The curtain will come down on the season at Milestone Homes Top of the South Speedway on Easter Sunday night, with a packed programme set to round out months of racing.
The Easter Extravaganza combines grade points from the two nights of racing at Renwick’s Eastern States Speedway on Friday and Saturday, while Streetstocks will contest their rain-affected New Zealand Grand Prix. A strong field is expected in Nelson.
Nelson Knight Streetstock drivers have had a demanding month on the road. The team raced in Christchurch at the State of Origin event, before travelling to Stratford a week later where they won the teams event. A trip to Dunedin followed last week for the East Coast teams competition, but an on-track incident forced the meeting to end early.
Some drivers will return to Dunedin in a couple of weeks for the Battle of the Streetstocks, while others will head to Greymouth.
Super Stock drivers Shane Harewood and Alex Hill travelled south for the Battle of the Stocks, while Connor Rangi finished second at the New Zealand Sprint Car Grand Prix at Ruapuna.
Youth Ministock driver Locky Martin won the third race of the New Zealand v Australia youth challenge in Tauranga, helping the New Zealand team secure the Trans-Tasman Trophy.
The Queen of the Clay title in Nelson went to Christchurch’s Shinae McNally, with clubmates Brook McPherson second and Kahn Wheeler third. It was another strong meeting for the women, who were not afraid to use the bumpers and will be keen to return next season.
The Mike Greer Homes (Nelson) South Island Quarter Midget Series has concluded, with local driver Darcey Rasmussen taking out the series title. Clubmate Bailey Bensemann finished second overall after winning the feature on the night. Blake Stilwell placed fifth overall, with Leila Harper sixth.
Experience won out in the Production Saloons Old v Youth competition, with the Dad’s Army line-up of Eddie Frans, Richard Ross, David Allen and Geoff Watson beating their younger counterparts to take home the sashes.
Taylor Lynch won the Streetstock Closed Club Championship from Cody McCarrison, with Richard Bateman third. Alex Hill claimed the Super Stock version, ahead of Shane Harewood in second and Ben Taylor third in his new car.
Cort Higgins paired with Aimee Burson to win the best pairs Youth Ministock competition, while Courtney Sutton took out the Princess of the Clay title.
The South Island TQ title went to Kihikihi’s Regan Tyler, ending Jeremy Webb’s run of eight consecutive titles. Jeremy finished second, with 2NZ Lachy Brett third.
The final meeting begins at 5pm on Easter Sunday, with gates open from 4pm. Tickets can be pre-purchased via the Nelson Speedway website or from the kiosk at Richmond Mall.
