JODY SCOTT
The Richmond Exhaust and Radiator Specialists New Zealand Streetstock Championship will launch the New Year at Milestone Homes Top of the South Speedway, with competitors from across the country ready to bend steel in pursuit of the elusive 1nz on their cars.
Winning will take more than speed. Tactics, teamwork and a bit of luck will play a big part. Drivers need to stay out of trouble, keep tyres inflated and know who they can trust on the track.
The title was last raced in Nelson in 2014 when Dunedin’s Paul Simon claimed his second national championship. Dunedin drivers have dominated recently, winning three of the last four titles. Their chances remain strong with 20 drivers attending, while Canterbury leads the tally with 10 past champions and 22 cars entered.
Defending champion Jareb Verdoner returns alongside previous winners Simon Bland, Paul Leslie and Allan Finch. Recent placegetters Benji Smaill, Steve Dryden, Mike Jones and local Cody McCarrison will also be aiming for top spots. Qualifying night will be crucial before the championship heats unfold.
Local hopes are high. Ryan Musgrove’s new wagon is flying, and Perry Soper has one of the fastest cars on the track. Multiple podium finishes show he has the pace if he can stay clear of trouble. Current South Island and Tri-Series champion Ben Jenkins is another strong contender, backed by his Dunedin club mates.
There’s plenty of history among the field. Steve boasts more than 50 years of speedway experience, Simon won his title in 2009, and Dunedin’s Matt Stewart was third at the NZ GP that same year. Matt came close to winning in Blenheim in 2023 until Simon spun him in the final heat – watch for that rematch.
Qualifying takes place Friday night with cars split into four groups for three races. The top six in each group progress, with two more spots decided in a high-intensity reperchage to complete the 26-car championship field. Three heats on Saturday night will crown the 2026 champion. Non-qualifiers will contest their own championship, which promises to be just as fierce.
Super Saloons return to Nelson for the SuperCup series, featuring 1nz Mark Osborne and local favourite Ian Burson. Youth Ministocks will provide fill-in races, and Super Stocks will have a final hit-out before their Wellington title bid next week.
Tickets can be pre-purchased online via the Nelson Speedway website or at the Richmond Mall kiosk. Gates open at 4pm with racing from 5pm both nights. No deck chairs are allowed below the top-level seating due to expected crowds. Championship T-shirts can be ordered online.
