Hoskins sets sights on title
Reigning WA champion Glenn Hoskins is under no illusions about how difficult the task of winning back-to-back titles will be as he prepares to face a stellar field in the 2014-15 WASCF WA Production Sedan Title at Attwell Park Speedway this weekend.
Hoskins will put his title on the line this Saturday and Sunday night in Albany among a field of 54 drivers which has been boosted by the inclusion of current Australian champion Tim Atkin from Queensland.
Last season's WA title was dominated by Hoskins in Bunbury, but the 47-year-old said retaining his crown was going to be tough.
"The fuel-injected (cars) have come a long way this year and to have (Tim Atkin) coming across, that is unbelievable," he said.
"He is a lot better than what people think he is and hats off to him for coming.
"He wants to win it as much as anyone.
"There is probably 15 cars who could win it on the weekend.
"I am just hoping we are prepared enough."
Hoskins said his recent feature race win in Collie, where he also set a new track record, gave him plenty of momentum heading into the State title.
"We've had a bit of a mixed-up year," he said.
"We finished third in the Southern (Production Sedan) Series, but we won the feature in Collie, so it's good to have a bit of form coming in.
"This is a big one and it will be a good battle."
Runner-up in the 2012-13 Australian title, Hoskins was confident his Torana would have plenty of speed.
"We have done everything in our power to get the car ready," he said.
"It's going to be hard and we will have to be at our very best to win it, but we're going to shake them up for sure."
Albany driver Ron Belfield, who would have chased a record sixth State title this weekend after previous successes in the event in 2001-02, 2002-03, 2004-05, 2007-08 and 2009-10, withdrew yesterday.
Matt Noakes, who won the event back-to-back in 2011-12 and 2012-13, will also be a strong contender, along with other former Production Sedan State titleholder Nuno Mendes.
Drivers will compete in four rounds, three on Saturday and one on Sunday before three finals.
