Kane Breaks Records in Albany!
Kane Breaks Records in Albany!
Darren Kane has etched his name in the history books by claiming a record-breaking fifth National Super Sedan Title at Albany Speedway in the Speedway Sedans Australia National Super Sedan Title, marking his second victory at the Albany venue. Kane, who started the 40-lap main event from pole position, was flanked by South Australian Dave Gartner, while WA Champion Dustin Higgs and four-time National Champion Matty Pascoe filled out the second row.
From the drop of the green flag, Kane jumped straight to the lead with Gartner close behind, followed by Higgs in third. Matty Pascoe's hopes for a fifth National Title came to an abrupt end on lap three after an oil line burst, forcing him to retire early. This incident brought out the first caution of the race, but Kane remained composed, leading the field back to green with 37 laps still to run.
At the restart, Higgs immediately launched an attack for the lead, drawing level with Kane through turns one and two, but Kane powered back to the front on the outside. Gartner held firm in third, while an intense side-by-side battle for fourth unfolded between Phil Barton and Brad Pascoe, with the caution flag waving once again just three laps later.
Gary Higgs was sent to the rear of the field for a half-spin that triggered the second caution, leaving Kane to defend the lead from Dustin Higgs. On lap nine, WA Champion Higgs executed a brilliant slide job to momentarily take the lead, igniting a high-speed duel at the front of the field.
Kane, now in second, remained close on Higgs' tail, while Gartner and Brad Pascoe battled for third. Higgs and Kane set a blistering pace, pulling away from the rest of the field as they weaved through lapped traffic. By the halfway point, Higgs had lapped up to tenth place and seemed in control, but as they approached heavy traffic, the race dynamics changed dramatically.
Rob Knox, running ahead of the leaders, became a key factor as he held up both Higgs and Kane, nearly causing a disaster. Barton’s motor expired, promoting Zac Pascoe to fifth, and soon after, Higgs found himself trapped behind slower cars, allowing Kane to pounce. With 12 laps to go, Kane seized the moment, sliding past Higgs as he was held up, reclaiming the lead in dramatic fashion.
Kane quickly distanced himself, but Higgs wasn’t done yet. Clearing the traffic, Higgs set off in pursuit once more, closing the gap within just a few laps. With seven laps remaining, Higgs threw a massive slider in turn three, briefly taking the lead, but Kane countered immediately, regaining the top spot as they powered down the front straight.
The City of Albany National Super Sedan Title
A Main - 40 laps
1. Q36 Darren Kane, 2. W1 Dustin Higgs, 3. S18 Dave Gartner, 4. Q1 Brad Pascoe, 5. W81 Gary Higgs (39), 6. W80 Bryce Fisher (39), 7. W68 Rob Knox (39), 8. V16 Ash Bergmeier (39), 9. W9 Kemble Aylett (38), 10. A1 Trent Wilson (38), 11. Q98 Michael Hally (38), 12. W23 Ryan Huxtable (37), 13. W42 Glynn McBeath (36), DNF W25 Nathan Thiele (33), Q6 Zac Pascoe (32), W36 Phil Barton (25), V3 Mick Nicola (19), WA85 Keith Higgs, N1 Matty Pascoe (3), W6 Tristan Green (3), W10 Kyle Larson (3), W85 Matthew McMahon (3)
Nev Clarke’s image of Darren Kane celebrating his fifth National Title
Top five L-R 4th Q1 Brad Pascoe, 2nd W1 Dustin Higgs, 1st Q36 Darren Kane, 3rd S18 Dave Gartner, 5th W81 Gary Higgs