Finals fantastic

TQ racer Dylan MacGregor (17G) won the Masters series round with two firsts and a second. Pictures by Liam Clayton

The podium places went to out-of-town drivers but that did not matter when Gisborne Speedway Club hosted a fantastic finals night for the New Zealand Stockcar Grand Prix on Saturday.

A final field of 30 cars, all visiting drivers, made the three-heat finals of the Novus Glass-sponsored championship.

Gisborne's standout was Dana Kingsbeer (83G) who had pole position in one of the two repechage races on Saturday night, but she could not capitalise on that advantage and did not make the final.

“It was a shame that no one from here made the finals, but what a final series it turned out to be,” club president Clyde McGrory said.

“The action was fierce and there were a number of rollovers.”

Finals night drew a big crowd, on a par with the crowds traditionally drawn to the fireworks meeting, McGrory said.

“We were thrilled with the level of support from race fans.

“The visiting drivers were rapt. We got outstanding feedback from them about the track conditions and the welcome shown by the club.

“A Wellington superstock driver who was here supporting a mate driving a stockcar told us he will be transferring to our club, he was that impressed.”

Peter and Ethan Rees were in the pits all night helping out the drivers.

“Pete brought a trailer-load of spare parts up to Gisborne.

“That shows the level of their commitment to our club. That's awesome.”

Aucklander Gary Lonergan (95A) won the Grand Prix, with Stratford's Sheldon Arapere (9S) in second place and Whanganui's Kaelin Mooney (26V) third.

McGrory said the V8 action in the second round of the Heavy Equipment Services DVS Super Saloon Series was breathtaking.

“The 20-lapper at the end went right down to the wire.

“The racing was superb. You could not look away from it.”

Hawke's Bay's Darren Melling (72B) won the round, ahead of Aucklanders Lance Jennings (96A) and Marcus Bullen (35A).

The Autotech TQ Masters also put on a great show, with Gisborne's Dylan MacGregor (17G) right amongst it.

He won the round, ahead of Hawke's Bay's Duane Todd (6B) and Auckland's Aaron Humble (46A).

“It was a great weekend,” McGrory said.

“Our volunteers did a great job, and our thanks go to the fans for supporting us so well.”