Conrad Gooch (left), from a famous Gisborne speedway family, and Jorja Rogers get some track time in before the MTF Gisborne – Awapuni Speedway season starts on Saturday with the traditional fireworks meeting. Photo / Karyn Jensen
Conrad Gooch (left), from a famous Gisborne speedway family, and Jorja Rogers get some track time in before the MTF Gisborne – Awapuni Speedway season starts on Saturday with the traditional fireworks meeting. Photo / Karyn Jensen
Months of hard work from arguably the most dedicated speedway volunteers around will be unveiled to the public on Saturday when the MTF Gisborne – Awapuni Speedway season starts.
And once again, it will be an explosive beginning with what has become a traditional fireworks meeting that normally draws thousands of spectators.
“The facility has undergone some big changes in the offseason, specifically aimed at crowd comfort,” club committee member and superstocks class rep Trevor Mullooly said.
“These upgrades include a new toilet block and new seating along the back straight that looks very impressive.”
The venue has a new name, MTF Gisborne – Awapuni Speedway, although the Awapuni is an acknowledgement of its past.
Mullooly said the main attraction on Saturday night would “of course” be the fireworks display, once again sponsored by M.E. Jukes and Son and put on by Public Dreams Trust.
“A big thank you to Trevor Jukes for his continued support of our local speedway.”
Streetstock driver Jared Ingoe has a new car and will be pumped for the opening speedway meeting, which includes the Streetstocks Best Pairs. Photo / Karyn Jensen
The action on the track will include the Professional Fleet Maintenance Streetstock Best Pairs and Ministock Best Pairs supported by Mangapapa Garage and Repco Gisborne.
“We will also see stockcars, saloons and production saloons in the support classes,” Mullooly said.
“The Streetstock Best Pairs should be all go, with 18G Jared Ingoe out in a brand new car and new streetstock driver Joel Whitley in Jared’s old car.
“We will also see the return of Duncan Pierce in a recently purchased car, along with all the regulars and some out-of-town competitors coming to join in on the action.
“At least 16 ministocks have entered the Ministock Best Pairs and after watching them practise in the weekend there will be several drivers that will be giving it their all to take the title.”
Club president Sam Hughes is looking forward to another big season.
He told the Gisborne Herald car numbers were a little down – possibly a reflection of the financial times – but fans could expect some exciting and entertaining action in meetings ahead.
Awapuni Speedway has undergone significant changes, including putting in new seating on the back straight, thanks to the efforts of dedicated club members and volunteers.
Arguably the highlight will be the North Island Superstock Championship on February 28 and March 1.
Hughes is looking eagerly to the Superstock Thunder meeting on December 13 and 14 which will also include minisprints.
The club season features 11 meetings – starting on Saturday and finishing with a Friday-Saturday combo on April 11 and 12.
Gates for the first meeting open at 4pm on Saturday and racing starts at 6pm.
