A step closer

ANOTHER GREAT RESULT: Gisborne’s Rob Miller and “Red” George (leading on their bike 8P) were runners-up in the Manawatu championships. The duo were just one point behind the winners. Clive Ireland and Chris Symon (56G) also raced at the meeting but had mechanical problems, which Ireland reckons will be fixed in time for the national titles. Picture by S.B. O’Hagan Photography

GISBORNE speedway sidecar duo Rob Miller and “Red” George took another strong step towards the New Zealand sidecar championships at the weekend when they finished runners-up in the Manawatu sidecar championships.

The Manawatu title is regarded by many as a dry run for the national title.

This year it attracted 20 bikes.

Miller and George have opted to race under contract to the Palmerston North Club this season.

“There was some wicked racing on Saturday night,” Miller said.

He and swinger George went into the finals as second-top qualifiers. The finals were decided on points over three races.

“In our first final race we had to do it the hard way after a bad start,” Miller said.

“We were fourth into turns 1 and 2, but then we managed to get round everyone to take first place.

“Race 2 was another cracker with two strong laps battling with the 97P bike (Mike Zachan and Ben Franklin). We went into one of the corners a bit too hot and they got us, but second was all good.

“In the third race we were up against more heavy hitters — former New Zealand champions Russell Stuart and Andy Parker (46P).

“The first lap we had to go round the outside of them and they didn't make it easy. But we pulled it off and stretched our lead to take first place.”

But two firsts and a second were not enough for Miller and George to take the title, and they finished runners-up by one point.

“It was a hard-fought title. Our bodies are still feeling it.”

Miller said he and George were “stoked” with their form ahead of the New Zealand sidecar championships to be raced in Gisborne on January 17 and 18.