MIDGETS ON EASTER PARADE AT HARRISVILLE SPEEDWAY, OHAKEA
By Eric Beardmore, Ohakea NZ. April 12, 2009 - “Winged Thunder 2” at the Ohakea Speedway of Denise and Brent Harris on Easter Sunday 12 April included Midget Cars this year and Drivers from the Naki, Waikato and Auckland rolled up to sample the unique track.
A warm sunny day, large crowd and great spectator viewing made for exciting racing that also featured Sprint Cars, Mini Sprints, and Mini Stocks with demonstrations throughout the day by a large contingent of Vintage Midgets and T.Q’s from throughout the North Island.
The long wide track meant that racing incidents were at a minimum and the big race program rolled through smoothly.
14 Cars lined up for Midget Race 1. Duane Hickman quickly worked to the lead from flag drop and cleared out to take first place from Jason Bunney and Ricky Paul. Mark Willans was fourth. Gremlins moved into the Hickman engine to consign it to the trailer for the rest of the day and Daniel Jensen was out with a broken diff.
Race 2 was a Ricky Paul benefit but Steve Paul was right there waiting to pounce in second and Bunney held on to third. Neil Willans was finding the conditions to his liking to fill fourth spot.
First 2 race points determined the start grid for the Feature and Ricky Paul scorched away to lead into turn 1 from Bunney with the pack bunched close behind. Nick James started forward moves from a rear grid but a spin put Bunney to the rear on the re start. He then proceeded to try to reclaim his original spot, but further up the field James was pushing the 2L Toyota past everything he could see. Meantime Ricky Paul was lapping fast and consistent out in front. Bunney moved back through the field and James tried to close on Paul but at the flag it was Ricky Paul first, James second and Bunney third. The consistent Steve Paul finished fourth. A great days racing in surroundings and at a location enjoyed by all.
The 20 lap Feature for Sprint Cars saw Hans Boere lead from start to finish with Dean Brindle second and Skinny Colson third.
All competitors attended the post race Prizegiving and Barbecue and took advantage of the hospitality that Harrisville Speedway is becoming renowned for. Roll on Easter 2010!!
By Eric Beardmore, Ohakea NZ. April 12, 2009 - “Winged Thunder 2” at the Ohakea Speedway of Denise and Brent Harris on Easter Sunday 12 April included Midget Cars this year and Drivers from the Naki, Waikato and Auckland rolled up to sample the unique track.
A warm sunny day, large crowd and great spectator viewing made for exciting racing that also featured Sprint Cars, Mini Sprints, and Mini Stocks with demonstrations throughout the day by a large contingent of Vintage Midgets and T.Q’s from throughout the North Island.
The long wide track meant that racing incidents were at a minimum and the big race program rolled through smoothly.
14 Cars lined up for Midget Race 1. Duane Hickman quickly worked to the lead from flag drop and cleared out to take first place from Jason Bunney and Ricky Paul. Mark Willans was fourth. Gremlins moved into the Hickman engine to consign it to the trailer for the rest of the day and Daniel Jensen was out with a broken diff.
Race 2 was a Ricky Paul benefit but Steve Paul was right there waiting to pounce in second and Bunney held on to third. Neil Willans was finding the conditions to his liking to fill fourth spot.
First 2 race points determined the start grid for the Feature and Ricky Paul scorched away to lead into turn 1 from Bunney with the pack bunched close behind. Nick James started forward moves from a rear grid but a spin put Bunney to the rear on the re start. He then proceeded to try to reclaim his original spot, but further up the field James was pushing the 2L Toyota past everything he could see. Meantime Ricky Paul was lapping fast and consistent out in front. Bunney moved back through the field and James tried to close on Paul but at the flag it was Ricky Paul first, James second and Bunney third. The consistent Steve Paul finished fourth. A great days racing in surroundings and at a location enjoyed by all.
The 20 lap Feature for Sprint Cars saw Hans Boere lead from start to finish with Dean Brindle second and Skinny Colson third.
All competitors attended the post race Prizegiving and Barbecue and took advantage of the hospitality that Harrisville Speedway is becoming renowned for. Roll on Easter 2010!!
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Eric Beardmore Photos