The Nelson Garage Doors South Island Super Stock Title was taken out by the in-form Brett Nicholls, who has been the pace setter since acquiring his Rees Race car, even a two-place relegation in the opening heat didn’t really make much of a dent in the final outcome. The title was lacking a strong import of Christchurch cars which was disappointing for the crowd, regular visitors Peter Field, Ollie Sutton, Kelan Keith and Hepi Paul making the trip up.  

Gisborne registered driver Tim Ross flew down to compete as he often has, it was a sedate title with Michael Oakley slowing the leading Tim Ross in the final heat to make sure a club mate would take the title, Nicholls doing enough, leaving Alex Hill and Ross tied for a run-off for 2nd and 3rd, Ross getting the better of Hill in the opening exchange and a sedate sprint chase to the flag.  

Alicia Hill suffered a flat left rear in the opening laps of the 2nd heat, it was too much for the right rear which disintegrated down to the wire leaving her parked on the infield, luckily, she knows a good tyre person, Hi Dad... Callum Russ was meant to bring home the title for his father's birthday present but he got as far as the green flag dropping before heading infield, the crew left chasing an electrical gremlin for the rest of the night.   

The Streetstock Tri-Series ran the second night of their event; the pace was hot and while there didn’t seem to be the big hits, the damage was evident on multiple cars back in the pits; it ended many drivers' series aspirations. Ryan Musgrove has the new wagon firing, winning the nights points tally, defending champion and S.I. champion Ben Jenkins staying in touch in 2nd with Jordan Gillespie ending in 3rd. Jenkins doing enough to take out the Ian Musgrove Cup which was held over the Blenheim and Nelson rounds, Musgrove was 2nd with Kahu Epiha 3rd.

A few of the points leaders ran into trouble on night 2; Simon Bland and Tom McSherry were unable to finish heats to drop down the ladder. Andre Musgrove claimed the stirrers award.

The Hit to Pass for the stock cars was more tap and spin with many of the cars heading to Dunedin for the South Island title the following weekend, long nights in the shed weren’t on the agenda, a return from the North Island for Roydon Winstanley bagged him top prize with Jack Rarity 2nd and Troy Cleveland 3rd, Riley Eathorne joined the Central Coyotes stock car team, winning the final in Christchurch to the Dunedin Outlaws.   

The coveted Pam Nixon Memorial trophy almost looked like it was going to be last car going wins, the 12-car field chopped to 7 in the final heat with many cars suffering mechanical damage, Morgan Wells, popping the boot lid open after slapping the wall, losing the bumper as well, Easton Salter on a charge after winning heat 1 headed infield while leading heat 2 ending his night. It was Sam Martin who fronted for the first time in a while, a 2nd and two wins easily taking out the title, youngster Dave Leitch snuck into second place by staying inside the top 4 all night with Richard Ross finding bold orange is faster than old green taking 3rd spot on the podium.   

The Quarter Midgets finished their final heat with the race of the night, Darcy Rasmussen winning by .2 of a second over Blake Stilwell as they swapped the lead on multiple occasions over the race. A couple of Whoopsies for Bailey Bensemann and Mack Rawson, both ending on their lid, some steelwork needed for Bailey's car before returning to the track. Rasmussen with 3 wins while doing double duty in the Ministock as well.   

Locky Martins two wins were undone by a flat tyre in his final heat, Eli Gare picking up the heat 1 win and Kade Taylor grabbing the final heat win after an epic battle with Cort Higgins as they ducked around back-markers swapping the lead on several occasions. Stevie Thompson suffered a wee roll on the night; they were paired up with the Streetstock drivers and were running as part of the Tri-series, Eli Gare picking up top points from Bailey Jefcoate 2nd and Tate Carpenter 3rd.
 

The number of cars keeps growing every week, the level of competition increasing as drivers get more laps in.  

It was a relax night for the TQ’s, Jeremy Webb cruising to an easy win in heat 1, climbing from 6th to take the lead after Morgan Frost dramatically dropped off the lead in heat 2 on lap 9, it was not going to be a repeat in heat 3, Frost lead from start to finish, opening up a healthy lead with Webb starting off the rear, he still managed to grab 2nd. Conley Webley made his debut in the TQ grade, the track a little less challenging in the final heat.   

Another busy night of titles as the NZ Streetstock title starts to knock on the door, just the Open Streetstock meeting before Christmas for a final shake down. 

The biggest news of the weekend might have been the announcement of the rehashed NZ title calendar, the NZ Midget title returning to Nelson next year with the Super Saloon confirmed for 2029 and Sprint Car title penciled in for 2030. 

It will be the first time Nelson has ever hosted the Sprint Car title, with the GP already locked in for next year. The Super Saloon title last ran here in 2012; the GP is already locked in for 2028 happy times for team Burson after years of travelling.    

Writers note: apology for the late write-up, busy times.

Jody Scott

BM Photography