Speedway: Osborne in hot form for big one

Newly signed Baypark Speedway racer and reigning NZ Super Saloon car champion Mark Osborne has continued his winning run in the lead-up to the New Zealand title in Auckland next week.

On Monday night Osborne drove to victory in the Auckland Champs, a valuable shakedown for the 2014 New Zealand title at Waikaraka Park in Onehunga on January 10-11.

Osborne won the 20-lap Auckland Champs final from Nelson racer Ian Burson and Aucklander Ben Harding.

Three other Baypark drivers contested the Auckland title.

Waihi's Mark Hutchins was in sixth place, John Roberts (Hamilton) finished seventh and Tauranga's Kristen Vermeulen was ninth.

The New Zealand Super Saloon Car Champs has attracted a field of more than 40 drivers.

A 10-strong Baypark representation at the champs will be headed by Osborne and former champions Dean Waddell and Brent Emerson, as well as Hutchins, Roberts, Vermeulen, Paul Carter, Terry Corin, Matt Smith, Russell Donovan and Gavin Dyer.