Long-range locals Nathan Wilkie and Connor Rangi delivered standout wins at Milestone Homes Top of the South Speedway during a packed night of open wheel racing.
The Aimex South Island Midget title acted as a preview to next season’s New Zealand championship with a strong field lining up on Saturday, including Palmerston North driver Shane Dewar. Local racers shone early, with Jamie Brown winning the opening heat and Nathan taking heat two to secure pole for the 25-lap final.
The feature was firmly in Nathan’s control from the start. The Dunedin-based driver, who regularly makes the long trip back to Christchurch and his home track in Nelson, claimed his first South Island title in front of a hometown crowd. Canterbury’s Mitchell Hill finished second and Ben Morgan third.
Defending War of the Wings champion Connor, now Christchurch based, again proved why he loves racing at home. His opening heat win set the tone, with fellow local Gus Dawson taking heat two and veteran Jamie Duff winning the final heat. In the 30-lap feature, Connor dominated to strengthen his title defence. Nelson’s Jack Burson produced his best run of the night in fourth, while series leader Matt Leversedge took second and Dyllan Forsey third.
Nearly 30 cars lined up for round two of the Mike Greer Homes (Nelson) Quarter Midget title. Heat wins were shared by Greymouth brothers Braye and Lakyn Thompson, plus local driver Darcy Rasmussen, who later edged club mate Bailey Bensemann in a fierce battle to secure the feature win. Lakyn placed third.
The closed Stock Car champs were cut short after two races, with Jack Rarity claiming the title, returning driver Dylan Hall second and Brenton Coleman third. Several drivers now head to Christchurch next week for the New Zealand Championship. Kohu Whalon tried to stir things up but ended up on his side in turn one.
Streetstocks ran a Hit to Pass format following a practice teams race between the Knights and a Blenheim selection. Steve Soper won the teams race and then the Hit to Pass title, with teammates Cody McCarrison and Ryan Musgrove rounding out the podium. Syd Briggs was tipped over by Dwayne Kennett in the final heat. The Knights head to Christchurch in early March for the State of Origin teams event.
The T.Q.s ran a round of their tri-series, producing close racing all night. Jonti Austin won heat one, Greymouth’s Cameron McKenzie took heat two and Malakai Webb proved too strong in the feature. Cameron finished second and Christchurch driver Jamie Booth third. Club champion Kohen Thompson narrowly missed a podium at the New Zealand Championship in Auckland, a late mistake dropping him from third to fifth after a restart with two laps left.
Productions raced for pride alone, with Eddie Frans topping the overall points thanks to an opening heat win. David Allen claimed the other two heats.
It was a dominant night for local drivers. The track now prepares for the PTS Super Stock Stampede, Stock Car Summer Slam, Ministock Mania and Historic Stock Cars over two nights of racing on Friday, 6 March and Saturday, 7 March.
