Roycroft wins right to brandish 1NZ

Kaikohe's Didi Roycroft can proudly bear the standard 1NZ painted on her racing car after taking out the CTRA Ladies Standard Production Saloons Championship at Finlayson Park speedway in Dargaville on Sunday.

It was one of two national titles up for grabs, the other being the CTRA NZ B-Grade Saloons title which saw Roycroft's Kaikohe stablemate Mike James finish runner-up, thus earning the right to display the legend 2NZ on his car for the next 12 months. Both rounds were intensely contested over three rounds on the day and run among other domestic races held by the hosting Dargaville speedway club.

Roycroft won the ladies production championship trophy against a highly competitive field which also featured Kaikohe's Melissa Timoti who finished runner-up, Taipa's Carole Teixeira, Whangarei's Olivia Blacklock in third place overall, as well as Alana Smith and Cassie Brooks, both of Dargaville.

Later in the piece, James finished the national B Grade saloon championship trophy race in second place behind local Aaron Johnston with Whangarei's Craig Nash taking the 3NZ title (after a run-off was held between James and Nas when a coming together in the first race caused a re-start to determine the top placings). Also contesting the title were Taipa's Rob Weal and Kelvin Coate, Whangarei's Bruce Simpson and local Nepia Anaru.

Great preparation by the hosting club ensured the track remained a good driving surface over the whole day.

The next race at Dargaville Production will be held on Sunday, March 24, with all grades welcome. The next race in the Far North will be at Taipa Speedway this Sunday (more details on back page of today's edition).