Huge crowd for stockcars

PHOTO/PROSHOTZ PHOTOGRAPHY

Thousands of people turned out to watch the thrills and spills of the event, also known as the World 240s, at the Paradise Valley Raceway at the weekend.

The World 240s is the biggest event on Rotorua Stockcar Club's annual calendar, attracting top drivers from across the country and bringing thousands of visitors to Rotorua.

As well as the World 240s, crowds were also treated to the North Island minisprints championships and the Bay of Plenty Stock Cars.

Rotorua Stock Car Club secretary Sonja Hickey said the event was a whopping success, Friday night having the biggest turnout on record.

"We're so pleased with how it went.

"There was a huge crowd, we had a local win and the weather was great. We thought it might have rained on Saturday night but it seemed like it held off just for us."

Mrs Hickey said that overall the crowd was one of the biggest the club had seen, despite there being a lot of other events and speedway meets held at the same time.

"We hold about 20 track events during the year but the World 240s always attracts the best and biggest crowd.

"With about 3000 people from across the country staying in Rotorua for the event, I think it's also great for the local business community."

She estimated around 5000 people went through the gates over the two nights.

The event involved four drivers from each club driving on the track, with the driver who crossed the line first declared the winner, but drivers could knock each other out.

The event also featured six British drivers taking part in the finals.

But there was also plenty of local talent, with 18 locals racing.

See sport for race coverage.