Nelson’s premier fireworks show returns to Nelson Speedway this Saturday night, supported by the 14n Martin Racing team in association with Coca-Cola - the annual fireworks display is a crowd favourite for all kids, big and small.
The November 5th show is all about the kids and the “Bike Race” is happening once again, a chance for boys and girls of all ages to do a lap on the clay oval in front of family and friends. To register head to the club Facebook page or website for details.
Nelson Speedway also support the Child Cancer Foundation with buckets going around the track throughout the night, the club has had a long history supporting such a worthy cause and every little bit helps.
The club has both youth grades racing, the Ministocks have been an integral part of the Nelson club, boys and girls aged between 12 and 16 can race in the grade, many of our star drivers started in the youth class.
Former NZ Stock car champion Ben Smith was one who pedalled a Ministock before moving to the Stock cars, after a year off he returns to the track this season in one of the most impressive Super Stocks in the country, a new car built by Brendon “Hurricane” Higgins with input from Tony Frost and the Smith family, it’s a real head-turner. It has the potential to be as iconic as Craig Boote’s legendary championship-winning car. They both have the same engine builder and while Ben’s car is only one meeting old, its future looks bright.
The Quarter Midgets have only been racing at the club for three years but numbers have quickly grown. Kids from as young as eight can race in the class, with the exit age at 15 as they race at a variety of tracks including Christchurch and Greymouth. There are several family members competing in the grade, brothers Locky and Taylor Martin, Kohen and Lakyn Thompson and brother/sister combo of Meneka and Mack Rawson. Conley Webley travelled to Western Springs in Auckland last year for a podium placing in the grade and has a Youth Ministock, so does double duty on race nights.
The gates open at 5pm with racing starting at 6pm, entry tickets can now be purchased online via the Facebook page and website. The fireworks normally start just after 9pm, depending on darkness and airport flight clearance. There is an opportunity to go into the pits prior to racing and after, once the pits are safe.
There is a track shop to purchase a variety of items and the club has a Junior Members Club that provides a range of activities throughout the race season. The race programme has a pull-out poster inside and a lucky number for a chance to win an adult pass for the following meeting. There's plenty of food available around the track or you’re welcome to bring your own, so sit back and relax with family and friends as the night sky lights up with Nelson’s #1 fireworks display.
