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Last Updated: Jan 5th, 2010 - 12:50:06 |
Christchurch rider Dale Finch well and truely exorcised any ghosts lingering from a horrific speedway crash when he claimed the Permacoat Roofing New Zealand U21 Solo crown at the Oreti Park track on Saturday night.
The feat was all the more impressive considering Finch has only been twisting the throttle again for the past four months after two years spent recovering from a broken back.
After qualifying heats, Finch dominated the three-round final series to secure maximum points and etch his name on the silverware. Auckland's Jamie Moohan was second, followed by Sean Mason, of Ngaruawahia, third.
The quest for the national title was not without its challenges due to a combination of weather and track conditions. While it took riders some time to adjust to the huge amount of drive their bikes had, they were left applauding the track manager Allan Shuttleworth's skill.
"His ability to turn a swimming pool into a race track is testament to his expertise," Oreti Park Publicity Officer Janene Stenning said.
"The weather didn't exactly play its part but the crowds were not deterred - our car parks around the track was at full capacity and everyone enjoyed an exciting nights racing.
"It’s fair to say there were plenty of thrills and, unfortunately, a few spills."
Two separate crashes resulted in three competitors being transported to Southland Hospital. However, the trio has all been since discharged with no serious injuries - their now mangled bike suffering the brunt of the incident.
In the battle for the Peter Blick Memorial sidecar title, Oreti Park duo Fraser Gillespie and David Uitentuis reigned supreme, followed by Moore Park's Lionel Green and Aaron Ray, and Oreti Park's Shaun Kerr and Robin Poole respectively.
The Oreti Park Speedway club has a hectic calendar planned this season, including the Ivan Mauger North v's South Challenge for solos and the sidecar GP Series - Trans Tasman test, featuring five Australian combinations, on January 9, 2010, then the South Island Solo Championship on the January 23, 2010.
The action continues in February with the New Zealand Sidecar Championships on the 13th and the New Zealand Solo Championships on the 27th.
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