New Zealand's top cars arrive for saloon nationals

TUNE UP: The clock is ticking now ahead of the Eastlite Carriers New Zealand saloon car championships at the Eastland Group Raceway on Friday and Saturday nights this weekend. Daniel Cook (77G) is working on younger brother Ethan's car (76G). "I've got some new tyres to go on mine yet and a bit of extra maintenance work, but we're on track preparation-wise for the weekend." Pictures by Liam Clayton

EXCITEMENT is building in Gisborne speedway circles as cars get final preparations and drivers hone themselves mentally ahead of the New Zealand saloon car championships this weekend.

The Eastlite Carriers-sponsored event has attracted a field of more than 40 cars to the Eastland Group Raceway on Friday and Saturday nights.

“It is one of our two biggest meetings of the season and everyone is amped for it,” said Gisborne Speedway Club president Grant MacGregor.

There will be cars and drivers from all over New Zealand here for it and it has been described as “one of the best fields ever assembled” for the national event.

“Our banked track and the extra drive provided makes it a very popular place to come to,” Mr MacGregor said.

The visiting drivers began to arrive in the city today. The current 1NZ, 2NZ and 3NZ drivers are in the field.

Scrutineering and practice sessionsScrutineering of the cars will be held at the track from 10am on Friday, and there will be a practice session at the speedway from 6.30pm until 7.30pm tomorrow night.

“The public are most welcome to attend and watch the drivers dial their cars and themselves into the track,” Mr MacGregor said.

The field will race in three groups in preliminary heats on Friday night to decide the finalists for Saturday night.

Gisborne is well represented in the big field, with the Cook brothers Daniel and Ethan (77G and 76G), Ralph Scott (86G), Ken Dibben (21G) and Dave Moorcroft (8G).

Daniel Cook went well in the North Island-wide Valvoline series.

“My car came through the gruelling event well but we’ve had a bit of maintenance work to do since,” he said.

“Seven race meetings in nine days took a toll on the car but our preparations for the national champs have gone well.

“I cannot wait to get out there on Friday night and I’m sure the other Gisborne guys feel the same. It’s going to be awesome.”

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