Amateur driver stakes boosted for champs
The New Zealand Amateur Driving Championships will receive an extra $2000 to the stakes of both heats to be held at the Cambridge Raceway on May 17.
Jeff Darby, president of the North Island branch of the NZ Amateur Drivers Association, said the increase will make up the shortfall from other races as amateur stakes are less than other carded races on the programme.
‘‘I just want to thank WaikatoBay of Plenty, all the owners and trainers, and our sponsors for making this happen. It doesn’t matter if you are a trainer of an amateur horse or not – the training, travel and vet costs etcetera are still the same,’’ Darby said.
The four North Island sponsors for the two Cambridge races are the Flatbush, Botany Downs, Highland Park and Somerville TABs.
‘‘We can’t thank the four TAB agencies enough,’’ Darby said.
They have put their support behind the amateurs and we certainly hope they all get a lot of mileage from their sponsorship.’’
Following the two heats at The Raceway the championship will reach its climax with the final two heats at Rangiora on May 27.
The North Island team comprises of the Wigg twins, Cheree and Sheryl, Steve Phillips, Rodney Frampton, Logan Darby, and Craig Sharpe.
‘‘The drivers have been selected from our Summer Series and tote and workout races throughout the season.
‘‘We wish all of them every success, Cheree will represent us at the World Driving Championships. New Zealand Amateur Drivers Association