Wanganui - 21 February
2008
New Zealand Superstocks Champs - Finals
Pictures & reporting by Mike Pollard
Hello and welcome to wonderful Wanganui for
only their third ever staging of the New Zealand Superstock Champs.
The track (similar to Scunthorpe in shape) has a reputation similar to that of Crewe(UK)
and Darlington (USA); in as much that it is widely regarded as their countries toughest
track. However, unlike their overseas cousins' rough surface, Wanganui's claim to fame is
their infamous 1st bend.
The ocean bend has claimed many a victim over the years ....its downhill, 0 to negative
camber and its sharp! Combined with New Zealands' practice of clutch starts......it's
really not a place where you want to draw the front row!
It has a reputation of producing champions.......13 x years ago the winner was #72r Lyle
Rumney, who went on to place a best ever (then), for an overseas driver; 4th in the F1
World Final.
13 x years before that in 1982, #432 Charlie Bernsten became world famous in Wanganui, by
becoming the local lad made good , as he became New Zealand champion on front of his home
town fans.
13 x years in the future, and it will be 2021 but Wanganui will be an unlikely host, as
SWNZ "grading" of tracks, means that this will probably be Wanganui's last taste
of the big time.
It started out with #432v Bernsten turning back the clock, as he led out the fied in the
car that took him to victory in 1982 and ended with an amazing run-off to decide the New
Zealand Superstock Championship
For a full report, visit: www.oceanviewspeedway.co.nz
Cars racing
64 x Superstocks
22 x Ministocks
20 Stockcars
7 x Sidecars
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