Speedcar Pro Series Honours The Magic Man On Opening Night
Posted on Aug 30, 2013
The first ever round of the inaugural Speedcar Pro Series will honour the memory of legendary speedcar competitor Michael Figliomeni at the Magic Man 34 on November 2 2013.
Michael ‘Magic Man’ Figliomeni was arguably one of WA’s best ever Speedcar drivers. He was a 4 time Australian Champion, 7 time WA Champion and well respected by both fans and competitors.
He died tragically 28th October 2006 at the Perth Motorplex during a race meeting at the age of 41.
Michael competed in the first 2 heats of the night, winning both of them, but after heat 2 Michael suffered a heart attack in the pits and passed away shortly after.
“Michael was a very good friend of mine,” said Perth Motorplex Speedway Racing Manager Gavin Migro. “I’ve always been of the opinion that the show must go on, but it was a very difficult night for me and a lot of people, knowing what had happened.”
In 2007, the Figliomeni family and the Perth Motorplex arranged a tribute race for Michael that has been held annually ever since. The Magic Man 34 has attracted drivers from all over Australia and the world, and in 2013 will serve as the first ever round of the Speedcar Pro Series championship.
“We really wanted to kick the Speedcar Pro Series off with a bang,” said Race Director Shane Collins. “What better way to do that than by joining in and celebrating one of the greatest Western Australian Speedway competitors in Michael Figliomeni.”
“It’s an amazing privilege to partner with this amazing event in his honour and we hope to help build the event’s profile and promote the race to a wider community both here and abroad.”
The feature race will be run over 34 laps, in honor of the number 34 Figliomeni raced under for his entire Speedway career.
An added incentive to the star-studded field of competitors on opening night: a $12,000 winner’s cheque.
“The Magic Man Race is the biggest Speedcar event in WA and definitely one of the richest Speedcar races in Australia, if not the world,” said Migro.
The Figliomeni family continues to be heavily involved in speedway racing, staging auctions and benefits with proceeds contributing to prize money, operational costs and travel funds for the Magic Man event.
“The Perth Motorplex and the Figliomeni family should be very proud of the work they have put in over the years to build this event into one of the biggest events on the Australian calendar, and one that every competitor wants to win,” continued Collins.
“We are excited to work with the Figliomeni Family and make sure we can continue to grow the reputation of this event and its stance in Australian Speedway.”
Previous winners of the event include Mark Brown, Dene McAllan and American Davey Ray (four time winner).
Stay tuned to speedcarproseries.com.au in the coming weeks for contracted driver announcements well as additional news and updates regarding the series.
For more information about Magic Man 34, including nominations and ticketing information, visit Perth Motorplex or theMagicMan34.com.
