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 Stockcar talk by Scott Ross.
 Meeting #9, 06th Feb 2010.

Last Saturday nights running of the Ashley Scott memorial lived up to all expectations and some 15 cars fronting for this event with some major talking points before the meeting had even started:
- Brett LLoyd not in attendance
- Jamie Harding driving injured cousins Jasons car. 86g
- Nick Vallance making first appearance at home track in the absent Shane Walkers 21g car complete with Mike Schwass sign writing.
(feel the love) Vallance had interestingly also decided not to run a transponder as was just out there to turn some laps effectivley counting him out of any chance of winning.

Race one:
Sam Hughes 18G was of on a flyer and looked like he had the race in the bag till he pulled to the in feild with accelerator troubles, handing the lead to 84M Ryan Smyth and Hawkes Bay speedster 78B Andrew Powell with 27G Toby Pickering also in the mix.
Hughes 18G then returned to the track and went into full attack mode despatching 7G Ian MCgrory hard into the pit turn wall ending his night.
84M lead home 78B and 27G. with 88G Ian Barron and 75Gg Nic Hutton rounding out the top five. 81G Jason Jones chances of a second victory in this event were deflated along with a tyre.  Controversy followed in the pits with the 18G car becoming  the attention of the SNZ officials and receiving a random restictor plate check which was found to be compliant. 

Race Two:
Such was the brutal nature of this race  that only 6 cars finished this race. Jones made life difficult for Powell holding him against the wall near the end of the race. 84M made it two from two with 88G home in second and 8G Bruce harding home in third. The major talking points of this race were 18G putting 75G very heavily backwards into the pit turn wall.  It was no surprise to see Nick puts his thumbs down but thankfully he was ok, 15G Mike Schwass was caught up in this and damaged, stirring as he went for the infeild he was collected hard by 88G in full flight and the damage ended Schwass night. Allan Stairs 51G then made a huge statement with a fully committed shot on Hughes sending both cars  into the pit gate heavily Hughes drove away but Stairs sustained a lot of front end damage which ended his evening. There will be plenty that will now be thinking twice before driving around the 51G car. Such was the force of this hit the the pit gate also required repair.
One of the pre meeting favourites, 27G  had engine dramas in this race and that put him out for the night. 10G Kent Harper and 66G David Bacon rounded out the top five. 

Race Three:
There were many in the crowd that would have thought 84M was going to walk away with this after the first two races but it was clear from the flag fall that Jones and Bacon had other ideas with them attacking the Mount registered car all race long. Hughes and Hutton continued the race two battle with the reds being put on to remove both cars after a coming together. 88G Ian Barron took the win from 10G Kent Harper who was flying in this race, and the consistent 8G Bruce Harding 78B Andrew Powell home in fourth and 86G Jamie Harding home in 5th and obviously getting quicker in car as night progressed. 21G Nick Vallance must have been kicking himself as the Rover was flying and one feels he could well have been on the podium if he had a transponder- There is certainley life in the old dog yet and Vallance was notably impressed.

So when the dust settled...Ian Barron added the Ashley Scott to the stirrers prize at the classic- a great season so far.
Ryan Smyth drove a gutsy last race to  take second and cap of a very good night.
Bruce Harding took third after three consistant drives and keeping out of the carnage. Of interest, Bruce spoke at the prize giving that he had once had a work trial with Ashley at his panel beating business but decided that that line of work was not for him. He also spoke of his passion to win this event.
Sam Hughes made it no contest for the stirrers sash, with judge Nigel Moiser saying it was an easy call to make. 

A fantastic evening of stockcar racing and every driver present deserves credit for making it so a fitting tribute to Ashley
Scott Ross
08/02/10

 (update 03/02/10)
This weekend sees the running of what has become a real spectacle on the stockcar calender in Gisborne. The Ashley Scott Memorial.

There was so much interest last year from drivers that the rules had an overhaul at their request at the AGM, the main change being you now have to be a full Gisborne club member to race at this meeting. Membership must be paid before racing starts. So the first point of interest is the fact that

84M - Ryan Smyth called today to say he will be here and will be joining the club so he can race for the trophy so the locals will not just have to battle each other this year. While on that topic

78B - Andrew Powell has had a club membership all season and has a second at the classic to prove how well he does go here-recently qualified for the  North Islands so is having a great year to date. One feels the G cars may pay a little more attention at this event than they normally do to Mr Powell.

Of the Locals the following must be seen as favourites 

92g - Brett LLoyd - Brett is keeping it very close to his chest if he will be here or not for this event. I am sure if he is he will be there or there abouts at the end of the meeting. Is the current titile holder.

81G - Jason Jones is a previous winner of this event and gets quicker in his new car at every meeting. Is determined to become a two time winner.

27G - Toby Pickering - At the sharp end of the club points and third at the classic. Was on the podium at this event last year and nothing would please him more than to win it.

88G - Ian Barron - Another man that should be right up there when the final flag drops would say if he has a bad first heat could change focus quickly to going for stirrers award.

8G - Bruce Harding - Has new engine fitted for this event and much interest will be on how that goes- Never won this event in all the years he has been racing is this year his turn?

10G - Kent Harper - starting to hit his straps ad known for keeping nose tidy may just slip through as no one paying attention to him

 The Stirrers -  This title at this event is really sort after as those that saw Dave Warner's reaction when he won last year will agree and is over the three races. 

15G -" The Enforcer" Mike Schwass will be keen to prove the demolition job he did on Shane Walker at the last meeting was not a one hit wonder but just the start.

18G - Sam Hughes - May well chose to have a crack at winning this but if he doesn't expect fireworks from him- will be keen to "sort" things with the above driver if he gets a chance

75G - Nick Hutton - Has put in some very well timed hits this season and has not been shy to have a go at the big names of the class am sure he will have an impact on who does or more importantly who does not win this event.

66G - David Bacon - Has been in block mode alot more than ever this season and am sure he will again be keen to get in the way.

Other points of interest:
86G - Jamie Harding will drive his injured cousin Jason's car how will he go in a top line car that has pace to burn?

7G Ian Mcgrory/Evan Mooney and 51G- Allan Stairs could well go unnoticed at this event- Allan in particular has picked up alot of club points doing just that and could be the surprise packages.
This will be a great event- one for the true stockcar fan a fitting tribute to the legend Ashley Scott

With the season half way through thought it was time for a bit of an update on Gisborne club members and class in general.

8G - Bruce Harding: The veteran carrying on the good form from last year and even has upgraded engine package due at some stage this season.

11G- Still no sign of the Tank, there must be a commander out there some where?

18G - Sam Hughes car has shown pace when he puts his mind to it. Has also been a regular traveller to HB this season. Loves contact- Likes stirring- dislikes enforcers

27G - Toby Pickering: Another top season so far from Toby, will be at the pointy end of the table points wise again this season. Has surprised many with his aggression this year. Very good result of third at the classic.

51G - Allan Stairs: Seems to circulate under the radar alot of the time.  And is getting quicker as season progresses.

71G - Jamie Harding: Walked away from massive damage to car at the classic, a great advertisement for a proper fitting seat, will be back as soon as car repaired a keen competitor.

77G - Shane Malcom: Car has been on the pace when Shane has been able to race, here's hoping we see more of him in the second half of the season. The car is for sale so catch up with Shane in the pits if you are looking for a good buy he is real keen for it to stay local.

79G - Lance Sutherland: Also at the sharp end of the field points wise so far in a very sharp looking car. Has also not been backward in using bumper when required.

86G - Jason Harding: New car well prepared and flying, right in points hunt till injury ended season. A man with a future in this class no doubt. Be interesting to see if anyone else is given a go in the car for rest of season.

92G - Brett Lloyd Transfered back to his home town just in time for the classic and took out a win for a local in the first time in its 15 year history. Car one of the quicker in the country at present and very well prepared. His fulltime return has been another boost for the class locally.

Regards,
Scott Ross
 

(update 31/12/09)
The Gisborne Gladiators to meet the Kihikihi Crusaders on the 4th of January at the Eastland Raceway will be chosen from the following.

61g- David Bacon
62g- Jason Jones
63g- Bruce Harding
64g- Ian Barron
66g- Brett Lloyd
Note:  One to be omitted,
     Nic Vallance is unavailable due to a prior engagement.
     Sam Hughes is sitting this one out while he rebuilds after an awesome clash at the Wellington Teams.

(update 31/12/09)
Kihikihi Crusaders Manager, Ray Osborne, has named the following side to race against the Gisborne Gladiators at the Eastland Group Raceway at the next meeting on the 4th of January. This is an historic first visit for the Crusaders to Gisborne and there will be plenty of interest in this event from the Gisborne fans.
Manager Ray Osborne has managed the team for two years and raced for it for four so certainly knows what it takes to put together a good team.

7K Ivan Lummas
Ivan has been racing for some time now and has managed to make an impression at every track he has raced at as a very very hard hitter.  He is not new to teams racing either and is looking forward to the challenge that has been put to us against  the Gladiators. Was noted having a good look at Gladiators cars and personal in Wellington  at recent teams nationals so obviously taken this event very seriously. 

915K  James Ford
One of our completely new drivers at Kihikihi and first time teams racer.  James has purchased a car that has been around for many years and has had many successful wins all over the country.
This car has still got plenty of potential as shown at a teams event held at Kihikihi last month.

4K Carl Hodge
Carl is also new to teams. However he is the stepson of the legendary Gary Ellis. This will help Carl and the team as we all know Gary has been very successful in both normal racing and teams racing.  With Gary's help and support and Carl's ability to drive he is looking forward to these events.

16K  Kurt Scholes
First year racer currently putting together a new car for the January event. Kurt has raced one teams event and has shown he is prepared to put his car on the line and wants to be successful. Always asking questions on how he can do better. This attitude has helped Kurt in choosing him for the Crusaders. 

93K  Wayne New
Wayne is also new to stockcars. He has raced in our last teams event and also managed to pull off some good moves. He has one of the strongest cars in the team and it is also reported to be very quick.

Supporting the KihiKihi Crusaders will be the following Ministocks and Stockcars:

19K Ryan Burrell (ministock)
44K Libby Singers (ministock)
96K Connor Garrett (ministock)
91K Roy Williams (Stockcar) ( to be confirmed) 

Cheers, Ray

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 Here is a brief  round-up of the class for the 2009/2010 season.
Scott Ross

The main question many will be asking is can this class continue  in the same very successful vein as last year?  One of the key factors in that was getting numbers to the track and this coming season looks promising with a reasonable turnout at opening meeting. Below is a quick round up of those that are either registered to the Gisborne Club or have Gisborne club membership in the writers opinion

7G - Ian McGrory -
Had an excellent first full season and  was in the hunt for points trophies right till near the end of the season.
Can see no reason why won't go well again.
Will hopefully be joined by brother Mike at some stage in the season in his new car.

8G - Bruce Harding -
The last season was very successful for Bruce winning most consistent feature points and sharing the main points trophy.
Bruce will be looking to repeat last years success and no doubt provide some entertainment with bumper along the way.

10G - Kent Harper -
Kent takes over the drive of the car that was used a lot last season to give people a go in the class.
Has done a lot of maintenance work in the off season that often does not get done when cars are share driven.
The car has an upgraded engine package.
Kent went well the odd time he drove Glen O'Connell's old car and should be a good achiever.

11G - The Tank-
By all reports is all but  ready to go. David Kingsbeer will not be driving this year and is set to concentrate on Daughters Ministock and committee duties.
Here's hoping owner Jon Gardner does get behind the wheel or a suitable commander is found quickly.

15G - Mike Schwass ( The Enforcer) -
Plagued by reliability issues last year Mike is keen to put that behind him after working hard on the car in the off season and get on with the job.
It was clear to many at the AGM after the Hughes /Schwass camps exchanged "pleasantries" that their feud is not going away and can only intensifying.
No doubt the stirrers trophy will be in the back of Mike's mind and he should be one to watch for those that like contact.

18G - Sam Hughes -
Had very good season last year with increased pace. Was talk of having season off to concentrate on business interests but one feels issues with the above driver has seen his return.
Very committed on the hitting side of things when he does decide to have a crack

21G - Shane Walker -
Shane comes across from the street stock class were he fell foul of officialdom over his tendency to reverse spin. Has purchased the x O'Connell Rover and should have no trouble adapting to this class.

26G - Shaun Dunlop -
Car has had a bit of an up grade in the off season.
Shaun now an experienced campaigner in this class and will no doubt be keen on improving results.

27G - Toby Pickering -
Toby won most improved first year driver and was runner up in the main points so had tremendous first season.
Is keen on traveling to gain experience and car is always very well presented.
Another good season of results ahead I am picking.

37B - Ricky Kuru -
Cars always go super well and are very well presented, Drew Dear, another local that has a new car on the way, drove at opening meeting.
With Gisborne and Hawkes Bay dates not clashing again this season we should see plenty of Ricky racing here.

51G - Allan Stairs -
Had a few drives last year and got keen and he and his crew have built a new car.
Would say he will come to grips with it all pretty quickly.
Plenty of enthusiasm which is always good to see.

66G - David Bacon -
Has given the space frame a steel work upgrade in the of season and finally motor seems to be on song and will be hoping for a good run this season and more on track time.
Always keen to help other drivers

71G - Jamie Harding -
The Falcon powered flatty seems to keep on trucking and he seems to really enjoy himself.

75G - Nic Hutton -
New car not ready so will continue to drive the old one till it is.
Seems to have plenty of straight line gas and he is not shy to use his bumper.

77G- Shane Malcom -
Picked up the most improved driver last year and car is certainly competitive pace-wise.
Am expecting him to go very well this year.

78B - Andrew Powell -
The Hawkes Bay driver is a regular visitor to Gisborne and this year has decided to take out a club membership.
Look for him to feature in the points side of things as well as the two big events the Classic and the Ashley Scott.

79G - Lance Sutherland -
Reports from the opening meeting suggest the teething problems have been sorted from last season and he is flying.. Immaculate car

81G - Jason Jones -
New car had engine dramas at opening meeting am sure he will quickly get them sorted and will be  highly competitive as always.

85G - David Warner -
David has a new spaceframe in the pipeline after destroying the flatty last year.
He is not sure if he will make it out this season but here's hoping.
Seems to have no interest in actually winning, just hitting.
More than happy to wreck his own car, very popular with the paying public.

86G - Jason Harding -
Has new holden powered x Neville Stanaway car and came 1st equal last year in main points and won best presented.
Reports out of opening meeting tell me he is again going very quickly and still has race motor to come. very good driver who will only get better with more time in seat.

88G - Ian Barron -
Back with Gisborne for a second season, this car was one of the quickest locally and Ian has experience to burn.
Did well on the National stage last season
Car very well prepared and reliable as.
Will have another good year.

92P - Brett LLoyd -
New car again already showing express pace in Palmerston North's early meetings.
Another car that is immaculate in preparation and appearance.
Brett be looking to again have fantastic year on national stage.

Other points of interest

131G - Paul Jensen -
Paul returns after a few years in the speedway wilderness.
Of interest to many locals will be the fact that he will return in the late Ashley Scott's old car, now repowered by Holden v6 power

22G - Clive Masemann -
Has advised he is having a year off as has last year's stirrer of the year 99G Simon Allan. Here's hoping Simon can get back as soon as possible as there is no question that he brought a lot of action back to this class being constantly in attack mode

Scott Ross