Mason Harvey, the son of 2004 Saloon Car Series winner Clint Harvey, continued the family legacy by claiming victory in the 2024 Saloon Car Nationals held at the fifth round of the WASCC Racing Championships. The event, a one-off national title, saw Harvey showcase his skills and dominate the field in his Ford Falcon AU, leading every lap and taking home the trophy by a commanding 9.0-second margin.

A Family Affair in Motor Racing

Harvey’s victory marks him as one of just two second-generation winners in the history of the Saloon Car Nationals, which transitioned from a series to a one-off event. The other second-generation winner was Joel Heinrich, who secured the title in 2018 after his father, Bruce, won the championship four times during its earlier series format. This family tradition underscores the deep-rooted passion for motorsports that runs through these families.

A Battle for the Lead

While Harvey was a dominant force throughout the race, the battle for second place was a thrilling contest. Fellow West Australian and Falcon driver Chris Kneafsey initially kept pace with Harvey, but he eventually became entangled in a fierce battle for the minor podium positions with Jackson Callo and Rob Marcon, both driving Fords.

The Final Laps

As the race progressed, Scott Dornan in his Holden Commodore VY and Glenn Crankshaw in his Ford AU Falcon secured positions ahead of Brock Ralph, who was driving a Commodore VT. Ralph, however, ultimately emerged as the third-place finisher after post-race penalties elevated him. Callo faced a relegation to fourth for contact with Marcon, while Dornan received a 30-second penalty for an incident involving Marcon. This dropped him to 12th place.

A Close Finish

Marcon, who crossed the finish line in sixth place, moved up to fifth after the penalties. This placed him ahead of a group of Commodores, with Vince Ciallella leading the pack followed by Matt Martin, Brock Boley who started 22nd, and Marc Watkins. Dan Carrucan (Falcon) and Crankshaw finished tenth and eleventh, respectively.

A Race of Unexpected Turns

The event saw several pre-event favorites fall short of their potential. Rick Gill, who started in the AU Falcon, retired due to electrical issues. Garry Hills, the second-fastest qualifier driving a VZ Commodore, also faced an early exit. Shawn Jamieson, driving a VY Commodore, experienced a coil failure, and Grant Johnson suffered engine failure before the final race, ending his hopes of a strong finish.

Pro-Am: A Koberstein Victory

In the Pro-Am class, which features older Ford and Holden models, Michael Koberstein driving a Commodore VN secured his second Nationals title. He triumphed over Adam Koberstein, driving a Commodore VP, and Travis Sharpe, driving a Falcon EA, to finish 13th overall. This victory adds another chapter to the Koberstein family’s motorsports legacy.

The Future of Saloon Car Nationals

The 2024 Saloon Car Nationals marked the end of another exciting season. The next edition of the event is scheduled for 2025 at The Bend in South Australia. The 2024 event featured 25 drivers in the Pro class, and with Johnson looking to secure his fourth title, the 2025 event promises to be even more exciting and competitive.

A Legacy of Speed and Passion

The Saloon Car Nationals, despite being a one-off event, has become a key fixture on the Australian motor racing calendar. Its history, spanning back to the Australian Saloon Cars series, highlights the enduring appeal and the passion for this form of motorsports. The event offers a platform for both established and emerging drivers to showcase their talents and compete for the prestigious title. With the upcoming event at The Bend, fans can look forward to another exhilarating spectacle of skill and speed.

The Future of Saloon Car Racing

The transition of the Saloon Car Nationals from a series to a one-off event has added a new dynamic to the sport. It has provided a platform for passionate racers to compete at the national level without the commitment of a full season. The event has also allowed for a greater diversity of drivers to participate, fostering a healthy competitive spirit within the Australian motor racing community.

A Legacy of Speed and Skill

As the Saloon Car Nationals heads into its next chapter at The Bend, it carries with it a rich legacy of speed, skill, and competition. The event has provided a platform for drivers like Johnson to showcase their talent and has contributed to the growth of the sport. As the series evolves, it promises to continue to deliver thrilling competition and captivating moments for fans of Australian motorsports.