Track: Palmerston North
Date: 15 March 2008
Event: Youth Ministock Challenge
Pictures & reporting by Mike Pollard 

Palmerston North
Youth Ministock Challenge
Saturday 15 March 2008
Pictures & reporting by Mike Pollard 

Even I, was intrigued by the Ministock feature race, where a "fastest at the front" grid clearly showed which parents were out in front, in terms of spending money. Nonetheless, the front runners were really motoring, and recording lap times on a par with the leading Stockcars.

The feature for me though; was the 1st time appearance of the #64p Kev Smith Superstock, who had the "luxury" of debuting the car whilst the top Superstock drivers were down in the South Island. where, an over wet track, amazingly caused by the water truck; meant that the meeting was abandoned early on ......I keep tellin 'em to get some shale!

H1. Kev elected to start at the rear and by race end had passed a few, but had been passed by race winner #77p Wayne Norris. Given the fact that sparks were continually appearing from the back end which was grounding at times; the car looked to have lots of potential, as #64p Smith recorded an 11th place finish.

H2.(all in) The superstocks Started in front of the Stockcars, and so #64p Smith was forced to start mid-pack. A change of rear shocks, seemed to make little difference, as although the sparks were much reduced, it was still low down at the right rear. Nevertheless, the only car to pass, was race winner #8p Scott Miers who was driving like a demon in this one.

Feature
Kev started on the 2nd row, and kept his place throughout, despite a tough battle with #7b Shane Mellsop and with a car that was starting to bunny hop when pushed hard. #64p Smith finishing the feature in 3rd place behind winner #57p Dave Tarrant and 2nd placed; #9p Brett Hyslop.

Cars racing
38 Jnr Ministocks
18 Superstocks
16 Stockcars
15 Saloons
14 TQ Midgets
11 Sidecars