Nelson Speedway season well under way

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1997

December 1 marked the start of summer and that means speedway season has begun. If you’re a speedway fan, then you’re going to love what Nelson Speedway has got lined up for the evenings of December 11 and 12, and even if you’re uneducated in the action-packed world of speedway, introduce yourself to a sport that really knows how to entertain. With pre-season laps and the season-opening Trackman Trophy night well behind them, drivers are now looking forward to the thrill and carnage of two whole nights of teams racing as the Nelson Speedway presents the Jacks Tyres Stockcar Teams Brawl. Huge thanks must be given to Jack, Karen and the team at Jacks Tyres for getting behind the new promotion, making it possible for Nelson Speedway to bring fans the biggest weekend of teams racing that Frosty’s Towing Top of the South Speedway has seen in a long time.

There are four stockcar teams entered for the weekend, each one looking forward to leaving their fellow opposition behind in the dust and taking home the title and accompanying rewards. Competition will include hometown favourites, the Black Fasteners Tasman Thunder, although they will have their work cut out for them thanks to some stiff competition from neighbouring team, Eastern States Titans, from Blenheim. Nelson will also receive representation during the teams brawl thanks to the newly formed Anzac Autowash Nelson Lightning. This team will be out to make a name for itself and is certainly not just there to make up numbers. Team number four taking part in the full on double night will be none other than old arch rivals from Christchurch, the Canterbury Crushers. With competition of this quality on the cards, there’s no doubt the Jacks Tyres Stockcar Teams Brawl will be an un-missable two days.

Friday night will see all four teams take part in qualifying rounds, and if that wasn’t enough to tempt you along, the track will also see racing from the Canterbury Cobras streetstock team and our very own Nelson Knights. If team racing gets your blood pumping, Frosty’s Towing Top of the South Speedway will have it in abundance, and for the non-contact fans out there, the Production Saloons will be contesting the second round of their club championship too.

If Friday sounded like a great night out, you won’t want to be sitting at home on Saturday when the remaining round robin for the Jacks Tyres Stockcar Teams Brawl will be carried out, followed by the finals when each team will be doing everything they can to win the $3000, the trophy and the bragging rights. With ACDC holding their concert the same weekend, the track may indulge in a little ‘Thunderstruck,’ should the Tasman Thunder pull off a victory on their home track. To put an end to a brilliant display of speedway racing, cars from each of the teams will contest the dash for cash, a one off race with only one winner taking the cash prize for their team.

If you haven’t yet satisfied your hunger for teams racing, Nelson Speedway will gladly assist with the Nelson Tigers superstock team taking on the Canterbury Glen Eagles. The race will be a chance at redemption, after the Tigers disappointing loss to the Palmerston North Panthers at the last meeting, hopefully putting them back on a winning course before they head to the teams champs in February.

Speedway is fun for the whole family and it’s not just about the action happening on the track. With plenty of food and refreshments to be had, entertainment, spot prizes, a great atmosphere and well organised racing for all ages, make the most of what Frosty’s Towing Top of the South Speedway has to offer and support your local drivers.

There is plenty still to come on the speedways calendar with the last event for the year happening on December 27, when Frosty’s Towing Top of the South Speedway hosts The Hits Ramp Derby and Nelson Club Champs. Those looking to enter the derby can check out the Nelson Speedway website for an entry for and a full list of rules and regulations for vehicles. The driver that takes out first place will also take home a prize of $500, while second place walks away with a $100. January 16 will see the South Island Midget Championship, followed by the Hanmer Holiday Homes Superstock series, in which the track will be hosting one of the three rounds. The South Island Super Saloon champs will take over the track on February 13, while the Fuchs Lubricant South Island Superstock Championships will be held on February 27.

For some high quality action to get your blood pumping, don’t miss out on the Stock Shock double night event, held over March 11 and 12, along with The Hits Demolition Derby on the Saturday.

Then finally, on March 25 and 26, Frosty’s Towing Top of the South Speedway will host the Easter Extravaganza, which will be just as exciting as it sounds.

To sure you don’t miss a thing, stay in touch, keep up to date and connect with other speedway fans via the Nelson Speedway Facebook page or have a look on the website at www.nelsonspeedway.co.nz.

Racing starts at 7pm on Friday, December 11 and at 6pm on Saturday, December 12. As usual, tickets are available from the Richmond Mall or at the gate on the night. Adult admission is $20, children 5-15 is $10 and a family pass for two adults and three children is $40