He felt the trio were among the standouts, along with last season’s top three — reigning champion Shaun Weron (1NZ) from Rotorua, Asha Clements (2NZ) from Invercargill and Matt Sherlock (3NZ) from Christchurch.
Dave Gooch had a first, a third and a fourth placing in his three heats.
“It was hard and fast out there,” he said.
“There are so many cars that are so even. You’ve got to take any little gap that opens up and just go for it.”
Wright was second, fourth and fifth in his heats.
“It was good, fairly clean racing,” he said. “The track got a little bit rough at the end but it was the same for everyone.”
Wright said he was just happy to qualify and was looking forward to tonight.
Peach qualified with a second placing, a fifth and a sixth.
“It was really hard racing, for sure,” she said. “I’m a bit nervous about tonight with 20 cars in the final, but at the same time I’m looking forward to it.”
The finals comprise three heats, with accumulated points to decide placings.
There will also be a finals series for the drivers who failed to make the championship finals.
The support programme tonight will feature the return of saloon car brothers Ethan and Daniel Cook
Ethan won the New Zealand saloon car championship and the New Zealand Grand Prix in the past month while Daniel has won back-to-back North Island titles.
“I cannot wait to see those two race again on our track tonight,” Neil Gooch said.
Gates to the Eastland Group Raceway open at 6pm and the first race is at 7pm.
