Track: Wanganui
Date: 29 January 2010
Event: West Coast Stockcar Champs
Reporting by Roger Morrison and pictures by Mike Pollard

Wanganui
West Coast Stockcar Champs
29 January 2010
Reporting by Roger Morrison and pictures by Mike Pollard

46V Allen Levien put the disappointment behind him of being denied the Charlie Berntsen Trophy two weeks ago when he triumphed in the West Coast Stockcar Champs tonight at Oceanview Speedway. He had to do it the hard way though as a run-off with clubmate 89V Blair Lockett was required to claim the victory. Too much speed off the line gave Levien the win in the run-off, which was made easier when Lockett got it wrong on the slicked off track.

West Coast Stockcar Champs

24 stockcars signed on for this annual battle with the 14 locals joined by 6 from Palmerston North, 3 from Stratford and 64BBeatle Tarrant representing Hawkes Bay. While the locals looked to 46V Allen Levien, 6V Dion Mooney, 18V Tony James and 89V Blair Lockett to be their main hopes, Palmerston North had the likes of 16P Graeme Ward, 32P George Frear, 67P Alec Wilson and 34P Rob Mason as likely candidates. Stratford were missing regulars the Flett brothers, but 79S Shane Hurliman and 229S Kylee Symes have run well here before. And Tarrant was driving his new steed - the ex-24W of Scott McIntosh.

Heat One
On a greasy surface it was mad dash away with the likes of Mooney & Ward prominent in taking the direct route through the traffic. Lockett slipped in to an early lead but 8V Malcolm Barron took over the no. 1 slot mid-race. Barron is normally in the enforcer role but has some good speed this season. Barron was sailing untroubled towards the chequered flag when he suddenly lost drive coming in to the last corner. Using cars behind him to shunt him towards the line he crossed the line with Mooney flashing by at the same time. While the naked eye suggested Barron had done enough as he coasted to a stop after the flag the ELS system doesn't lie & Mooney was given the win - it was that close!!!

Heat Two
With Mooney off pole it looked like it was going to be the hitman's night but it all went pear shaped for the great one when he lost his left back wheel after a couple of laps. He was keen to carry on but only lasted 50m. Ward also limped infield after looking particularly quick. While all this was going on Levien sneaked away to take the win from 67P Alec Wilson and 34P Rob Mason.
So after two heats it was Lockett on 47 points , Levien & Wilson on 46 & Barron on 40.

Heat Three
Levien was off the back and Lockett was midfield. From the green flag the field started to sort themselves out. Lockett was sun early while up front 58V Paul Ellis pinched a small lead. Levien was making up ground on Wilson and in lap 4 spun the Palmerston North driver to put him in the clear. Ward was chasing down Levien and had a crack at him in lap 7 but got snagged with a spun car. Ward tried again a lap later but Levien once again eluded his clutches. 31V Daniel Matthews had a clean run to the flag ahead of 18V Tony James and 79S Shane Hurliman - Ellis having pulled infield with a flat tyre. Levien crossed in 4th but the remarkable Lockett had sneaked his way up behind the 46V car to finish 5th. Locket has had a remarkable start to his career in stockcars having finished top 10 in the NZ Grand Prix then qualified for the North Islands final.

Run-Off
So Levien & Lockett were level on points, three ahead of Wilson. For the run-ff Levien drew pole & scooted clear off the line. Lockett dragged the gap back to the point that a slip by Levien in lap 3 opened the way for the 89V car. But a half spin lost him the chance. Waiting for the 46V car, Lockett found himself shunted the last 50m across the line for Levien to take a well deserved victory.