Demo derby tribute to Robbie

MEDIA MAYHEM: Bragging rights will go on the line in tomorrow’s demolition derby when three media representatives look to take each other out and claim ascendancy. But they can ill-afford to concentrate just on each other and how long any of them last against the other 23 cars remains to be seen. Showing no shortage of confidence are (from left) Classic Hits’ Treva Rice, MoreFM’s AJ Chapman and The Gisborne Herald’s own Fraser Ruru. Picture by Paul Rickard

A FIELD of 26 cars will battle for the title of demolition derby champion when one of the most popular events on the speedway calendar hits the track tomorrow night.

The Gisborne Auto Spares derby at the Eastland Group Raceway promises to be something extra special for drivers and fans alike.

The field will include three cars racing in memory of Farmers Air loader driver Robbie Solouota, who lost his life, along with pilot George Anderson, in a topdresser crash in December.

“Robbie was the type of guy who would have a go at anything and he would definitely have liked to go out to crash and bash at the speedway,” said family spokeswoman Lana Davy.

“So we thought entering some cars in his memory in the derby was a fine thing to do. We would love to have all his friends and family there tomorrow night to not only remember a great man, but to have some fun in his honour.”

The cars have been painted white and feature various logos and memorabilia in tribute to Robbie.

“We think it is awesome that Robbie Solouota’s friends and family have entered,” said Gisborne Speedway Club president Grant MacGregor.

“Their three cars will add a very special dimension to the derby for sure.”

It will also feature a race within a race between two of the district’s radio networks and The Gisborne Herald.

“There will be plenty of feeling in that part of the derby too I am sure.”

MacGregor said the field of 26 was one of the biggest for a demolition derby here in several years.

“It is a great field and what makes it even better is that we only have one registered Speedway New Zealand competitor in it.”

Cody Gooch will be the only registered driver involved.

“So it really will be a race for the amateurs, and a very level playing field.”

Last year’s winner, Cassy Norris of the SPCA haven, will not be racing.

She drove superbly last year and in a small car too.

“I hope to be back next year,” she said.

MacGregor said it would be extremely hard to pick a winner.

“It promises to be one hell of a race.”

The programme tomorrow night also includes two streetcar races.

“We have the 26 cars that will also be racing in the derby, so we have split them into two groups to try to limit the damage, and preserve the field for the derby.”

There will be best pairs racing for the production saloon and stockcar classes.

“That is a first for stockcars at our track, so it will be very interesting,” MacGregor said.

“In a break from best pairs tradition, the drivers will know who they have been drawn with. That should add quite a bit of extra aggression to that best-of-four-races series in each class.”

Gisborne Motorcycle Sports Club members will also be back after their successful debut on the banked track last month.

Gates open at 6pm, with the first race on an 18-race programme (plus the demo derby) getting under way at 7pm.