Speedway: Saloons blow out in jostle for flag

The CTRA North Island Saloons and CTRA North Island B Saloons Championships were hotly contested at Taipa Speedway, wrapping up a day of exciting racing.

On Saturday, the CTRA North Island Limited Saloons starting line-up included John "The Hustler" Hussey, Ray "He who Dares" Dare, Roy "Inchman" Walker, Terry Grigg, Nick Caldwell, and Keith Wilson.

In the first round, Hussey executed a flawless inside pass under Walker to lead to the chequered flag. Dare retired with only one lap to go after his driveshaft blew apart.

Round two saw Walker drive from the rear of the field. Walker challenged and passed Grigg for the lead on the outside, even though his set-up was a little tight, and he was raising the left front wheel on the corners.

Hussey and Wilson chased Walker in the third and final round, when Wilson blew a radiator hose amid a cloud of trailing steam and retired. Grigg moved up to challenge Hussey but could not pass. Walker led all the way to the win.

The CTRA North Island B Saloons starting line-up included Roger Frear, Arran Johnston, Craig Nash, and Grant Kidd.

In round one, Craig Nash moved through the field to lead Johnston to the chequered flag. Frear led Nash to the flag in round two, while round three saw some door handle to door handle racing between Nash and Frear, with Nash emerging the victor.

In other grades, a rare treat was observed when "Mad" Max Andresen drove Grant Kidd's Nissan Skyline in the Men's Production grade, as though he was driving a super saloon. Taipa's excellently prepared, smooth and grippy track helped Andresen to drive through the corners in spectacular fashion. Newcomer, Allan Hallett, in Mens C-grade, notched up his first win and a bucket of water, while John Hussey won the Shell Taipa All-In.