Brock Francis: Comeback Heartbreak

It may look the same, but make no mistake, the new 91 Motorsport machine which is in the very capable hands of Brock Francis is a completely new car. Following the unfortunate demise of the car which captured the WA1 Intermediate title last year, the team had been working feverishly in the background to build up the new incarnation to continue competing in the open class. With Brock missing a few rounds due to the difficulty in getting, let’s face it, pretty much anything in the current environment, the stars began to align in late February and the new car rolled out on the track for the first time during the Friday night practice session for the WA State Title.

The new car was up to speed in no time with Brock showing no signs of having been out of the seat for two and a half months. The Friday practice session was a success, but not without drama. A fair bit of work needed be done overnight if they were going to take the title – nothing is ever easy in this sport.

Roll on Saturday. The new car hit the track … and what an absolute weapon it is. It was evident for all to see that Brock had a renewed hunger for victory – he wasn’t going to be left wondering what could have been – he was putting it all on the line. The pace was blistering with Brock going sub-10 sec in all 10 laps of Heat 2 – setting a new fastest ever lap of 9.598 sec in the process. Brock went on to win the dash, earning a pole position start in the feature.

During the first part of the feature race it looked like the fairy-tale was going to plan. The dream comeback was unfolding before the eyes of the crowd that had assembled to watch the next generation of speedway stars battle for the WA Title. Brock was unstoppable out front, comfortably back at home, centre stage in the Pinjar Park Speedway bull ring.

Pic: Peter Roebuck

Then the unthinkable happened. Hearts sunk as an audible and clearly visible momentary loss of power was experienced coming out of turn 4. Brock only lost one position to the always fast and ever-improving Kyle Francis who had been shadowing Brock, waiting for an opportunity to pounce. The dream was still alive – there were plenty of laps remaining for Brock to take the position back. Brock rounded turn 1 but then whilst exiting turn 2 the 450 KTM powered kart lost power – Tim Boujos and AJ Nash collide into the back of Brock as he slows and heads infield. Disbelief besets the crowd. Trevor Reynolds, the man that WA has to thank for establishing outlaw kart driving in the state and the driving force behind West Coast Outlaw Karts heads over to Brock. If anyone can sort out the problem it is Trevor. After all, the car Brock is driving is one of his – a Four Seven Outlaw Kart – hand built in WA by Trevor himself.

A push off saw only a short distance covered, but with flames spitting out the exhaust everyone knew that it was game over. The fairy-tale comeback was not to be. The throttle body had parted ways with the engine – such is the vibration that these cars are subjected to on track as they run only a centimetre or two from the ground with no suspension to smooth out the ride. This is hard core grass roots speedway. The race was eventually won by Kyle Francis who drove a faultless race to take the victory ahead of Tim Boujos and Jack Williamson.

In looking back at the race, the most astounding part of the night is that the 6 drivers immediately behind Brock as he continued to pull away from the pack all currently drive sprintcars in varying divisions. Just imagine what could be possible when Brock gets the opportunity to strap into a sprintcar and compete. He has the sort of raw talent and head-down focus that the likes of a young James McFadden showed in his early years. Only time will tell if Brock’s career will follow the same trajectory – but as anyone at the top of their game knows, a driver needs someone in their corner that is willing and able to provide the sponsorship backing required to take the next steps. In the hyper-competitive world of sprintcar racing it just isn’t possible otherwise.

If there is someone out there that can do just that and is willing to jump on board early for the journey, I encourage you to come forward – I guarantee you will be in for one hell of a ride! Motorsport Media Australia would be more than happy to facilitate the introductions – after all, this is why we exist: to promote speedway and assist in seeing talent being rewarded with opportunity. Contact us via email: msportmaus@gmail.com