Perfect conditions for Speedway Grand Finale
After a season beset by inclement weather hardened fans were treated to a warm, windless evening at the Robertson Holden International Speedway Grand Finale on Saturday night. All racers relished the near perfect track conditions but it was Bryn Liddell and Gisborne’s Josh Prentice who together reigned supreme in the premier King of The Arena Superstock Best Pairs event.
After many years of dedication, it was a big night for Liddell who secured his first superstock win on his home track in the first qualifying heat superstock race in a massive field of 36 cars. The ever-innovative William Humphries was closing in fast picking up second spot.
The second group of superstocks aiming to qualify also had a capacity field of 36 entries with Stratford’s Phil Ogle taking the win. Runner up Quin Ryan performed consistently throughout and took out the Lucas Oils Superstock Series win.
It’s not uncommon to see large numbers of competitors come out for the final meeting of each season and the conclusion of this season’s racing was no exception, in fact entries to race at this year’s Grand Finale meeting were so large that entries had to be closed off as all classes had capacity fields.
Space in the fantastic newly developed pits was at a premium with Palmerston North a truly world class speedway venue. Many visiting fans and competitors commenting it’s the very best in the world. A credit to the supportive Palmerston North City Council and all those involved in the redevelopment of the whole of Arena Manawatu.
The opening Youth Ministock race attracted a field of 26 cars and after a great battle it was up and comer Wade Bengston who took a second win in two weeks.
In his final meeting before having to step out of the youth class Max Lowe once again showed his class picking up two wins during the night.
Lowe has won the overall Travel Smart season points chase and he will now be campaigning a stockcar next season, one that he’s built.
Nine of the ultra-quick Minisprints fronted up with current New Zealand Minisprint champion Dylan Smith winning the opening race. Huntly’s Elliot Heron recorded the fastest time of the race which turned out to be a good form indicator as he won the remaining two minisprint races.
Eleven bikes entered the AFC Motorcycles Sidecars Best Pairs title, putting on a great final night of sidecar action. Craig and Ann Bolar on along with Glen and Emma Murray taking out the sidecar pairs.
A Stockcar Teams race took place between the Manawatu Steelers against the Hawkes Bay based Orange Roughies with the Steelers taking the win. Aaron Watson stood out with some great blocking moves for the home team.
William Humphries in his selfbuilt superstock then began a series of brilliant races including taking out a new lap record
In what is believed to have been one of the biggest turnouts, 21 beautifully restored historic stockcars put on a great show for fans especially the older ones who fondly remember the stockcars of yesteryear.
They all looked distinctly different with a variety of body styles.
The sight and sound of these cars in action is something to behold with Dave Evans, and cars that he built, going very well all night.
The season finale saw another fantastic fireworks display from the Kairanga Lions.