North Island speedway champions

ISLAND CHAMPS: Gisborne Speedway Club sidecar duo Rob Miller(left) and Kerwin Arnaboldi with the spoils of their victory in the North Island championships at the Meeanee Speedway in Hawke's Bay at the weekend. It was a close result, "But hey we will take it," Miller said. Picture by Liam Clayton

GISBORNE speedway sidecar duo Rob Miller and Kerwin Arnaboldi won the North Island title against tough opposition at Meeanee Speedway in Napier on Saturday night.

They topped a field of 18 bikes including hot favourites Derek and Mathew Ramsay, from Palmerston North, who were runners-up.

“We had five rounds of five bikes per race to decide the title,” Miller said. “We won by just one point from the Ramsays but we will take it.”

Miller and Arnaboldi recorded four first placings and a second.

“We were clearly among the top three fastest bikes on the track and the winning of the title came down to consistency.

“Kerwin and I rode really well together.

“I cannot fault Kerwin. He swung like a trooper.”

The dynamic duo are to compete in the New Zealand championships in Whanganui on March 3 and 4.

“After the weekend result I feel we can make the podium,” said Miller. “We have just got to keep our heads screwed on and remain consistent.”

The North Island title was a first for both men. It was Miller’s first as a rider — he won the title twice as a swinger for father Deane — and it was Arnaboldi’s first “Island” crown.

Picture by Liam Clayton