Taranaki Media Logo
Taranaki Media
Dashboard
Stories
Events
Videos
Places
Contact
Search (⌘K)
Light Mode

Stratford Speedway: Ramp Demolition Derby and Champs Race Tonight

Stratford Speedway: Ramp Demolition Derby and Champs Race Tonight
Tony Skilling

Tony Skilling

28 December 2025

Race NightEntertainment Stratford
Stratford Speedway roars to life tonight with the Ramp Demolition Derby featuring 26 cars, alongside the Repco Taranaki Superstock Champs and Zodiac Signs Taranaki Minisprint Champs.

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.

Demolition Derby Motorsports Speedway Stratford Stratford Speedway Superstock Minisprint

Are you heading out to see the carnage tonight?

Join the conversation

More Stories

TSB Festival of Lights Wins National Award After Drawing 162,500 Visitors
Award Winner

TSB Festival of Lights Wins National Award After Drawing 162,500 Visitors

New Plymouth's TSB Festival of Lights has won the top national event award, generating $23.1 million in economic impact and attracting over 45,000 out-of-region visitors.

Tony Skilling8 hours ago
Len Lye Centre to Screen Sir Sam Neill Films in Tribute to Late Actor
Tribute

Len Lye Centre to Screen Sir Sam Neill Films in Tribute to Late Actor

The Govett-Brewster Art Gallery and Len Lye Centre will host a series of special film screenings this August to honor the life and career of Sir Sam Neill.

Tony Skilling3 weeks ago
Beloved New Zealand Actor Sir Sam Neill Dies Aged 78
Obituary

Beloved New Zealand Actor Sir Sam Neill Dies Aged 78

New Zealand screen icon Sir Sam Neill has passed away in Sydney at the age of 78 following a battle with a rare blood illness.

Tony Skilling3 weeks ago
Three Trampers Rescued in Dramatic Mount Taranaki Operation
Rescue Update

Three Trampers Rescued in Dramatic Mount Taranaki Operation

Three trampers, including two who were seriously injured, have been successfully rescued from Mount Taranaki following a challenging search and rescue operation.

Tony Skilling3 weeks ago
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon to host public meeting in New Plymouth
Public Meeting

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon to host public meeting in New Plymouth

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon will host a public meeting at the Plymouth International Hotel in New Plymouth this Saturday to discuss key issues affecting New Zealanders.

Tony Skilling1 month ago
Injured Climber Rescued from Taranaki Maunga After Fall
Mountain Rescue

Injured Climber Rescued from Taranaki Maunga After Fall

Emergency services have successfully rescued an injured climber from Taranaki Maunga after a fall left him stranded in snow and rocks above the ski field.

Tony Skilling1 month ago
Immersive Light Experience 'Darklight' Coming to New Plymouth's TSB Showplace
Event

Immersive Light Experience 'Darklight' Coming to New Plymouth's TSB Showplace

The acclaimed immersive light and sound experience Darklight: The Hidden World is set to transform New Plymouth's TSB Showplace this September and October.

Tony Skilling1 month ago
New Plymouth Mayor Calls Public Meeting Over Proposed TSB and Heartland Bank Merger
Public Meeting

New Plymouth Mayor Calls Public Meeting Over Proposed TSB and Heartland Bank Merger

Mayor Max Brough is hosting a public meeting this Thursday to gather community feedback on the proposed merger between TSB and Heartland Bank.

Tony Skilling1 month ago
Destination Kāwaroa Wins National Award for Excellence in Placemaking
Award Winner

Destination Kāwaroa Wins National Award for Excellence in Placemaking

The Destination Kāwaroa project has won the Beca Award for Excellence in Placemaking at the LGFA Taituarā Local Government Excellence Awards.

Tony Skilling1 month ago
View All Stories