Speedway: Gardner takes Taranaki title

Jarrod MacBeth

Photo by: Cookies Motorsport Photography

Adult Ministock competitor Kurt Gardner, pictured, cleaned up in a competitive field of racers to win the Tool Hire Taranaki Adult Ministock Championship on Saturday night at Five Star Liquor Stratford Speedway.

Racing amongst a field of 17 cars, made up of drivers from Taranaki and Palmerston North, Gardner was in top form and won all three races, claiming the title with maximum points.

He won the first race from grid 10, the second from grid two, and the third from grid 13. It is a very rare occurrence when a competitor in any class wins all three races to take a championship, indicating just how good a form Gardner is currently in.

Second place in the Taranaki title went to fellow Stratford competitor Riley Booker, who recorded a sixth-place finish in the first race, followed by two third-place finishes, while Palmerston North competitor Jono Mouldey, who has been a regular at Stratford this season, finished third overall after placing second, seventh, and fifth in the races.

Stockcars raced for the Warren Lowry Memorial, which is awarded to the best stirrer of the night. Brad Podjursky and Cory Symes both made their intentions clear in the first race and caused trouble for their fellow competitors all night.

After a tough decision, Brad Podjursky was awarded the sash for his menacing efforts during the races.

In support-class racing, William Hughes and Brayden Fale each won two races in the Superstock class.

Wins in the Streetstock division were shared between Anthony Washer, William Limmer, and Ron Washer, while Youth Ministock races were won by Todd Clarke, Lainey Hancock, Lucas Hurley, and Lakein Woods, with Woods also named Driver of the Night for his smooth driving in all races.

Speedway now takes a break, with the next event being the Pick A Part-sponsored event on Saturday, March 14, featuring the West Coast Streetstock Teams Championship, Demolition Derby Teams Championship, and the Repco Youth Ministock Spectacular.