Local drivers rip it up at Spooners rally

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Kevin Knapp reigned supreme at the Spooners Bush Rd Gravel Hill Climb on Sunday, cruising to overall victory with three of the day’s four fastest times.

Kevin, driving a Mitsubishi Evolution 6.5, had taken the lead after an impressive first run time of 2 minutes 14.240 seconds. But he didn’t just stop there and was faster in each of his runs. His best was 2 minutes 8.820 seconds.

The race was initially planned for Slaters Rd on the Whangamoa, but was relocated to Spooners just days leading up the race. All drivers were given three attempts on the gravel course. The winner was the driver with the fastest time amongst the three.

The race brought in 14 local entrants, all competing over four separate classes; Class A 0-1400cc, Class B 1400-1800cc, Class C 1800cc and over, Class D 4WD.

Class A driver Greg Teece was second on the overall standings; his best time was 2 minutes 13.26 seconds.

Garry Adcock took out Class C in his BMW. His second run of 2 minutes 15.780 seconds was his best time of the day.

His son Aaron Adcock, driving a Ford Escort, was sixth overall and first in Class C with a day’s best time of 2 minutes 22.320 seconds. Tahunanui’s Cam Lankshear had the only spill of the day, hitting a tree stump around a corner. The crash halted his race for at least five minutes while they attempted to get the Toyota Starlet out of the bush. It resulted in bent steering, leading to a damaged drive shaft but he emerged unscathed.