Pittard team keen to return to Kalgoorlie International Speedway as part of State title defence

Bunbury’s victorious father-son team of Ray and Chad Pittard are leaving no stone unturned as they prepare to defend their State Limited Sprintcars title — starting this weekend in Ellenbrook before moving to Kalgoorlie International Speedway.

Round two on October 19 will highlight the opening meeting at KIS — the first of 15 key dates released by the Goldfields club for the 2024-25 season.

As team owner, Ray Pittard on Friday said there was a degree of pressure attached to his son’s title defence.

“There’s a lot of prestige in the division and to win the championship is quite an achievement,” Ray Pittard said.

“We were lucky enough to do that last season and with that comes a fair bit of pressure to perform, but we certainly like the track in Kalgoorlie.

“It has nice banking and you can certainly set-up your car to run the lowline, the curve, if you like but also with options to go a bit higher if you want.

“Each time we’ve been there (to KIS), the track has been in great nick.”

The off-season was spent making sure Chad’s vehicle was in prime condition for a title defence.

“We’ve done our usual routine maintenance in the off-season and sent the motor away, just to make sure it’s all good and the boys have done a great job in the shed,” Ray Pittard said.

“Everything’s in tip-top nick at this stage, but we haven’t raced Ellenbrook yet.

“We’ll see what’s in store.”

Chad launched his racing career as a six-year-old go-karter before transitioning through the various speedway ranks.

He is embarking on his third season in Limited Sprintcars.

Ray’s speedway links date back to his close friendship with the late Shane Krikke, and Krikke’s uncle John.

The Krikkes are among WA speedway’s most well-known families, dating back to 1979.

“Motor sport has always been in my life, but it’s mainly been as an avid spectator and supporter,” Ray Pittard said.

“I’m happy to be that supporter from the sidelines (because) those guys (drivers) are crazy.

“But one thing I learned from Shane was the value of staying calm — my boys have never thrown a steering wheel or cursed at another driver because you have to show respect, as far as I’m concerned.

“Things happen out on the track. Generally, they’re not on purpose but rather a mistake and you forgive and forget, and get on with the next job.

“If you race with a grudge, you’re racing for the wrong reasons.”

The second meeting at KIS on November 9 is headlined by the Production Sedans Gold Cup, while the first leg of the annual Kalgoorlie v Esperance challenge will be on December 14.

Esperance hosts the second round on February 8 — a week after the highly anticipated AMCA State title meeting at KIS.

Action on February 15 features the John Cassin Super Sedans.

Cassin, who died in 2022 aged 75, was a former Boulder Speedway Association president who was instrumental in reviving local speedway following a 10-year absence and establishing the existing track.