McClelland Brothers take the win…

Previous National Super 1650 winner, Matt Hanson said that McClelland was always going to take the Super 1650 crown, it was only going to be a matter of time. His competitive energy and driving ability is unique to the young Sea Lake School Teacher, Hanson went on to add.

McClelland, contested four of the six National Rounds for 2008, with a credible three class wins, finishing tenth outright at Donald and just outside the top 10 in 11th outright position at Mildura and Goondiwindi.

Preparations leading up to the round at Millicent, highlighted gearbox problems.

"Without the time to fix it, I raced my brother Alistair’s buggy. Even though our results weren’t as good at that round, I picked up valuable class points, which set me in a good position for the last round at Goondiwindi in October," McClelland said.

The Class win came down to the last round, and with continuing gearbox problems, time was running out for the team.

After two trips to Melbourne and Ballarat, fitting it back into the buggy three times, many hours in the shed, fantastic support from family and friends, the buggy had been tested and on the trailer for the team to head off Wednesday before the event.

The team had a great run at Goondiwindi, even a broken rear torsion bar couldn’t slow the Rivmasta down as the McClelland brothers took it across the line.

Team manager, ‘Andy Mac’ who is also proud dad of the boys, was walking on air as Cameron brought the buggy across the finish line.

McClelland said that with the broken torsion bar the suspension wasn’t fantastic and he was just thrilled to finish the event and take out the class win.

Alistair, who teamed up with Cameron to run the Championship, was pretty happy with the year’s competition, and the efforts of his younger brother.

As well as taking out the Super 1650 class at National Level for 2008, the McClelland brothers have taken the Victorian Off Road Championship Outright Driver and Navigator and the Victorian Super 1650 class win. A great effort.

"It takes a lot of support and time to keep a buggy running throughout the season, especially at this level and without the assistance from family and friends it would be difficult. Thanks to club members who provided parts from their own buggies so I could get to the last round of the championship," McClelland said.

"I would also like to thank my sponsors Bailey’s Transport and McClelland Harvesting for without their continued support I would not be able to compete at this level."

The season is now finished and competitors prepare for 2009, so what is in store for Cameron next season? The car will be stripped and given an overhaul for the new year.

"The buggy is currently ‘for sale’. If sold, I may look at stepping up to Pro-Lite, something with a bit more power and speed. Otherwise, I will compete in the 2009 National Championship and defend my title in the Super 1650 class," McClelland concluded.