Exciting Sprintcar news out of Warrnambool, Victoria this week provides the long awaited confirmation that popular local ace Tim Van Ginneken will provide his equipment for the Australian debut of 24 year old Columbia, Missouri native Garet Williamson.

Williamson is one of a crop of rising American Sprintcar stars that run regularly at the famed Knoxville Raceway currently in both 410ci and 360ci competition and his workman like style is a perfect fit for the similarly styled Warrnambool based driver turned car owner.

“Garet’s been racing since he could walk and he’s busting his butt to get his name out there in the cut throat Sprintcar scene in America and a trip to Australia to race will keep him sharp during his off season,” confirmed Van Ginneken.

“We’ve been talking a lot over the recent weeks and I talked to Brony (wife) and the kids and then suggested it to all of my partners that support me and my racing and they were all supportive to have a crack at hosting an American, so we’re all excited.”

While Williamson has no less than thirteen Sprintcar wins to his name already in his short career, go karts were where it all began before a stint in micro sprints (Formula 500s) and this past year. Garet will complete his fourth season in Sprintcars. This year saw landmark wins for Williamson including his first 410ci win at the famed Knoxville Raceway were he narrowly edged out reigning Grand Annual Sprintcar Classic champion Aaron Reutzel.

Multiple feature wins at Huset’s Speedway in South Dakota sees Williamson continue to create his own upward career path trajectory in the Fischer Motorsports #23 with crew chief, and former Australian Sprintcar tourist, Dennis Moore Junior. “No off-season is what I’m most looking forward to,” joked Williamson today.

“Not having much time off and be in the seat as much as I can and learning to adapt quickly and be able to be competitive over there (in Australia) with some of the best in the business.”
“I’m excited to get there and see the Australian racing cultures and very excited to see the Classic,” commented Williamson. Van Ginneken is understandably keen to get the season underway following his trip north to Darwin to contest the Chariots of Thunder event most recently while also tasting his own success late last season finishing third in the Australian 360/LS Sprintcar Championship at Avalon Raceway.

Much the same as Williamson Van Ginneken has also enjoyed a long racing history first beginning in Junior Sedans before his senior competition which has included Super Rods, Wingless Sprints, Formula 500s and more recently Sprintcars.

Career highlights for “TVG” also include a pair of Western Australian Sprintcar Title wins back to back while a Northern Territory Sprintcar Title win also confirms the popular Warrnambool Sprintcar star’s pace over the years across the borders.

“Garet will arrive the week of Max’s Race here at Premier Speedway and then we will hit the key races through the Christmas and New Year period with Sprintcar Speedweek before finishing off at the Classic,” he said.

“Trevor (Anderson) at Anderson Bobcat Service and Clint (Baker) at Compass Powder Coating and Kevtek Performance Race Parts along with Joel (Haberfield) at Boyle’s Livestock Transport have all been huge in this decision and they’re as excited as I am to get Garet down here.”

“The response so far as been overwhelming and further support has come along via Paul at Dirt X industries who’s excited like all of us to get Garet Down Under in December,” confirmed Van Ginneken.
Williamson now joins fellow American young guns Chase Randall and Riley Goodno amongst the Sprintcar Speedweek schedule at the following dates

December 26: Murray Bridge Speedway
December 27: Tolmer Speedway
December 28: Borderline Speedway
December 30: Avalon Raceway
January 1: Premier Speedway, Warrnambool

He will also compete in numerous events kicking off with “Max’s Race” at Premier, then Speedweek, then Heytesbury Stockfeeds Simpson Speedway on January 3 and then the traditional President’s Cup at Avalon, Kings Challenge at Mount Gambier and the Grand Annual Sprintcar Classic at Premier.

Williamson’s addition to the 2024/2025 Sprintcar Speedweek is a major shot in the arm for fans both here in Australia and the USA as the young American’s gas-it-up style is sure to make him a hit with fans of all ages.

This kid can wheel…