Metal Madness - Streetstocks, Stockcaps Plus Sprint Cars

Suffering cabin or tent fever? Got a case of soggy foot? There’s only one cure. A huge helping of ‘Metal Madness’ this Saturday (Jan 9) at Heavy Trax Hire Central Motor Speedway.

Headlining the madness are street stocks, with a gang of 26 entered, including 3NZ Brendon Gooch. These are larger family saloons such as Commodores and Falcons stripped out and fitted with sturdy roll cages. Although a ‘limited contact class’ expect to see gentle nudges than can send a rival spinning and invariably taking out other cars. With no performance modifications, street stocks racing is all about each driver’s ability to jostle and bump their way to the checkered flag without being spun. Not easy when there’s no rearview mirror.

At the December 30 meeting, the big turnout of race fans at Heavy Trax Hire Central Motor Speedway was treated to the hard-hitting, bone-jarring spectacle of one of the biggest fields of stock cars to create ‘Metal Madness’ on Cromwell clay. A big number of these ‘auto pugilists’ are expected back on Saturday. Stockcars are 1500kg of purpose-built, steel reinforcing wrapped around an engine (and driver) for the sole purpose of biff ‘n bash.

Speedway, especially at Heavy Trax Hire Central Motor Speedway, is all about variety and making every meeting ‘Central’s Fastest Family Show on Earth’.

First to race on Saturday are open-wheel, Commodore powered six-shooters. A class that many youth mini stock boys and girls step up to after reaching 16. Youth mini stocks are in fact second on to the track. And now with stockcars a Central Motor Speedway class, chances are youth mini stock drivers will choose to race these big hitters.

After the stock cars, it’s time for the first sprint car race of the meeting. These winged demons don’t just look quick, they are blisteringly fast, reaching speeds of up to 160 on the front and back straights. Be sure to buy a programme for driver listings.

Race six and time for saloons to make their first appearance. Low, wide and menacing, saloons are race-bred to thrill. Race seven is street stocks followed by a big field of productions which are generally medium and smaller family runabouts that have reached their public roads use-by dates. Productions are a popular entry class and another class many youth ministock drivers step up to.
Race 8 rounds out the variety of classes, with, if all goes to plan, super saloons gowling their way on to the track. These are similar looking to saloons but more powerful with mostly methanol V8 motors putting out 700 to 820 horsepower.

Of course, going to the speedway means lots of great food, including yumminess from Kaye’s Bakery, Invercargill. Mr Whippy will be there, too.

Remember, gates open at 2 pm for trackside parking. Racing starts at 4 pm. Be sure to be there. You’d be mad not to.