Saturday saw 141 race drivers over nine grades tear up the Cromwell speedway track in a special memorial for former club president, race driver and respected local personality Daryl Ainsley.
The late Daryl Ainsley helped grow Central Motor Speedway to its current status as a significant contributor to the Central Otago region.
He also encouraged young people as the future of the sport.
Central Motor Speedway driver and Daryl’s daughter 19 year-old Faith Ainsley now competes under her father’s race number 5T, in the six-shooter class – the ‘wingless sprintcars’.
She says Saturday was a really good night of racing, all she and the family had hoped for.
“I’m still learning, but Dad would have been proud. My first two races were about getting the car right, then the last one was really enjoyable.”
“It was a tough night, but good. Everyone was there for the same reason, which was quite comforting – it’s a nice way to remember him.”
Youth winners on the night were Ben McSweeney 97c in ministocks and Alex Crosbie 41i in youth saloons. Bradley McTaggart 86t took out productions, with Adam Evams 41t winning the six-shooters trophy and Casey McEwan 16t stockcars.
In the feature races, Ashton Osborne 161c won the saloons trophy, Ricky Boulton 861d supers and Connor Rangi 57n sprintcars.
Team Ellison won the teams competition – an initiative that saw drivers from all different grades work together to achieve the highest number of race points for their team.
