Young drivers head for showdown with Aussies

If you're looking for a way to spend your Sunday afternoon, head to Whangarei Speedway on Port Rd for some Aussie versus Kiwi mini-stock action.

The transtasman showdown will see an international "test" between up-and-coming youth mini-stock drivers.

While Northland does not have any drivers in the test, it has adopted an Auckland driver who regularly appears on Northland speedways. Luke Brown, 16, is a regular on Northland tracks and will captain the New Zealand team in his third time out for the challenge.

Brown's advice to his team is to focus on consistency instead of heroics, which can go pear-shaped.

Brown believes it should be a real showdown as both teams on paper look to be equal.

He has been racing for four years and, in a successful 2012, was crowned champion for Whangarei and the North Island.

The only other New Zealand team member who is seen regularly around Northland tracks is Ben Neave.

The New Zealand and Australian mini-stock teams have been racing each other in a transtasman challenge for about 10 years, alternating between racing in Perth and New Zealand.

Each team consists of six drivers, with cars being supplied by the host country.