Gooch out to defend his NZ title

Brenden Gooch (left) is pictured here earlier in 2018 with son Brodie and cousin Shanan Gooch (right). File picture

Gisborne streetstock speedway racer Brenden Gooch will defend his 1NZ crown at the Paradise Valley Raceway in Rotorua this weekend, and he knows it will be tough.

In Invercargill in January, the 36-year-old overcame staunch opposition to win his first national crown.

An entry of 46 cars and drivers will compete in qualifying at the Paradise Valley Raceway tonight for places in the final.

“There will be three groups of 15 cars, and eight from each group will go through to Saturday night’s final,” Gooch said.

“My car’s going well. I’m happy with it.

“But the Rotorua track is very tight, and there is always a lot of luck involved in racing there.”

Gooch will be joined by his brothers Cody (6G) and Sean (9G), David “Duck” Hampton (88G) and Shaun Kingi (75G).

“All the Gisborne guys would be a good pick to make the final,” Brenden said.

“They’ve all been racing well, and the more ‘G’ cars in the finals the better.

“I’m pretty confident that I have a chance of at least making the podium, if not retaining my title.

“I will certainly be out there to give it my best shot, and help the other Gisborne cars out where I can.”

Gooch has been 3NZ on two occasions. His brother Sean has been 2NZ.

Gisborne Speedway Club president Neil Gooch (Brenden’s father) said the Gisborne contingent raced at Rotorua this month.

“We didn’t have a lot of luck that night, so hopefully the fortune tide will turn this weekend.

“Any one of the Gisborne guys could take the title.” Neil said.

Most of the Gisborne drivers arrived in Rotorua yesterday, with Sean Gooch the last to arrive today.

A short practice session at the track will be held just before the start of the qualifying rounds at 7pm tonight.