SMASH ’N’ CRASH

NOSE-TO-tAIL CRUNCH: Action like this will be par for the course when the cars line up tomorrow night for the teams demolition derby at Gisborne Speedway Club’s third meeting of the year. The stockcar classic — with 31 cars entered — will be the other feature of the meeting. File picture by Liam Clayton

SPEEDWAY

THE stockcar classic and teams demolition derby will feature tomorrow night in Gisborne Speedway Club’s third meeting of the year.

As of yesterday, the Sam’s Upholstery and Gisborne Fluid and Machinery Services Stockcar Classic had drawn a field of 31 cars to Eastland Group Raceway.

“We’ve got drivers and cars coming from all over the North Island to again get some practice on the banked track ahead of the New Zealand Grand Prix here next month,” club president Clyde McGrory said.

“They’ll race four heats and points accumulated over those heats will decide the title.”

The field includes former 1NZ Keith Spanhake and Keegan Orr (735R), both of Rotorua.

“Two-time New Zealand champion Mike Herbert (52R) is another hard pedaller, and then there’s Kasey and Clinton Cheetham from Hamilton.

“We’ve got a good line-up of outside cars but the Gisborne guys have been going well, too — the likes of James Clarke (29G), Trevor McArthur (128G), Sam Hughes (18G) and Nick Hutton (56G),” McGrory said.

“I think Gisborne drivers have a good chance of getting on the podium. There will be a dozen of them out there and they’ll have each other’s backs.

“The racing will be hard and fast but they will have to look after their cars and gather points across all four races to stand a chance of getting on the podium.”

The field for the Metalco Teams Demolition Derby stood at three this week but it’s now back to two.

“The winning team of five cars will be the last team standing over the three races,” McGrory said.

“Even with two teams it will be well worth watching. With just two teams, it is a bit harder for the drivers.

“It’s one-team-on-one so there’ll be nowhere to hide.”

The Professional Fire and Fleet Maintenance Production Saloon Championships have drawn a 13-car field headed by Anton Mckay (17G) and son Seth in 48G.

“Both those guys have been racing well,” McGrory said.

“They were really consistent across the first two meetings.

“Given it’s their home track, they have a really good chance of getting on the podium.”

Several drivers from Hawke’s Bay will be in the field. They include former Gisborne driver Tanga Walsh (96B) in Crystal Peach’s old car.

“We cannot forget Lloyd Stuart in 34G,” McGrory said.

“He’s always right there.”

The support programme includes youth ministocks and streetstocks.

“We’ve had an excellent start to the season,” McGrory said.

“We thank the public for supporting us in the great way they have this season.

“That helps us keep the cars going and wheels turning.

“We look forward to seeing everyone again tomorrow night.”

Gates to the speedway open at 5pm and the first race starts at 6pm.