American-style speedway event rocks

Greg Clemence (Christchurch)  leads the field during the final race at the Sprintcar Rockfest at...
Greg Clemence (Christchurch) leads the field during the final race at the Sprintcar Rockfest at the Central Motor Speedway at Cromwell last night. Photo by Sarah Marquet.
Organisers of the inaugural Sprintcar Rockfest at the Central Motor Speedway in Cromwell last night hailed the event as a success.

One of the organisers, Andy Erskine, estimated between 2000 and 3000 people braved the cool night and spots of rain to watch the action and listen to local band TyeDye, followed by the Jordan Luck Band.

Although most of the crowd had left by the end of the main race, meaning they missed the headline band, Mr Erskine said it was an "awesome" night.

Mr Erskine and fellow driver Jason Scott got the idea of combining motor-racing and music when they visited the US this year. They were taken with the concept and decided to try it at home.

The layout of the Central Motor Speedway for last night's meeting was also American in that the pits were in the middle of the track, something Mr Erskine said was a first for New Zealand.

As well as helping organise the event, Mr Erskine also raced, describing his competition as "hot".

"There were a couple of fast Kiwi boys" as well as Jonathan Allard, "the king of California", who won the feature race.

Racing will continue on the Cromwell track tomorrow and on January 1 from 6pm with cars competing in nine classes.

 

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