Podium for two Gisborne teams

SIDECAR ACTION: Two Gisborne teams made the podium at the “King of Rosebank” meeting in Auckland on Sunday. The podium line-up is (from left) Aucklanders Andy Parker and Russell Stuart, who were first; Steve Krynicki, half of the third-placed duo; and runners-up Rob and Deane Miller. Absent: Hamish White. Pictures by Kenneth Fox Digital Imagery

GISBORNE sidecar racers Deane and Rob Miller and Steve Krynicki and Hamish White finished on the podium at the “King of Rosebank” meeting in Auckland on Sunday.

The Millers finished runners-up and the other pairing were third at the end of “very tight” racing.

The highly successful father-and-son pairing came together again to have a crack at the King of Rosebank title, the only one they had not previously won.

“We won all four of our qualifying races to make the final,” Rob Miller said.

“But we had issues with our bike in the last qualifying race.

“We thought we’d fixed the fault but it reoccurred in the final and that cost us the top spot on the podium.

“We managed to limp home in second place.”

Despite the result, they were both thrilled to race together again.

“Dad loved it.”

Steve Krynicki, previously from Auckland and now living in Gisborne, will race for the Gisborne Speedway Club this season.

He teamed up with Miller junior’s usual swinger, Hamish White, on Sunday.

“They went really well and thoroughly deserved third spot,” Rob Miller said.

The third combination with a Gisborne connection also made the final four.

“Callum Innes from here rode with Troy Devery from Hawke’s Bay and they got a couple of firsts and other top placings in qualifying.”

They finished fourth in the final.

Retirement from the sport has not lasted long for Miller senior.

“Dad has decided to come out of retirement and have some fun this season,” his son said.

“He will ride on a casual basis with a couple of young swingers to get them into the sport.”

Miller junior and White will race together again this season.

“We’re looking forward to it.”

The pair will race in Palmerston North this weekend.