Milestone Homes Top of the South Speedway has wrapped up its season in spectacular fashion, with the Easter Extravaganza delivering a packed night of racing and a strong South Island contingent, plus three saloons making the trip south from the North Island.
The track was in peak condition for a busy programme that featured combined weekend series racing with Eastern States Speedway, alongside several Easter titles. One of the standout moments came in the Super Saloon grade, where a gripping multi-lap duel between Ian Burson and Palmerston North’s Peter Bengsten had the crowd on its feet.
The Quarter Midgets were dominated by Bailey Bensemann in his final meeting in the grade. Bailey claimed his second feature win in as many weeks and completed a perfect night by winning all three races. Greymouth’s Lakyn Thompson finished second, with Ben Stilwater third.
A clean sweep was also the story in the TQ class, with six-time New Zealand champion Jeremy Webb back to his best. Jeremy won all three races and was untouchable in the feature. Lachy Brett finished second, with Kynan Bezett third.
The Productions ran both club and series competitions. The Easter title went to youngster Eastern Salter, ahead of Shaun Heath in second and David Allen in third. David claimed the overall series win, with Brett Allen second and Richard Ross third.
More than 30 Youth Ministocks were entered again, following three nights of racing for the Easter series. Local Kade Taylor secured the title with a 10-point margin over Blenheim’s Tate Carpenter, while Scarlett Gray finished third.
The Super Stocks field was bolstered by the return of Dale McKenzie in the 85n car, while several teams used guest drivers, including Brendan “Hurricane” Higgins driving his son’s car. A blind best pairs event was run alongside the Easter championships. Blake Hearne picked up both top sashes, along with pairs partner Ben Taylor. Brendan finished second in both formats with Jason Moir, while Dale claimed third in both events with Callum Russ. Russ was rolled in heat two after contact with Taylor.
Stock Cars competed for both triples and Easter series points. The series podium was an all-Blenheim affair, with Melissa Gifford finishing third in her final meeting in Nelson before retiring. Jack Rarity placed second, while Troy Cleveland claimed the series title. The bling triples title went to Rarity and Cleveland, with Braden Lawton completing the trio.
The Street Stocks contested the Ian Musgrove Memorial Trophy, combining results from Friday night in Blenheim and Sunday in Nelson. Presented by Lyn and Kayla Musgrove, the trophy was fittingly won by son-in-law Cody McCarrison. Ryan Musgrove finished second, with Canterbury driver Mike Jones third. The Easter title went to reigning one New Zealand champion Paul Leslie, with Cody second and Ryan third.
Super Saloons were joined by the Saloon Cars for some dynamic racing. Peter Bengsten’s new Longhorn Super Saloon claimed the club Super Saloon championship, ahead of Shane McIntyre in second and Ian Burson in third. The Easter series title was taken out by Corey McQuillan, with Trevor Elliott second and Jack Burson third.
It was a fitting finale to the Nelson season. Racing returns in October, with the 84th New Zealand Midget Championship and the New Zealand Sprint Car Grand Prix among the feature events.
