JAMES Hinton has returned to his lucky venue in search of a champagne comeback story at the Australian Longtrack Championships tonight at the Showground.
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The Central Coast native has been two time National Sidecar Long Track champion, the last time in 2012, and both times in Tamworth.
His first title was at the same track in 2011 and then again at Oakburn Park the following year before retiring, but he couldn’t resist the allure of his favourite track in Australia.
“It is so exciting to be back,” Hinton said.
“I have had a few years off the bike and started a family but I am back to win another.”
The former champion only agreed to enter last weekend after a phone call from Tamworth Motorcycle club chief Paul Slade.
Brady Cox will be his passenger with the two getting a chance to run around the track on Friday to help get their last minute bike together.
“It’s a big track so we have put a bigger engine and bigger cams in,” Hinton said.
“Get it going as fast as we can.
“Pure speed.”
Last time Hinton won here he was just pipping the 170km/h mark, and believes the new engine could get the speedometer soaring above that.
Hinton had stopped riding speedway events because of his wife but couldn’t say no to another shot at the title in
Tamworth.
“Big grandstand, big crowd up the bank and a fast track,” Hinton said.
“I am not as fit as I used to be but the adrenaline kicks in as soon as you get out there.”
“Best long track in Australia.”
This will be the seventh year that Tamworth has hosted the event.
Gates open at midday for the preliminary events with heats through the afternoon leading in to the big finals.
Sidecar will be joined by Long Track Solos and Motocross divisions with 115 three lap races from start to finish.
