Back-to-back titles for Cook

IN THE HUNT: The Cook brothers, Daniel (77G - pictured here) and Ethan (76G - pictured in the following picture in this gallery), will be hunting a New Zealand title at the Meeanee Speedway in Hawke’s Bay tomorrow and Wednesday nights, and will be considered serious contenders. File pictures by Liam Clayton

SPEEDWAY

GISBORNE saloon car racer Daniel Cook drove his car (77G) to victory at Baypark Stadium, Mt Maunganui, on Saturday night to win back-to-back North Island saloon car titles and he was rapt about it.

The 27-year-old started out with 24 other drivers in the best-of-two qualifying heats, and then against 19 other qualifiers in the 30-lap final.

His brother Ethan (76G) also qualified for the final.

“I managed to get second in the first qualifying heat, despite some frontal panel damage, and was second again in the second heat.

“I went from the last grid position (Grid 11) to do that, which was really pleasing.”

Daniel started the final from grid position No.4 and his brother was on Position 3.

“We drove side by side for half a dozen laps and then I was able to pull away from him, and get the second guy fairly easily.”

The driver in front, Trent Amrein from Baypark (42M), was about the length of the straight in front at that stage.

“Once I got up to him we got caught behind some slower traffic, but I managed to catch the better line through them, and just pulled away from there.”

Unfortunately, his brother’s car developed engine trouble when Ethan was running fourth, and he had to withdraw and pull into the infield.

“It’s awesome to win,” Daniel said.

“It is a track I hadn’t had much success on before Saturday. So I’m stoked to get the result and get back-to-back North Island championships.”

He said the car was perfect.

“I could not have asked for more from it, and thanks, too, go to the crew who helped on the night and to my sponsors.”

The Cook brothers will race at the Gisborne Speedway Club’s Christmas meeting on December 22.

“Then we have the New Zealand saloon car championships on January 1 and 2 at the Meeanee Track in Hawke’s Bay. I can’t wait to get down there for those championships.”