Races show future in good hands

BRIGHT FUTURE: The young drivers involved in the Heavy Equipment Services ministock Eastland 100 on Saturday night at the Eastland Group Raceway demonstrated clearly with their skiful driving that NZ speedway has a bright future. Mount racer Todd Hemmingway(88M) is pictured here leading the field in a race earlier this season. He deservedly won the title on Saturday night. Picture by Liam Clayton

OUT-of-town drivers stole the thunder in the Heavy Equipment Services Eastland Ministocks 100 at the Eastland Group Raceway on Saturday night and the production saloons again emphasised the emergence of that class.

Todd Hemingway (88M) from Mt Maunganui emerged from the three qualifying heats and the final to take away the ministock title with a superb display of skill.

He won the senior final from Huntly’s Dylan Marshall (57H).

“Those kids proved once again that there are some skilful young drivers out there,” Gisborne Speedway Club vice-president Dean Quinn said.

“There will certainly be a couple of 1NZs come out of that group at some stage in some race class in the future.”

The best of the Gisborne drivers was Bailey Curtis (21G).

“Bailey drove well all night and was always on the pace,” Quinn said.

Curtis’s effort in the third qualifying heat stood out. He started from well back in the 18-car field to finish fifth.

Gisborne driver Samantha Durston (177G) took her second tumble on the track but fortunately emerged unhurt.

“Sammy rolled her car in Turn 4 in her first heat,” Quinn said.

“She got out OK, which was a relief, but unfortunately her car was damaged and she could take no further part in the night.”

Rolled the carDurston also rolled her car last season.

The production saloons produced another memorable series of races in the support class.

“They were going exceptionally fast; the track obviously suited them,” Quinn said.

“The leaders were changing in every race, which was really good to see, and it was also good to see Crystal Peach (10G) keep her dad Dave Gooch (95G) honest.”

Gooch’s best drive was in Race 4, when he came through the field in thrilling style, only to have a wheel come off his car as he closed on first place.

Dylan Quinn (7G) took out the production saloon feature with his best drive of the night.

The Gisborne Motorcycle Sports Club put on a good show.

“Everyone had a great time racing on a well-presented banked track,” club spokesman Rockie Ellmers said.

“Senior open racer Daniel Fogarty (Yamaha YZF450) stamped his mark as the oval king with four wins out of four.

“It wasn’t all plain sailing for Fogarty, as Troy Andrews (Yamaha YZ125) and Jamie Hei (KTM450) threw everything at him.”

Andrews dominates classJunior racer and double classing Troy Andrews dominated the junior class with four well-deserved wins, despite Sophie Peach’s best efforts on her Honda CRF150.

“The mini class was all go, with Luka Fogarty and TK Hei, both on KTM 65s, battling it out all night,” Ellmers said.

“They both won two races each.

“We would like to thank the speedway club for inviting us to race at their great venue.”

ResultsSenior Ministock 100: Todd Hemingway (88M) 1; Dylan Marshall (57H) 2; Dion Hendersen (45K) 3.

Junior ministock 100: Ben Morrison (35A) 1; Luke McClymont (5M) 2; Kaylee Brooks (21A) 3.

Production saloons — Race 1: Crystal Peach (10G) 1; Dave Gooch (95g) 2; Fraser Wright (44g) 3. Race2: Dave Gooch 1; Wright 2; Anton McKay (17G) 3. Race 3: Dylan Quinn (7G) 1; Rex Briant (6G) 2; Peach 3. Race 4: Ayton McKay 1; Wright 2; Matt Schultz (18G) 3.

The next Eastland Group Raceway meeting will be on February 11, with special features being monster trucks and a demolition derby.