Richmond stockcar driver Riley Eathorne is celebrating a career highlight after finishing third at the New Zealand Stock Car finals in Christchurch, earning the right to run 3NZ for the next year.
The 20-year-old secured the podium spot after a dramatic two days at Woodford Glen Speedway, a campaign that began with the disappointment of missing automatic qualification for the final.
“I didn’t place high enough in the heats to progress straight through, so I had to race in the repechage. I ended up winning that though, which meant I was through,” Riley says.
In only his fourth season of stockcars, Riley was the sole Nelson driver in the final field. The achievement was made even sweeter by the fact he sat out all of 2024.
“We basically took a year off to rebuild the car,” Riley says. “It was also good to refresh and refocus, and put everything into this season. I even missed the Nelson club finals to be ready for the New Zealand finals.”
Riley put his grid two start to good use in the opening race, holding his position as the chequered flag fell. From grid 17 in race two, he charged through the field to finish seventh, placing him in a share of third overall heading into the final race.
The last heat was packed with action, but Riley kept clear of the chaos and surged from 28th on the grid to finish sixth. The result secured his overall third place and the honour of being presented with the 3NZ banner.
He will carry the number until the 2027 New Zealand Stockcar Finals in Whanganui, something he does not take lightly.
“It’s pretty crazy to get to wear it for 12 months. It’s really special, but I absolutely want to get back to the finals in 2027 and try for 2NZ or 1NZ. If you qualify for the finals, anything can happen.”
