Oval Superstars Tour coming to Rotorua

Current New Zealand mini-sprint champion Jamie Larsen will race in Rotorua next month as part of the Oval Superstars Tour.

Rotorua speedway fans will be treated to one night of full-throttle action next month when a new series rolls into town. For the first time, the national Oval Superstars Tour will host its 4th Annual Oval Open event at Paradise Valley Raceway.

The Oval Open, which kick-starts the Oval Superstars Tour every year, is set to debut at Rotorua's speedway, the third host track in four years.

The event has previously been hosted in Wellington and Palmerston North and is a key part of the tour.

Oval Superstars promoter James Hadley said he was excited to bring the tour to Rotorua for the first time.

"The whole idea with this event is that we can take it just about anywhere, keep the same branding and start the season in style."

The Oval Superstars Tour was launched in 2013 with the idea of promoting the mini-sprint speedway class to a higher level, growing the driver base within the class and lifting the level of competition even higher.

Twenty-six drivers have signed up for the tour this season, however local drivers will still play a part.

"We've always allowed local drivers to take part in our tour events," Hadley said.

"It allows them to see what the events are all about and a lot of these drivers move on to competing full time the following season.

"It also gives them a chance to compete in a large field in front of their home town fans."

In terms of quality of drivers, it doesn't get any bigger.

All three tour series champions have confirmed their attendance in the series, Cameron Hurley, Jade Barnett and defending champion Dean Cooper.

On top of this, two-time and current New Zealand champion Jamie Larsen has signed with the tour for the first time.

Fans are encouraged to keep up to date with Oval Superstars on Facebook and come and chat to the drivers and teams at the events.

"We will have posters and merchandise available this season and our drivers are always more than happy to talk to fans young and old," Hadley said.

The Oval Superstars Tour and the Oval Open will be hosted by Paradise Valley Raceway on Saturday, November 12.

The night will also feature a full schedule of races including super-stocks, stock-cars and street-stocks.