Katanning speedway star falls short in bid for successive WA Late Model Titles

Speedway superstar Kye Blight fell short in his bid to defend the WA Late Model Title after finishing third in the event at the Perth Motorplex on Saturday night.

Blight won both his heat races and started the 30-lap feature race from pole position but he was passed early in the race by eventual winner Warren Oldfield and his brother Jamie Oldfield.

He battled hard throughout the final, getting back to second at one stage, and then having to fight off the advances of Craig Vosbergen and Jay Cardy to cross the line in third place. The 28-year-old is relishing his time behind the wheel this season, competing in the BGC Pro Dirt Series.

Blight won the Late Model Nations event in January, coming from 14th on the grid in the feature. However, the story behind the victory is even more impressive.

“I actually did not run my car that night — I ran Paul Stubber’s car,” he said.

“I did not really have high expectations as it was a bit of a foreign car (to me).

“It did not really have any laps in it.

“I think going out with the mindset of going out there and having a crack — there was no real pressure and it was fun to go out there and just wheel it for 30 laps.”

Originally from Katanning, Blight works as a mechanic in Bunbury with Stubber and is keen to continue racing during the winter, even if he is unable to go to the US as desired.

“If we can not get over there and have a crack, we will just stay at home,” Blight said.

“We have got a few things in our notebook which we would like to try on the car in order to get better next year.

“So if we can stay over, do a few laps during the winter and keep our hand in, we can fire off next year.”

It might be a little way off, but the speedster is already eyeing off preparations to defend the Australian title he currently holds in Victoria in February 2021.

“Our Australian titles are in Warrnambool, next year. It is a tight little track with big bankings, so we need to get the car a little better for those conditions because the Perth Motorplex is quite wide open and fast.

“We have to be a bit versatile, but whatever is thrown at us, I am sure we will overcome it and be alright.”