Gizzy drivers marked men at NZ champs

A109 Light Utility Helicopter flight with mayor Gisborne City from the air in November 2023.

Gisborne Speedway Club will be well represented in the finals of the New Zealand streetstock championships at Kihikihi tonight but the “G” drivers expect to be marked men.

Five Gisborne cars emerged from hectic qualifying heats last night as the field of 50 was whittled down to 26 finalists. Through to the finals are Aaron Brown, father and son Trevor and Ben McArthur and brothers Brenden and Cody Gooch.

“Aaron and Ben were outstanding in qualifying,” said Neil Gooch. “It was really rugged. The track is just atrocious — rough as guts — and there was a lot of contact. So the five Gisborne guys who have qualified so far all did really well,” Gooch said.

“Ben and Aaron was both really quick last night, despite the track conditions. They stood out and that may make them marked men tonight.”

Brown, Brendan Gooch and Ben McArthur all won races last night.

“It does look good for tonight and chances of podium finishes for the Gisborne guys,” Neil Gooch said.

There are still two spots up for grabs in the finals and several Gisborne drivers will race in a repechage to decide those two spots.

“Travis and Sean Gooch and David Hampton will race in that repercharge.”

Travis Gooch, the current North Island champion, was hoping for a better night, his father said.

“Travis had mechanical issues in the heats that cost him and hopefully things go better for him tonight.”

Saloon car grand prixA strong Gisborne contingent will race tonight in the New Zealand saloon car grand prix at the Meeanee track in Hawke’s Bay. Daniel Cook, younger brother Ethan and Dave Moorcroft, fresh from makng the finals of the NZ champs in Gisborne last weekend, are competing.

“It is a track that Daniel and Dave have raced well on before so podium finishes beckon,” said Gisborne Speedway Club president Grant MacGregor.

“It will be a busy night for them with two qualifying heats, then heats for the GP and a 25-lap final.”