Super Saloons sizzle at speedway

Jody Scott

The AT Electrical Xtreme Super Saloon Series finished its first edition at Milestone Homes Top of the South Speedway on Saturday night. The 10-day, 5 round series saw a hearty crowd gather to see the best drivers in NZ compete before they head south for their NZ Title in Dunedin in a few weeks. The Super Saloons have been light on meetings in Nelson due to numbers. However, locals Ian Burson, Dave Manera and series sponsor Campbell McManaway joined 30+ other drivers to compete two nights in Christchurch, then Greymouth, Blenheim and Nelson. Ian Burson was competing in the ex-1nz machine while he waits on engine parts from the U.S. Campbell McManaway recently purchased a new Stealth chassis while Dave Manera was returning after a year off. All three made the feature race in Nelson with McManaway finishing 4th, Burson 10th and Manera 14th. They then return to Nelson to compete in the South Island title on February 25th. Cromwell’s Ray Stewart had the spill of the night, ending upside down in the heats while sitting in the top 5 overall, the incident ending his series ambitions. The Youth Ministocks ran their club champs. Speedster Callum Russ, having his final meeting at home before aging out of Youth, was locked on points with Jack Burson going into the final heat. Both are heading to Rotorua in a few weeks to contest Ministock in Paradise. It was Burson who had a better grid for the final race, but Russ took the win by a mere 1 second over Burson to end his final home race with the club title. Deegan Broker finished 3rd overall after his fastest lap was just enough to head him off from Luke Higgins after both were tied on points.

Jack Rarity picked up the Stock Car Hit to Pass trophy. The numbers also continue to grow in the Stock Car class with some big meetings coming up. The TQs were light on numbers with some away at the South Island title, Cameron McKenzie winning all three races. A welcome return to the Sidecars for Adie Drake who finished second with partner Samuel Kingsbury, behind Brent Steer and Wade Thorn who went undefeated for the night. There was a parade for new 3nz Steve Soper, the rest of the title-contending cars followed Soper as he acknowledged the support of the other drivers to get him over the line. The S.I. Super Saloon title is likely to be boosted by some North Island cars staying down after the NZ Championship, while Ian Burson’s final season is on hold.