The event was not held in the summer of 1986/87 but re-appeared the next season with sponsorship from Coca Cola – a situation that continued for many years. So the first winner to sip a coke in ‘Victory Lane’ was Allan McCarthy, after he had dispatched Steven Arrigo, Ian Bradford and Dave Thomson.
Last Years winner, Jason Kendrick
During the 1988-89 season the scheduled February 24 date was washed out and the race was tacked onto the end of the original season of April 7. Winner of the 20-lap classic was Sharon Marriott – causing the term ‘Queen of the Scene’ to be used instead of the customary ‘King of the Wings’. Following Sharon across the line were John Krikke, Ian Bradford and Ron Krikke.
Fast forward, to the first running of the ‘King of the Wings’ here at the Perth Motorplex (2000-01) it was Robbie Farr (NSW) piloting the Monte Motorsport #15 entry who finished in front of Michael Figliomeni, current Australian titleholder Skip Jackson and Max Dumesny.A year later we saw Michael Figliomeni in command over Aussie champ Max Dumesny, Ken Sartori and Gavin Migro.
There were some very emotional scenes in ‘victory lane’ for the 2002/03 event as American star Paul McMahan triumphed over Robbie Farr and Luch Monte. McMahan was piloting a Monte Motorsport entry in the race which remembered the late Michael Nanovich, a former sponsor and great mate of the entire Monte Motorsport operation.
Last year it was Jason Kendrick who stood on the top step, and with only himself and Brad Maiolo the only former winners in this years field, we could well see another name on the winners list!
HONOURBOARD – SPRINTCAR KING OF THE WINGS
