JODY SCOTT
Milestone Homes Top of the South Speedway kicked off the new season in style, with stirring racing in the Stock Car and Streetstock grades giving the wall a fair battering, while a strong field of Super Stocks relished perfect track conditions.
The open-wheel classes were hotly contested with close racing throughout the night. The Youth Ministocks attracted full fields as experienced drivers battled for early-season honours while newcomers found their feet. Referees had the final say in some race results, setting the standard for the season ahead.
The pits were buzzing with an influx of new drivers, while several familiar faces returned to the track, creating the biggest season-opening meeting in the club's history.
Trackman trophies were up for grabs across all grades, with drivers eager to bank silverware early in the season. The prestigious John Pomeroy Trophy was also on offer for the club's competitor of the night.
The Youth Ministocks required a four-race format because of the large field. Regular visitors Jaxon Dacombe and Tate Carpenter picked up wins, while Locky Martin claimed the other two races, including the final after referees relegated the original winner. Locky secured the Trackman Trophy ahead of Tate and Jaxon, while eight new drivers made their debuts.
Production Saloons look set for another competitive season. Visitor David Allan claimed overall honours ahead of Easton Salter and Geoff Watson. Geoff won the opening race, David took heat two and Eddie Frans heat three. A couple of cars tangled in the third heat, producing the only notable incident of the class's programme.
The Quarter Midgets punched well above their weight with dynamic racing throughout the night. Darcy Rasmussen emerged on top but was pushed all the way by Greymouth's Braye Thompson and local driver Blake Stilwell in the feature race, laying the foundation for more close contests this season.
The TQs were dominated by visitors from Greymouth, with Kohen Thompson winning the feature race in his new car. The current Nelson club champion edged fellow clubmate Cameron McKenzie, while local Jonti Austin finished third after leaving last season's reliability issues behind him.
Steve Soper made a successful return to the Streetstocks. Based in Perth, he won the opening heat but was later disqualified. Survival proved critical as the second heat featured plenty of carnage, leaving several cars stranded on the infield.
The battle for overall honours came down to Laurie Harrington and Shane Chapman, who were tied on points heading into the final heat. Both survived the late-race chaos, but Shane's third-place finish, one spot ahead of Laurie, was enough to secure the Trackman Trophy. Ashburton visitor Mason Bland won the final heat and finished third overall.
The Stock Car drivers made their intentions clear from the opening corner. Returning driver Cody Teece found the tank of Kynan Robinson and attempted to steer him toward the wall in the race's first turn.
It proved only the beginning of a bruising night as the battle for survival intensified. In the end, the contest came down to 3NZ Riley Eathorne and veteran Adam Hall, who spent the evening moving rivals aside in pursuit of victory. Riley edged Adam by a single point, while Blenheim's Jacob Lutherus finished third after absorbing several heavy hits.
The Super Stocks belonged to Alex Hill. His battle with wife Alicia in the opening heat drew a strong response from spectators as they crossed the finish line first and second.
Ben Taylor continued to impress in his recently acquired car, while Callum Russ was pleased to avoid the flat-tyre troubles that have hampered previous campaigns. Blake Hearne lost a wing during the opening race, but strong numbers across the class point to a promising season ahead. Alex won overall from Ben and Callum.
Riley was awarded the John Pomeroy Trophy as the club's Competitor of the Night.
Track staff were also praised for producing an excellent racing surface, helping deliver an action-packed opening night. Attention now turns to the next meeting, where the Coca-Cola Fireworks event will add colour to what is already shaping as an exciting season.
