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Sun sport
Wednesday December 29, 2010
19
Local drivers have dream start to series Two Blenheim racing teams have defied the odds to take out dual titles in the South Island Endurance Series which finished in Christchurch on November 27, 2010. Pat Heagney won the Matt Heagney memorial trophy for the four-cylinder class, dedicated to his son who died in August last year, while Scott McDermid and father Craig won the 3501CC class. Pat finished fifth in the final race at Ruapuna racecourse, while the McDermids finished second in their race. Pat also finished third in the
Pat Heagney
overall standings, taking into account all classes on show throughout the competition.
He says the result is a huge achievement for a team competing against much more fancied cars from across the South Island. “I don’t think people realise in what context we are racing,� he said. “We were just a little team from Blenheim racing against GT3 Porsches. “It was a pretty big achievement for us and the family - we’re just little boys on a big boys paddock really.� Pat also said the victory was an emotional one as he was racing for his son.
Jet boat victory Local man John Derry, right has driven New Zealand’s only turbinepowered jet boat to victory in the 2010 New Zealand jet boat marathon in October. The boat, named after its sponsor “Mother�, is the first of its kind to win the marathon, reaching speeds of up to 139 miles per hour. The team of John, Brent Hefford pictured left,, Glenn Bateman, Pete Connelly, and Murray Baker, finished
in a time of 3 hours, 34 minutes, 53 seconds over the six day event, which finished in Greymouth on Saturday. With a turbine-powered boat never having finished a jet boat marathon until now, Derry says the groundbreaking victory has the potential to turn the sport on its head. Another Blenheim pair, driver Bryce Idiens and navigator Greg Simpson, finished in fifth place in a time of 4 hours, 12 minutes.
History in the making Blenheim hosts Basis NZ Stockcar Title
NZ TITLE: Eastern States Speedway is hosting the Basis New Zealand Stock Car Title for the first time in the club’s history. Photo Shane Best Photography.
Hold on to your seat speedway fans, The Basis New Zealand Stock Car Title is coming to Blenheim on January 6, 7 and 8, 2011. The Basis NZ Stock Car Title is one of the biggest events featured annually on the Speedway calendar and for the first time in Eastern States Speedway’s history, the title is being held here in Blenheim. For three years the Eastern States committee has been balloting for the title to be held in Blenheim. After much hard work, planning and negotiation Eastern States president Tim Alexander is proud to announce that around 150 of the country’s top stock car drivers will be coming to Blenheim to contest the title.
“This is a huge event for our club and a massive boost for our community. Each driver and his pit crew will be utilizing local services such as accommodation, restaurants and retail, this title has the potential to bring tens of thousands of dollars to Marlborough,� he says. The action kicks off Thursday, January 6 with a practice event for all the competitors. Friday will be the qualifying night which will see drivers compete to qualify over three rounds. The top six in each group will go on to race in the finals on Saturday night. The driver with the most points from the final three rounds will win the title.
Coming to Blenheim to defend their title placings are 1NZ Peter Rees, 2NZ Scott MacIntosh and 3NZ Chris Flett. Make sure you get along and support our local drivers as they battle it out for a place on the podium. Gates open 4pm and racing starts 7pm. Gate Prices: Thursday: Gold coin entry. Friday: Adults $25.00, Children 5-16 $5.00, Under 5 free, Family $50.00 Members/students/ pensioners $10.00 Saturday: Adults $30.00, Children 5-16 $5.00, Under 5 free, Family $60.00 Members/students/ pensioners $15.00
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