After the weather forced a postponement on Boxing Night, the engines are finally firing up at Stratford Speedway this evening.
Gates open at 3pm with the first race scheduled for an earlier family-friendly start time of 5pm. It’s looking like a clear night for anyone wanting to catch the action.
The headline act for many will be the Sharpe Engineering Solutions Ramp Demolition Derby. It’s not just about being the last car running, drivers have to negotiate a ramp on the track, adding an extra layer of chaos to the carnage.
There are 26 derby cars confirmed for the lineup, with $500 going to the last car running. Perhaps more importantly for the crowd, there are two $250 “stirrers prizes” up for grabs, encouraging drivers to inflict maximum damage rather than playing it safe.
Other classes include the Repco Taranaki Superstock Champs which will see a heavy-hitting field of nearly 20 cars battle over three 12-lap heats. Defending champion William Hughes is back to protect his title after a strong season start, including a recent win at Kihikihi. He’ll have his work cut out for him with visiting drivers like Huntly’s Dan Weston and Hawke’s Bay’s Grahame Strong in the mix.
In the open-wheel classes, the Zodiac Signs Taranaki Minisprint Champs takes centre stage. Karl Uhlenberg (1NZ) is chasing a massive achievement – he’s won this event for the last two seasons and is gunning for three in a row tonight. He faces stiff competition from locals like Regan Ogle and Erin Uhlenberg.
The program also features the Sam Korff Saloon Memorial and support classes from Streetstocks and Youth Ministocks. Because the Stockcars were unable to race due to a clash with the North Island Championship in Rotorua, the club has also added a couple of entertaining “Jalopy races” to the schedule.
If you’re heading along for a feed, the pits are well-stocked. The catering map shows a full lineup including The Farmer’s Grill serving slow-smoked burgers, Sumela Kebab, The Favor Flavor, The Outpost, and Sandy’s Food Shack, so there’s plenty of kai to keep the energy up.
Tickets are available at the gate: Adults $25, Children (14 & Under) $10, and a Family Pass is $50.
