Splitting her time between two classes this season, Production Sedans and Sports Sedans, progress became something of a habit for Gemma Laidlaw as she made pleasing gains in both classes which resulted in a number of notable results.
The daughter of successful speedway stalwart Stephen Laidlaw, to say that Laidlaw has a legacy to live up to would be quite the understatement. However, her third full season saw the 20-year-old well and truly carve a reputation for herself aboard her dual-registered Vic # 26 VY Holden Commodore.
Achieving her maiden feature-race win in Production Sedans at Hamilton’s Western Speedway, one of Laidlaw’s biggest highlights came during the National Title, also at Western Speedway, when she managed to qualify fourth in points after the opening night of competition amongst a stout field of over 40 rivals, which included her dad.
While engine woes quickly brought her National Title campaign to a premature end, there were plenty of positives for Laidlaw to draw on, having proven herself on the national stage. The Victorian Title at Bairnsdale Speedway was similarly littered with challenges, with damage to her car, but showing her resilience, Laidlaw was able to bounce back, driving from position 14 to ninth in the feature race.
Equally as competitive in the Sports Sedans class, Laidlaw was thrilled to score back to back victories in the Queen of the Murray event at Wahgunyah Speedway, along with placing second in a feature race at Nyora Raceway.
“We’ve definitely had some ups and downs this season but that’s racing, and we’ve also picked up some really positive results that have proven that we’re on the right track,” explained the Churchill, Victoria-based racer, who also experienced a strong run at Western Speedway last season, finishing runner-up to her dad in the HEC Hellraiser event and achieving the team’s second 1-2 finish.
“Our pace has definitely improved throughout the season, which we displayed during the National Title, so that’s really given us some added confidence heading into next season and we’re looking forward to seeing what else we can achieve.”
Planning to contest approximately a dozen race meetings throughout the 2019-20 season, Laidlaw looks forward to participating in the National Title at Ellenbrook Speedway in Western Australia, along with the the Queen’s Royal at Kingaroy Speedway in Queensland and the Harbour City Hustle at Sydney’s Valvoline Raceway in New South Wales. The team will also make cameo appearances in Sports Sedans throughout their home state of Victoria.
Laidlaw would like to thank the following 2018-19 season sponsors for their support:
Moe Engines
Independent Motorsports
Ramsdale Wreckers
Gippsland Race and Street
Mental Racewear and Graphics
Michaela Bowers Photography
Diamond Oils Group
Gippsland Motor Group
Rosedale Panels
Special thanks go to Laidlaw’s mum and dad Lee and Stephen, along with her Uncle Phil, Uncle Robert, and Cory Horter.
To find out more about Laidlaw and her team, LIKE them on Facebook by searching Gemma Laidlaw Racing.
