High-horsepower Super Saloons make their season debut in Tauranga this weekend.

The much-loved four wheel machines will provide the first title action of the summer when Baypark Speedway stages its always popular Bay Super Bowl and Fireworks Spectacular on Saturday night.

The South Pacific Super Saloon Car Championship is a Baypark tradition first staged in the late 1980s, and this season it also provides an early season curtain raiser for the North Island Super Saloon Champs in early December.

“A strong field of 16 cars is expected to contest the title event headed by defending champion Craig Cardwell of Auckland,” says a Baypark spokesperson.

“Last year Cardwell edged Tauranga’s Sam Waddell by 0.3secs to win the 20-lap final.”

Cardwell and Waddell will again be among the favourites this Saturday night along with Manawatu racer Peter Bengston, Whitianga’s Bodie Abrahamson, Wellington racer Mark Pitcher and Tauranga hard charger Scott Hayward.

Top quality grids are also being assembled for the Sprint Car, Midget Car and Super Stock categories, each making their second appearance of the summer.

“The sprint car field will be very similar to the 28-car car line-up that provided the highlight of the Labour weekend season opener won by Hamilton’s Dean Brindle.

“Opening night feature winner Aaron Hodgson will again be challenged by Michael Pickens and Brad Mosen for the Midget Car honours.”

Visiting drivers from Huntly and Rotorua join the Baypark regulars for the Super Stock action with first night winners Todd Hemingway and Elias Dykstra chasing further success.

Racing starts at 6.30pm with the fireworks display at the conclusion of racing.