Shane Hurndell
S TEVEN Martin is a member of a well-known Hawke's Bay speedway family who Rotorua driver Murray Guy last year branded the "Hillbillies of the national saloon scene".
Guy visited the Martins at their Maraenui home and was amazed at the amount and age of engine parts the Martins had accumulated during more than 20 years involved with the sport. He wasted no time in comparing them with the Beverley Hillbillies, an American television series about a hillbilly family transplanted to Beverley Hills, California, after finding oil on their land.
While the Martins aren't embarking on a California expedition this week, they're taking on a campaign of similar proportions to the Hillbillies move to California.
Sixteen-year-old Steven will be the sole Hawke's Bay entrant and youngest competitor in the DHL Speedweek Saloon Car Series which began in Gisborne last night and continues with the second round at ZM Meeanee Speedway tonight.
It involves 16 of the country's best drivers, including Tiger Woods' caddy Steve Williams, racing at seven tracks around the North Island on consecutive nights.
"Yes I'm a little bit nervous ... in fact I'm s***ting myself. Being in the middle of all those fast cars is going to be an experience," said Steven, who is in his second season in the class after spending four seasons in the ministock ranks.
"Obviously I'm feeling extra pressure because I'm the only Hawke's Bay starter and I want to do well on the home track. But Gisborne is the main focus at this stage," he said, after completing all the prep work on his car earlier this week.
He goal is "to finish every race".
"Hopefully I can do well so I get invited back the following season too."
While he's familiar with the Gisborne, Meeanee, Huntly, Rotorua and Palmerston North tracks, Steven will race at the Stratford and Wellington tracks for the first time.
"I'm lucky Dad has raced them all and he can tell me where to go," said Steven referring to his father Graham who is in his 24th year of racing in the class.
Preparing for the biggest week in his racing career wasn't the only pressure he was facing this week. He was also entering the work force for the first time on Tuesday with a trial as a storeman at Mainfreight.
Although Steven wasn't prepared to make predictions, SportToday will be surprised if two-time winner of the series and defending champion Williams and Auckland veteran Phil Towgood aren't on the podium tonight.
Support classes tonight will include the Hawke's Bay TQ championship with 18 starters , stockcars, Kiwilites, streetstocks and solos.
Meet the Maraenui hillbillies of saloon scene
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