Grudgefest on at Taipa speedway

All systems are go the annual two-day speedway extravaganza being held at Taipa this weekend.

Noting the event will pay homage to late Taipa Speedway stalwart Percy Poharama, who instigated the long weekend meet in 1991, local motorsport commentator Carole Teixeira said the most intense racing will likely come in the saloon showdown thanks to the serious cash put up for grabs by the sponsor with the main contenders including locals Roy Walker, Ray Dare and Mark Oldfield plus Auckland's Bryan Skelton, Phil Mainland and (defending champion) Nigel Ross.

Punters were also advised to watch out for Shane McInteer, expected to have his new super saloon at full throttle for the first time in racing against Kaikohe's Max and Shirley Andresen and Keith Wilson among others.

As well, there will be the visiting open wheel classes including quarter midgets, three-quarter midgets, six shooters and ministocks in youth and adult grades. However, the crowd favourite will likely once again be the Demo Teams Grudgefest in which the two Taipa teams, Pirates and Young Bucks, are expecting stiff competition from Waipapakauri's Team Honda and Waikato's Junk Yard Dogs.

"All will be in full-contact battle mode and the racing is promising to be impressive, spectacular and full on. How many roll-overs will we see from these hard men in this year's grudgefest?"

Teixeira went on to note the coming long weekend was shaping up to be full of "action-packed speedway racing not to be missed" thanks to Taipa's renowned red terracotta clay track which is currently in "superb" condition. Tiexeira noted the committee had been working hard in the days leading up to the event by preparing the track and surrounds, collecting sponsorship from many loyal local businesses and individuals and organising food, beverage, and merchandising vendors along with the myriad of other details required to deliver a true spectacle.

Racing starts 11am on Saturday and 10am on Sunday. Entry on each day costs $8 adults, $4 for 5-14 years with under 5 years free while a family pass for two adults and up to four children is $25.

"Bring the kids, sit up on the bank, and watch Taipa's clay fly!"