Although Lee Redmond was preparing for a big 2017-18 season in 360 Sprintcars, continuing problems with a routine shoulder reconstruction have forced him to re-think his plans, with the Perth, Western Australia-based racer being sidelined for approximately 12 months.

Contesting his debut season in 410 Sprintcars last season with the Wormall Motorsport team, while also making cameo appearances in Speedcars, Redmond was looking forward to participating in the full 360 Sprintcars Power Series schedule this season. However, off the back of experiencing complications with his shoulder surgery, which will keep him off the track for the time being, Redmond has sold his Sprintcar and created an opportunity for another driver to pilot his Speedcar.

Leasing Redmond’s Esslinger-powered WA # 52 Just Ace Transport / Di Candilo Steel City supported Spike will be current and three-time Western Australian Wingless Sprint Champion Tom Payet, who will fill the driver’s seat for eight shows at the Perth Motorplex.

In the meantime, Redmond has taken on the role of crew chief for his Wormall Motorsport teammate Scott Chatwin in 410 Sprintcars, where he will assist Chatwin with race preparation and car setup.

“I’m glad to have been able to offer Tom the opportunity to lease my Speedcar, despite it being extremely disappointing not to be able to race it myself for the foreseeable future,” admitted Redmond.

“While it won’t quite be the same, with me swapping the steering wheel for the spanners, I’m looking forward to working with Scott throughout the 2017-18 season.”

Having commenced his competitive racing career on two wheels in Motocross, where he still competes in veteran events to this day, Redmond later went on to become a professional solo speedway rider, winning three WA Solo Championships and competing in England from 1993 through to 2001 for King’s Lynn Star and the Sheffield Tigers in the Elite League competition.

Later founding the 100% Racing team with 12-time Australian Motocross Champion Craig Anderson, Redmond then traded two wheels for four, joining the Speedcars class, where he spent four seasons, which were highlighted by a runner-up finish in the Speedcar Pro Series in a chase that went down to the wire, with Redmond suffering a heartbreaking flat battery in the final series round, costing him the victory, after winning a round of the series at Murray Bridge Speedway in South Australia.

Earlier this year, Redmond travelled to Tulsa, Oklahoma in the United States to contest the prestigious Chili Bowl Nationals, where he experienced a challenging run going up against some formidable opponents on an unfamiliar track.

Redmond would like to thank the following sponsors for their continued support: Just Ace Transport and Di Candilo Steel City.

To find out more about Redmond and his team, LIKE them on Facebook by searching Redmond Racing 52.