William Menzies and his Mitsubishi Evo6 came within a whisker of claiming the 2021 title. Photo / Lewis Gardner
William Menzies and his Mitsubishi Evo6 came within a whisker of claiming the 2021 title. Photo / Lewis Gardner
Twenty-year-old Mason Grimmer has claimed this year's Fordell Gravel Sprint title, but only just.
Organiser Bryce Hackett said there was only half a second separating Grimmer's Mazda 323 and second-placed William Menzies in his MitsubishiEvo 6.
Drivers' final times were their fastest day runs and night runs combined, with Grimmer clocking in at 5min 58.1s and Menzies close behind in 5m 58.59s.
The event served as round three of the Central Region Sprint Series.
Gareth McLauchlan hit some trouble on his first night-run and fell out of contention. Photo / Lewis Gardner
"Those two are both pretty young, they 've only been in it a few years, and they're both doing really well," Hackett said.
"The young talent is certainly coming through and that's making some of the more experienced drivers take note and say 'how do we keep up with these fellas?'.
Bryce Hackett gives the first safety marshal briefing of the day. Photo / Lewis Gardner
Dannevirke's Daniel Feck came home third, with Chris Gracie in fourth.
Hackett said radio issues and an early crash meant the day got off to a slow start, but overall, the event was a success.
Sun strike caused the day-runs to be slower than expected. Photo / Lewis Gardner
"The second car on the road had a bit of a 'whoops', so we had to grab him back up.
"There was a bit of sunstrike during the day runs as well, so they weren't breaking any records, but there were still a few who broke the three-minute mark for the (5.5km) run.
Simon Bicknell navigates Matarawa Valley Road in his Subaru during Saturday's day-runs. Photo / Lewis Gardner
"We were really happy with the night-time stuff in particular, and the top two actually drove faster in the dark."
Hackett, who is the Whanganui Car Club president, said there were "heaps of spectators" on-site throughout the entire event.
Paul Tulloch hits a bend in his Toyota MR2 on Saturday afternoon. Photo / Lewis Gardner
"It was a brilliant weekend, and without everyone there it wouldn't have been as awesome as it was.
"A big thank you goes out to the marshals, the competitors and to the residents as well."
Chris Gracie finished the event in fourth position. Photo / Lewis Gardner
Spectators were blessed with fine weather for the entire day. Photo / Lewis Gardner