Speedway: National titles up for grabs at Whangarei Speedway

Whangarei Speedway president Rex Roycroft said entry numbers look good for their event tomorrow. PHOTO/JOHN STONE

Three national titles are up for grabs at Whangarei Speedway's two-day meet, making for some exciting racing.

The Super Saloons, B Grade Saloons and Mini Stocks New Zealand titles will be raced for on Saturday - weather permitting - and entries look strong for all seven divisions racing.

Whangarei Speedway president Rex Roycroft said the sponsored event is another showcase of national title races in Whangarei.

"I'm not too sure how many national titles we've had up for grabs here but there has been quite a few in the past.

"There's two different national bodies that essentially do the same thing.

"There's the Circle Track Racing Association (CTRA) and Speedway New Zealand. These are titles under the former banner.

"As it is a sponsored event, there's no competition points up for grabs but there are a bunch of prizes."

There will be plenty of racing over the two days outside the national title events with all grades running three races each. Overall placings are decided at the end of the third race on who has the most points.

The race format for titles is three rounds of 10-lap races.

ATV racing is set to be a feature of the weekend's racing. The ATV Yamaha Cup is up for grabs and is expected to be hotly contested.

Roycroft is excited for the weekend's racing with plenty of entries for the two-day event.

"We've got a real swag of cars coming for the weekend. The pits will be pretty full I'm guessing.

"At least six entries are required to run the title divisions and those entries have to be in a fortnight before in order to have it go ahead. We had enough to secure the races plus I'm sure we'll get on-the-day entries.

"Each club in the North have two-day meets around this time of year. Kaikohe held their one a couple of weeks ago while Dargaville usually have one over Easter.

"Racing starts at 1pm on Saturday and then at 11am on Sunday. With no public holiday on the Monday it allows competitors and supporters from Auckland and beyond the chance to get home at a reasonable hour."

Spectators are welcome. Gate fees cost $10 for adults, $5 for children aged 5-14 while under-5s are free.

A family pass (two adults and four children) costs $30.