Powerhouse Gisborne challenge to be launched at World 240s Superstock Championship

Gisborne Speedway Club member Josh Prentice took out the 2025 World 240s Superstocks Championship in Rotorua and will be in the hunt in the 40th anniversary of the champs this weekend. Photo / Graham Hughes-Sportsweb Photography

Recent history strongly suggests ‘G’ cars will be prominent at the 40th anniversary World 240s Superstocks Invitational at Paradise Valley Speedway in Rotorua this weekend.

Gisborne Speedway Club drivers have won the prestigious title the past three years – Josh Prentice in 2025, Jamie Hamilton 2024 and Ethan Rees 2023.

Rees and Prentice are among the eight Gisborne drivers expected to be right among the action again, hard on the heels of the New Zealand Superstock Championships in Wellington last weekend.

Rees, who swapped his 127G for 2NZG after a superb runner-up performance in Wellington, and Prentice (5G) are back for another 240s title bid, along with Peter Rees (10G), who won the title racing for Palmerston North in 2011, Asher Rees (126G), Tim Ross (144G), Brad McGee (96G), James Clarke (81G) and Regan Penn (235G).

The others on the NZ Championship podium last weekend – 1NZV Brad Uhlenberg and 3NZP William Humphries – will also be in Rotorua.

Overseas drivers expected are 5GB Charlie Sworder, 175GB Karl Hawkins, 515GB Frankie Wainman Jnr, 555 Frankie Wainman Jnr Jnr and H14 Rick Wobbes. All pre-qualified for the event.

More than 90 drivers will be vying for the coveted title over the two nights.

“It’s practically another New Zealand superstocks title,” said Gisborne Speedway Club president Sam Hughes, who has opted not to go over due to the gorge closure.

“It’s a good opportunity for the overseas drivers to prepare themselves for the upcoming Superstock Team Championship.

“You can expect full-on racing for the two nights, and good luck to the Gisborne guys racing over there. The club wishes them all the best.”

Qualifying is on Friday night and finals are on Saturday night.