Motorsport: Bullen makes it three

While cars went belly up at Whangarei Speedway, so did the Production New Zealand CTRA Championship titles which rolled out the gate with visiting drivers.

Super Saloon driver Warwick Taylor will be thankful for the safety enhancements on his car after being sent flying on his way into Pit Bend.

Taylor connected with Lydon Morrisson on Saturday, leaving Taylor spinning out of control into the bank while pieces of his car flew everywhere.

Thankfully for Taylor, he walked away unscathed, but the same cannot be said for his car which will require substantial panel beating.

Fresh after her recent success at the New Zealand Saloon Championships, where she emerged as the country's top lady driver, local Anita Sloot had a stand out day.

Sloot took the points in the second and fourth round as she topped the overall points at the day.

Paparoa driver Dale Spick was unlucky not to take the honours after finishing with three seconds and a win in C Grade, proving he is a true contender.

The C Grade went to local Fraser Blacklock who not only won three rounds of his own grade but, drove a borrowed car in the Production New Zealand Championship, giving him an extremely busy day.

The Production New Zealand CTRA Championship saw drivers from Waikato rewarded for their dedication as they took out the top three placings.

Marcus Bullen, last year's title holder, claimed his third title in four years after going from the back of the grid in the third round to complete a hat-trick of wins.

Bullen's seven children were present as they each waved a chequered flag for their dad before he delighted the crowd by standing on his car and taking a bow. The ATVs also had their New Zealand Championship with Stephen Emm taking the title after an earlier collision between Ben Smith and Paul Smith, which was caused by mechanical problems which saw Ben's brakes lock up.

The Youth Ministocks had their last race before the Trans-Tasman Challenge this weekend. New Zealand skipper Luke Brown won the first two rounds but was pipped at the post in the final round by Cole Morrisson. The Australia vs. New Zealand first round will be at Waikaraka Park, Auckland, on Saturday March 9 and Whangarei is hosting the second round this Sunday.

RESULTS

Super Saloons: 1st: Graeme Andrew 2nd: Warwick Taylor.

Limited Saloons: 1st: Anita Sloot 2nd: Lydon Morrisson 3rd: Jesse Low.

Production NZ Championship: 1st: Marcus Bullen 2nd: David Pilkington 3rd: Kayne Sutherland.

Ladies Production: 1st: Didi Roycroft 2nd: Melissa Timoti.

C Grade: 1st: Fraser Blacklock 2nd: Dale Spick 3rd: Craig Jones.

ATV NZ Championship: 1st: Stephen Emm 2nd: Paul Smith 3rd: Ben Smith.

Ministocks: 1st: Luke Brown 2nd: Cole Morrisson 3rd: Matthew Shaw.