MOTORSPORT: Warwick driver Chris Balint is second in class and in the top-four in touring car events after the first round of the Short Circuit Association Series at Morgan Park Raceway.

The improved production class over 2000cc produced some close racing and saw Tamworth's David Rogers in a Ford Falcon GT win six of the eight races and come second in two races to take the lead in the Touring Car Series after round one with 54 points. Second in class was promising young Warwick driver Chris Balint with 47 points from his father Robert Balint on 32 points.

The class for improved production up to 2000cc produced some surprises with young Pittsworth competitor Zac Hudson in a Hyundai XL at his first appearance winning the class and finishing with 48 points. Warwick driver Jason O'Mara overcame mechanical troubles on day one to win all day two races for second in class with 42 points.

The overall points score after round one for all the touring car events has Rogers in front on 54 points. Pittsworth's Zac Hudson and Gumdale's Michael McMillan are equal second on 48 and Chris Balint next with 47 points.

The sports sedan class was dominated by Michael McMillan's Mitsubishi Evo IX. McMillan who won six of the eight events to finish with 48 points. Cec Morgan from Forest Hill in a Ford Escort finished second with 35 points, third on points was Lismore's competitor Kieran Moore in his Mazda RX7 on 34 points. Toowoomba's Bob Power is holding down fourth in his Holden Commodore with 24 points.

The closed sports cars and sedans class produced some top sprint racing over the eight four lap heats. Tamworth's Brad Stehr in a Nissan 200SX finished with the fastest heat of 02:38.975 to take out top honours. McMillan was second with a fastest heat of 2:40.138. Robert Souter (Jnr) from Coombabah was last year's runner-up and should be the one to watch. There will be three short circuit rounds at Morgan Park Raceway this year. - Fred Berge