Stockcar racers turn out in force
The first race meeting of 2019 featured numerous Stockcar Memorials and one Modified Memorial at Stratford Speedway last Saturday night.
A large number of Stockcar competitors were on hand to contest the Allan Hancock, Michael Walker and Warren Lowry Stockcar memorials, but first, the first year drivers would race for the Wayne Trott Memorial. This was won by Kyle Wilson from Blair Wadsworth and Hamish Edgecombe.
The Allan Hancock and Michael Walker memorials were raced over two heats each. Mark Woods won the prior after consistent driving in the first two heats saw him earn top points while current New Zealand ranked number three Haydin Barker was second and William Hughes third.
Hughes continued his good form in the next two heats to record a first and third place to comfortably win the Michael Walker Memorial ahead of Bradley Podjursky and Monty Good. Shane Hurliman was judged to be the best stirrer on the night and was awarded the Warren Lowry Memorial.
A decent field of 10 Modifieds competed for the Rusty Kay Memorial. Included in the starting line-up were current New Zealand number 1, Jamie Fox from Auckland, number 2 Richard Pierce and number 3 Shaun Bloeman. Carl Hinton, John Jackson and Richard Pierce were the race winners but the consistency of Farron Lowry, who recorded second, fourth and fifth place finishes over the three heats, enabled him to stand on the top step of the podium after he was tied on points with John Jackson and then proceeded to beat him in a run-off. Jamie Fox beat Pierce in another run-off to claim third place. Two run-offs for the top three placings shows just how close the racing was.
Midgets, Minisprints, Adult and Youth Ministocks completed the race programme. Midget races were won by Duane Hickman (2) and Ben Huijs. Minisprint victories went to Daniel Nickel (2) and Donald Kuriger. Palmerston North drivers dominated the Youth Ministock racing with Seth Hodge winning two races and Cody Hodge one. Jesse Whelan was the only local to get a chequered flag when he won race three for the class. Adult Ministock wins went to Caleb Dymond (2) and Bradley Korff.
The next race meeting at Stratford Speedway is this coming Saturday, January 12 and will feature the Taranaki Midget, Minisprint and Adult Ministock Champs. A large field of Midgets are expected with several Western Springs drivers signalling their intentions to race as this will be their last opportunity to have a run on the track prior to the New Zealand Championship that will be held here on January 19.