SHANE HURNDELL
As caddie for the world's No. 1 golfer Tiger Woods, Steve Williams knows all about the pressure associated with chasing huge prizemoney.
Tonight in the second round of the DHL Saloon Car Speed Week at Meeanee's ZM Speedway, Williams will be chasing prizemoney of a different kind and to him
there's no pressure involved.
Williams admits the New Zealand speedway scene is a form of relaxation for him, a break from the pressure of lugging golf bags around the world's top courses and being Woods' confidante. Despite his relaxed approach, Williams is the New Zealand Super Saloon champion and is also pretty handy with his other Ford Mustang in the class, which is the feature attraction tonight.
While the $32,000 prizemoney up for grabs in the seven-meeting Speed Week, which began last night in Gisborne and ends in Rotorua on January 1, is pocket money to Williams it's a huge incentive to his 15 rivals. They also have the chance to beat one of New Zealand's most recognised sports personalities in Williams - something to boast about to their grandchildren in years to come.
Mount Maunganui's Phil Towgood beat Williams regularly last summer to win the series and will be among the fancied starters tonight. Others include Mount Maunganui veteran Murray Guy, Wellingtonian Owen Larsen and Kihi Kihi's Ross Cresswell, who won the Hawke's Bay championship this season.
The 16 saloon drivers will race in two reverse marble 12-lap heats, followed by two six-lap eight-car dashes and a 15-lap feature which will decide the round winner. Super stocks, stockcars, TQs, Kiwi Lites and mini stocks will also be racing.
