Huge few months capped off at Levels
End of season racing at Levels Raceway on Saturday will cap off a year which, on one occasion, brought tears to South Canterbury Car Club secretary Karen Paddon’s eyes.
About 65 drivers will compete in the end of season racing across three classes to celebrate what has been a massive few months for Levels.
The international motor racing circuit celebrated 50 years of racing in January, where hundreds packed the raceway on the outskirts of Timaru for the threeday celebration, which featured eight different classes of racing.
South Canterbury motorsport legend Leo Leonard got back behind the wheel of the iconic PDL Mustang for the celebrations, which Paddon said was without doubt the highlight of the season for her.
Both of Leonard’s original PDL 1 and 2 Mustangs returned to the track for the first time in over 30 years for the celebrations.
‘‘It brought tears to my eyes,’’ Paddon said.
‘‘Just to be able to see them back out on the track was amazing.’’
The South Island 2K Cup will get the end of season racing under way on Saturday, which will be followed by the Pro 7 series and the South Island Formula Ford.
In last year’s Pro 7 series at Levels, a switch from drifting to racing saw Pleasant Point’s Mitchell Hamilton become a New Zealand champion, when he drove his RX7 to the national title.
It will also be the final round of the South Island Formula Ford series. Christchurch’s Bailey Paterson currently leads the overall standings.
Paddon said racing will be weather-dependent, although it will only be called off if rain is torrential.
Metservice is forecasting rain that will gradually clear, with northeasterlies developing in Timaru on Saturday.
Officials will be briefed at 8am with racing starting at 9am. Entry for spectators is free.
Water may be affected
Temuka water services may be affected over the next couple of days, the Timaru District Council says. The council said on its Facebook page yesterday that the water will remain on, but there would be some hiccups and pressure drops. ‘‘It’s caused by the air in the pipes moving about and then being compressed into the water.’’ The council said it was not a water safety issue, but it may cause some blockages. Tank water was available. ‘‘The water tanks remains in the Temuka Library and Service Centre car park if you would like an alternative.’’ Residents who suffer sustained pressure loss should call the council on 03 687 7200.