For the Gladiators that meant five tough races on the trot.
“It was very intense, but we were lucky that we had minimal damage the whole day,” team manager David Bacon said.
“The boys worked together very well. They’re a good bunch, and we’re happy with the result.”
Bacon said, on average age, the Gladiators would probably have been the youngest team there.
“Ethan was the standout for us. He was so fast and smooth. James Clarke did some impressive blocking, and the rest of them were just super committed. They all were.”
The Gladiators knocked over the Whanganui Vulcans and the Waikato Raiders in qualifying, then destroyed the Greymouth Grizzlies in the quarterfinals.
They came up against defending champions the Stratford Stormers in the semifinal.
“They got a lap on us despite some very heavy hitting,” Bacon said.
Stratford crossed first to win the semifinal, and went on to beat the Palmerston North Pumas in the final.
For the Gladiators it came down to a run-off for third between them and the Rotorua Rascals.
'It was one of our toughest races'“It was one of our toughest races,” Bacon said.
“They put some shots on us early on but the boys came through.”
The Gisborne team put three of their opposition in the infield in a powerful display. O’Dwyer crossed first to secure the team third place overall and a spot on the podium.
“It felt pretty good to get the win for the boys,” O’Dwyer said.
“They put in the hard work in that race.”
Kirk crossed in second place, Rees in fourth and Clarke in fifth in what was almost a “shut-out” performance.
Team captain Rees said it was “quite good” for the team to finish where they did.
They were all “awesome” in their driving, and they put themselves and their cars on the line.
Rees said it was his last stockcar teams championship.
“I will be concentrating on superstocks for Gisborne next season,” he said.
Kirk said it was great to have a good bunch to race with.
“We bonded well as a team and, given how little racing we have done together, it was a pleasing result,” he said.
“We would like to thank Peter (Rees) and Ethan for all their support and effort.
“They picked us up as a club and as a team, and our high standard of racing is a result of that.”
Clarke said it was awesome racing with his teammates.
“They all did a really good job.”
Holt said it felt “bloody good” to finish where they did.
“We put it all out on the track,” he said.
“We’re a young team, so the future for the Gisborne Gladiators looks really strong.”
