The Gisborne Giants are the national superstock teams champions. From left are Regan Penn, Brad McGee Asher Rees, Josh Prentice, Ethan Rees, Tim Ross and manager Scott Ross. Photo / The Racers Edge
The Gisborne Giants are the national superstock teams champions. From left are Regan Penn, Brad McGee Asher Rees, Josh Prentice, Ethan Rees, Tim Ross and manager Scott Ross. Photo / The Racers Edge
The Giants made history for Gisborne Speedway Club on Sunday night when they won the ENZED Superstock Teams Champs in Palmerston North.
Appropriately, it was Gisborne Giants team “assistant” Peter Rees, who was presented with the trophy and he hoisted it high to the delight and applause of supporters, speedwayfans and other drivers.
The Giants are celebrating their 10th anniversary season since reforming. In that time, they had finished second and third at the nationals, but never first.
Ten years in the making but it was worth the wait for the Gisborne Giants who won the ENZED Superstock Teams Champs at Palmerston North on Sunday. Photo / Supplied
Gisborne’s team was led by 2NZ Ethan Rees and also featured his brother Asher (126G), Josh Prentice (5G), Tim Ross (144G), Regan Penn (235G) and Brad McGee (96G).
“To say we are proud of our team would be a massive understatement,” Gisborne Speedway Club said on the Awapuni Speedway Facebook page.
“Congratulations Ethan, Asher, Josh, Tim, Brad and Regan - you did it!! As a club we would like to express our gratitude to you all, and to your families, your pit crews, all of the sponsors and supporters, and each and every person who made this weekend happen.
“A special thank you goes to Peter Rees. Without his input 10 years ago we would not have the Gisborne Giants. We will always be incredibly grateful for what he has done and continues to do for our club and this team.
“A special thank you also goes out to Scotty Ross, who has managed the Giants since the start.
“To Brendon Learmonth, words can’t express our gratitude for the effort you put in.
“What a way to celebrate 10 years of the Gisborne Giants,” the club’s post said.
Gisborne glory. The Giants drivers, their families and fans were a picture of joy and pride after the prizegiving at the Robertson Prestige International Speedway. Photo / Supplied
Club president Sam Hughes said the two nights of racing at Robertson Prestige International Speedway were “unbelievable”.
“The Giants team were bang on - 100% perfect across their four races. It was beautiful to watch.
“It is the most coveted trophy in New Zealand speedway and to have our club’s name on it now is just beyond words.”
Tributes flowed on the Gisborne Giants Facebook page.
“This was the most clinical performance of all time. Four races executed to almost perfection. They never looked liked losing.”
The history-making Gisborne Giants crew after winning the coveted New Zealand superstock teams championship. It was a perfect birthday present for the heart of the team, Peter Rees (holding the trophy).
“What a weekend - The boys weren’t letting that one slip. Ten years us fans have ridden the highs and lows with you for this one moment. How fitting on your 10th anniversary.
“Pete Rees - the GOAT of stockcars - raised some champion men in his sons Ethan and Asher, and he must be so proud.”
An elated Ethan Rees said he was proud and humbled.
