Jason Long.
The loud cheers were a clue and the content of his acceptance speech was another ... Magpie Jason Long deserved to be the inaugural winner of the NZME Peoples Choice award.
Long, 24, who is also well known for his speedway pursuits, was quick to thank Palmerston North couple Graeme
and Bev Malton who brought him his first ministock in his teenage years. They were like surrogate parents to Long and his brother Jeremy and they transported them to meetings around the country when Long's parents, Murray and Fiona, were too busy working.
Long was equally quick to praise his parents and superstock crew for their contribution.
"When the rugby and speedway seasons over lap I dash from my club game on a Saturday out to Meeanee and my car is all set up and ready to go. I think I'm the only one who can turn up out there and have his car ready to drive."
Hawke's Bay Rugby Union development officer Long finished second in the New Zealand Superstock Championship at Stratford earlier this year to Nelson's Shane Harwood.
