Speed and thrills galore

Two days. Two rallies. Two hills. A whole lot of fun.

Wanganui Car Club's first speed weekend for 2013 went very well up the Pukerimu Rd and the popular Okoia Rd hill climbs at the weekend.

Around 23 cars took part in Saturday's racing at Kai Iwi, with more on Sunday.

Competing across seven classes by engine size, the hopes of breaking the 58 second record on Pukerimu Hill were tempered by overnight rain drivers looking to do a good drive of 1m 05s with average times likely around 1m 11s to 1m 12s.

"There's more grip than what you'd think, it's quite a coarse chip so it's not too bad," said club captain Stu Robertson.

Eight-year club veteran John Gray had some simple goals.

"Keep the car on the road, off the fences and out of the gullies."

Owner of four racing cars, most of the classic variety, at the weekend he was taking his DX Corolla for a spin. The plan was to stay in one piece before entering the winter series at Manfeild.

There his turbo engine will test his driving skills given that at up to 4000 revs Gray is dealing with 100 horsepower, but when the counter clicks over 4001 revs then suddenly it's 350hp.

"So that's a bit different to these old cars I like to drive," he said.

The weekend saw winners named on both days' driving, as well as overall points leaders.

Wanganui Car Club hopes to hold two more speed weekends this year.