STEP BACK IN TIME: Rotorua’s Keith Spanhake (68R) on his way to victory in the New Zealand Standard Stockcar Championships in 2004 — the last time the national champs in this hugely popular class was held in Gisborne. The champs return here in February and thousands of speedway fans are expected to converge on the city. Last year’s NZ champs in Huntly attracted around 180 entries. The reigning champion is Wellington’s Josh Prentice. Herald file picture
STEP BACK IN TIME: Rotorua’s Keith Spanhake (68R) on his way to victory in the New Zealand Standard Stockcar Championships in 2004 — the last time the national champs in this hugely popular class was held in Gisborne. The champs return here in February and thousands of speedway fans are expected to converge on the city. Last year’s NZ champs in Huntly attracted around 180 entries. The reigning champion is Wellington’s Josh Prentice. Herald file picture
Gisborne Speedway Club has elected its executive and confirmed its programme for the 2017-18 season, and without doubt the highlight will be the New Zealand Stockcar Championships on the Eastland Group Raceway track in February.
The club held its annual meeting last week, with Grant MacGregor (president), Dean Quinn (vice-president)and Bev Hancox (secretary) reappointed.
Tanya Harding is treasurer and committee members are Dave Gooch, Spud Mathers, Wendy Wright, Kelly Simpson, Jamie Simpson and Cody Gooch.
“The club is looking forward to a very big season opening on the November 4 with the Jukes Carriers Family Fireworks meeting,” said MacGregor.
“The return of the saloon series, the New Zealand Sidecar Grand Prix and the New Zealand Stockcar Championship are other major features of the season.”
The stockcar champs — always a massively popular meeting — is on February 23 and 24 and is expected to bring thousands into the city, not to mention the large number of drivers and support contingents.
Last year’s champs in Huntly attracted a field of around 180 cars.
The club will hold training for all staff and competitors, and also crew licensing on October 1.
“Our practices will be 4pm to 6pm on October 15, 22 and 28, with licensing from 2.30pm to 3.30pm those days,” MacGregor said. “The opening meeting on November 4 will be for all classes.”
