Speedway: Action-packed opening night at Stratford

Jarrod MacBeth

Photo: Andrew Tippet was looking to be inline for a podium finish before he rolled his car in race three. Photo by Loaded Glass Photography

A great crowd turned out for the R&R Mechanical Opening Night at Five Star Liquor Stratford Speedway on Saturday, October 24th, with competitive racing, impressive performances and plenty of entertainment to kick off the 2026/2027 season.

Stockcars attracted a strong field of 24 competitors for the City of New Plymouth Classic. Ricky Paul was the standout performer, recording a fourth, second and first across the three heats to claim overall honours ahead of Chloe Ingram and Mason Woods.

Saloons saw ten drivers contest their City of New Plymouth Classic, including visitors Rodney McIndoe from Gisborne, Tim De Graf from Kihikihi and Dan Weston from Huntly.

Thomas Korff was in outstanding form, securing two race wins and a fourth placing to take the title ahead of Bradley Korff and Weston.

Andrew Tippet was looking good for a podium finish but a bolt failure in race three saw his car turn to the wall and roll over while an additional feature race provided plenty of excitement, with McIndoe emerging victorious following a race-long battle with Jarrod MacBeth.

Modifieds also battled for City of New Plymouth Classic honours, with consistency proving the key for Newton Gordge.

A fourth placing and two seconds earned him the overall victory ahead of Carl Hinton and Auckland's current New Zealand number three, Cody Hata. Blenheim-contracted Sheldon Arapere demonstrated impressive pace to claim the feature race victory.

Streetstocks produced another entertaining contest, with thirteen drivers competing for their Classic title. Brett Barron, returning to racing after a twelve-year absence, claimed a remarkable victory with a third and two second placings.

As part of the mentor programme, Barron was required to start all three races from the rear of the field, making his achievement even more impressive. Blair Ladd finished runner-up, with Rotorua's Alex Schrader Curran third. Dylan Smith took out the additional feature race.

Double Decker Derby action provided plenty of entertainment across two races. Veteran derby competitor Steve Reed won a relatively incident-free opening race before stealing the show in race two.

Reed completed a spectacular self-induced barrel roll, barely hesitating before continuing on to take the chequered flag and his second victory of the night!

Adult Ministocks rounded out the programme, with visiting competitors dominating the results. Lincon Wilson, Stephan Mann and Jono Mouldey each claimed a race victory.

With a successful opening night behind us, attention now turns to this Saturday's meeting, proudly sponsored by Eltham Timber and Supplies, featuring Superstocks, Stockcars, Minisprints and more.

Join us at Five Star Liquor Stratford Speedway for another fantastic night of racing action!