SpeedwayPlus | 2018 New Zealand Championship

After days of heavy rain, the sun came out but the freezing southerly wind had us all in winter gear. The track held up very well. Eleven riders entered this year's competition and all did their best, putting on a great show.

Local lad George Congreve blew his shot at the A Finals, leading the 1st B Final only to get bogged down out by the fence on the back straight, nearly stalling as he did. Southland's Jake Gillespie needed no second invite, avoiding the hapless Congreve and shot to the front, leaving Congreve to curse his way to second. Only the winner went to the A Finals.

Local junior lass Georgia Elvin thoroughly enjoyed her afternoon and before anyone questions her right to be there, at least she had the true grit to enter the competition!!! "You go girl !"

Bradley Wilson-Dean did just what was expected of a pro 1st Division British League star, the defending Champion was truly in a class of his own. Local star Andrew Aldridge, riding in his 12th NZ Champs, at last made the podium ahead of his Auckland rival, Ryan Terry-Daley. Jake Gillespie was just happy to be in the Finals. Lots of entertaining passes and spills, just what a Speedway meeting should be. Well done!

Heat 1. Wilson-Dean, Gillespie , Drake nf. 3 riders only.

Heat 2. Aldridge , Cox , Elvin, McKay fall.

Heat 3. Terry-Daley , Congreve, Taylor , Hannan fall.

[ Heat Winners to A Finals. ]

Repercharge;

McKay , Taylor , Drake , Elvin, Hannan fall.

B Final 1. Gillespie, Congreve , Taylor , Cox. McKay fall. (Winner to A Finals)

B Final 2. Congreve, Taylor, Cox nf.

B Final 3. Congreve, Taylor, Cox.

Consolation 1. Elvin, Drake, Hannan.

Consolation 2. Drake, Elvin, Hannan.

Consolation 3. Drake, Elvin, Hannan.