Macgor's New Zealand Speedway

1st published Feb 2001, republished 25-06-2015

Page 1 , Page 2 , Page 3 , Page 4 , Page 5

Rotorua North Island Teams Classic 2nd & 3rd February 2001 by Macgor
Qualifying Teams race three
Northern Selection versus Rookie Rebels
The Select team had pole with 6h Jason Reidinger on the mark . It was a while after the green before any progress was made though as both front grid sitters sat on the brakes . Eventually the blockade was breached and 26r Mark Osbourne grabbed the lead chased hard by 22h Blair Ashton.

Osbourne led only for a lap though until he was blocked by Kevin Brookes in the 9a tank . Ashton took the lead from there . It was a hard race to follow though apart from the leader because sixth Rookie team member Russell Hunter was drafted into the Select team still wearing Rookie colours making like difficult for slow brains like mine .
Ashton charged his way to the win swatting aside the various Rookies that ganged up attempting to take him out .

Plenty of cars finished the race so the theory was that as highest points scoring losers the Rookies would go through to the finals . It was only at this point I heard it said that there was to be another teams race added to the program.
This teams race would comprise 3 cars from each of the losing teams . Sounded like a jack up in order to get the Rebels to the finals was my thinking .

Qualifying Teams race four
Rebels versus Rookies versus Hawkeyes
This was the softest race of the night . The Rookie team spent the duration occupying the Hawkes Bay cars while the Rebels cruised to victory . At no stage did a Rookies even look like attacking a Rebels car even when the opportunity was presented . A jack up? , you decide .
Obviously it was good for the show in making sure the Rebels as the strongest team got to the finals .
The crowd would get to see better matches and the locals would have the chance of an overall win .
Had to feel for Hawkes Bay though because they were in a teams race against six opposition cars to their three .