WHEELER was crowned the 2008 JAGDAIM XJ6 Sprinter series Champion for 2008. The much anticipated battle for second place in the championship between Sinclair and Mackrell did not eventuate due to Mackrell dislocating his shoulder prior to the meeting. However, another battle was fought for the points for the final round between Wheeler and Sinclair.

With Mackrell's absence Sinclair had moved to second place but Rob was not satisfied coming second to Wheeler.

The practice session was halted when a Holden hit the Armco fence in front of the grandstand causing substantial damage resulting in a permanent yellow flag being displayed between the finish line and turn one. This prevented any race cars passing on the main straight.

The first timed session was interesting with Wheeler leading for 3 laps but was unable to hold off Sinclair who took the points with his fastest lap of (1.30.95). Wheeler was second (1.32.17) and his co-driver, Randall finishing third (1.37.61). John Larkins was next with (1.40.34) just ahead of Duncalf (1.40.40), then Kenna (1.42.16) with his new co-driver Rowland Tidd (1.44.91). Rowland has joined the sprinters and will co-drive the Kenna car. Rowland has some race experience but this was his first time on the Sandown racetrack.

Sinclair and Wheeler resumed their battle in the second session both swapping the lead but Brian (1.30.63) managed to just hold off Rob (1.30.68). Randall was once again on the podium in third place with (1.36.89). Larkins was next (1.38.10) followed by Duncalf (1.39.09). Tidd with only one lap recorded reversed the previous session places with (1.40.84) ahead of Kenna (1.40.90).

The final session was very interesting with Wheeler unable to match Sinclair's times and Rob took the points along with the round win with (1.30.35). Wheeler finished second in the session and the round points with (1.31.67). Rowland Tidd surprised everyone coming from last in the first session to take third place with his fastest lap for the day (1.36.29). Randall was fourth with (1.37.16) followed by Duncalf best run for the day (1.38.87) ahead of Larkins (1.39.14) and Kenna (1.39.36).

The places for the 6 th round were Sinclair in first place from Wheeler and Randall in third place.

The 2008 Championship highlights were new drivers joining the series with Stephen Yorke in his Chevy V8 engine, Rowland Tidd co-driving with Kenna and Sinclair finally passing Wheeler. The final results were Wheeler first, Sinclair second and Mackrell third.

The 2009 series will be starting with round 1 to be run at Sandown on Sunday 8 th February 2009. Darryl Leyton from South Australia will be back racing in 2009 with his engine sorted and Wheeler is looking at updating his sprinter to the new regulations with a much faster car.

CHAMPIONSHIP POINTS TABLE AND LAP TIMES FOR 2008
JAGDAIM XJ6 SPRINTERS SERIES

DNC Did not compete
* NTL No recorded timed lap
** New Lap Record

Ross Coles

Secretary
Jaguar XJ Sprinters Drivers Association
Contact: 0417351304 or email: secretary@jagsprinters.org