01-04-2015


Graham Williamson in action in his Hypermac Mustang

Photo by Mexted Design Photography

Riverside To Host Grand Prix
By Daryl Shuttleworth

The smell of burning rubber and the roar of V8 engines will greet Invercargill speedway fans this coming Friday afternoon as The Rock FM Riverside Speedway plays host to drivers from around the country for the New Zealand Saloon Grand Prix.
In excess of twenty five saloons are expected to enter the event that was originally set for earlier in the new year but was rained off with no result.

Paddy North of Eastern States Speedway in Blenheim is the firm favorite to take out the Grand Prix, North has had a stellar season to date, narrowly missing out on winning the New Zealand Saloon Championship on his home track, claiming second, and then backing it up by winning the South Island Saloon Championships in Christchurch.

North was pushed hard at the South Island Championships by Peter Schouten of Cromwell who claimed second and Lloyd Phillips of Invercargill who was third, both of who will also be lining up this Friday to try and put a dent in Norths stellar season.

Phillips third placing at the South Island Title has been one of the best results to come out of the saloon grade at Riverside Speedway for some time, both Phillips and his brother Craig have been involved in the club now for a number of seasons, and both will have plenty of local support come Friday afternoon.

Other local competitors entered are Dean Shearing and Brent Stirling.

Another driver who has made his return to speedway this season after more than three decades out of the drivers seat is local business owner Graham Williamson, who has entered his Hypermac Mustang in the Grand Prix.
Williamson is first to admit that getting back on track hasn't been easy, its been a season of learning the car and various tracks, but he has recently managed to get his car to the pointy end of the field, picking up race wins in the process and will be the dark horse heading into Fridays races.

A full field of cars are expected to front up in support classes, such as Modified Sprints, Youth Saloons, Production Saloons and Streetstocks.

The New Zealand Saloon Grand Prix is sponsored by Dean Shearing Contracting in association with The Roading Company, Isla Bank Butchery and Scenic Route Lunch Bar, racing gets underway 3pm Friday.