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Big prizes up for grabs at Waikaraka Park

3 February, 2016

There’s set to be plenty of action in late February at Waikaraka Family Speedway, with around $16K in prize and appearance money up for grabs. February 20 will see the Modified Grand Prix in action, in which drivers will not only get the chance to settle old rivalries but also be in with a chance to take home their share of $4K. Almost 30 cars are already entered and will provide a great spectacle for the crowd as they race for victory. While hometown hero Jamie ‘Foxy’ Fox is known as the man to beat at Waikaraka, he’ll have his work cut out for him to stay at the head of the pack with that much cash for the taking.

The Modified Dirt Cup a week later, on February 27, will see the prize pool boost up to almost $12K, the largest on offer in the sport.

Then the ever-popular Teams Nationals will hit the Waikaraka clay on March 4 and 5. The event will see eight top teams from around the country, including the Palmerston Panthers, the Nelson Tigers, the Gisborne Giants, and the Baypark Busters, face off for national bragging rights. 

For more info and tickets, visit waikarakafamilyspeedway.co.nz.

Taipan – surpassing interest

“It’s merely a passing interest,” insists Selby — despite owning three variants of the classic VW Beetle, including an unusual VW van that was sold as a body kit for a Subaru. In his defence he points to a 1961 Ford Thunderbird, a car that he converted to right-hand drive. However, on the VW side of the ledger, since he opened Allison Autos in Whanganui 27 years ago, Selby has built 15 VW-powered Formula First cars, followed by a beach buggy, restored a derelict Karmann Ghia, and hot-rodded a common or garden Beetle into something that has to be seen to be believed. As speed is not something generally associated with classic VWs, though, Selby is still waiting for this particular modification to catch on amongst the hot rod faithful.

Travelling companion

It’s easy to see why the Morris Minor Traveller was one of the best-loved variants of the Morris Minor. Introduced in 1953, it was equipped with the same independent torsion bar front suspension, drum brakes, and rack and pinion steering as its saloon sibling but, with their foldable rear seat increasing versatility, many Travellers were used as trade vehicles, says Derek Goddard. Derek and Gail Goddard, the owners of this superbly restored example, have run Morris Minors since before they were married in 1974.
“Our honeymoon vehicle was a blue Morris Minor van — it was a rust bucket,” says Derek.