Top drivers put pedal to the metal

Oceanview Speedway's season is underway again with the NZ Stockcar GP finals tonight, starting at 7pm. Photo/File

Race is on to qualify for a shot at the national title

The lights are on and it's pedal to the metal for the top drivers in the country who will be aiming to claim the Wanganui Tyres and Alloys NZ Stockcar Grand Prix tonight at Oceanview Speedway.

Opening weekend of the 2013-4 summer season at the Speedway roared into life last night with over 100 drivers entered in the Grand Prix, all trying to qualify for the top 26 drivers to go for the national title this evening. The action was split into four groups of just over 25 drivers each, including 18 Wanganui competitors.

Naturally, Palmerston North had the strongest contingent with 45 entrants, followed by Stratford with 19, as both of their home-based speedways began their seasons late last month.

But far from being just the local or neighbouring provinces race crews, there are another 22 entries from Rotorua, Wellington, Hawkes Bay, Christchurch, Huntly, Auckland, and Bay Park to round out the roster.

In the tight corners with a lot of racing to get through in 48 hours, Oceanview president Alan Luoni was loath to pick a favourite yesterday afternoon, in his own inimitable style. "They're all top guys, anyone that enters has a chance to win. At Oceanview we've got that sharp pit corner that's tough to get through. At Thursday practice, these guys were getting some good times."

After last night's qualifying, the tiers will be split, starting with the top 26 which consists of the best six cars from each of the four groups, along with the next two highest points-getters.

There will be a second tier of 26 cars with the next best points, with the rest in the third tier.

As well as the main event, there are also the minor classes competing tonight, including the West Coast Superstocks, the Youth Ministocks and the Sidecar events.

There are about 17-18 entrants currently signed up for the Superstocks. The action begins this evening at 7pm.

The NZ Stockcar GP entrants by group are:

Group 1: Damian Orr, Mike Gaskin, Ricky Garth, Todd Jenkins, Shane Simpson, Ryan Hunt, Shane Hurley, Daniel Reade, Alec Wilson, Mitchell Hill, Francis Potaka, Mitch Fairhurst, Blair Lockett, Ian Barron, Neil Coley, Andrew Dodunski, Neville Harrod, Chris Hall, Darrell Wallace, Bryn Liddell, Luke Dilworth, Tony Palmer, Ron Tye, Benji Sneddon, Hayden Barker.

Group 2: William Humphries, Jason Fletcher, Dion Mooney, Jamie Baguley, Dan Matthews, Kyle Heibner, Brad Powell, Rob Mason, Wayne Wright, Mark Phipps, Stu Rackham, Sandy Flett, Cameron Renwick, Beatle Tarrant, Tony Norman, Michael Rumney, Jason Wilson, Peter Gordon, Wayne Booker, Jayden Ward, Nathan Black, Asher Rees, Aaron Iremonger, Josh Annabell, Richard Gaskin, Brody Kelsen, Zac Harris.

Group 3: Peter Rees, Stuart Wells, Brett Loveridge, Gary Davis, Damian Mulcahy, Jay Knight, Jordan Dare, Hamish McLeod, Cameron McDonald, Scott McIntosh, Ken Meehan, Kyle Lampp, Dennis Black, Cody Alabaster, Shane Kells, Mark Woods, Todd Duthie, Mark Costello, Gary Lonergan, Colin Cameron, Kevin Goode, Blake Ellett, Ethan Rees, Taylor Lampp, Paul Brockway, Tess Field.

Group 4: Scott Fredrickson, Josh Prentice, Jemma Palmer, Rob Miers, David Gilbert, Mark Duthie, Kieren Hines, Tyler Walker, George Frear, Josh Walsh, Jason Wright, Scott Gallop, Keegan Levien, Nic Gibbons, Richard Black, Bevan Phillips, Kane Hargreaves, Chevron Taniwha, Dale Robertson, Graham Ward, Hilton Parker, Chris Knight, Jonathon Turner, George Roper, Ikey Hautapu, Gary Hobbs.