Motorsport: Four by fours heat up to the power of five

Quentin Palmer says he's not taking anything for granted. Photo / Andy McGechan, bikesportnz.com

What would normally be a three-way battle for national ATV honours could quickly develop into a five-way scrap this season.

The New Zealand All Terrain Vehicle (ATV) Championships hit grassy farmland just south of Blenheim this weekend in what is being billed as one of the toughest to predict.

Defending national 750cc champion Quentin Palmer, of Taumarunui, is again the favourite to win the main prize - the new premier class created this year - but he'll again probably have perennial frontrunners Ian Ffitch, of Christchurch, and Rotorua's Jason Jepson to deal with.

But this season the regular podium men will have to keep an eye over their shoulders as a couple of very fast former juniors move up to the premier category - Christchurch teenagers Sam Henderson and Steven Clyne.

"I'm not taking anything for granted," said Palmer. "There's a lot of racing to be done this weekend and anything can happen. I know I'll have to be at my best if I want to keep the No1 plate."

"These teenagers are the ones to watch," said Motorcycling New Zealand ATV commissioner Wade Taylor, of Napier. "Whether they can challenge the likes of Palmer or Ffitch this weekend remains to be seen but they will be stars in the future."

Aucklanders Craig Ridgley, Vaughan Adams, Graham Strong and Graeme Giles should also be among those to feature this weekend.

Tauranga's Emma Goldstone should be too strong for her rivals in the women's class.

The racing is at a venue about 20-minutes' drive south of Blenheim and features seven races for each of the classes over the two days.