AS their 2023-24 season campaigns draw to a close, the massive trip from Ipswich in Queensland to Sydney in NSW last weekend for Team O’Connell Racing turned out to be a satisfying one, after the O’Connell brothers, Casey and Cody, enjoyed successful runs at Sydney International Speedway in the Speedcar and 410 Sprintcar classes respectively. Competing on both the Saturday night and Sunday afternoon race meetings in the Speedcar ranks for what was only his second visit to Sydney International Speedway, Casey, steering the Qld # 23 Warren Walker Racing owned GRD Chev powered Spike car, came very close to finishing on the podium in Saturday night’s NSW Championship feature race, when he ran a hard-fought fourth, but the next day, he backed up that form with a hard-charging victory in the feature race ahead of two of the country’s best racers in Kaidon Brown and Matt Jackson. Apart from defeating a strong calibre field of drivers, Casey’s victory was made even more impressive after the 22-year-old had to do it the hard way and claim victory after he had started out of position 14 in the field. “It was a big weekend for the family and I, but to be able to enjoy the strong runs against some of the country’s best racers made it all the more worthwhile,” expressed Casey O’Connell, whose other season highlights includes a third-place finish in the South Australian Title. “After running so strongly in the NSW Championship, I felt extra confident heading into Sunday’s show, and despite dropping a heat race due to a mechanical issue that resulted in a crash and being forced to start towards the back of the feature-race field, my car was great for the feature race, and I was able to charge through the field and take the lead on lap 11. The car’s setup and the track were great for the feature race, and it was an awesome to be able to maximise on these two things and come away with the win.” Despite only running a limited campaign in the 2023-24 season, Cody was able to run strongly in what was a career-best performance so far in the 410 Sprintcars. Unlike his younger brother, Casey, it was his maiden trip to the Sydney International Speedway track, but Cody made it a memorable night, which was highlighted by him scoring his first ever win in 410 Sprintcars, after he took out the top spot in Dash 2. By virtue of winning Dash 2, Cody, aboard his Qld # 49 Progress Heavy Vehicle Repairs supported Cool car, started the feature race from position seven, and he was running strongly throughout the opening half of the 30-lap event well inside the top 10. However, his promising night was brought to a premature end on lap 16, when he was involved in an incident in turn two while sitting in seventh that resulted in him crashing out. “I haven’t competed in too many race meetings this season, so it was great to get down to Sydney and be able to mix it with the locals,” said the 24-year-old. “Although it was disappointing to have my run in the feature race end the way that it did, I’ve taken a lot of experience and confidence away from it, and I’m now looking forward to returning to Sydney next season. It was pretty cool to pick up my first ever race win in a Sprintcar, and it was one of the highlights of my night.” QUICK RESULTS: Casey O’Connell Saturday Night Qualifying: 5th Heat Race: 3rd Pole Shuffle: 5th Feature Race: 4th Sunday Afternoon Heat Race 1: 3rd Heat Race 2: DNF Feature Race: 1st Cody O’Connell Saturday Night Qualifying (G3): 5th Heat Race: 3rd Dash 2: 1st Feature Race: DNF Although it’s the end of Casey’s 2023-24 season in the Speedcars, Cody has one more run left in his campaign, which will be the two night June Long Weekend event (June 8 and 9) at Lismore Speedway aboard the Michael Butcher-owned NX # 36 Cutting Edge Mowers supported Wingless Sprint. Team O’Connell Racing would like to thank their 2023-24 season supporters:  Progress Heavy Vehicle Repairs  Tranzmile Truck & Trailer Parts  Cutting Edge Mowers Casino  ATL Graphix & Signs  Plus Fitness 24/7 North Ipswich To find out more about Team CC/O’Connell Racing and to follow their racing activities, LIKE them on Facebook or FOLLOW them on Instagram by searching Team CC/O’Connell Racing. Release By: Red Line Media