Speedway fans prepare for season's smashing finale

It will be the last chance to smash up their saloons, motor in their minis, and laugh uproariously at the plight of the rookies as Oceanview Speedway wraps up its 2012-13 season tomorrow evening.

There will be superstocks, stockcars, ministocks, sidecars and pro saloons on show, including the traditional demolition derby and Karl Barritt Memorial as the highlights of the evening.

Saloon driver Tony Ohlson said about 20 drivers were expected in their events, with a strong contingent of about nine coming from Stratford and seven from Wellington.

Locals will include Ohlson, Grant Loveridge and Keith Davies, who will be dashing back from competing at the Manawatu saloon championships today.

As the nearby speedways also wrap up their seasons, the Wanganui men will be off to the Hawke's Bay meeting with whatever is left of their cars next weekend.

Drivers to look for from Stratford include Ash Cook and Mark Hinton. A strong Wellington contingent can also be expected in the minisprints in Wanganui tomorrow evening.

Shane Simpson (4W), James Hadley (11W), Kings Speedway promotor Scott Woodhouse (26W) and Nathan Timoko (44W) will all be there and looking to take the races away from the locals.

Simpson has had a solid 2012-13 season taking top points at Wellington Speedway, winning the Manawatu champs, second in Taranaki, third in both the NZ Grand Prix and Windy City Showdown, plus fifth equal at the NZ Champs.

That's the top guys, but be prepared to smirk at some first-timers. Three intrepid members of the Wanganui Chronicle will be taking on a team from More FM in a special invitation race.

With the mandate that no experience is allowed, a ballot to find the best newspaper motorheads was held at the offices of the Chronicle last week, with the appropriately named "winners" chosen on Tuesday.

Judy Crow, Parita Pathak and Sandra Rickey will be taking on the best of the airwaves crew tomorrow afternoon, with a trophy to the winning team. The family event starts at 3pm at Oceanview.

Tickets are $15 for adults, children 8-14 pay $5, family passes are $35 while under 8s get in free.

If the weather is wet, check www.oceanviewspeedway.co.nz or listen to Classic Hits for details.