Post by NZSTC on Feb 18, 2016 17:58:06 GMT 12
Canterbury Crushers
Despite a lot of changes from last years third place team all the talk from the deep south seems to indicate that this will be the Crushers year. Jay Holtham impreesed at the Super Stock teams Robb and Gisborne local Lovell both have speed to burn Fairbairn has been around the game for ever so why wouldn't they rate themselves?
Wellington Young Guns
Take the pace of Prentice,Lane and Davis throw in the hitting blocking ability of Gaskin, Parker and new comer McLachlan coupled with long time manager Graeme Gaskin and you can see why many are saying this is the strongest all round squad on paper at this event. Prentice represnted the Pumas for a long period and Gaskin and Parker have a long association with the Young Guns so no shortage of big game experience surely a podium finish?
Wanganui Vulcans
This is a team that promises to be a crowd favourite as win or loose they always turn the action on. Mooney Potaka Fleet and the new V arrival of Ron Tye could all be classed as old school stock car drivers where putting on a show was part of the deal and chrome and flash paint jobs aren't high on the agenda.These four have done alot of teams racing and never shirk from the rough stuff. Throw in Bevan Humphrey and Brendan Tye and the River City must rate its chances. Win or loose no one ever complains about on track action where the Vulcans are involved.
Waikato Raiders
The Radiers would seem to have the bases covered here with Mark Caldwell known for being able to get through traffic at pace, Webster and Wootton are respected hitters and veteren Neville Hazelton has experience to burn , even turning out for the Gladiators on a couple of occasions.
In David Moore they have a driver of that will be one of the stars of the event he is just going from strength to strength after a resonable stint with Kihi Kihi he would surely now be one of the first names on selection sheet.
Rotorua Rascals
As Always Rotorua name a really strong team for this event with four of last years squad returning. Long time competitor Mike Hohneck is a new addition as is Michael Rumney who impressed many at the Nz stock car title,Damian Orr is also a member of the rebels now days and these guys have had plenty of warm up races. Another interesting point is that they will be the only full team to travel to Gisborne before the event when they attend this coming weekends meeting.
The other thing only the informed speedway fan would have noticed and will be a huge asset to this team is the appointment of Steve Axtens as manager, he had a long stint as a rascal and acheivched several podiums as an individual competitor, he has also played and coached rugby at a high level.Look for a lift in professionalism and even higher performance with him in charge, the tail will not be wagging the dog with him in charge.
Scotty Ross
Gisborne Giants Manager
Despite a lot of changes from last years third place team all the talk from the deep south seems to indicate that this will be the Crushers year. Jay Holtham impreesed at the Super Stock teams Robb and Gisborne local Lovell both have speed to burn Fairbairn has been around the game for ever so why wouldn't they rate themselves?
Wellington Young Guns
Take the pace of Prentice,Lane and Davis throw in the hitting blocking ability of Gaskin, Parker and new comer McLachlan coupled with long time manager Graeme Gaskin and you can see why many are saying this is the strongest all round squad on paper at this event. Prentice represnted the Pumas for a long period and Gaskin and Parker have a long association with the Young Guns so no shortage of big game experience surely a podium finish?
Wanganui Vulcans
This is a team that promises to be a crowd favourite as win or loose they always turn the action on. Mooney Potaka Fleet and the new V arrival of Ron Tye could all be classed as old school stock car drivers where putting on a show was part of the deal and chrome and flash paint jobs aren't high on the agenda.These four have done alot of teams racing and never shirk from the rough stuff. Throw in Bevan Humphrey and Brendan Tye and the River City must rate its chances. Win or loose no one ever complains about on track action where the Vulcans are involved.
Waikato Raiders
The Radiers would seem to have the bases covered here with Mark Caldwell known for being able to get through traffic at pace, Webster and Wootton are respected hitters and veteren Neville Hazelton has experience to burn , even turning out for the Gladiators on a couple of occasions.
In David Moore they have a driver of that will be one of the stars of the event he is just going from strength to strength after a resonable stint with Kihi Kihi he would surely now be one of the first names on selection sheet.
Rotorua Rascals
As Always Rotorua name a really strong team for this event with four of last years squad returning. Long time competitor Mike Hohneck is a new addition as is Michael Rumney who impressed many at the Nz stock car title,Damian Orr is also a member of the rebels now days and these guys have had plenty of warm up races. Another interesting point is that they will be the only full team to travel to Gisborne before the event when they attend this coming weekends meeting.
The other thing only the informed speedway fan would have noticed and will be a huge asset to this team is the appointment of Steve Axtens as manager, he had a long stint as a rascal and acheivched several podiums as an individual competitor, he has also played and coached rugby at a high level.Look for a lift in professionalism and even higher performance with him in charge, the tail will not be wagging the dog with him in charge.
Scotty Ross
Gisborne Giants Manager
