A new record: Rees becomes first driver to win three consecutive NZ Superstock titles

Asher Rees triumphed at Meeanee Speedway on Sunday, becoming the first driver to win three consecutive NZ Superstock titles. Picture by Liam Clayton

Asher Rees became the first driver to win three consecutive New Zealand Superstock Championship titles when he triumphed at Meeanee Speedway on Sunday.

Kihikihi-contracted Rees, 29, had plenty of protection from his father, 2015 superstock champion Peter Rees, and brother Ethan in the final heat. Ethan slowed down and allowed Asher to pass him and win the race.

Asher praised the support he received from his father and brother, both of whom are Gisborne-contracted drivers.

Asked if he would do the same for Ethan if the opportunity arose, Asher said, "One hundred percent . . . I would definitely want to pay the favour back."

In fact, Asher has already shown his willingness to support his father and brother on the track. At last January's world 240s superstock championship in Rotorua, Ethan took the title by a point from his father, who was runner-up. Gisborne superstock class rep Trevor Mullooly said at the time: "Asher really got stuck in, in support of his brother and his father".

The PTS Logistics New Zealand Superstock Champs at Meeanee went ahead at the weekend only after a massive logistical effort helped get the track fit for racing.

Touted as Hawke's Bay's biggest speedway racing event in a decade, the championship meeting was set to host 130 cars racing over three nights. The shakedown was set for Thursday night, qualifying was to be on Friday night and finals were to be on Saturday night.

Conditions were ideal for the shakedown but rain caused the postponement of Friday qualifying and track damage on Saturday prompted the club to stage two meetings on Sunday. Qualifying heats were held in the afternoon and finals were in the evening. Of the 130 cars expected to race, 121 took part.

Drainage and grader work, wheel packing and a helicopter were used to dry out the track.

Asher Rees won the title by 10 points from Stratford’s Blair Uhlenberg. Whanganui’s Zane Dykstra was a further seven points back in third place.