Drivers finally hit speedway track
After the two previous meetings being rained out, competitors were at last able to hit the track at Stratford Speedway on Saturday night.
A full programme with seven classes racing ensured the pits were packed to the brim. A large crowd was also on hand to witness the racing action and the fireworks spectacular.
Six of the seven classes were racing for their City of New Plymouth Classic events — the first trophies up for grabs this season.
Bevan Phillips debuted his new Lintern racecars stockcar and found instant success when he won the Classic for the class ahead of William Hughes and Tyler Walker. A full field of 36 stockcars took part in the racing, ensuring there was plenty of action and the top three placegetters certainly earnt their places on the podium.
Duane Hickman was once again in good form and won the midget event ahead of Michael Kendall and Greg Jones.
Rotorua competitor Chris Shingleton was too quick for the locals in the streetstock class and won their Classic by a healthy five point margin. Steve Reed was second and Matt Blinkhorne third.
After three fast paced races, Mark Hinton and Jarrod MacBeth were tied on points for the saloon event. Hinton beat MacBeth in a run off to secure his place at the top of the podium. Hawke’s Bay competitor Josh Smith was third.
Hamish Booker won the Superstock Classic by just one point from Carl Shearer.
Logan Sharpe, also debuting a brand new Lintern car, claimed third spot after beating both Nik Kiser and William Humphries in a three way run off.
Lydia Dickinson won the minisprint event. Palmerston North racer Shane Dewar was second and Bayley Betts third.
■ This Saturday’s meeting will feature the caravan/trailer derby as well as the modified and adult ministock City of New Plymouth Classics, Saloon Plews Memorial and the Olsen Streetstock Memorial competitions.