Speedway event targets women
Matamata women who normally cheer on others as they zoom around Waharoa Speedway are being challenged to get behind the wheel.
The speedway club will be running a ladies’ challenge on January 24 where competitors have to drive three different cars in three different races, including a mini stock, a production saloon and a fender bender, club member Damien Laird said.
Although he said this contact class will be about tapping and spinning other drivers out of the way, he expected it to be ‘‘relatively sedate’’.
This reflects the club’s aim, which Laird said was family-focused fun.
The group is about encouraging and supporting their drivers, especially the young ones. Laird will be in the referee box this year. ‘‘I want to provide a professional environment where the kids can learn and so they don’t just go away saying ‘that guy just shouted at me’.’’
The club is also holding a picnic meeting on December 20, where officials and drivers will swap roles.
Open wheeler, mini stocks, adult mini stocks, fender benders, production saloons, C saloons all compete at the grassroots club.
At the first day of season, November 1, triple points are up for grabs. ‘‘It’s a good leg up for the season,’’ Laird said.
Waharoa Speedway’s season will run through to the end of April, with race meetings held two to three times a month.
Keep an eye on the club’s facebook page, facebook.com/ WaharoaSpeedway, for more information.