Drivers dialled in for NZ champs

TRACK TIME: Drivers get in some valuable practice on the Eastland Group Raceway banked track for the New Zealand Saloon Champs, starting tonight. Leading this group of four is Stratford’s Mark Hinton. Picture by Murray Robertson

HALF of the field in the New Zealand saloon car championships tore round the Eastland Group Raceway track last night in a practice session that set the tone for a “red-hot” event.

The Eastlite Carriers-sponsored titles start tonight with three groups racing over three heats to decide the top 20 for tomorrow night’s finals.

More than 20 drivers in the 40-plus-car field dialled in their cars on the banked track in a frenetic, non-stop, hour-long session, and the pace and control was startling.

Fresh from winning the South Island title, Cromwell’s Peter Dickson (11T) was particularly impressive.

“It’s my first time on this track and it’s pretty awesome, nice and fast,” Dickson said.

It is the young driver’s first year in saloons but he was good enough to win the South Island title against tough competition last month.

“I’ve only done about 10 meetings in saloons. Before this I raced modified sprintcars. I’m keeping an open mind this championship but I’m certainly aiming for a top three finish . . . at least.”

Dickson will be racing in the Red Group in tonight’s series of heats.

Thumbs up for the trackCurrent 2NZ Paddy North (Blenheim), who last raced here seven or eight years ago, gave the track the thumbs up.

“The new banked track is a good one. I like it. You can run the car a bit high on it without being sucked into the wall,” North said. “I’m pretty happy with what I’ve done here tonight in practice. We’ll see how we go.”

North will race in the Blue Group tonight.

Nigel Ross (46A), from Auckland, was another to get in some valuable track time last night. He was last here 10 years ago.

“It’s a good track but it’s going to take a bit of getting used to with some traffic on it.”

Ross will race in the Green Group tonight.

Gisborne Speedway Club president Grant MacGregor said the practice went well.

“Most of the cars are on pace with each other and tonight’s heats will be very interesting. The title is up for grabs for all 40 drivers. That is how close this competition is going to be.”

Gates to the speedway open at 5.30pm with the first race at 7pm.

There will be a parade of the cars at 6pm.