Sunday, March 30, 2008

King of the Park 08

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A pretty good turnout in the pits for competitor numbers, it always looks impressive when a class from Western Springs turns up, they lift the professional look of the place with their pit setups and the buzz they bring too. Whether it brough extra punters through the gate is anyones guess but there was a fairly good size crowd (perhaps like me desperate for a speedway fix) but after the first race a huge number of that crowd had upped and moved from turns 1 + 2 after being covered in waves of dust from the Ministocks of all classes after a new track surface had been layed. As the night wore on the surface improved although dust was going to be a problem all night but a small price to pay if you think of the long term picture and the bedding in process required. I stood on the hill on turn 1 (the fool on the hill!) later in the evening after getting some food but more about that later in the footnote* Because WP are on the ball now with reviews on their website usually a day or two after the meeting I dont need to go into great detail about the racing or results but will mention a few things.

MiniStocks numbered 20 and had a filmcrew from Campbell live on the scene for an item on girls in the sport apparently. Should be good positive coverage for the class just a pity Chloe Corbin was away in Aus representing NZ as she has been the standout driver this season. Anyway I thought the format for the evening was two heats for starting position in a final race for the King of the Park for each class but I may be wrong on that having read the 14a website review but for the purposes of this review I'll just put what I thought was the format. Aggressive racing by the MiniStocks had wins for 36a and 75a in the heats but after a big pileup in the final race 11a Ben Ellis took advantage of damaged 75a's misfortune and held the lead for the rest of the race winning by a big margin from 10a and 9a for second and third.

TQ's had 19 cars and although the racing was good a few problems with restarts after yellow lights was annoying with drivers continually circling contesting restart positions which of course brings out the blackboards. Heat wins to 98a and 61a I think, but the 15 lap feature was won by 14a Paul LeCren. It would be interesting to know what the TQ drivers think of WP, they certainly looked like they were going fast and when everything goes right like heat 2 with 3 + 4 wide racing they are an awesome addition to the programme.

SuperSaloons numbered 9 with Jennings, McInteer, Cardwell and Hemi the big names in this group. There was a bit of action in their feature with 6a Torrey losing a wheel in an incident with Cardwell which I missed (through the dust!) which lead to some verbals on the infield. 38h Hemi did enough to hold out 99a and claim the King of the Park title for this section. There was a bit of confusion as to who was driving the 8h and may have been Craig Cardwell having a skid.

Twenty-one Stockcars fronted and provided a bit more action than has been seen for a while in a class that rarely disappoints. 67a Krsnic tipped the first timer 49a over in heat two which was a rough introduction to the club but it was heat three that provided possibly the best race of the night. After wins in heat one for Billy Neill and a heat two win for 81a Rodney Smythe it became a four way race between them, 14a and 29a in the feature. A huge hit in turn three for 137a, 17a, 27a and 67a who almost went over brought on the red lights. On the restart 168a who had been leading and 14a were slow to get away relinquishing the lead to 81a who held it for a while until 71a took out the lead group giving 29a Gavin first place until a move around 137a proved fatal taking him to the wall gifting the lead back to 81a who held it for the win from 14a, 168a and 117a in fourth. Awesome stuff.

Of all the classes the Streetstocks probably were the hotdog class tonight. 11 of them provided few thrills and a predictable win for 45a Bill Peat in the feature ahead of a ragbag bunch of cars. These guys were really firing a few season ago but this hasn't been a year to remember so far.

SuperStocks had 12 cars on hand and probably the wettest track for their first heat which evened things up for everyone. Wins to 23h and 16a in the heats and a good feature where 16a Headington held off 816h Lucey for the win in an 8 car final.

Sixteen Saloons had another Twogood benefit although he had to work hard for the win in the final with great challenges from 9a Louden and a hard charging 61a Roy Walker who had to work his way up through the field. What a season Twogood is having.

Overall a good meeting, got to speak to Pallmall and Rich49a from Macgors, thanks guys always a great start to the evening. Summer has officially finished in the grandstand if coffee sales are anything to go by and it's hard to believe we are winding down for the offseason with only 4 meetings left at WP. For the record (assuming the format was as per my take on it!) the Kings of the Park were:

Ministocks : 11a Ben Ellis
TQ's : 14a Paul LeCren
Stockcars : 81a Rodney Smythe
Saloons : 48a Phil Towgood
SuperStocks : 16a Aaron Headington
SuperSaloons : 38h Peter Hemi


Meeting rating : 7/10

Footnote*
I want to be clear that this comment isn't a dig at WP or anyone who works at the club but something they perhaps should be aware of. After getting some food before the SuperStock feature I stood on the hill on turn 1 and looking down towards the food caravans noticed a group of about 4 guys (gang 1) and another group of about 7 guys and girls (gang 2) were having a standoff in particular two guys who both looked about 16 years old with the most ridiculous 'gangsta' posturing and what I call 'homey hand signals' in a display of pure cliche. Anyway some of the girls in gang 2 intervened and dragged their guy towards the open gate behind the main grandstand when gang 1 decided it wasn't over and headed out to the carpark to what became an all in brawl that went on for about a minute. I couldn't see all of what happened but many families that were leaving at that stage had to stop and view this with scared kids and probably adults. Gang 1 then decided to come back in the gates licking their wounds by the cemetery wall before strutting past the grandstand with the most pathetic arrogance and looking no doubt for more trouble. So much bloody attitude in kids so young. Is this their idea of a good night at the speedway?

Now I'm not naive and know that fights happen but it was the viciousness of the whole debacle and the 'gang like posturing and look' that bothered me most. Can someone please explain to me why the youth of NZ seem to think it's cool to identify with American gang stereotypes? When did being a thug become something a kid aspired to? I'm not sure how a club like WP can deter this kind of activity as it's obvious they weren't there for the racing and the damage it does for all the hard work WP put in is quickly forgotten by a family exposed to that sight as they left. Even increasing security is no guarantee that it wont happen again. Anyway, sermon over, and just to make me feel even more angry, I've just re-read what I wrote and it makes me sound like one of those 'first time callers' on talkback on the wireless! Get off my lawn you kids..!

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Wednesday, March 26, 2008

Flashback 012

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After seeing a car that has a familiar paintjob to the Rod Dore car on the cover of this old Waikaraka Park programme up at Dargaville last week, I thought I'd scan a couple of pages for the latest flashback posting.

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Previous flashbacks:

Flashback 011
Flashback 010
Flashback 009
Flashback 008
Flashback 007
Flashback 006
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Flashback 001

Wednesday, March 19, 2008

Innovative

There is a different sort of 'team building' going on in Auckland at the moment at Waikaraka Park and no it's not a team of stockcars readying themselves for Palmerston North... it's the brainchild of Dean Lonergan and it involves corporate teams taking to each other in stockcars, yes stockcars! Four companies enter six people each and two people from each company hit the track (and each other) in a field of eight cars for full on contact at slightly reduced speeds (for safety) with strict rules to make sure it's fun and something way better than a bbq at the beach or other typical motivation methods in the workforce.

If the looks on the faces of the drivers were anything to go by, they loved every minute of it and the spin off for Waikaraka could be a whole new group of addicted fans or potential future participants in the sport for those that are hooked after a few laps. After all the racing is completed (about 10 races in all I think) everyone enjoyed a spit roast meal and bragging session to complete the Waikaraka experience. Ten or so stockcars were on hand to make sure no one misses out if there is any damage to a car and I was surprised to see a few cars that haven't been out on the track during the normal season or for a few years in one case. It was a great atmosphere and really innovative idea, I hope it takes off big time and if anyone can make it work Dean Lonergan is the man, his interaction with the teams was great. Now to convince five other people from work that we need a 'team building sesh at WP..."

Any interested 'corporate team builders' should contact Dean Lonergan Events on 021 969 449.

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Raring to go after the briefing...

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Heading to their assigned cars

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Last minute instructions

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Some played dumb so they could get extra instruction from Rose...

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Heading out

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Warming up

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Coming back in the pits

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Satisfied punters!

Sunday, March 16, 2008

Stockcar Invitation, Dargaville

This meeting was listed as a "Stockcar Invitation" on the Dargaville website but I think someone forgot to post the invites as only three stockcars turned up which was disappointing. Luckily there was a good field of vintage stocks otherwise it could have been pretty thin on the ground...

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Wednesday, March 12, 2008

Allstars & Smallstars!

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The 2008 Auckland Allstars team:

4a Paul Vazey
5a Warwick Ansty
6a Aaron Headington
7a Wayne Whittaker
8a Bryce Marx

Results at Palmerston North Teams
win v Rotorua Rebels
loss v Waikato Wanderers

At Auckland Teams
loss v Waikato Wanderers
loss v Stratford Scrappers
win v Rotorua Rebels

Saturday, March 08, 2008

Auckland Teams Night 2

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This meeting started much the same as the night before (although we did manage to get through the National Anthem!) with Stockcar 17a of Murray Kitt being fed up the wall and into the fence before rolling back down on to his roof. There was a long delay to fix the fence before the dose was repeated for 9k Richard Pearce who was fed into the fence on the backstraight and left hanging off the wall. This repair would take longer and so the race was declared after about 2 laps. It was a good sign for the rest of the night and the meeting lived up to expectation with some big hits and great teams racing.

The support classes for Saturday night included 23 Stockcars, 12 Modifieds contesting the Auckland Modified championship and a decent field of 13 SuperSaloons. The crowd was huge and space was at a premium, so it was important for the club to put on a good show and I think they did. First a quick look at the teams races and results:

Race for 7th & 8th Place
Auckland Allstars v Rotorua Rebels


7a Wayne Whittaker missing and 138r Barry Hunter jnr sits this one out. Right from the first corner Auckland take control with a well timed hit by 5a Ansty on 22r Stove, damaging his steering and effectively ending his race but this was soon evened up by the retirement of 4a Vazey on the second lap. Runners for this race were 52r Herbert and both 6a Headington and 8a Marx. Auckland have the upper hand until a red light for 5a losing his bonnet while hindering the 52r. Also 551r is removed on the next red light for a damaged wheelguard and the rest of the race is fairly plain sailing for 6a and 8a. Auckland win, 6a, 8a, 52r, 44r

Race for 5th & 6th
Waikato Wanderers v Hawkes Bay Hawkeyes


8h Roigard and 35b Foley are the reserves for this one. This was a great action packed race and my notes are incredibly hard to read but here goes... Wade takes out 32b Mason on first corner, 96h Redfern badly damaged also. 23h Ashton takes up the running as does 31b Jude for Hawkes Bay. 34b O'Dwyer is on the infield, while blocking for 31b Murray Long is rolled by 114h Steiner. This leaves two Hawkeyes up against the four Waikato cars but never say die from 31b Jude who almost lifts the Tank up and over on the start finish line, Mason finally stops leaving a solid victory for Waikato. Waikato win, 23h, 31b, 85h, 114h, 96h

Race for 3rd & 4th
Stratford Scrappers v Kihikihi Kings


Only four available cars for both teams with 28k Mytton and 686s Coxhead missing. An enormous hit by 29k Remnant in turn two on 82s Johnson brings on the red lights and ambulance and basically ended Stratford's chances. Remnant took up the running and even with the loss of 24k Taylor who's car caught fire bringing on the red lights again, Stratford had nothing left. 818s Chris Flett did the running for the Scrappers, 841s Bolton retired and left 29k and 27k Ridland free to run and a bit of an anti-climax. Kihikihi win and take third place, 29k, 27k, 818s

Final, Race for 1st & 2nd
Nelson Tigers v Palmerston North Panthers


Reserves for this race were 6p Hemi and 82n. A first corner hit on 83n Bolton had Nelson on the back foot immediately and when he retired about a lap later the writing was on the wall (or the trophy in this case) you cant beat the Panthers with three cars. 9p Penn and 85n Ewers were the runners, 86n had first hard shot at 5p Rees which stopped him for an instant but at the same time 8p Miers dealt the killer blow to 85n Ewers and the victory was as good as won. With Ewers damaged no one took up the running for Nelson and then it was 8p + 9p reeling off the laps while Nelsons challenge faltered. A galant effort by 85n who along with 86n were the only finishers for Nelson. Panthers just too good in a clinical but entertaining final, Champions for the third year running. Palmerston North win, 8p, 9p, 86n

All In Final Race

Once again this was one of the better races of the whole weekend and it was great to see it back on the programme. Only 16 cars fronted and it turned into a big northern tracks, A, H versus P, with N and B hoping to pick up the spoils which were $2000 for the win and $500 for a roll over. Hemi was the early target leaving 85h Wade running as the leader for some time until picked off by the Panthers blockers. This then handed the lead to 6a Aaron Headington who with excellent teamwork by 5a Ansty and specially 8a Marx lead right up until the 3rd corner of the last lap when a rampaging 6p Hemi who had been slowly gaining on 6a lunged and pushed him wide enough to sneak under and take the win. Gutwrenching stuff for the Allstars who had worked so well for 99% of the race but the cherry on top of a most successful weekend for the Palmerston North Panthers.

Summary

19r Scott Lane took out the Auckland Modified championship with a convincing performance, 11a Fox and 6a Jesen filling the other podium positions. SuperSaloons had wins to 68s, 96a and 38h Hemi taking the feature race. The SuperStock consolation races were won by 1nz Kyle Fraser. The Stockcars were action packed as usual and a couple of new cars in the pits including the new Chestnutt chassis of 51a Steve Murphy and the immaculate 27a of Jackie Phipps. Wins went to 29a and 168a and Rose Halfpenny picked up the $500 for rolling 272a McConchie.

Because of the last meetings rain out, this had been my first taste of speedway since the Teams Meeting at Palmerston North, so it was a much needed fix for a speedway junkie like me. I could pick holes in the meeting for various reasons but I came away from WP feeling good about what I'd seen whether you agree with the format or not. There is a good explanation on Macgors by Graeme Howe revealing why the club have chosen that format and it would be interesting to hear from any of the drivers in the two finalist teams to see if they agree. One thing I agree with is that in recent years there haven't been enough cars for the 'all in final' race, which is always the highlight of the meeting but this time 16 were able to front for a great spectacle to end the night. It also gave the reserves a chance to race. Its been a difficult few weeks for WP but the lead up to this meeting and the feeling at the track for the weekend seemed positive, lets hope this meeting just gets bigger and better as its the best meeting they put on each season.

Meeting rating : 8.5/10

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