The return bout in their third-fourth race was one of the outstanding match-ups of the weekend.
Wellington took first and second when they met on Friday night, while the Giants could manage only third and fourth, which cost them a shot at the title.
Before that they had beaten the Whanganui Warriors in their first match-up, but the Wellington loss meant they finished the first night of qualifying on Saturday in seventh position.
“We certainly made the podium the hard way,” Giants captain Peter Rees said.
“We had to come from the second tier to have a chance of making the podium.”
They started the second night, on Sunday, in style with a fine win against traditional rivals the Hawke’s Bay Hawkeyes to set up the rematch with Wellington.
Second time round against the Wildcats they produced a very tactical race, and Ethan Rees (127G) crossed first for the win.
“The track was quite slippery on Saturday and with our fast cars it didn’t suit us . . . the track was a bit of an equaliser,” Rees said.
“On Sunday night, with a drier track, we got our speed advantage back.”
Rees said third place felt “bitter sweet”.
“Top spot would have been better, but at least with that result we are seeded for next year.”
The Rees father-and-son duo were joined by Jamie Hamilton (9G), Tim Ross (144G) and Josh Prentice (5G).
As a fan said on Facebook after Sunday night, “It was an honour to watch you guys race this weekend. Many thanks to the whole team for everything you do to provide entertainment for us.”
And another said, “What an awesome display tonight (Sunday), cannot wait for Auckland.”
The Giants will be back in action in the other major national superstock teams event in Auckland in March.
“We’re all committed for that, and all fit and well,” Rees said.
“It’s all positive. It’s been five years now since we re-formed the Gisborne Giants and a few people are quite surprised we’re still doing it.
“But I plan to keep on doing it, because we’re respected in Gisborne, and we really appreciate that.”
