A new sibling rivalry revved up yesterday as Leilah and Bailey Jeffcoate raced each other at Dunedin’s speedway.
Leilah, 16, and Bailey, 12, of Nelson, faced off in the youth ministocks races during the South Island Streetstock Championship event at Beachlands Speedway, sliding sideways and flinging dirt as they competed for bragging rights at the family dinner table.
The more experienced Leilah beat Bailey in the first heat race, placing second.
‘‘It would have been nice to get first, but that’s all right, it’s racing,’’ Leilah said.
Bailey finished seventh.
After seven races this season, he was beginning to get used to the competition and felt he would be catching up to his sister sooner rather than later.
And that is just as well, as Leilah is planning to move up to the saloon class at the end of the season.
Both of their parents raced and grew up around the sport.
Beachlands club president Matt Stewart said there were about 2000 people at event.
Forty-four drivers from across the South Island took part in yesterday’s Streetstock Championship.
‘‘It’s bragging rights really, not only for the driver but the club who wins it,’’ Mr Stewart said.
Some drivers would have spent about 40 hours tuning their cars, he said.
Ben Jenkins was crowned the new South Island Streetstock champion.
