For the first time since joining the sport over 30 years ago, brothers Graeme and Darryl Goble are the national 4x4
champions.
The Stratford pair came out on top on Easter Saturday and they agree it took hard work and determination.
The 4x4 racing is quite different to most sports involving cars. Although they have a track to make their way around, there are also obstacles such as steep hills, boggy mud pits and terrain you wouldn't dare take your
own car through.
Graeme, who drives, and Darryl, who co-pilots, compete in the Class A grade and also won the Central Zone
cup.
There are six rounds in the championship and the overall score is taken from the five best rounds.
This is the first season they have worked towards the title, attending all but one round.
They came first in Taranaki, first in Wanganui, third in Wellington, second in Te Puke and first in Thames,
missing the Cambridge round.
``We've been meaning to do it for years,'' says Darryl.
Their older brother was first to get involved in the sport.
``That got me involved and then Graeme got involved.''
It's not called the National Extreme champs for nothing, they say.
``Every event is a challenge. It's a lot of hard work,'' says Graeme.
The Suzuki Vitara has had its fair share of rolls and tumbles too.
``She goes good, but she gets thrashed to death.''
Although the sport is ``bloody scary'' the men say they won't be putting the car in the shed for good for a while yet.
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