reminded himself to believe and was rewarded. “You set the bar high, as obviously you want to win,” Eliason said. “I thought I could get a podium. Then as we went going I think I fell back to about 16th or 17th on the start because I just kept choosing the wrong line, when a guy would get on the fence or come across the bottom, leaving me in the wrong place at the wrong time. “So I fell back, but you know there will be cautions coming, so I kind of used them to my advantage.” The Americans have set the tone so far during Sprintcar Speedweek with Eliason and Courtney claiming two podium finishes from as many races. The action now shifts to the Make Smoking History Bunbury Speedway on New Year’s Day, with round three shaping up as another quality show.