Cyclone stalls international sprintcar races

A cyclone off Brisbane has caused an international sprintcar series in Auckland tonight to be postponed.

A ship carrying Australian sprintcars, which were supposed to compete in the New Zealand International Sprint Car Series tonight at Western Springs Stadium in Auckland, was delayed by three days because of high seas and strong winds from Cyclone Beni. Beni pounded remote islands of the Solomon Islands a week ago with 170km/h winds.

The ship left Brisbane at 11am yesterday and will not arrive in Auckland until tomorrow night - the day after the competition.

Western Springs promoter Dave Stewart said the delay has been a nightmare and the races would now be held on February 14.