It is what it is

I forgot that WP was having a meeting until someone posted a query on Macgors asking what was happening at the park this weekend, so it was a small consolation for not going to the NZ Stockcar title at Stratford. The meeting was listed as a club night, and that was pretty much what is was. I do have to say that the field sizes were pretty good and probably for the first time in my memory there were more SuperStocks than Stockcars but considering quite a few would have been down in Stratford that was understandable. During the course of the evening Aaron Drever mentioned that 168a Billy Neill had gone into the last heat in 5th place and as I understand it he finished 5th overall which is a great achievement for the lone Auckland finalist.

14 Superstocks turned up including two new ones, 11a Gary Ellis debuted his brand new car and 737a Carl and Darren Ross with the former 73a of Bryce Marx. The SuperStock racing was great with wins for 351a Paul Vasey, 414a Warwick Ansty and 6k Kerry Remnant. 13 Stockcars took to each in an 'odd numbered cars versus even numbered cars' sort of teams race which added a bit of biff. 66a Peter Church got a bit mongrel and used the bumpers more than usual but it was 919a Shane Bessant and 23a Tony Baldwin who were into most of the action although I was most impressed with the new 47a who didn't complete many laps but certainly provided some great hitting action! Not sure who was driving but he'll be one to watch in future. Wins going to 23a, 919a and not sure who took out the LeMans style feature but I think it was 23a again. There were some issues with receiving the chequered flag and as far as I remember only a determined Shane Bessant and 8a Gary Chapman got to do a victory lap all night.

The other classes making up the night were 5 Sidecars, 12 MiniSprints, 22 MiniStox, 15 Saloons and 6 SuperSaloons. Great racing in most classes and a few new cars too. One of the only complaints of the night beside the chequered flags and lack of a programme was the dust coming off the track, the crowd in the cemetery bend got really sandblasted towards the end of the night but with the amazing weather we have been having in Auckland for what seems like ages, again its probably been a nightmare preparing the track. The meeting was run efficiently, so efficiently that I think it was done and dusted (excuse the pun) by about 10pm. Awesome effort guys.

Meeting rating : 6.5/10

PS Thanks to the people that texted results from Stratford and to those who posted them on Macgors. The refresh button on my computer is still smoking and slightly melted which is why I'm gonna start the savings plan for Wellington next season...!