Speedway & Things

Palmy here I come........holidays at last!

2012-02-13T23:04:00.000-08:00

While work commitments have curtailed any recent updates, I am looking forward to this weekend as I will be on holiday and heading to Palmerston North to catch the Manawatu Superstock Champs. Stay tuned as I plan to do a big update following this meeting, then I will be heading back to Auckland for the Superstock GP.

H.O.T. and Cold in Paradise

2011-12-02T00:14:00.001-08:00

I have been following the ‘House of Travel’ series for Stockcars and Superstocks for the last three years so I had been counting down the days for the first round last Saturday, 26th November. I enjoy any excuse for a stay in Rotovegas plus it gave me an excuse to try out the new tent and visit some of the family in Edgecumbe.

This was my first visit to SG Equipment Paradise Valley Raceway for the new season and I was keen to see what improvements the Rotorua club had achieved over the off-season. The first thing to attract my attention was the new hand-out, as you enter, advertising the various food outlets. I am a big fan of the catering options at Paradise and as usual the bar has been raised again. Next was the new safety fence and retaining wall around the outside of the track. No small under-taking for an off-season and a significant addition to the facility. Further improvements also made to both the Pit and Public areas have the place looking really Competitor and Fan friendly.

After a good look over the impressive display of machinery in the pits, I wrapped up and headed to the terraces to watch a great nights racing. Hot food and drinks were the order of the night as there was a predictably chilly breeze trying to freeze my nads off. Check here if for a write up on the action. On the whole a really enjoyable night and a great follow up from Huntly the previous weekend.

As an aside, this was the view from the front door of the tent at one of my favourite camp grounds, Willowhaven (in Ngongotaha). Another reason I look forward to getting down to Rotorua.

Now down to business – here’s the low down from the pits…….

Superstocks

Stockcars

Minisprints

Apologies to the Saloons, Streetstocks and Ministocks, who also added brilliantly to the programme, as I didn’t get time to take any decent pics of everyone.

A great night @ Placemakers Huntly

2011-11-21T02:13:00.001-08:00

There was no way I was going to miss the second night of the Stockcar Teams Invasion at Huntly on Saturday night. Unfortunately due to work, I didn’t make night one. Night two was a real stockcar lovers dream with an impressive field of supporting stockcars along with some vintage stockcars (that still turn heads) included in the nights programme. The visit by some southern and eastern drivers, to try some setups prior to the NZ Champs, added an extra level of interest for this Superstock fan. Of course everyone was making a b-line to the much discussed 7N creation of Craig Boote, however there were some other cars that equally took my attention, namely Joe Faram 4B, Scott Hewsons new rocket ship 135R, Thomas Stanaway 87N and of course the return of Stan Hickey in 515R.
It was a real treat to be able to watch a near full field of Superstocks so early in the season in the north. On a smaller track like Huntly there is always something happening as drivers try and work their way through traffic. This wasn’t something that Scott Hewson had to worry about in heat one as he blasted away from the green and was untroubled from flag to flag, the new car has some impressive pace to go with the looks. Stan hickey showed that he hasn’t lost anything, during the brief retirement, with a second. Smokin Joe Faram took the win in heats two and three. It was however Bryce Steiner who took the overall points win with some consistent placings in Hewson’s old chassis. Of mention in heat two was the impressive sixth place of Ashton Fleming 68R.
Special mention must be made of a couple of drivers that had a rough ride during the night. Firstly Ross Ashby who sustained a nasty leg injury in heat one which may spell and end to his season. I wish him a speedy recovery and truly hope that he can recover and make an appearance later in the season. He has had the outstanding 38R tank right on pace so far this season and I was looking forward to seeing some good results for Horse in 11/12. The second driver was Laurence Christini who took a wild ride in heat two coming out of turn two and end on top of 73H Karl Ross, who was also out for the rest of the night.
A tingle went down the spine when the golden oldies took the track and the sight of 432V (Big Bad Charlies old chariot) lapping at impressive pace along with the throaty roar of the likes of Dutchies 24H and 99R, certainly brought back some great memories of years gone by. The support field of Stockcars also put on some great racing with Mark Costello 98R taking heat one in impressive form. Heat two and three both went to ever improving Scott Tenant 29A. Super Saloons were a bit thin on the ground and the track didn’t appear to really suit them all night, especially heat one which started the programme. It was a real slip fest and resulted in everyone virtually idling around the turns. Just a lack of cars to really set up the track. There was some close racing in patches through heats two and three. Greg Powell took the first two heats. In the third, Dave Roigard held his line and nobody could work out how to get round him.
The teams racing was dynamite with some bone jarring hits going in left right and centre. A couple of races were a little disappointing but you always get a couple that don’t go as expected for what ever reason. A great report of the teams racing from both nights can be seen here.
On the whole a thoroughly enjoyable night and well run programme. Thanks to all involved.

VIEW SLIDE SHOW

DOWNLOAD ALL

Western Springs opens with a ……….bang

2011-11-08T00:52:00.001-08:00

As the weekend loomed large, I was faced with the choice of 5 speedway venues for my Saturday night entertainment. Deciding to stay local, I opted for the opening night at Western Springs. While I tend to favour tracks running Superstocks, I also enjoy the hustle, speed and spectacle of the open wheel classes at the Springs. As expected the place looked a million bucks, as did a lot of the machinery being prepped in the pits.
After a quick look through the pits, it was time to head to a good vantage point to watch the racing. Due to the low number of competitors, the heats seemed a bit watered down and void of much excitement. However the feature races went a fair way to making up for it with fuller grids and some outstanding driving. For a more detailed report on the racing, I suggest reading Percy’s review - Percy's NZ Speedway
While I don’t agree with how the fields are split into two to create extra heats, which resulted in 9 or 10 car fields, the programme flowed well and led into the features and fireworks with plenty of time to spare. For an opening meeting it was an a good platform to build off. There will be some big shows at ‘The Springs’ this season and I look forward to my next visit.

Action returns to the Park

2011-10-22T16:45:00.001-07:00

Finally the first meeting of the new season is under the belt. It was great to walk into the pits at Waikaraka Park to see a reasonable turnout in all the classes that were going to take to the track for meeting one. Not huge numbers (as expected for the opener) but enough to get things going and allow for some good racing over the night.

As normal there would be some standouts -

3NZ Modified – Jamie Fox (nice body……the car that is)
5K Superstock – Brad Ridland
6A Ministock – Bryce Dibley (I think)
46A Saloon – Nigel Ross

242A Stockcar – Bernie Fox

There were also some bad luck stories with the biggest loser on the night being 78A Modified, Ray Chatfield, who took a nasty tumble coming out of turn 4. A beautifully prepared car ended up looking very 2nd hand, hopefully it was mostly cosmetic. 23H Superstock of Lance Ashton also made an early departure in heat 1.

The novelty event of the night was the derby race between the ‘Black Team’ and the ‘Tricolours’. It looked like it was going to be an unwelcome win to the Frenchies until NZ1, Joe 90, sorted things out with some inspired driving to ensure the chequered flag went in favour of NZ.

Some of the numbers had dropped off for the feature races but for an opening meeting, I was satisfied as I headed for the car. As mentioned on other sites and discussion boards, it is a new era for Waikaraka, so far so good, looking forward to some great meetings later in the season.

Finally some pics from the early part of the meeting.

Practice is done - let's get serious

2011-10-16T18:14:00.000-07:00

After what could be described as some enthusiastic driving at Waikaraka Parks' final practice, the stage is set for the season opener next Saturday night, October 22nd. There has been a good vibe in the air, at the practice sessions, that it could shape up to be a good year for 'The Park'. Hope to see a full pit and a large crowd to kick the season off. Keep an eye out for the following competitors, who were stretching their legs at the final practice.

Out of action for a while.

2011-09-23T15:41:00.000-07:00

If you have been wondering where the updates are, unfortunately due to an accident, I have been on an enforced lay-off for a while. Still have a ways to go but hope to be fully functional again before the new speedway season gets too far along. Can do a bit of typing but not able to use the camera for a while.

Best wishes to everyone as the magic month of October fast approaches.

Meremere @ WP May 15 2011

2011-05-29T00:22:00.001-07:00

Meremere @ WP May 15 2011, a set on Flickr.

Action from the recent Meremere club day at Waikaraka Park before the rain set in. A great display of some grass-roots dirt racing.

Modified Dirt Cup and thinking of Ollie Browne

2011-04-15T21:50:00.000-07:00

How does that saying go.......don't hold your breath!!!!

Well it finally looked like we might finally get to watch the highly prized Dirt Cup for Modifieds with the added bonus of the Ollie Browne Memorial for Superstocks. The Superstocks would also be contesting the Auckland Champs. I have been eagerly awaiting both events this season and was happy to see a bulging pits on arrival at Waikaraka Park. Both classes would field a pleasing number of high calibre competitors. Saloons, Stockcars and Streetstocks would also add to a great programme of events.

With the end to day-light saving and the earlier departure of daylight I decided to invest in a speedlite for the camera and add another learning curve to my photographic endeavours. Its not a top of the line option but it does allow me to capture a few more shots that I normally wouldn't get. Certainly need plenty of practice but hey you gotta start somewhere. Another thing I would learn about when shooting with a flash from the outside of the track is ............DUST !!!!!

Unfortunately fate would deal another very unlucky blow to the ASSC and all associated with the meeting. No not the weather but a blown fuse outside the venue which cut power to half the lights around the track, making it unsafe to continue racing. This happened just as we were getting to the end of the pole shuffle for the Dirt Cup. Also meant that the Superstocks would miss the final race which was to be in memory of Ollie Browne who had a great passion for Superstocks in Auckland.

Check here for some more on this meeting -
http://gregobro.blogspot.com/2011/04/lights-out-part-ii.html

Again a big thanks to Bernie and the crew at the Park along with the sponsors, drivers, crews and volunteers.

In Memory of John Webster

2011-04-08T02:41:00.000-07:00

Under lights at The Park

This is a meeting I look forward to each year as we get closer to the season end. As mentioned in various forums, there was some speculation that this years version would be a bit off pace with no Sprintcars or Superstocks. However on the whole it was a pretty pleasing night with only one exception. The Midgets are always awe inspiring on the Waikaraka clay and the Super Saloons always seem to create some impressive carnage. Add in some entertaining stockcar racing, a good feild of pacey TQs, an equally good feild of Minisprints and the mix is pretty good. The one let down mentioned was the Streetstocks due to a lack of numbers. Although it was John's vision to showcase the premier classes from the Springs and the Park, I think the 2011 version would have put a smile on his dial.

Heres a great place to find out more about John Webster and previous memorial meetings -
http://gregobro.blogspot.com/2011/03/ready-for-john-webster-xii.html

The following snaps show some of the open wheel talent that was on show.

Teaming Up @ Waikaraka Park

2011-03-15T23:37:00.000-07:00

After missing the Teams Champs at Palmerston North in February, I was really hanging out for some Superstock teams racing. So a huge thank you to the crew at Waikaraka Park for making it happen. Sure there was only six teams entered but hey it was a dream come true for this fan and the Panthers were one of those teams. I certainly wasn't going to quibble about the gate prices and thanks WP for coming up with the 2 night concession.

So who were the other teams that were going to put their cars and bodies on the line and attempt to knock the Palmerston North Panthers off the top rung. After missing the show in Palmy, we would see the return of the Auckland Allstars. They were joined by the Kihikihi Kings, Waikato Wanderers, Hawkesbay Hawkeyes and Rotorua Rebels. For only six teams there was some serious talent spread right through all the teams and some of the best machinery available in the North Island.

Friday night was about making the finals the following night. Two groups of three and six teams races. Sure it would have been great to have a couple of more teams competing but I was more than satisfied with what was served up. The teams races were supported by good fields of Stockcars, Saloons and Ministocks to add a bit of variety. There was some great racing in all the classes which kept a decent Friday crowd entertained. The Panthers and the Rebels came out top of their groups but would they end up facing each other in the final.

Saturday night and a great show lined up by the WP crew. Five more teams races with the promise of more intensity. Add in a reasonable field of Super Saloons, a large field of Minisprints contesting the Gran Prix and a great lineup of Modifieds to contest the Auckland Champs. All on a well prepared track.

My highlights of the weekend were in no particular order

Adam Joblin's drive in the 162S stockcar on Friday night, fast car and big talent.
Scott Joblin's initiation into the Panthers in the first race of the weekend.
The return of the Auckland Allstars.
The mussel fritter van added to food alley - mmmmmmmmmmmmm.
Watching Macca absolutely chucking the 99A Super Saloon into turn 3 from my possie at the pit gate.
Ricky Mitchell's return to teams racing and that blocking effort against the Panthers.
The Panthers almost faultless team work.
The spectacle that a full field of Mods create.
The semi-final between the Hawkeyes and the Rebels.
Most of all was being able to watch Superstock teams racing 10 minutes from where I live..........BRILLIANT.

This was a huge gamble by the Auckland Committee and I am really thankful that they took the leap along with a massive effort to run this meeting. It has some great history and hopefully this is a step towards keeping it on the annual calendar.

Lastly I will thank the Drivers, Owners, Crews and Sponsors. Just an awesome commitment from everyone to compete at this level.

Has it been that long !!!

2011-02-25T16:55:00.000-08:00

I must apologise for the lack of updates for anyone who follows this blog. Sounding like a broken record, but time just seems to vanish and the days slip by before I realise that I haven't posted an update or report for so long. I am currently working on a couple of projects for drivers and sponsors who have kindly taken an interest in some of my photos, which is great. Looking forward to a couple of upcoming meetings, especially the Auckland Superstock Teams. Will certainly be looking to post some words and pics after these meetings.

I have been to a number of meetings since the last post and did manage to put some pics up on everybody's favourite speedway site - http://www.macgors.has.it/

Please use the following links to view some of these threads -
NZ Modified Champs
http://macgor.proboards.com/index.cgi?board=photos&action=display&thread=19988

SuperSaloons @ WP
http://macgor.proboards.com/index.cgi?board=photos&action=display&thread=19991

http://macgor.proboards.com/index.cgi?board=photos&action=display&thread=20322

Minisprints @ WP
http://macgor.proboards.com/index.cgi?board=photos&action=display&thread=20008

Stockcars @ WP
http://macgor.proboards.com/index.cgi?board=photos&action=display&thread=19992

http://macgor.proboards.com/index.cgi?board=photos&action=display&thread=20321

http://macgor.proboards.com/index.cgi?board=photos&action=display&thread=20319

Saloons & Streetstocks
http://macgor.proboards.com/index.cgi?board=photos&action=display&thread=20323

NZ Welding School World Invitation Superstocks Finals

2011-01-21T02:23:00.000-08:00

And so after a great nights racing to find the the qualifiers it was back to Paradise Valley for finals night. Some of the pre-match entertainment was the annual pit crew challenge where two crews go head to head at changing a front wheel. The McRobbie crew successfully defended their title over the Hickey crew.

As 7.00pm rolled around, everyone was eagerly awaiting the repercharge for those who missed qualifying the previous night. This is one of my favourite races of the event and boy did it deliver this time around. Just when you thought things were pretty cut and dried something would happen and completely change the race. Brilliant.

Here is some of the action from the repercharge.

Now to the main event, the finals over three heats. As on night one I only shot the first round of racing so the following pics are from the first heat. As is the norm at Paradise Valley, a lot of the action takes place in turns one and two and so many driver's races were won or lost negotiating the carnage. It is really interesting to watch how different drivers approach turn one at the start of the race.

The line up for heat one of the finals.

Some of the ensuing action from heat one.

The final heat would turn out to be a Palmy benefit which was a reversal of the recently run NZ Champs at the same venue where the Nelson boys made the crucial plays. However this time around I think the sheer weight in numbers of P cars made the difference. I was more than happy with the outcome as the 1st and 2nd placegetters are currently two of my favourite drivers to watch and like a dose of dejavu these two drivers would meet in a run off after ending heat three equal on points. Who doesn't like a run off to decide a major title. It is unfortunate though how the run off ended with a wheel going astray over the fence, initially heading directly in my direction although I was well back and out of harms way. Glad the spectator that copped it was not seriously hurt. At this stage I made for the gate for the drive back to Auckland.

Congratulations to the following drivers, you really earned your spots.

1st - Peter Rees 3NZ (what more can you say about him)

2nd - Scott Joblin 2NZ (damn wheel)

3rd - Graeme Barr 32P (oh so close)

1st Superstock in Paradise - Dale Ewers 1NZ (well deserved)

Well that's it for another year. Will be hoping that Peter, Scott and Dale can make the trip to the UK later in the year and crack the BRISCA World title.

To all the competitors, crews and the Rotorua club members, thanks again for a truely great event. Lastly thanks to all the sponsors of the event and namely the NZ Welding School for their continued support.

NZ Welding School World Invitation Superstocks Qualifying

2011-01-18T23:37:00.000-08:00

This is part one of a double-header covering another great event run by the Rotorua club at SG Equipment Paradise Raceway. A sunny hot afternoon greeted everyone as Drivers, Crew and Spectators arrived for qualifying night. I must admit that I was not expecting too much drama given the low numbers in each group but was pleasantly surprised by the amount of aggressive driving a number of competitors displayed in their attempts to make the main game the following night.

It never amazes me how a drivers race can change in an instant. Some drivers made their own luck and some couldn't even buy any. I think this is one aspect that makes speedway so interesting to me.

As with other recent meetings I have attended, the plan was to take some photos of the first round of racing then sit back and enjoy. After all that is why I spend so much hard earned dosh travelling to these meetings.

For an in depth description of the racing, please visit the Rotorua Club website -

http://www.rotoruaspeedway.co.nz/cgi-bin/control.pl?Function=Results&pageid=1295416054&Item=20110116.txt

Here's some the action from round one of the three qualifying groups.

Speedy Signs NZ Superstocks

2010-12-31T14:01:00.000-08:00

I had been waiting for this meeting with great anticipation for sometime. The Rotorua club is held in high regard around the country so it was expected that the number of entries for this championship would be on the high side. The weather gods played their somewhat familiar cards as we all know but 80 competitors still fronted on the second attempt to kick the meeting off. After the shakedown meeting and rained out qualifying it was a long two days waiting for the action to explode at the impecably prepared Paradise Valley Raceway.
Qualifying night threw up some surprises in who did and did not make it. As mentioned by the commentary team, if drivers wanted to be up the pointy end they would have to drive aggressively around the tight Rotorua track. Nothing too drastic but plenty of bumper work was put in to clear a pathway to make those all too important passes to gain points.
Finals night was setup nicely with an amazing repercharge to find the final two spots. Boy I didn't know where to look sometimes but was very pleased with the results although my heart went out to the unlucky Paul Vazey dipping out in the last lap. The plan was to take some shots of the first round of racing then ditch the camera and sit back and enjoy the show. I was certainly not dissappointed, what a great ~~two~~ four nights, I was a contented little puppy when my head hit my pillow back in Auckland in the early hours of Friday morning.
Congratulations to Dale Ewers, Scott Joblin and Peter Rees for their podium finishes. Dale is a well deserved Champion who will carry the title with utmost honour and professionalism during his tenure. All three are some of if not the most prominent competitors in Superstocks at present and all deserve their places.
A few other mentions for those that caught my eye were Jack Miers and Dale McKenzie for utter raw young talent, watch these two. Next is Campbell MacManaway, he seemed to be in everything, was glad to see him make the final. Then there is Paul Vazey, one for his rotten luck and the other is for how tough the 351A battleship is. Lastly is Stan Hickey for giving it one more try, was influential in final heat. Glad he got to carry the chequered around Paradise one more time during qualifying. Must also mention the Top Gear motorsport cars built by Scott Hewson with all three making final and the boss nearly scoring a podium.
Not enough can be said about the Paradise Valley Raceway and the facilities provided by the Rotorua Club. All the immense amount of work over the years showed. Sure there were a few things you could grumble about but most of these things were acknowledged and addressed. I can't wait for the World 240s to get another fix of Superstocks in Paradise. Lastly before I post some pics of the action, thanks to Speedy Signs and all associated sponsors who help to make these big meetings possible

Fish City Dash For Cash - Placemakers Huntly Nov 4th

2010-12-04T15:14:00.000-08:00

A great nights racing at Huntly and some drivers certainly put their talents on show to good effect. As I seem to have less time to wax the lyrical these days I have put together the following slide show that captures the essence of the early rounds of racing. Look out for the dancing midget going into Placemakers corner.
Remember, you can also find a whole heap more info and photos, etc on every body's favourite website - Macgors
http://www.macgors.has.it/

It's Been A While

2010-10-27T00:23:00.000-07:00

The title says it all, on a number of fronts. It has been a while -

since my last posting
since the last speedway meeting I attended
since I had been to Palmerston North

With the usual slow start to the new season in the north, I was starting to get itchy feet and wanting to shake off the winter hibernation and see some Superstock action. So the decision was made to brave the Labour Weekend traffic and make the pilgrimage back to Palmerston North to catch the 1st round of the Placemakers Series.

This would be my first visit to Palmy since leaving in 1986. Having never been able to make it to Palmy for the Teams Champs I was keen to see why Palmy is such a successful outfit and the stronghold of Stockcar racing. I was suitably impressed and was a happy little camper to see a full field of Superstocks supported by a huge number of Stockcars. The level of presentation of the cars was sensational and an absolute credit to all the owners, drivers, crews and sponsors. I will not go into detail of the racing as I attend speedway to enjoy the racing so tend not to keep track of all the details and results.

To see read more about the meeting use this link -

http://www.pnspeedway.co.nz/asp/news.asp?ID=467

Use this link to see the 26 starters for the series -

http://macgor.proboards.com/index.cgi?board=photos&action=display&thread=17972

Harrisville

To top the weekend off there was the fund-raising meeting at Harrisville, Ohakea. Boy, I was blown away by this track and the vision, thought and work that has been put into this facility. it really is a great place to enjoy some light-hearted racing on a sunny Sunday afternoon. It must have the most picturesque dummy grid in the country.

As long as I don't dwell too much on how much the weekend cost, I am really glad I made the trip - great weather, great racing, great facilities, no traffic woes. Great start to the season.

Farewell Stan, 515R & Dolly II

2010-04-12T01:05:00.000-07:00

As I unfortunately missed the Easter racing at Paradise Valley, I was hoping that Stan may have had a final run at Huntly for the Speedfest meeting - but not to be. Although several posts have been made covering Stan Hickey's retirement, I also wanted to pay tribute to a driver that I followed closely and always wanted to see on the podium at the end of the nights racing. I have always considered the Hickey racing team as on of the most professional and best presented outfits in Superstock racing and as everyone knows the family also play a big roll in the success of the Rotorua Stockcar Club. I was always impressed, when visiting Paradise Valley, how Stan could be in the water truck or on the grader right up to a few minutes before climbing into the race car, even at the high level meetings like the World 240s, etc.

As with a lot of stories - when one chapter closes, another begins. Hopefully it may not be too many years before we see another Hickey in the Superstock ranks.

So thanks Stan for the outstanding contribution you have made as a competitor at the many tracks around the country you have visited. I always got a kind of tingle up the spine when I spied the awesome Hickey bus in the pits. Maybe the kids may see some of that inheritance now !!

Auckland Superstock Champs / Ollie Browne Memorial

2010-03-20T14:32:00.000-07:00

Having missed the recent big Superstock meetings and the cancellation of the Auckland / Rotorua teams meetings, I was definitely hanging out for for a live Superstock fix. With a few encouraging posts on Macgors, I was excited to stand in the pits yesterday and watch the numbers build to a healthy 20 competitors. There were a few no shows but still a satisfying turnout. As stated on Macgors, a hearty thanks to Paul Vazey and Dave Tennant for putting in the spade-work and ensuring as many competitors as possible made the dummy grid.

I won't go into a detailed meeting report but the racing was just what the doctor ordered, with plenty of bumper work and a number of cars being introduced to the wall. Also it is one of the first times in a while that I have seen more cars with an A on them than R or H at an Auckland meeting. I was pretty gutted to see Vazey get toppled in heat 2 as I really wanted to see him take the title following all the bad luck he's had in past couple of seasons. He really has the 351 beast on song at present and due for a title win somewhere.

The other pleasing thing was to see some of the young fellas giving it a decent crack with the likes of Tennant, Wootan and Ross starting to show their skills. Nowadays it is such a huge commitment to campaign a Superstock and it is so pleasing to see so many still moving into the Superstock ranks.

Although the final race for the Ollie Browne Memorial may have been a little tamer than the previous heats for the champs, I am sure that Ollie would still have been so happy to see a good quality field of cars doing the business on the Waikaraka clay. On ya Ollie. Now please have a word with the boss and get the Teams Nationals back on the calendar for 2011.

Brilliant

Thanks Dave - good luck Scott

Its go go go for heat 1

Bloody lucky kid is all I can say - awesome

A change of scenery

2010-02-21T22:35:00.001-08:00

Finally got a chance to attend a meeting at the Springs in over 2 years and I was pretty happy with what I got for my $20.00. I used to be a regular when I resided in Point Chev a few years ago and it was great to see all the new additions and improvements made to the place. It is a great place to attend on a balmy Saturday afternoon / night and I noticed quite a few regulars from across town getting their speedway fix for the weekend. Like me they obviously couldn't fit in a trip to Wangas for the Stockcar champs. With the addition of the previous weeks feature races, the programme wasn't bad at all.

Added to that is the wide selection of food / drink available, plenty of great vantage points around the hills and terraces and an open pit. Jeez I better start charging for advertising !!!!!! Don't want to get too gushy about open-wheelers, I am a Superstock fan after all, but there are some awesome drivers in the open-wheel ranks and the racing was fast, close and action packed. Speedway fix complete for the week.

Mmmmmm that feels better

2010-01-23T11:44:00.000-08:00

Finally got to watch some live speedway at my local, after what seems like weeks. Good thing the weather didn't upset things as all in all it was a pretty decent show. Well done to the Promotion and to the Drivers and Crews that provided the entertainment.

Highlights

Speed of MacIntyre 2nz Super Saloon in heat 1 - "O" for awesome.

Again Towgood was 'too good' in Saloons (couldn't help myself).
Foxy 1nz was carving the Mods.
Seeing the Vazey 351 Superstock in full cry again.
Some talented Solo riders strutting their stuff.

Low points

I'm sorry but one of the commentators is just not up to pace, maybe time to hang up the mic.
Not seeing 2nz Super Saloon in final.
Pity the Naki boys couldn't come to play in the Mod sandpit.

Following are a couple of low quality clips of some of the standout performers.

Where have you been ?

2010-01-19T23:29:00.000-08:00

Just a small update to advise that due to weather, family and work committments, I haven't been able to attend all the meetings I intended to over the last month or so. I did travel to Rotorua for the finals of the World 240's but the weather played it's trump card and sent everyone packing. Unfortunately I was unable to make it to the re-scheduled final the following day but made the smart move and booked the show on Speedbox. I recommend this service to anyone who is unable to attend any of the meetings that are covered by Speedbox. Sure it is not quite like being there but it is the next best thing for those missing out and at an unbelievable low price. If I cannot make it to the NZ Superstock Champs at Kihikihi or Teams at Palmerston North, I will certainly booking the meetings on Speedbox.

I hope to be able to add some more interesting material in the next few weeks so stay tuned.

The Mods and the Streetstockers

2009-11-21T22:27:00.000-08:00

Plans to make the trek to palmy for the Manawatu Superstock Champs went out the window so I turned my attention back to Waikaraka for the Modified Dirt Cup and Streetstock 290s. A sprinkling of Solos, Sidecars, Superstocks and good numbers of Modifieds, Streetstocks, Saloons and Ministocks making for some top racing. It was great to see the Streetstocks in large numbers and along with the rivalry from a number of visiting drivers, showing the attraction that this class has previously been at the park. Well done to De Malmanche 2nz, Gooch 3 nz and Churchwood 7b. In the Mods, the Naki boys were here to pinch Foxy's cup but he wasn't having a bar of it, but they certainly tried hard with Jacko and Bunter filling the other podium positions. I was also impressed again by they talent shown in the Minstocks, some impressive skills shown within a field of 30 odd cars. I didn't stay for the Derby as they just don't excite me but on the whole I was pretty satisfied as I left the park.

The Naki boys

The Marx Brothers all ready to rumble

Women drivers ????

A wise man once said

Got to put the spare wing somewhere - must be great thru the Awakino gordge.

Well presented Sidecar unit

An opening at Paradise

2009-11-08T00:38:00.000-08:00

I was able to catch the season opener at SG Equipment Paradise Valley Raceway, on a weekend trip to the Bay of Plenty and clicked a few randon shots.

Look for this car in a compromising position further down...

I don't care what anyone says - Mods look sexy without their wings !!

Looks like Dolly found herself a boyfriend over the off season and look what resulted

Sorry, the pic doesn't do the new colour scheme justice

There are some great graphics on cars nowadays

1st corner, race 1 for 09 - 10 season

Keep an eye on these two over the season !!!

At least the only local car is in front

More tail talk

2009-11-08T00:19:00.000-08:00

Three more additions from opening night at Rotorua. The first one is pretty familiar to most Superstock fans but I still get a chuckle everytime I see it. The following two adorn a couple of local MiniStocks. Seems like the girls certainly don't like taking second place to the boys.

Let the tail do the talking !!

2009-11-01T17:20:00.000-08:00

It's interesting what some drivers have written on the rear end of their race cars. This is something I have been taking note of during my ramblings through the pits before meetings and hope to make this a regular feature. Here are 3 that caught my eye at Waikaraka opening night. You may have to veiw the last one full size to read it.

Pukekohe Car Club 19-07-09

2009-10-31T14:09:00.000-07:00

Was poking around the files and found these pics from a few months ago. It was an enjoyable day watching what was a great selection of cars competing in a club event. From memory I think this was the first time out with the cheap but trusty Kodak. I found an event like this as a great learning experience in capturing motorsport on a digital camera. Now I just need to save up for a decent SLR, etc.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/speedway_things/sets/72157622703742874/

Opening Night

2009-10-31T04:55:00.000-07:00

Wow what a crowd for opening night. It was great to see, along with a full pits. The new team at WP certainly got off on the right foot. Mind you the fireworks always attracts huge numbers. A large number of people were still coming through the gates almost an hour after the 1st race started. Of course there was a mass departure after the crackers were let off but what was encouraging was the masses that stayed to watch more racing. Top stuff, I wish the ASSC all the best for the new season.

Use the following link to view all my photos from opening night -

http://s859.photobucket.com/albums/ab152/Smeats/WP%20Opener%2031-10-09/

Practice 31-10-09

2009-10-31T04:51:00.001-07:00

Dunlop Targa '09 26/10/09

2009-10-28T02:11:00.000-07:00

Here's a couple of photos of some well known speedway competitors, past or present, crossing the start line on Monday morning. You can view a photo of every car over the start line at the following link -http://s859.photobucket.com/albums/ab152/Smeats/Dunlop%20Targa%20Start%2009/

Brent Emmerson

Clark Procter