Four drivers reach National Modified Sedan Title final on home track as Laurie Dowsett just misses podium spot

Four Albany drivers figured prominently in the National Modified Sedan Title at their home track.

Laurie Dowsett, Jason Batchelor, Calon Ball and Aydan Trewern were part of the 22 drivers who qualified for the title final on Sunday night.

After finishing fourth in the last National Modified Sedan Title in Albany, Dowsett entered the weekend with high hopes.

Dowsett was the best-placed local in the final in sixth place, just missing a spot on the podium.

He was involved in a terrific battle for the minor placings for much of the 40 laps and was up to third place but was passed by Joel Berkley and Branden Fraser in the dying stages.

Batchelor also figured prominently early as he competed for a top five position but crossed the line in eighth place.

Trewern had to come via B-Main 2 and finished one lap down in the final in 13th position while Calon Ball retired from the race after 28 laps.

Albany’s other driver in the event Merv Penn failed to start in B-Main 1.

Dowsett was 10th in the points standings at the end of night one after a strong run in his three qualifying heats.

Ball sat in 18th place while Batchelor was back in 22nd and Trewern was 28th.

Batchelor was one of the 16 direct qualifiers for the title decider after he won heat 19 contested on Sunday night — the first local to taste success in the qualifying events.

The title was a historic one for Albany Speedway Club, which hosted the event for a record sixth time.

A huge crowd was on hand to witness the final night of racing while strong spectator numbers were recorded at Friday night’s practice and racing on Saturday night.