Motor Sport
James Douglas and Harley Biddle mastered gruelling conditions to clinch the Southland Sidecar Championship at Oreti Park Speedway on Saturday.
The 44i duo held off strong challenges from an experienced field in the final stanza to snatch the chequered flag ahead of Aiden Thwaites and Shane Twiss.
(Photos thanks to Dave loudon Photography)
Wet weather leading up to the club’s final meeting of the season wrecked havoc with the track, forcing the cancellation of all junior racing, including the Southland Pee Wee Championships.
A dedicated maintenance effort on the senior oval whipped it into adequate shape for both sidecar and solo competitors.
In the newly-established B grade for sidecars, Jason Clark and Clare Hartnell took top honours, followed by Jamie Pocklington and Chris Leeden.
In his rookie season in the A grade solo ranks, Sam Taylor continued to impress to notch up his first meeting win as a senior, beating Jake Gillespie to the red sash.
Classic solo riders earned bragging rights over their B Grade counterparts in an impromptu team event.
With the local season now completed, several Oreti club members will venture north to contest the Remembrance Championship and Short Track Nationals at Moore Park Speedway, near Christchurch, on April 21 and 22 respectively.
Sievwright Oreti Park Speedway Results – 7th April 2018
Southland Sidecar Championship & Support Classes
– Solo A –
1st 7i – Sam Taylor – 10 points
2nd 11i – Jake Gillespie – 9 points
3rd 4i – Adam Shuttleworth – 5 points
– Teams – Solo B vs Classic –
1st 47 points – Classics
(13i – Glen Sole, 36i – Rhys Wilson, 67i – Paul Highsted, 69i – Joe Hughes, 71i – Derek MacRae, 91i – Les Payne)
2nd 43 Points – Solo B
(9i – Zane pay, 17i – Matt Highsted, 29i – Phil Coulthard, 46i – Jimmy Hannan, 48i – Pat Dysart)
– Southland Sidecar Championship –
1st 44i – James Douglas & Harley Biddle
2nd 58i – Aiden Thwaites & Shane Twiss
3rd 29i – Luke Thwaites & Neville Chalmers
4th 24i – Bradley Sharp & Lance Jefcoat (DNF)
– Sidecar B’s –
1st 82i – Jason Clarke & Claire Hartnell – 11 points
2nd 96i – Jamie Pocklington & Chris Leedon – 7 points
3rd 99n – Dallas Kelman & Chay McWilliam – 6 points
Rider of the Day : Joe Hughes
PRIZE GIVING – Date and time will be advised here on Facebook, keep an eye out.
Don’t forget to return all club trophies ASAP, either to your rep or via Karen and/or Joe Hughes.
Please don’t polish your trophies unless you have polish from a jewellers!