The Stratford Speedway season was officially concluded last Saturday night when the end of season prizegiving was held at the War Memorial Centre in Stratford.
It was an event to recognise competitors for their achievements locally, those who achieved results at national titles and also the staff and volunteers who dedicate their time to the Taranaki Stockcar Club.
The club is in good health with a great culture and this was evident on the night with close to 250 people being in attendance, the biggest prizegiving in recent history.
The event also signalled an end to the club’s 60th anniversary of racing and featured the inaugural Stratford Speedway Staff and Volunteer Awards. With so many people giving up their time most Saturday nights in summer, it is fitting to celebrate not only the drivers but these people as well as the participation of all is what creates the show each race night.
The 2023/2024 season at Stratford Speedway was one of the biggest in recent years with six national titles that were run in Stratford - the Five Star Liquor New Zealand Stockcar Championship, Plant & Fabrication Services New Zealand Modified Championship, M.C Fale Transport North Island Saloon Championship, Sentry Hill Motel New Zealand Saloon Grand Prix, Zodiac Signs/Noonan Contracting New Zealand Minisprint Championship and the Mowtika Lawns and Maintenance New Zealand Stockcar Grand Prix. Some Taranaki drivers featured on the podium at these events whilst others placed in the top three at other tracks.
