COOL NIGHT - HOT RACING AT STRATFORD SPEEDWAY
By Eric Beardmore, Stratford, NZ. March 14, 2009 - Eleven Midget cars lined up for the first race including newcomers Matt Hareb and Shannon Dixon in their F2 Toyota powered machines, but only 1 lap in and Lydia Dickinson had a major driveline failure which was the end of her night. Duane Hickman worked to an early lead and powered away, but the engine expired on lap 8, continuing the wretched season he’s been having mechanically. This left Ricky Paul to take it out, with Steve Paul in second and newly wed Mark Willans in third.
Race two and with the track smooth and slick, Greg Jones drew away for a solid win with Ricky Paul and Steve Paul dicing for the minors. The young gun was successful this time and pushed Steve back to third. Daniel Jensen and Mark Willans followed them home.
Daniel Jensen had the Mopar running strong in Race three and shot out to a full straight lead with the rest of the grid battling hard for spots until a yellow came on on lap 6 and the field closed up. Two laps later Ricky Paul slipped by to win but the close placing showed Daniel really getting to grips with this seasons extra horsepower. Steve Paul was right there in third which was for him the most successful nights racing this season. Neil Willans and Matt Hareb filled the next two places.
To add to the nights open wheeler action, 19 Mini Sprints from around the North Island showed the local crowd how the smaller winged cars go, and put on an impressive performance.
To cap the weekend off, Sunday at Stratford Speedway was the venue for the Clubs ‘Vintage section’ members to give their machines a good airing. Eleven Cars and two dirt Bikes were on show. In the car section were old TQ’s and Midgets with a promise next season of some Stock Cars and a Saloon or two.
Stratfords final meeting of the season is 28th March.
By Eric Beardmore, Stratford, NZ. March 14, 2009 - Eleven Midget cars lined up for the first race including newcomers Matt Hareb and Shannon Dixon in their F2 Toyota powered machines, but only 1 lap in and Lydia Dickinson had a major driveline failure which was the end of her night. Duane Hickman worked to an early lead and powered away, but the engine expired on lap 8, continuing the wretched season he’s been having mechanically. This left Ricky Paul to take it out, with Steve Paul in second and newly wed Mark Willans in third.
Race two and with the track smooth and slick, Greg Jones drew away for a solid win with Ricky Paul and Steve Paul dicing for the minors. The young gun was successful this time and pushed Steve back to third. Daniel Jensen and Mark Willans followed them home.
Daniel Jensen had the Mopar running strong in Race three and shot out to a full straight lead with the rest of the grid battling hard for spots until a yellow came on on lap 6 and the field closed up. Two laps later Ricky Paul slipped by to win but the close placing showed Daniel really getting to grips with this seasons extra horsepower. Steve Paul was right there in third which was for him the most successful nights racing this season. Neil Willans and Matt Hareb filled the next two places.
To add to the nights open wheeler action, 19 Mini Sprints from around the North Island showed the local crowd how the smaller winged cars go, and put on an impressive performance.
To cap the weekend off, Sunday at Stratford Speedway was the venue for the Clubs ‘Vintage section’ members to give their machines a good airing. Eleven Cars and two dirt Bikes were on show. In the car section were old TQ’s and Midgets with a promise next season of some Stock Cars and a Saloon or two.
Stratfords final meeting of the season is 28th March.