Heading into last Saturday night’s Australian Title event, in what was only his second visit to the Maryborough Speedway track – located in the Fraser Coast region of Queensland, Goodger quickly found pace aboard his 125cc Non-Gearbox kart, winning three of his four heat races and placing sixth in the other.

Lining up in pole position for the Australian Title-deciding feature race, which was cut down from 20 laps to 15 laps due to the track curfew, by virtue of being the highest point scorer, Goodger never faltered throughout the race – strongly controlling the pace out in front from start to finish to claim a dominant win.

While Goodger was pleased to have been able to successfully defend his Australian Title and continue his mantle of champion for the third consecutive season.

This was nothing compared to the joy of repeating last season’s result of sharing the podium with his dad, who greeted the chequered flag in the runner-up spot in convincing fashion.

“Winning three titles in a row was a great feeling; however, being able to stand on the top step of the podium with my dad beside me for the second time in a row made it so much more special,” Goodger said.

While Goodger had plenty of reason to celebrate on Saturday night, his Australian Title campaign was marred by a run of misfortune in the 125cc Gearbox class.

Behind the eight ball prior to the commencement of the event after blowing up his engine, Goodger’s night would have been over had it not been for Aaron and Tony Moss loaning him an engine.

The defending champion went on to place fourth, fifth and first in the of his heat races, while recording a ‘did not finish’ in the other due to his focus being broken when a rock hit his elbow, subsequently causing him to make a number of driver errors and cause two stoppages.

Starting the 15-lap feature race from fourth position, Goodger felt confident in his abilities to move forward, but it wasn’t long before his Australian Title hopes were brought to a crashing halt, when Phil Perrott became hooked on the rear of his kart on the opening lap, causing him to hit the wall at over 110 kilometres per hour and barrel roll, before coming to a heavy stop.

While Goodger thankfully and amazingly emerged from the crash unharmed, the same couldn’t be said for his kart, with the team having already ordered a new chassis from Lightning Karts.

Despite the disappointing end to his Australian Title campaign, Goodger was overall pleased with his performance and couldn’t have been happier to share another podium memory with his dad Ray.

“Overall, it was a good weekend and a great result for the team,” he said.

“I have to say a huge thanks to everyone who made it possible, including my dad and crew for all of their hard work, including rebuilding my engine prior to the event, along with Aaron and Tony Moss for loaning me an engine.”

Goodger’s next title event will be the NSW at Tamworth’s Oakburn Park Raceway on March 24.

To find out more about Goodger and his team, LIKE them on Facebook by searching Dylan Goodger Racing.