Heritage Shield brought forward

Springs Speedway has brought its Heritage Shield meeting forward to replace the planned Rolling Thunder meeting this Saturday night.

A tightly-packed Super Saloon schedule, which includes the New Zealand title and Grand Prix meets in the next fortnight, had seen a light number of entries confirmed for this weekend’s scheduled Rolling Thunder event at Western Springs, with teams and drivers not wanting to risk damage ahead of their two showpiece events.

So the promoters have opted to swap the race meets with the Heritage Shield being brought forward to this week and the Rolling Thunder meeting now set for next month.

“Despite our best efforts to secure a field worthy of the occasion, the demanding schedule has proven too much,” Springs Speedway said in a release. “Understandably drivers and their teams have indicated a preference to prioritise preparation for the national title and grand prix over racing this weekend and possibly incurring damage just a few days before the long trip south.

“Rather than presenting fans with a watered-down show, the decision has been made to swap the Heritage Shield and Rolling Thunder promotions. Please note the re-scheduled Rolling Thunder promotion on March 7 is contingent on Speedway New Zealand approval and driver schedules.

“All your favourite Springs classes consisting of Sprintcars, Midgets, F2 Midgets, TQ’s and Quarter Midgets will be in action this Saturday night competing for the Heritage Shield. We look forward to seeing you there for the penultimate night of the 90th jubilee season.

“If you have pre-purchased your tickets for the Rolling Thunder event this weekend, you can request a refund directly with Eventfinda,’’ said the release.

A feature of the Heritage Shield meeting will be the addition of the popular sidecar racing with a number of leading cars confirmed to take part. It has been a couple of years since they raced at Western Springs and is fitting that they be part of the Heritage Shield night.