The Palmerston North Pumas stockcar team proved why they are the New Zealand champions when they dismantled the Wanganui Vulcans in a brutal contest at Wanganui's Oceanview Speedway on Saturday night.
The Vulcans had been keen to avenge their loss to the Pumas in the final last month in Palmerston North - and also anxious to get back the Roger Love Memorial Trophy which was up for grabs.
The black-bodied Pumas, however, went about their work in a very committed manner as they removed the Vulcans runners inside the first two laps with both Blair Lockett and Hilton Parker being disabled. This left the experienced Graeme Ward to streak clear with team-mate Gavin Taniwha providing valuable cover.
As much as the likes of Dion Mooney and Kyle Heibner tried to halt the Pumas lead cars, they never able to deliver the decisive blow.
Francis Potaka was able to finally nail Ward in the final lap, but Taniwha took over and sprinted for the chequered flag.