Taranaki Media Logo
StoriesEventsContact
Light Mode

Stratford Speedway: Ramp Demolition Derby and Champs Race Tonight

Stratford Speedway: Ramp Demolition Derby and Champs Race Tonight
Taranaki Media

Taranaki Media

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

More Stories

Photos: Father’s Day walk along Te Henui Walkway
Photos

Photos: Father’s Day walk along Te Henui Walkway

A Father’s Day walk followed the scenic Te Henui Walkway from Te Henui Chapel to Awanui Cemetery and back.

Taranaki Media1 month ago
Photos: Taranaki Careers Expo 2026
Photos

Photos: Taranaki Careers Expo 2026

The 2026 Taranaki Careers Expo brought more than 40 career and training exhibitors to TSB Stadium.

Taranaki Media2 months ago
Taranaki Careers Expo 2026 to Showcase Diverse Industries at TSB Stadium
Careers Expo

Taranaki Careers Expo 2026 to Showcase Diverse Industries at TSB Stadium

The Taranaki Careers Expo returns to New Plymouth's TSB Stadium on August 17 and 18, offering high school students and job seekers face-to-face interactions with over 40 exhibitors.

Taranaki Media2 months ago
Rock the Bowl festival returns to New Plymouth with Carl Cox and Fat Freddy's Drop
Summer Festival

Rock the Bowl festival returns to New Plymouth with Carl Cox and Fat Freddy's Drop

The Rock the Bowl music festival will return to New Plymouth's Bowl of Brooklands on December 29, featuring a lineup headlined by Carl Cox and Fat Freddy's Drop.

Taranaki Media2 months ago
Steph Julian Named Puke Ariki's First Writer in Residence
Arts

Steph Julian Named Puke Ariki's First Writer in Residence

New Plymouth author Steph Julian has been announced as Puke Ariki’s first-ever writer in residence, coinciding with Aotearoa New Zealand Children’s Book Week.

Taranaki Media2 months ago
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.

Taranaki Media3 months ago
Photos: Framing begins for Tūparikino Active Hub in New Plymouth
Community Sport

Photos: Framing begins for Tūparikino Active Hub in New Plymouth

Construction has reached the framing stage for the Tūparikino Active Hub, a $50 million six-court indoor sports stadium in New Plymouth scheduled to open by mid-2028.

Taranaki Media3 months 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.

Taranaki Media3 months 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.

Taranaki Media3 months ago
View All Stories