Gisborne Gladiators ready to rumble at NZ teams champs

Gisborne's Bryce Simpson (98G) and team captain Will Kaa (164G) will be among the action as they battle alongside their Gisborne Gladiators teammates at the New Zealand Stockcar Teams Championships in Rotorua over Friday and Saturday. Photo / Liam Clayton

Gisborne Gladiators are preparing their chariots for battle in the New Zealand Stockcar Teams Championships at Paradise Valley Speedway in Rotorua, starting on Friday.

The Gladiators are among 13 teams in this year’s championship.

They face wheel-to-wheel combat against Wellington Young Guns and Wanganui Vulcans on Friday night in a bid to make the next round.

The top eight teams on points qualify for the title knockout stages on Saturday night while the remaining five teams go into the tier 2 championship.

Scrutineering is being held on the Lakefront in Rotorua at noon on Friday.

Gisborne’s “G” force comprises of 13G Lucas Hey, 48G Josh Mulcahy, 96G Brad McGee, 98G Bryce Simpson, 164G Will Kaa, who is team captain, and 185G Willy Stevenson.

Team manager Jamie Simpson says they have what it takes to do well.

“They have not raced together much but all of them are accomplished drivers, and I think they will be strong,” Simpson said.

“They’ve certainly got good cars, good spares packages and plenty of pits support.

“They are certainly in a good frame of mind heading into the weekend’s action, which is going to be intense.

“Teams events like this always are.”

The competing teams are Gisborne Gladiators, Rotorua Rascals, Wanganui Vulcans, Wellington Young Guns, Stratford Stormers, Kihikihi Kings, Auckland Alley Cats, Palmerston North Pumas, Baypark Bulldogs, Central Coyotes, Canterbury Crushers, Meeanee Maulers and Waikato Raiders.