Motorsport: Champ Steiner faces big test

Rotorua's Bryce Steiner will try to keep his World Invitation 240s Superstock Championships crown tomorrow night. Photo / Ben Fraser

Local driver Bryce Steiner has his work cut out for him this weekend if he wants to defend his crown at the World Invitation 240s Superstock Championships in Rotorua.

The big event being held tonight and tomorrow is in its 12th year at Paradise Valley Raceway and attracts the best drivers from across the country.

Three overseas drivers are also entered this year, from the Netherlands, Scotland and England, as well as defending champion Steiner (Rotorua). A record field of 76 superstocks will compete, making things even tougher for the top drivers.

Rotorua Stockcar Club host the big event and promotions manager Sonja Hickey said the world 240s moved here from Palmerston North in 2005. She said it has since become one of the biggest stockcar events in the country.

"The New Zealand Superstock Championships, which was held last weekend, is the big one but the world 240s runs a close second.

"At the end of its tenure in Palmerston North it had lost a bit of its appeal but it has really grown again in Rotorua," she said.

"You get all the top guys coming and we have the one and two in New Zealand coming while the [number three in New Zealand] is injured from last weekend."

Nelson's Shane Harwood won the New Zealand title last weekend in Taranaki and will be one of the drivers to watch at Paradise Valley Speedway.

Tonight will see 71 superstocks racing to qualify for tomorrow's 26-strong final. .

The final will include three races and the winner will be the driver with the highest amount of points after those three races.

The three internationals, defending champion Steiner and another seeded driver Thomas Stanaway (Hawke's Bay) have already earned their spot in the 26-car final.

A teams race between Rotorua and Huntly will also be staged tomorrow night.

Spectators are encouraged to bring a gold coin as the Rotorua Stockcar Club will be raising money to support children with cancer. Racing starts at 7pm both nights and is due to finish around 10.30pm.