Ashley Scott Memorial on the line

READY FOR ACTION: Trevor McArthur (128G) and Bruce Harding (8G) are expected to be among the drivers competing in the Ashley Scott Memorial races tomorrow night. Picture by Liam Clayton

The Ashley Scott Memorial Trophy goes on the line at the Eastland Group Raceway tomorrow night, and racing will be fierce for the stockcar trophy.

A field of about 20 cars will contest the Tyre General-sponsored event. Organisers are expecting a posse of drivers from Huntly, along with some from Hawke's Bay, to battle it out with the local contenders.

“The Ashley Scott Memorial is a trophy that many drivers are very keen to get their names on,” Gisborne Speedway Club president Clyde McGrory said.

“It's a special trophy that has become coveted by the stockies and there's great kudos attached to it.”

The likes of Trevor McArthur (128G) and Dana Kingsbeer (83G) can be expected to lead the local charge tomorrow night, particularly Kingsbeer, who was the best of the Gisborne drivers at the recent NZ Stockcar Grand Prix.

“Sam Hughes (18G) may also give the title a nudge,” McGrory said.

Ashley Scott was a well-known and well-liked Gisborne panelbeater and stockcar driver who died when fire destroyed his workshop.

Another feature tomorrow night will be the annual Youth Ministock 100, raced in senior and junior divisions.

“The seniors will be split into two groups, and the top 13 in each group after two qualifying heats will go to the final,” McGrory said.

“We always see high-quality racing from the young drivers in this event, and I'm sure tomorrow night will be a continuation of that.”

McGrory said the ministock class was a great training ground and “feeder” for the adult classes of the future.

“Most of our New Zealand champions in all classes came through it.”

The support programme includes TQs, saloons, production saloons and sidechairs.

The Cook brothers Daniel (77G) and Ethan (76G) will look to bounce back from what was a disappointing North Island saloon car championships for them at Kihikihi last weekend.

“Daniel finished sixth in the final, which was good, but not quite what he hoped for, and I was caught in a pile-up in the second lap of the final,” Ethan said.

“The car was damaged and I had to pull into the in-field.

“We've worked on the car during the week and we'll both be out there tomorrow night.”

Numbers in the support programme will be boosted by out-of-town cars.

As a Christmas gift to the public, children would be admitted free of charge and adults would have to pay only $5 to get in, McGrory said.

“It's our way of saying thanks to our fans, who have supported us so well through the season to this point, and wishing them a Merry Christmas.

“Santa will make an appearance, too.

“So Mum and Dad, with their kids and the neighbours' kids, can come along for only $10 and have a great night.”

• Gates to the speedway open at the usual time of 5pm, and the first race will start at 6pm.