Geraldton’s Callum Williamson finishes strong in final round to take out USA vs WA Speedweek title

Geraldton’s own Callum Williamson stormed home in the final round to take out the USA vs WA Speedweek crown.

Coming into the final round of the six-race competition on Saturday, January 13, Williamson was sitting second on the overall ladder, closely trailing American Rico Abreu who was in first.

The outcome of the race at Perth Motorplex would determine who would take home the crown.

Williamson and Abreu were neck-and-neck in front of the pack during the second lap but disaster struck for the US competitor as he and Williamson collided.

Abreu lost control on the corner exit, sending the car flying into the inside wall.

The incident damaged the front end of his car and it wasn’t able to be repaired in time, ending his race.

With Abreu out of the running, all Williamson needed to do was finish the race and the title was his.

Things looked shaky early after he whacked a wall, dropping him to fourth place, but the West Australian came home strong in the final laps to nab a second-place finish, just 0.5 seconds behind winner Brad Sweet.

While he finished second in the race, Williamson claimed the USA vs WA Speedweek crown with 862 points, which came from a win, three more on the podium, a fourth and eighth-place finish.

Abreu finished second overall with 830 points and Bunbury’s Dayne Kingshott rounded out the top three with 830 points on countback.

After claiming the win, Williamson said he was tested going against some of the top competitors over the six weeks.

“It’s great to get the title. It was a shame Rico and I came together,” he said.

“These boys are unreal and I had a bit of luck. I can’t wait to see if these boys come back next year.

“It has been a lot of fun over the six meetings. I definitely tested myself more than I ever have racing these guys and glad I could be consistent.”

The win caps off Williamson’s successful return to the track, with the round one race on Boxing Day being his first after an extended break away from racing.

Williamson finished with multiple accolades during the competition, including two quick times in the qualifying rounds, four heat race wins, five A-Dash wins, four podium finishes and the overall win.

Despite claiming the big win, Williamson and his crew are not taking their foot off the pedal as they are now over east for the 30th Kings Challenge, the Grand Annual Sprintcar Classic and the Australian Title over the next two weeks.