Photo: Steve WilliamsThe intense rivalry that has always existed between Australia and New Zealand has led to a fabulous history of competition across many sporting disciplines, not least of which was the famous Tasman Series for Formula One stars and emerging Aussie and Kiwi talent back in the 60’s and 70’s.
Ex pat Kiwi, Wayne Belk returned to his birth place last season with his Dodge Challenger Super Sedan and took on the locals in a series of races where he struck up a friendship with Steve Williams and this got the pair thinking about putting together a series of races in Australia this summer along the lines of the famous Tasman series.
With that in mind, Belk and Williams, best known as caddy for Tiger Woods, have combined their efforts to create a seven race, concentrated speedway series that will pit ten of the land of the long white clouds’ best Super Saloon stars against ten of the best bronzed Aussie Super Sedan steerers.
“I had such a good time over there last summer I thought, why not put together a deal where every second year we bring the Kiwi’s out here and on alternative years we take some Aussies over there.” Belk explained.
With that in mind Belk has been busy securing tracks for the venture which will be know as “The Trans Tasman Super Sedan Challenge” and which will feature some of New Zealand’s’ best Super Saloon racers including the extremely high profile driver Steve Williams who is better known in some circles as Tiger Woods’ caddy.
“The Kiwi’s are as keen as anything to come over here and have already booked the freight for their cars as well as their flights and accommodation.” Said a visibly excited Belk. “They are looking at this three week event as a bit of a holiday as well, but I’m sure once they’re on the track the competition will be fierce but friendly.”
“Just to come over there and race on some new tracks and against some new drivers is a huge thrill in itself.” Stated Williams recently when interviewed on raceradio.com.au “This is going to be a huge event and it presents some great opportunities for the New Zealnd drivers and I’m sure it will be very competitive.”
The New Zealand Super Saloons differ in specification from Australian Super Sedans in a number of ways but look very similar with Commodore and Falcon bodies along with Corvettes and Mustangs etc. Differences include engines of up to 434 cubic inches with cast iron blocks with standard valve angles, and the allowance of a bigger right rear tyre as well as being left hand drive.
“Sure they have much bigger engines than our 366 cubic inch motors, but we are allowed more freedoms in the heads and while I was over there we were still pretty competitive and I’m by no means one of Australia’s best super sedan racers,” Stated a forthright Belk. “Having said that, the Kiwi’s aren’t expecting to come over here and win either because dirt is a great leveller. At some tracks they know the extra cubes will be a disadvantage for them and they also have the extra disadvantage of no local track knowledge.”
The Trans Tasman Super Sedan Challenge is slated to kick off at Morris Park in Dubbo on October 15th, where the Saloons may find a liking for the big track. Following on from there the circus will back up the following night at Parramatta City Raceway on October 16th.
The following weekend will be a triple treat for Victorian Sedan fans with Friday night at Mildura’s Timmis Speedway on October 22nd followed by Sonic Speedway in Swan Hill on Saturday night the 23rd. A Sunday afternoon show at Moama’s Heartland Raceway will complete the middle weekend on October 23rd.
The final two competitive events will be conducted at the tight Western Speedway in Hamilton (Victoria) on October 30, followed with the finale on the open expanses of Rolling Thunder Raceway (Bacchus Marsh) on Sunday afternoon October 31st.
“This has already stirred up some huge interest back home (in NZ),” said Williams from the USA. “The interest from the general public has been tremendous and I believe that some one is even arranging a properly organised tour through a travel agent for fans to come over for the three week event.”
The Kiwi team will comprise current New Zealand Champion NZ1 Brett Emerton, NZ2 Shane McIntyre, 6C Dennis Bolt, 8H Craig Cardwell, N21 Ian Burson, former National Champion 38H Peter Hemi (and no, he doesn’t run a mopar), 46E Paddy North, 58C Ricky Taylor, 24H Ben Harding (one of the hottest young guns from last season) and of course, H21 Steve Williams.
At this stage the Aussie line up is not fully settled but will include Jamie McHugh (at selected rounds), Dave Gartner, Wayne Randall, Lucas Roberts, Brad Smith, James Petch, Clayton Pyne (at selected rounds) and Craig Lappin at all Victorian rounds.
Any other drivers or teams interested in becoming part of this historic speedway event can contact Wayne Belk on 03 9746 8583 or 0438 925 707 or at belkblast@hotmail.com
The race format will consist of three heats per car with a top ten pole shuffle followed by a 25 or 30 lap feature event with trophies for the top three finishers. Points from the feature will go towards a team based championship with a perpetual trophy for the winning nation.
“This is not about left hand drive cars versus right hand drive or anything like that, “Belk stated adamantly, “It’s about getting a group of guys together and having some fun and giving the speedway, and sedan fans in particular, something different to look forward to come October. And what a great way to kick off the Aussie season!”
“As stated earlier, the long term plan is to take the Aussie’s back to New Zealand next year and clearly those guys that support the series this year will be the first ones to receive an invitation.” Belk explained.
“This is a big undertaking, involving a lot of planning, cost and logistics and hopefully it will become an annual event.” Agreed Williams. “For me it will be a huge thrill just to come over and run some new tracks and met some new people and this is as strong a team as we could possibly put together.”
