Fast offroad racers head for Bay of Plenty

Tony McCall has faced-tracked repairs to get ready for the race in Tauranga this weekend. Photo: Phil Hagan.

The fastest drivers in offroad racing head for the Bay of Plenty this weekend to contest round six of the 2024 championship.

They are chasing one last chance to boost their championship points tally before the national final next month.

The one-day event organised by the Waikato Offroad Racing Club takes place at the Tect Park south of Tauranga on a purpose-built short course track that offers excellent spectating. Racing takes place class-by-class in four heats

More than 40 entries had been received a week out from race day, and the sport’s most successful racer, Tony McCall, has confirmed his entry this week, says a statement released this week.

"McCall drives a one-of-a-kind BSL Chev single-seater that develops more than 484kW (650bhp) and weighs less than a tonne. He smashed a gearbox racing at Kurow two weeks ago, but has fast-tracked repairs to contest this weekend’s racing.

"He goes up against DaynomTempleman, Josh Attwood, Dan Fromings and Ross Boon.

"Defending national champion Carl Ruiterman will also be racing his Yamaha UTV, hoping to gain points to put him back in contention after overheating put him out of the previous northern round, the Woodhill 100.

The unlimited truck class will be hard fought, with seasoned racer Gary Baker of Otakiri bringing out his American Pro4 race truck."

Leigh Bishop in action. Photo: Phil Hagan.

The class leader is Nick Leahy, who will not be racing.

Leigh Bishop in another V8 truck is a hot contender though he trails Leahy on points. Also running V8 trucks are Ash Carlyle and Richard Crabb. It's Crabb's first run in the truck class, says event organisers.

"The current points leader, however, is not in the top classes. Asher Morgan, driving a 1.3-litre single seater, has held the championship lead for most of the year and has 210 points. Like the racers in the ‘big banger’ classes is looking to clean-sweep the heats for his class.

"Racing at the Daltons Tect Park Raceway starts at 9am on Saturday."

Spectator admission is $10 for adults, $5 for children or $20.00 for families. Food and drink vendors will be on site.

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