For only the fifth time in 56 years of sedan-based dirt track competition, the Bay of Plenty is hosting the New Zealand Super Saloon Car Championship this weekend.
The national title—first contested in the summer of 1969-70—is the premier event of the season at Mount Maunganui’s Baypark Speedway. It has attracted an impressive 40-car field from throughout New Zealand for a Friday-Saturday double-header.
The original Baypark venue, which closed in 1995, hosted the national title in 1981 and 1991, while the current facility was the scene of the championships in 2006 and 2018.
For Tauranga’s defending national champion, Chris Cowling, there is an opportunity to write yet another chapter in New Zealand speedway history. With back-to-back wins in 2023 and 2024, Cowling aims to become the first driver to win the Super Saloon crown three consecutive times.
Additionally, after securing his third victory in the NZ Saloon Car Championship in Dunedin in late January, Cowling is also aspiring to be the first driver to win national titles in two classes in the same season.
Cowling faces formidable competition, led by 2020 champion and current 2NZ, Sam Waddell from Tauranga, and Christchurch racer Mark Osborne. Currently ranked 3NZ, Osborne powered to three titles in just four years between 2013 and 2016.
Other former national champions on the entry list include Napier’s Steve Flynn, Tauranga’s Steve Cowling and Brent Emerson, and Hawke’s Bay veteran Mick Quin.
The quality line-up also features Aucklander Craig Cardwell, who recently claimed the South Island title during a trip to Blenheim, while leading South Island contenders include Nelson’s Ian Burson, Canterbury’s Richie Taylor, Kane Lawson, and Hayden McKay, as well as Cromwell racer Greig Johnston.
Auckland’s Ben Harding, Whitianga’s Bodie Abrahamson, Baypark’s Scott Hayward, and Wellington’s Mark Pitcher are also among the leading contenders, representing a total of 11 different tracks.
The Super Saloon class has been further strengthened in recent years with new cars and an influx of drivers, primarily those transitioning from the Super Stock class. Notable new entries include former NZ Super Stock champion Jason Long from Hawke’s Bay, along with podium finishers Peter Bengston from Palmerston North, Mitch Vickery from Kihikihi, and Thomas Stanaway from Hawke’s Bay.
Another talented racer making his mark in the Super Saloons is Rotorua’s Damian Orr, who recently showcased his new car with a promising debut at Baypark.
The format for the 40-car line-up consists of a 15-heat qualifying series—comprising nine heats on Friday evening and six more on Saturday—leading to two repechages and the 25-lap championship final.
As an added attraction for this weekend’s programme, the fourth annual Bay Piston Cup 30-lap Sprint Car feature has been included in the Friday night schedule after being postponed in late January.
Regrettably, the date change has resulted in the defending champion, Michael Pickens, missing out due to a clash with an Australian commitment. However, the 20-strong field includes 2022 and 2023 winner Dean Brindle (Hamilton), along with former podium finishers Jonathan Allard (USA), Rodney Wood (Tauranga), Daniel Thomas (Hamilton), and last year’s top qualifier, Dean Cooper (Taupo).
The weekend programme will also showcase F2 Midgets on Saturday night, while the Predator 6 Shooter Series has attracted a strong field, including three South Island entries for races on both nights.
Racing starts at 6:30 PM on Friday and Saturday.
Header Image: Supplied
