Team stocked up for champs

The Wanganui Warriors team and supporters are primed for war in the coveted New Zealand Super Stock Teams Championship in Palmerston North at the weekend. The team is (from left) Mike Paul, Shane Stone, Blair Symes, Shaun Smith, Ian Barron, Geoff Davies, mascot Rebecca Hartley, Richard Nessling, Daryl Taylor and Steve Heibner. Absent: Bevan Humphrey and Kyle Heibner. Photo/Rae Cliffe

Wanganui Warriors have possibly the best shot yet when they do battle in the most coveted trophy on the New Zealand Super Stocks calendar at the weekend.

The five-strong team take on 11 other stockcar teams from throughout the country in the New Zealand Super Stocks Team Championship, including the seemingly invincible Palmerston Panthers who have won the last eight on the trot.

Warriors manager Steve Heibner said the team included five drivers, five cars and a reserve driver just in case of injury or illness.

"This is the most important event on the New Zealand super stock calendar - the one everyone tries to win and I'm confident the Warriors will be fielding the strongest team in some years," he said.

"But we are up against the Palmerston Panthers who have won the last eight in a row, the Manawatu Mustangs and the Glen Eagles from Christchurch.

"This event is extremely popular among the racing fraternity and traditionally attracts 15,000 to 20,000 spectators each night of the competition."

The team consist of drivers Kerry Podjursky, Dion Mooney, Ian Barron, Heibner's son Kyle Heibner and Bevan Humphrey. The reserve is Daryl Taylor.

"There's a lot of experience and talent in the team and we'll be giving it our best shot."

Heibner said while the Wanganui drivers and their vehicles were primed, they could not compete without massive support from local businesses and individuals.

"I'm pleased to say a lot of Wanganui businesses have got behind the team - it's an expensive sport and we certainly couldn't stage a challenge if it wasn't for that support," Heibner said.

The supporters include representatives from a wide range of Wanganui industry, while the pit crew include talented mechanics and engineers well capable of carrying out rapid repairs to damaged gear to keep the team mobile over the two nights of competition.

The event starts on Friday and runs through until Saturday night in Palmerston North from 7pm both evenings.