Thursday, December 29, 2011
Sunday, December 04, 2011
More Ho Hum than Ho Ho
Christmas Special
Meeting 5
Waikaraka Park
I now know the difference between a basic club night and a Christmas special, put Santa on the back of a stockcar and throw some lollies at the kids during a parade lap and jingle jingle, Christmas Special! I think there were more lollies than kids, Santa is losing his audience it would appear. This was meeting five for the Auckland club and really it could have been meeting one, fairly similar sized fields, usual suspects in the pits, same old same old. Im still waiting for a bit of the 'Robertson magic' to rub off on the club but patience is wearing a bit thin, note to self, it will not happen overnight, keep the faith...
There were seven classes in attendance which made the pits very full, 30 Ministocks, 24 Stockcars, 8 Modifieds, 6 Sidecars, 5 Supersaloons, 10 Streetstocks, 14 Saloons, and the lone Superstock of Paul Vasey, who ran off the back of the Stockcars all night. This means we have now sighted THREE Superstocks with an A on the side, two more and we have a team! Christmas joy. Stockcars predictably stole the night, which wasn't much of a challenge, three action packed heats. Heat one, and within two laps 67a Nick Krisnic had put 7a up the wall in his signature move, he wasn't finished there, he then applied the Krizomatic move on 242a Bernie Fox and put him up the wall just after the start-finish line bringing on the red lights. Welcome back 67a, christmas bonus for you if I was dishing out the dough. 168a Billy Neill continued his wretched start to the season failing to complete a single race. 29a Scott Tennant slowed 95a Gary Lonergan, taking him out of the running for heat one ending his impressive run of wins and 741a Craig Chatfield in his first race of the season beat 15a Carl Campbell to the line for the win.
Heat two had plenty more action and featured a great battle between 82a Rob Neill and 22a Leigh Cossey, 16a Dave Ingram seemed to be a popular target getting belted all over the show. Regular transmission was restored though with Gary Lonergan taking the win and also managing to take the feature for night in heat three. Rob Neill put 28a up the wall and spent most of the feature battling with 85a Shannon Savage. Even with one tyre gone he kept on stirring, one of the performers of the night. 77a Brad Bates fortunes took a turn for the better, completing the feature and being able to drive off to the pits in a car that has had some issues. 2nz Phil Towgood in the Saloons was the other standout driver, also competing in the SuperSaloon section he was either in the action or contesting the lead all night. He got his moneys worth with six races in one night. Two Palmy sidecars gave the locals a thrashing, 31p winning every race. The rest of the racing was tame, and thats being kind at Christmas, really not much to write home about, as the title of this posting says, more ho hum than ho ho. Not really a $20 show in my opinion.
Meeting rating : 4/10
Programme : $2, Colour cover
Competitor numbers : 97 over 7 classes
Driver of the night : 82a Rob Neill / 2nz Phil Towgood
Santa : DNF, tough night for Santa
Snoopy's Christmas : played 3 times
Parking : Free
Meeting 5
Waikaraka Park
I now know the difference between a basic club night and a Christmas special, put Santa on the back of a stockcar and throw some lollies at the kids during a parade lap and jingle jingle, Christmas Special! I think there were more lollies than kids, Santa is losing his audience it would appear. This was meeting five for the Auckland club and really it could have been meeting one, fairly similar sized fields, usual suspects in the pits, same old same old. Im still waiting for a bit of the 'Robertson magic' to rub off on the club but patience is wearing a bit thin, note to self, it will not happen overnight, keep the faith...
There were seven classes in attendance which made the pits very full, 30 Ministocks, 24 Stockcars, 8 Modifieds, 6 Sidecars, 5 Supersaloons, 10 Streetstocks, 14 Saloons, and the lone Superstock of Paul Vasey, who ran off the back of the Stockcars all night. This means we have now sighted THREE Superstocks with an A on the side, two more and we have a team! Christmas joy. Stockcars predictably stole the night, which wasn't much of a challenge, three action packed heats. Heat one, and within two laps 67a Nick Krisnic had put 7a up the wall in his signature move, he wasn't finished there, he then applied the Krizomatic move on 242a Bernie Fox and put him up the wall just after the start-finish line bringing on the red lights. Welcome back 67a, christmas bonus for you if I was dishing out the dough. 168a Billy Neill continued his wretched start to the season failing to complete a single race. 29a Scott Tennant slowed 95a Gary Lonergan, taking him out of the running for heat one ending his impressive run of wins and 741a Craig Chatfield in his first race of the season beat 15a Carl Campbell to the line for the win.
Heat two had plenty more action and featured a great battle between 82a Rob Neill and 22a Leigh Cossey, 16a Dave Ingram seemed to be a popular target getting belted all over the show. Regular transmission was restored though with Gary Lonergan taking the win and also managing to take the feature for night in heat three. Rob Neill put 28a up the wall and spent most of the feature battling with 85a Shannon Savage. Even with one tyre gone he kept on stirring, one of the performers of the night. 77a Brad Bates fortunes took a turn for the better, completing the feature and being able to drive off to the pits in a car that has had some issues. 2nz Phil Towgood in the Saloons was the other standout driver, also competing in the SuperSaloon section he was either in the action or contesting the lead all night. He got his moneys worth with six races in one night. Two Palmy sidecars gave the locals a thrashing, 31p winning every race. The rest of the racing was tame, and thats being kind at Christmas, really not much to write home about, as the title of this posting says, more ho hum than ho ho. Not really a $20 show in my opinion.
Meeting rating : 4/10
Programme : $2, Colour cover
Competitor numbers : 97 over 7 classes
Driver of the night : 82a Rob Neill / 2nz Phil Towgood
Santa : DNF, tough night for Santa
Snoopy's Christmas : played 3 times
Parking : Free
Thursday, December 01, 2011
Santa's Bitchin' Gift List 2011
What to get the Speedway fan who has everything? Well hopefully this list of ideas will help. Here are a few items you won't find in your Warehouse catalogue or your Briscoes flyer. That's because they are top quality speedway bitchin' hot products! If you have something you would like added to the list email me otherwise...get ordering!
1. New Zealand Dirt Track Magazine subscription
Noah was reading it on the ark and its still going strong. A 12 month subscription will cost you NZ$75.00 and all you need to do is email the editor here, and you or the person you are getting the subscription for will get your copy hot off the press before the shops get it each month. Its our speedway bible and it just gets better and better every year.
$75.00 12 Month Subscription
2. Speedway Calendar 2011
Del Neild has put together a speedway calendar for the past few seasons and demand just keeps on growing each year. There are only 38 calendars left available for sale now. $25.00 if people want to email Del for bank details (rexdelnield@xtra.co.nz) or alternatively if they want to pay by credit card $27.00 listed on Trade Me.
$25.00
3. Spectator Speedway Review 10/11
Over 225 pages and in full colour, a retrospective review of last season. Covering all the big Stockcar and Superstock meetings and with contributions from a number of photographers. Either email me (gregobro@xtra.co.nz) or order direct from the USA and order here.
$110.00 including p&p in NZ, check US price online
4. One Tough Dude
Allan Batt's incredible book about speedway legend Barry Butterworth. Five years of research and an endorsement from Barry's family and brother Max. With a foreword by Ted Tracey, read all about Barry's on track battles with his rivals, and the off track wars with officialdom. Barry went from being an apprentice jockey to one of the most fearless and determined drivers on the rough and tough Speedway tracks of Australia, the USA and New Zealand. Very few copies are left of this landmark book, a fantastic Christmas present for any speedway fan. Mail order here or have a look at a video about the book here.
$39.00 + p&p
5. NZ Midgets 2011
Ian Abrahams book covering the New Zealand Midget Championship 2011. The website to order from is here (www.tappublishing.co.nz) published in April 2010/11 The Championship was raced at Western Springs Speedway and covers the meetings leading up to and including the title. A bargain at $40 + p&p for all the open wheel fanatics out there.
$40.00 + p&p
Sunday, November 27, 2011
Teams Update V
I am fortunate to be able to feature some more photos from the teams racing that took place this weekend at Palmerston North and Nelson. Please support the photographers by clicking on the links to see more of their work and remember the actual printed photos are miles better than these small web versions. Thanks Blair and Brendon for this weeks shots below. Any other photographers that would like their work featured can email me anytime. Thanks again.
Courtesy Blair Hall via www.photoaction.co.nz here.
Courtesy Brendon Learmonth via here.
The top of the table has changed considerably after the Teams Invasion at Palmerston North over the weekend. The mighty Pumas have started as they finished last season, unbeaten after three hard races and winners of the meeting. The Waikato Raiders take over the top of the table while the Nelson and Greymouth teams both make their first appearances of the year, the Tasman thunder taking the win over the Grizzlies.
October 29
Rees Shield 1
At Waikaraka Park
Auckland Alleycats def Gisborne Gladiators
October 29
At Stratford Speedway
Kihikihi Crusaders def Stratford Stormers
November 5
Eastern States Speedway Blenheim
Canterbury Crushers def Eastern States Titans
Ken's Cowboys def Canterbury Crushers
Eastern States Titans def Ken's Cowboys
November 11
At Woodford Glen
Canterbury Crushers def Team Moon Goon
Ken's KB Cowboys def Eastern States Titans
Canterbury Crushers def Ken's KB Cowboys
Eastern States Titans def Team Moon Goon
November 19 & 20
TWS Huntly Teams Night 1
Manawatu Steelers def Meeanee Maulers
Auckland Alleycats def Stratford Stormers
Huntly Raiders def Wanganui Vulcans
Rotorua Rascals def Gisborne Gladiators
Wanganui Vulcans def Meeanee Maulers
Auckland Alleycats def Gisborne Gladiators
Waikato Raiders def Manawatu Steelers
Stratford Stormers def Rotorua Rascals
Night 2
Meeanee Maulers def Stratford Stormers
Manawatu Steelers def Gisborne Gladiators
Auckland Alleycats def Wanganui Vulcans
Waikato Raiders def Rotorua Rascals
Stratford Stormers def Gisborne Gladiators
Meeanee Maulers def Manawatu Steelers
Wanganui Vulcans def Rotorua Rascals
Auckland Alleycats def Waikato Raiders
November 26
Palmy Teams Invasion
Palmerston North Pumas def Wellington Young Guns
Manawatu Steelers def Stratford Stormers
Waikato Raiders def Meeanee Maulers
Wanganui Vulcans def Manawatu Minors
Palmerston North Pumas def Stratford Stormers
Manawatu Steelers def Wellington Young Guns
Wanganui Vulcans def Waikato Raiders
Manawatu Minors def Meeanee Maulers
Waikato Raiders def Wanganui Vulcans
Palmerston North Pumas def Manawatu Steelers
At Nelson
Tasman Thunder def Greymouth Grizzlies
Courtesy Blair Hall via www.photoaction.co.nz here.
Courtesy Brendon Learmonth via here.
The top of the table has changed considerably after the Teams Invasion at Palmerston North over the weekend. The mighty Pumas have started as they finished last season, unbeaten after three hard races and winners of the meeting. The Waikato Raiders take over the top of the table while the Nelson and Greymouth teams both make their first appearances of the year, the Tasman thunder taking the win over the Grizzlies.
October 29
Rees Shield 1
At Waikaraka Park
Auckland Alleycats def Gisborne Gladiators
October 29
At Stratford Speedway
Kihikihi Crusaders def Stratford Stormers
November 5
Eastern States Speedway Blenheim
Canterbury Crushers def Eastern States Titans
Ken's Cowboys def Canterbury Crushers
Eastern States Titans def Ken's Cowboys
November 11
At Woodford Glen
Canterbury Crushers def Team Moon Goon
Ken's KB Cowboys def Eastern States Titans
Canterbury Crushers def Ken's KB Cowboys
Eastern States Titans def Team Moon Goon
November 19 & 20
TWS Huntly Teams Night 1
Manawatu Steelers def Meeanee Maulers
Auckland Alleycats def Stratford Stormers
Huntly Raiders def Wanganui Vulcans
Rotorua Rascals def Gisborne Gladiators
Wanganui Vulcans def Meeanee Maulers
Auckland Alleycats def Gisborne Gladiators
Waikato Raiders def Manawatu Steelers
Stratford Stormers def Rotorua Rascals
Night 2
Meeanee Maulers def Stratford Stormers
Manawatu Steelers def Gisborne Gladiators
Auckland Alleycats def Wanganui Vulcans
Waikato Raiders def Rotorua Rascals
Stratford Stormers def Gisborne Gladiators
Meeanee Maulers def Manawatu Steelers
Wanganui Vulcans def Rotorua Rascals
Auckland Alleycats def Waikato Raiders
November 26
Palmy Teams Invasion
Palmerston North Pumas def Wellington Young Guns
Manawatu Steelers def Stratford Stormers
Waikato Raiders def Meeanee Maulers
Wanganui Vulcans def Manawatu Minors
Palmerston North Pumas def Stratford Stormers
Manawatu Steelers def Wellington Young Guns
Wanganui Vulcans def Waikato Raiders
Manawatu Minors def Meeanee Maulers
Waikato Raiders def Wanganui Vulcans
Palmerston North Pumas def Manawatu Steelers
At Nelson
Tasman Thunder def Greymouth Grizzlies
Friday, November 25, 2011
Tuesday, November 22, 2011
Teams Update lV
The Auckland Alleycats jump to the top of the table after their unbeaten run at the TWS Huntly Teams meeting last weekend. The next big meeting comes this weekend in Palmerston North including the mighty Pumas. 13 Teams have now competed in at least one teams race this season.
October 29
Rees Shield 1
At Waikaraka Park
Auckland Alleycats def Gisborne Gladiators
October 29
At Stratford Speedway
Kihikihi Crusaders def Stratford Stormers
November 5
Eastern States Speedway Blenheim
Canterbury Crushers def Eastern States Titans
Ken's Cowboys def Canterbury Crushers
Eastern States Titans def Ken's Cowboys
November 11
At Woodford Glen
Canterbury Crushers def Team Moon Goon
Ken's KB Cowboys def Eastern States Titans
Canterbury Crushers def Ken's KB Cowboys
Eastern States Titans def Team Moon Goon
November 19 & 20
TWS Huntly Teams Night 1
Manawatu Steelers def Meeanee Maulers
Auckland Alleycats def Stratford Stormers
Huntly Raiders def Wanganui Vulcans
Rotorua Rascals def Gisborne Gladiators
Wanganui Vulcans def Meeanee Maulers
Auckland Alleycats def Gisborne Gladiators
Waikato Raiders def Manawatu Steelers
Stratford Stormers def Rotorua Rascals
Night 2
Meeanee Maulers def Stratford Stormers
Manawatu Steelers def Gisborne Gladiators
Auckland Alleycats def Wanganui Vulcans
Waikato Raiders def Rotorua Rascals
Stratford Stormers def Gisborne Gladiators
Meeanee Maulers def Manawatu Steelers
Wanganui Vulcans def Rotorua Rascals
Auckland Alleycats def Waikato Raiders
Monday, November 21, 2011
Auckland Win!
TWS Stockcar Teams
Huntly Speedway
How good it feels sitting here on a bright sunny Sunday reflecting on the Auckland Alleycats comprehensive win in the final of last nights stockcar teams meeting at Huntly Speedway. It has taken until now of course to warm up after a chilly night of viewing but if that's the only complaint from a weekend of top notch racing then it was a very small price to pay. How good were they? Well as a one-eyed Aucklander I have to say I was damn proud of the boys and I'll apologise now to the poor buggers filming the meeting either side of me who will no doubt have to edit out some colourful language and noisy celebratory cheering. It was worth it though, what a great final. Here then are a few short notes on the finals night match-ups. I forgot to take my trusty notebook so most of it was scribbled on the back of an old bank statement, so it could be a bit 'unofficial' shall we say.
Stratford Stormers v Meeanee Maulers
First up race for these teams meant a very wet track and it played out almost in slow motion. 85b Iremonger took off as HB runner followed by 404s and Beatle Tarrant, the entire rest of the field sat on the start finish line. Iremonger got held up by 406s on lap two giving the lead to 404s. 406s Sandy Flett put in a great shot on 86B Cooke, then took out 84b Tarrant. 81b O'Brien put in a great shot on 404s and did some great blocking instead of his usual runner role. 404s Hayden Barker had taken over the lead and looked set to give the Stormers a win but on the final lap O'Brien smashed him into the turn 1 wall giving the lead back to 85B for the win. Maulers go into the race for 5th and 6th.
Gisborne Gladiators v Manawatu Steelers
I understand 9p Gareth Edwards was injured so Manawatu only had 4 cars , 61g was the sub for Gizzy. Manawatu had pole and 510p Knight shot out in front followed by 971p Jayden Ward. 67g took a huge lunge at Knight that involved a bit of lawnmowing that would result in a fine later on but the damage done to 510p ended his race. 64g took out 97p Ward but damage to 66g Hutton meant he sat out a few laps trying to restart. He managed to get going again and held up the lead car 971p giving a brief glimmer of hope to the Gladiators with 62g in front. Rob Mason spun him, Jayden Ward assumed the lead role and held if for win to the Steelers. 67g came home second.
Wanganui Vulcans v Auckland Alleycats
Auckland won the toss and elected to start as far out by the wall as you can get. The race was almost immediately won with one simple hard hit on Vulcans hard man Dion Mooney. Bernie Fox spun him in turn four and Gary Lonergan smashed the spinning 6v taking out his left front wheel. 4 v 3 didn't mean it was over as the Wanganui boys gave everything they had. 96v was leading the race until 137a Fergusson held him up, 383a Lonergan moved into first place followed by 99v. 7v Cunningham got a great shot in on 333a Mark McNabb, smashed his mirrors which made it difficult, was blocking by hearing the cars come up on him, got some right and some wrong. Then 7v with 96v held 137a Fergusson in against the wall but with one car down and two trying to stop the 137a it left only Blair Lockett running. Lonergan won the race, 137a escaped and managed to finish of Lockett leaving the 7v tank the lone finisher for Wanganui. Auckland through to the final.
Waikato Raiders v Rotorua Rascals
204r and 94h were the subs and Waikato drew pole position. From memory Rotorua has usually had the better of the many encounters between these two old foes but after Friday nights qualifying Rotorua had looked a bit rusty compared to the Raiders sharp performances. 203r stood on the brakes, 202r lead from 95h. 97h took over the lead as 205r went off to the infield. 203r held up Scott Gallop, and 98h Hutchby managed to push 203r into 206r. Rotorua looked a bit disorganised and 97h managed to complete laps unscathed and the only car finishing on 12 laps. 94h had spent most of the race stalled on turned 2, so it had been a very good performance for the Raiders who would meet the Alleycats in the final.
7th and 8th Place
Gisborne Gladiators v Stratford Stormers
66g and 404s subs. It had been a hard weekend for both teams but Stratford proved too strong for a Gisborne team that really faded in this race. A 1-2-3 finish for the Stormers and a complete capitulation from the Gladiators, 407s taking the win from 408s and 406s.
5th and 6th Place
Manawatu Steelers v Meeanee Maulers
The 501p car was damaged and out but I have a feeling Jay Knight was driving the 9p, 83b Andrew Powell was the other no show obviously. HB had pole. 971p Jayden Ward did the running for the Steelers and 97p Graeme went out to do the damage! He put Maulers runner 81b on the grass then launched big time at 84b Tarrant. It was looking good for the Palmy boys until 971p found himself isolated and on the back of 3 HB cars, he punctured his rear tyre and his running was over. 85b Aaron Iremonger assumed first place and apart from a red light incident late in the race he was untroubled for the Maulers win and 5th place finish.
3rd and 4th Place
Wanganui Vulcans v Rotorua Rascals
206r was the sub for Rotorua. Maybe the race of the weekend? It will be remembered for the monster hit from 86v Francis Potaka on 205r Jeff Munro who was leading the race. My notes say "205r smeared across the wall" between turns 3 + 4 and the car was quite a wreck as they towed it back to the infield. You could see the hit coming half way down the back straight and boy was it a big hit. There was more carnage throughout this race, a red light for a fire under 6v Mooney's car and a huge hit on 86v as he crossed the line for the win. Wanganui take third place with only 2 Rotorua cars finishing.
Final
Auckland Alleycats v Waikato Raiders
This was the final most people were wanting (well at least the people sitting around me.) It was also the race that 833a Bernie Fox delivered big time for the Alleycats putting in a huge roll on Scott Gallop and eventually winning the race. Gary Lonergan had lead out for the A's but on turn two 98h Justin Hutchby turned in front of the 838a car and did some serious damage. Fox rolled Gallop and the red lights came on. Hutchbys race was over, Gallop was out and things were looking good for Auckland. On the restart Lonergan was stationery and as with all good finals there has to be some controversy, 333a Mark McNabb reversed a few car lengths and push started Lonergan. I believe he was fined for the incident but luckily neither car won the race so in my eyes it wasn't so bad, and because Im biased I believe he actually 'accidentally hooked reverse' before realising the mistake and then bumped into Lonergan who had missed the green light because he was concerned with Scott Gallops well being... anyway 137a Fergusson managed to put yet another car up the wall and by race end it was a fairly comprehensive victory for the Alleycats. It came at a price looking at the damage to the cars, the 333a toasted the engine, the 137a front end and body were munted, also the damage to Lonergan's car but a great victory none the less. The Raiders cars also looked very second hand and epitomised the incredible effort teams put in to make this meeting a success.
1st Auckland Alleycats
2nd Waikato Raiders
3rd Wanganui Vulcans
4th Rotorua Rascals
5th Meeanee Maulers
6th Manawatu Steelers
7th Stratford Stormers
8th Gisborne Gladiators
Some final thoughts then, compared to just a few seasons ago, the quality of racing at this event has improved immensely. There are no 'easy' teams anymore and this event could become the equivalent of the Palmy teams for superstocks. I know there is an official Stockcar teams champs for this class but that travels to the winners club each season, this one stays put. You meet up with your mates, you sit in your favourite seats and diss each others teams! The quality of the support racing was light years better than past shows and hotdog classes were few and far between. And did I mention the Alleycats won? Huge thanks to all the teams that participated, I feel like my 2011/12 season has just kicked off for real.
Meeting rating : 9/10
Driver of the Meeting : 137a Jamie Fergusson
Honourable mentions : 86v Francis Potaka, 510p Jay Knight, 6v Dion Mooney, 7v Justin Cunningham, 971p Jayden Ward
Previous Huntly Teams reviews:
2010 night 1 here night 2 here
2009
2008 night 1 here night 2 here
2007 here
2006 here
2005 here
Saturday, November 19, 2011
I got chills!
TWS Stockcar Teams Night 1
Huntly Speedway
The midweek withdrawal of the Wellington team took nothing away from a meeting that just keeps getting better every season. In fact, it seems to signal the start of the real speedway season for me, following what are usually a few lacklustre opening and fireworks meetings leading up to this event each year. Eight very strong teams had entered and included the Rotorua Rascals who only made one appearance last year against Gisborne at home, a welcome return indeed. The locals warned it was going to be a cold night and man it was! Even hardened veterans from Palmy were reaching for the travel rugs to keep warm. The calibre of teams meant there were no walkovers and picking a winner pre race was no easy task. Here's a quick rundown of the eight heats with unofficial points, check out the Huntly website for the full results.
Manawatu Steelers 130 v Meeanee Maulers 60
A repeat of last years first heat and the eventual final. 34p Rob Mason and 86b Marty Cooke were the reserves and 971p Jayden Ward had pole. Ward was spun early by 85b Iremonger who lead from 9p Gareth Edwards and 81b Regan O'Brien. I huge hit on lap 2 by 510p Jay Knight on 83b Andrew Powell would bring on the red lights and end Powell's night big time. This would have given the Steelers a 4 on 3 car advantage but 97p Graeme Ward's car was creating a big pool of oil on turn four during the red light and he too went to the infield. After a long delay the greens came on and it was 81b O'Brien leading with 84b Tarrant running as his cover. This is where 'Ward the Younger' really came into the spotlight by first taking out 81b and then putting in a huge shot on 84b Tarrant. 510p Knight took over the lead and won for the Steelers.
510p, 85b, 9p, 81b
Auckland Alleycats 160 v Stratford Stormers 35
Stratford had pole, 137a Jamie Fergusson stood on the brakes holding up the entire pit side row of cars letting 404s Shane Kells lead out on lap 1 but his lead ending on the next lap, that man Fergusson spinning him. 833a took over for the Aucks and 137a then took out the new Stratford runner 407s Andrew Dodunski who was in second place. Bernie Fox hit the stationery car of Carl Campbell in turn 3 opening the door for 405s Haydin Barker to take him out leaving the two cars locked together in turn 4. Gary Lonergan took over the lead from there. 408s Sandy Flett had a broken wheel guard bringing on the reds and leaving just 2 Stratford cars running against Auckland's 3, with one lap to go. 137a Fergusson finished an awesome individual display by pushing the stricken 838a Campbell car over the finish line to grab a few more points.
383a, 388a, 404s, 137a
Wanganui Vulcans 60 v Huntly Raiders 130
This was the best race of the night, two very even teams with Hilton Parker of Wanganui almost pulling off a great victory only to be pipped on the finish line by 98h Justin Hutchby, one of the other standout drivers of the night. There was plenty of action in this race with the 7v Justin Cunningham tank dishing out some great hits including the removal of a wheel from 97h Scott Gallop in turn 4. The final lap though was the teller with Parker leading but joining all four Vulcan cars in despatching 96h Neville Hazelton giving Hutch the opportunity to go round the outside of the melee around the Gallop car and pip 96v Parker by a bumper. Only stirring up trouble here but should there have been a red light for the Gallop wheel sitting on the track?
98h 96v
Rotorua Rascals 165 v Gisborne Gladiators 30
This race was a bit hard to follow with both teams in similar colours and the stupid use of team numbers making it extra difficult. I know a few of the Gisborne guys but with Rotorua who have been absent a while it was a bit harder to fathom who was who. Anyway a good race but a red light injury to 66g Nick Hutton mid race, and the 61g Giddon car stalling on the start finish line really left it up to 64g Ian Barron and 67g Dave Kingsbeer to match the flying Vegas boys, Stewart, Munro and 202r Damian Orr who sailed around in the 1, 2 + 3 positions. Kingsbeer did managed to get to third by race end.
202r, 206r, 67g
Wanganui Vulcans 110 v Meeanee Maulers 80
With Andrew Powell out for the night the remaining Maulers needed a big win to advance, likewise Wanganui had to win or it was over rover. Like their first race 81b O'Brien took a good lead with 99v Blair Lockett and 85b Aaron Iremonger chasing. 7v Cunningham took first blood with a decent walling of 86b Cook. 6v Mooney took care of the Maulers runner 81b. Iremonger spun Lockett to inherit the lead but Mooney took him out gifting the lead to Lockett who cruised almost untouched (with skillful driving) and some excellent blocking from his team mates to take the victory. A last gasp attempt from 86b Marty Cooke missed the 99v, win to the Vulcans.
99v, 85b, 81b, 7v
Auckland Alleycats 115 v Gisborne Gladiators 80
Auckland just needed a win with this race and they were through, not so for Gizzy who had to finish with big points. Fergusson took out a Gisborne car early in turn two and it was 4 on 3 for the rest of the race. Nice smart driving avoiding the big hits and lots of damage saw the Alleycats through to what seemed like a fairly simple victory, Bernie Fox picking up the win. Once again 137a Fergusson starred in this race with some great driving.
833a, 67g, 383a,
Manawatu Maulers 30 v Huntly Raiders 150
My guess was that the winner of this race would probably be the winner of the title. Aaron Alderton lead from the green but was put away in turn three in a big hit by 510p with 9p in third. Things were looking good for Manawatu. 98h Hutchby put in a great block holding up three Palmy cars and managing to take one of them to the wall. At this point two major things happened effectively ending Manawatus hopes, Knight punctured his right rear while leading and 9p Edwards rammed a Huntly blocker instead of flying round the outside causing him to spin and stall for 2 laps. Caldwell took over the lead for the Raiders ahead of 97p Ward. When Hutchby removed Ward and 34p Mason went to the infield it was over for the reigning champs. Fine win to the Raiders. I did wonder why 971p was the reserve after his stellar performance in the first race, but hindsight is a great thing.
95h, 94h, 9p
Rotorua Rascals 70 v Stratford Stormers 135
With Nick Vallance again the reserve the Rascals had pole. 404s sat it out for the Stormers. Munro had the early lead for the Rascals but was ploughed into the turn 3 wall by 405s Dodunski who lead from 202r, 206r. 205r Punctured and one Rotorua car pulled to the infield leaving 3 v 4 Stratty cars. 405s Dodunski took the win for the Stormers but the Rascals managed enough points to make the semis.
405s, 202r
Qualifiers: Alleycats, Raiders, Vulcans and Rascals.
Remember these results are just what I tried to scribble down, and the points are all unofficial as the race finished, I'll see if I can get official results later. It was a great night of teams racing at Huntly and if you can make the finals tonight, do it, you won't be disappointed but bring your thermals! I'm hoping for a Raiders v Alleycats final, go the Alleycats!
Meeting rating : 7/10
Programme : $2 black and white
Driver of the night : 137a Jamie Fergusson
Parking : $2 with security guards
Huntly Speedway
The midweek withdrawal of the Wellington team took nothing away from a meeting that just keeps getting better every season. In fact, it seems to signal the start of the real speedway season for me, following what are usually a few lacklustre opening and fireworks meetings leading up to this event each year. Eight very strong teams had entered and included the Rotorua Rascals who only made one appearance last year against Gisborne at home, a welcome return indeed. The locals warned it was going to be a cold night and man it was! Even hardened veterans from Palmy were reaching for the travel rugs to keep warm. The calibre of teams meant there were no walkovers and picking a winner pre race was no easy task. Here's a quick rundown of the eight heats with unofficial points, check out the Huntly website for the full results.
Manawatu Steelers 130 v Meeanee Maulers 60
A repeat of last years first heat and the eventual final. 34p Rob Mason and 86b Marty Cooke were the reserves and 971p Jayden Ward had pole. Ward was spun early by 85b Iremonger who lead from 9p Gareth Edwards and 81b Regan O'Brien. I huge hit on lap 2 by 510p Jay Knight on 83b Andrew Powell would bring on the red lights and end Powell's night big time. This would have given the Steelers a 4 on 3 car advantage but 97p Graeme Ward's car was creating a big pool of oil on turn four during the red light and he too went to the infield. After a long delay the greens came on and it was 81b O'Brien leading with 84b Tarrant running as his cover. This is where 'Ward the Younger' really came into the spotlight by first taking out 81b and then putting in a huge shot on 84b Tarrant. 510p Knight took over the lead and won for the Steelers.
510p, 85b, 9p, 81b
Auckland Alleycats 160 v Stratford Stormers 35
Stratford had pole, 137a Jamie Fergusson stood on the brakes holding up the entire pit side row of cars letting 404s Shane Kells lead out on lap 1 but his lead ending on the next lap, that man Fergusson spinning him. 833a took over for the Aucks and 137a then took out the new Stratford runner 407s Andrew Dodunski who was in second place. Bernie Fox hit the stationery car of Carl Campbell in turn 3 opening the door for 405s Haydin Barker to take him out leaving the two cars locked together in turn 4. Gary Lonergan took over the lead from there. 408s Sandy Flett had a broken wheel guard bringing on the reds and leaving just 2 Stratford cars running against Auckland's 3, with one lap to go. 137a Fergusson finished an awesome individual display by pushing the stricken 838a Campbell car over the finish line to grab a few more points.
383a, 388a, 404s, 137a
Wanganui Vulcans 60 v Huntly Raiders 130
This was the best race of the night, two very even teams with Hilton Parker of Wanganui almost pulling off a great victory only to be pipped on the finish line by 98h Justin Hutchby, one of the other standout drivers of the night. There was plenty of action in this race with the 7v Justin Cunningham tank dishing out some great hits including the removal of a wheel from 97h Scott Gallop in turn 4. The final lap though was the teller with Parker leading but joining all four Vulcan cars in despatching 96h Neville Hazelton giving Hutch the opportunity to go round the outside of the melee around the Gallop car and pip 96v Parker by a bumper. Only stirring up trouble here but should there have been a red light for the Gallop wheel sitting on the track?
98h 96v
Rotorua Rascals 165 v Gisborne Gladiators 30
This race was a bit hard to follow with both teams in similar colours and the stupid use of team numbers making it extra difficult. I know a few of the Gisborne guys but with Rotorua who have been absent a while it was a bit harder to fathom who was who. Anyway a good race but a red light injury to 66g Nick Hutton mid race, and the 61g Giddon car stalling on the start finish line really left it up to 64g Ian Barron and 67g Dave Kingsbeer to match the flying Vegas boys, Stewart, Munro and 202r Damian Orr who sailed around in the 1, 2 + 3 positions. Kingsbeer did managed to get to third by race end.
202r, 206r, 67g
Wanganui Vulcans 110 v Meeanee Maulers 80
With Andrew Powell out for the night the remaining Maulers needed a big win to advance, likewise Wanganui had to win or it was over rover. Like their first race 81b O'Brien took a good lead with 99v Blair Lockett and 85b Aaron Iremonger chasing. 7v Cunningham took first blood with a decent walling of 86b Cook. 6v Mooney took care of the Maulers runner 81b. Iremonger spun Lockett to inherit the lead but Mooney took him out gifting the lead to Lockett who cruised almost untouched (with skillful driving) and some excellent blocking from his team mates to take the victory. A last gasp attempt from 86b Marty Cooke missed the 99v, win to the Vulcans.
99v, 85b, 81b, 7v
Auckland Alleycats 115 v Gisborne Gladiators 80
Auckland just needed a win with this race and they were through, not so for Gizzy who had to finish with big points. Fergusson took out a Gisborne car early in turn two and it was 4 on 3 for the rest of the race. Nice smart driving avoiding the big hits and lots of damage saw the Alleycats through to what seemed like a fairly simple victory, Bernie Fox picking up the win. Once again 137a Fergusson starred in this race with some great driving.
833a, 67g, 383a,
Manawatu Maulers 30 v Huntly Raiders 150
My guess was that the winner of this race would probably be the winner of the title. Aaron Alderton lead from the green but was put away in turn three in a big hit by 510p with 9p in third. Things were looking good for Manawatu. 98h Hutchby put in a great block holding up three Palmy cars and managing to take one of them to the wall. At this point two major things happened effectively ending Manawatus hopes, Knight punctured his right rear while leading and 9p Edwards rammed a Huntly blocker instead of flying round the outside causing him to spin and stall for 2 laps. Caldwell took over the lead for the Raiders ahead of 97p Ward. When Hutchby removed Ward and 34p Mason went to the infield it was over for the reigning champs. Fine win to the Raiders. I did wonder why 971p was the reserve after his stellar performance in the first race, but hindsight is a great thing.
95h, 94h, 9p
Rotorua Rascals 70 v Stratford Stormers 135
With Nick Vallance again the reserve the Rascals had pole. 404s sat it out for the Stormers. Munro had the early lead for the Rascals but was ploughed into the turn 3 wall by 405s Dodunski who lead from 202r, 206r. 205r Punctured and one Rotorua car pulled to the infield leaving 3 v 4 Stratty cars. 405s Dodunski took the win for the Stormers but the Rascals managed enough points to make the semis.
405s, 202r
Qualifiers: Alleycats, Raiders, Vulcans and Rascals.
Remember these results are just what I tried to scribble down, and the points are all unofficial as the race finished, I'll see if I can get official results later. It was a great night of teams racing at Huntly and if you can make the finals tonight, do it, you won't be disappointed but bring your thermals! I'm hoping for a Raiders v Alleycats final, go the Alleycats!
Meeting rating : 7/10
Programme : $2 black and white
Driver of the night : 137a Jamie Fergusson
Parking : $2 with security guards
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