Considering the heavy rain the night before, I was amazed this meeting went ahead. Although a few of the names mentioned in the programme were missing, there were pretty good sized fields for most including Superstocks and only the Minisprints and Sprintcars had less then 10 cars.
A fitting tribute for John Webster only spoiled a bit by the rain towards the end of the meeting unfortunately meaning the final few races had to be canned. As the fireworks were about to start, I felt the rain was coming in and was heading for the carpark when the first big bang set off so many car alarms I nearly arsed over in the mud! By all accounts the fireworks were pretty good but if the figure mentioned by the commentary team of over 30k worth of crackers is true I can't help but think that money could be spent on better things... even if they bought a couple of 'promotion owned' cars for guest drivers to race in when fields are light (something I think Palmerston North used to do with the sponsors names plastered all over the cars). Just looking at the Buy and Sell they could have snapped up 69r + 69k Superstocks or three decent Stockcars 6b + 52v + 29m or have 10 minutes of fireworks. I don't know how workable this is but it's food for thought. I remember one of the best promos they did at WP was the chance to buy a raffle ticket to drive Graham Mitchell's 93a in the first heat of the Standard Stocks each week. Then again I could be completely wrong and people just love fireworks...
Some of the events worth mentioning from the night must include the input from Murray Guy who was very funny, easy to listen to and if the car gives him any trouble next season he should be sat up in the commentary box. Great stuff.
Although there were only six Sprintcars, they provided some of the fastest action on the track. I'd love to see a full field of these beasts at WP. Promoter Paul Blakely had a go in one and was immediately on the pace and hinted that he would be keen to continue in this class next season.
The Stockcars were a bit tame in the first two heats but let rip in the third. With 28 cars on hand it must have been the biggest local turnout for a while. 919a Shane Bessants long awaited return was cut short in the first heat after being fed into the wall and left stranded, he was hit by 99a in a huge impact which put him out for the night. It was certainly an 'old school' welcome back.
The Superstocks also had a big field and with 85h, 36a and 52a stirring things up a bit provided some good racing. 62r Neville Stanaway was leading the points before the rain spoiled the final big race that promised so much. It was good to see that 10 local cars made it out for this meeting.
Some of the 4 x 4 racing in the Saloons and the Minisprint racing which was let down by only having 8 cars were probably the only low points in the night, not quite as low as the two seater Sprintcar which is very indulgent on a night that is supposed to be about John Webster. I think the whole point of this meeting is to showcase the very best of speedway in a 'speedway expo' type atmosphere. I can understand the reason the Midgets weren't racing (apparently it wouldn't be in their best interests to race too many times at WP while trying to secure more racing at the Springs) but the TQ's did a great job of entertaining in their absence. Considering the weather Gods did their best to ruin the show most people probably left the park well satisfied with the racing. It was a great end to what feels like a very long season.
John Webster was responsible for the book Weekend Warriors amoungst other things.
Meeting rating : 7/10
