“Ashley competed at our track for many years.”
McGrory said the stockcar drivers competed not for a lot of prize money, but for the kudos of having their name on such a special trophy.
“We expect a field of between 15 and 20 to do battle for the trophy tomorrow night.”
The Gisborne stockcar brigade have been competing furiously since the start of the season.
The likes of Ben Holt (4G), Mason O'Dwyer (99G), James Clarke (29G), Trevor McArthur (128G) and Dana Kingsbeer (83G) can be expected to lead the charge tomorrow night.
Hawke's Bay driver Regan Penn (5B) won the trophy last year.
The production saloons will compete for the Dave Gooch Spray and Signs Phil Walsh Memorial Trophy.
“The Walsh family have had a lot to do with our speedway and the trophy is in memory of a man who made a big contribution to our track,” McGrory said.
“Phil was a volunteer at the track for many years.
“We expect to get a few cars from Kihikihi and Hawke's Bay, so we hope to end up with a decent-sized field.”
Dave Gooch won the trophy last year.
His daughter Crystal Peach (3NZ) will be one to watch tomorrow night, along with Anton McKay (17G), Sean Robertson (16G) and Lloyd Stuart (34G).
Gisborne Motocross Club members will be at the track as part of the support programme.
“They always put on a spectacular show for the crowd,” McGrory said.
“Solo bikes will be racing at the track for the first time in ages. There will be two bikes from here and one from Hawke's Bay.”
The club was trying hard to push that class.
“We hope to see it develop.”
The saloon cars will be back, minus the brothers Dan and Ethan Cook, who are competing at the North Island championships in Wellington.
“That opens it up for the other drivers to score some points,” McGrory said.
Youth ministock drivers — mainly local youngsters — will also be in action.
The meeting also includes three streetcar races and a ramp race demolition derby, with 16 to 20 cars entered so far.
Gates to the speedway open at 5pm and racing starts at 6pm.
