SUSANNE FLETCHER: ‘MASTERMIND’ AND LADY LUCK INSTRUMENTAL IN POWDER PUFF VICTORY

22 October 2015

Susanne Fletcher has taken out the 2015 Street Series title for the Powder Puff bracket, with victory in the final round at Willowbank Raceway on Wednesday evening (21 October).

A joyous Fletcher reported that lady luck played a big part in the evening’s result, alongside good racing and the influence of her son – five-time Street Sedan champion Josh Fletcher.

The 56 year old Teacher was one of eight Powder Puff racers in the hunt for the title leading into the final, with the Sheldon resident joined on-track by fellow ‘top eight’ finalists Belinda Brockhurst, Jody Wentworth, Natalie Stowers, Rhonda Larfield, Tammy Goldthorpe, Jennie Young and Nicole Doeblien.

“I just did what Josh told me – I can’t believe it, it is all a bit surprising,” said Fletcher, who on her way to victory defeated reigning champ Brockhurst (round one), Stowers (round two), Doeblien (semi-final) and Wentworth (final) in the eliminations format action. For full results, please click here.

“We started out as top qualifier and then didn’t lose a race all night. I think I had some lucky breaks in the rounds - there was some good racing of course as well but I think 50% of it was luck.

“Earlier in the night I raced Nicole Doeblien and she thought I was back at the start line and backed out of a really good race, she thought she had me and that is very disappointing for her as she is a really good racer.

“All the ladies are really good racers, so to take the win is a big honour.

“For me, Josh is the mastermind behind all of this, I couldn’t do it without him. I just do everything that he tells me and he has never given me bad advice yet – he has an amazing mind for getting it right, all the way down to the split second of what you dial in for. I am pretty impressed with his calls on everything.”

It is immediately evident upon speaking with Fletcher that her racing is very much a family affair with not only her son Josh, but also her husband Bill Fletcher.

“I am very excited about it and it is very nice for all of us as a family, particularly so because Josh worked 20 hours over the weekend on the car because we had an issue – he is just so committed and I am so pleased for him and thankful for his support, and to Bill as well for his emotional support,” said Fletcher.

“We had a big dance around in the pits, we were all very excited!”

Now, the proud mum will turn her attentions to supporting Josh in his efforts to fight for his own Street Series victory on Saturday the 31^st of October – where he will be hoping to secure his sixth Street Sedan title and his third in a row.

“Josh is very excited – he has worked so hard, and I am so pleased for him that we have got it for him. Hopefully he will do the same again and more easily in a week or so. He is all pumped up now and the car is looking good!” said Fletcher.

On the 31^st of October, Josh Fletcher will be joined on-track by his fellow Street Sedan ‘top eight’ finalists Ray Ross, Jason Stoodley, Andrew Stathis, Brett Paige, Steven Brown, Hank Bowles and Paul Doeblien; as well as the Street Bike ‘top eight’ of Ken Rice, Paul De Roo, Simon Stevens, Craig Banks, Denis Ryan, Colin Crang, Scott Mutch and Dean Stratford.

The finals for the Street Sedan and Street Bike brackets will be held as part of the Test n Tune scheduled that day, with gates opening at 4.00pm and on-track action from 4.30pm. Spectators can attend for just $20.00 for adults or $18.00 for students with ID, while those looking to take their own car or bike on the Willowbank Raceway drag strip can do so for just $45.00 (race entry for one driver and entry for one spectator). For more information on Test n Tunes, please click here.