A total of 60 cars – one of the strongest fields in the 2023 JG Civil New Zealand Offroad Racing Championship – has dramatically reset the points table after a crash-and-bash day of racing at the Tect Park near Tauranga.
Going into the final over Labour Weekend at Kurow, all classes are now led by North Island competitors.
Experienced racer Daynom Templeman took enough wins to go to the final with the maximum 92 points in class one for unlimited race cars. He is North Island class one champion.
Also heading for the finals with top points in class three for cars with engines up to 1.6 litre was multiple class champion Brendon Old. He was second in class on the day behind Jason Midgely. Connor Nicklin followed Old home, third in class three despite electric issues shortening his day.
“Made the trip to Tect Park to have a crack and try to hold our points for the championship. First race felt really good with the car going well, unfortunately in the second race our day was cut short after another wiring gremlin. We have a plan now to sort it out before we make the trip down to Kurow for the national final and NZ1000 on Labour Weekend.”
Teen racer Holly Russell dominated class five for cars with engines up to 1350cc, and she goes to the finals on 90 points.
Leigh Bishop had a simple run to the class 8 North Island title, with his Chev truck the sole entrant at the Tect Park round. He takes 92 points to the final.
Likewise, Ed Hiestand was the only championship entry in class 10 for motorcycle-engined cars and takes 92 points to the final.
Teen Matthew Bishop (Leigh Bishop’s son) won Challenger VW class ahead of Sareena Paterson.
The UTV (side by side) classes are strongly supported, with 20 cars eligible for championship points. Matthew Bishop won the ‘U’ class in his Honda-backed Talon, with Keegan Terrell second. Defending national champion Carl Ruiterman took top points in S class, with Scott Munro second.
In the Kiwitruck junior classes, Zac Rowberry won J class and Asher Morgan won the more modified M class.
