Nelson Tigers Superstock Team
2010 - 2011 Season
7 February 2011
Tigers rally from heartbreak
by Pete McNae - NELSON MAIL
Tigers rally from heartbreak
by Pete McNae - NELSON MAIL
What began as a weekend filled with anticipation became an exercise in aggravation for the Nelson Tigers superstock team.
Nelson were in Palmerston North to defend their Enzed New Zealand superstock teams racing championship but, after qualifying for the semifinals on Friday, they were denied the chance to run for the title by an official's decision.
The Tigers, top qualifiers on Friday, looked to have won their way through to the final and another showdown with the hometown Panthers but, 30 minutes after Brett Nicholls crossed for the flag against Stratford in their semifinal, a Speedway New Zealand referee relegated Nicholls for passing on the infield on lap one.
With no recourse to appeal, Nelson were bumped back to the runoff for third, Stratford moving through to the final where they were dismantled by the Panthers.
Tigers captain Dale Ewers said the letdown had been hard to swallow, saying Nicholls, in particular, was inconsolable.
"He's very dark, he didn't want to run again but the team had a few words among the group about lifting our chin up and going out there to perform," Ewers said.
"[Nicholls] needed to race for us in that third place runoff because we celebrate as a team and we share any disappointments as a team. We wanted to get him back on the track and he drove very well."
Nicholls repaid that faith with a win in the third-place showdown with Rotorua, a brutal race which saw just two cars classified as finishers and four stacked at all angles in a heap on the start-finish straight.
Ewers had Scott Hewson's car mounted at an awkward angle across the bonnet of his superstock when Nicholls and Brendan Higgins ran Rotorua driver Ross Ashby into the pile, Ashby's Tank rolling upside down into Hewson's car.
With Kyle Fraser and Bryce Steiner already copping plenty from Higgins and Shane Harwood, Nicholls scooted across for the win, although Nelson missed the sash ceremony as the beaten Rotorua team fired in an unsuccessful protest.
"We weren't told what they were protesting, we haven't been asked to come out and pick up a trophy, we might as well head off for a beer," Higgins said as the Tigers waited for word on their runoff result.
Qualification for the semifinals means Nelson, who are backed by The Stables Restaurant and Bar, Collision Centre Richmond, Discover New Zealand Motorhomes, Bays Brewery, Trillian Trust, the McCall family and the Nelson Speedway Association, will again be seeded for next year's event, when there is talk of a Dutch team joining the mix, alongside the British Lions and teams from 10 New Zealand tracks.
Earlier, the Panthers had dodged a bullet in their semifinal against Whanganui, Scott Miers making the most of his controversial return from injury to eke out a win for the home team late in their semifinal.
Nelson appeared to have progressed comfortably against Stratford, Nicholls leading throughout while Nelson driver Ricky Boulton trailed in for second, representing the Scrappers.
Boulton and Ewers exchanged gestures after the race, suggesting there was little love lost between the teams, Nelson's Jared Gray sacrificing his car to get the Tigers home.
But the official call from the refereeing box undermined what should have been a stunning showdown to the meeting.
Stratford lost their first car in the first corner of a lopsided final, had a second flip nose-to-roof two laps later and then had to watch as the Panthers completed 10 uncontested laps once Boulton was hung on the wall and Phil Ogle's car had its front end ripped out.
It was the Panthers' 14th win in the 30 seasons of the teams racing championships, with Peter Rees and Peter Bengston again the dominant drivers. Miers notched his seventh title to set a new individual mark for championship titles.
Next year's superstock teams racing meeting will again be held on February 4-5 at Robertson Holden International Speedway in Palmerston North.
Nelson were in Palmerston North to defend their Enzed New Zealand superstock teams racing championship but, after qualifying for the semifinals on Friday, they were denied the chance to run for the title by an official's decision.
The Tigers, top qualifiers on Friday, looked to have won their way through to the final and another showdown with the hometown Panthers but, 30 minutes after Brett Nicholls crossed for the flag against Stratford in their semifinal, a Speedway New Zealand referee relegated Nicholls for passing on the infield on lap one.
With no recourse to appeal, Nelson were bumped back to the runoff for third, Stratford moving through to the final where they were dismantled by the Panthers.
Tigers captain Dale Ewers said the letdown had been hard to swallow, saying Nicholls, in particular, was inconsolable.
"He's very dark, he didn't want to run again but the team had a few words among the group about lifting our chin up and going out there to perform," Ewers said.
"[Nicholls] needed to race for us in that third place runoff because we celebrate as a team and we share any disappointments as a team. We wanted to get him back on the track and he drove very well."
Nicholls repaid that faith with a win in the third-place showdown with Rotorua, a brutal race which saw just two cars classified as finishers and four stacked at all angles in a heap on the start-finish straight.
Ewers had Scott Hewson's car mounted at an awkward angle across the bonnet of his superstock when Nicholls and Brendan Higgins ran Rotorua driver Ross Ashby into the pile, Ashby's Tank rolling upside down into Hewson's car.
With Kyle Fraser and Bryce Steiner already copping plenty from Higgins and Shane Harwood, Nicholls scooted across for the win, although Nelson missed the sash ceremony as the beaten Rotorua team fired in an unsuccessful protest.
"We weren't told what they were protesting, we haven't been asked to come out and pick up a trophy, we might as well head off for a beer," Higgins said as the Tigers waited for word on their runoff result.
Qualification for the semifinals means Nelson, who are backed by The Stables Restaurant and Bar, Collision Centre Richmond, Discover New Zealand Motorhomes, Bays Brewery, Trillian Trust, the McCall family and the Nelson Speedway Association, will again be seeded for next year's event, when there is talk of a Dutch team joining the mix, alongside the British Lions and teams from 10 New Zealand tracks.
Earlier, the Panthers had dodged a bullet in their semifinal against Whanganui, Scott Miers making the most of his controversial return from injury to eke out a win for the home team late in their semifinal.
Nelson appeared to have progressed comfortably against Stratford, Nicholls leading throughout while Nelson driver Ricky Boulton trailed in for second, representing the Scrappers.
Boulton and Ewers exchanged gestures after the race, suggesting there was little love lost between the teams, Nelson's Jared Gray sacrificing his car to get the Tigers home.
But the official call from the refereeing box undermined what should have been a stunning showdown to the meeting.
Stratford lost their first car in the first corner of a lopsided final, had a second flip nose-to-roof two laps later and then had to watch as the Panthers completed 10 uncontested laps once Boulton was hung on the wall and Phil Ogle's car had its front end ripped out.
It was the Panthers' 14th win in the 30 seasons of the teams racing championships, with Peter Rees and Peter Bengston again the dominant drivers. Miers notched his seventh title to set a new individual mark for championship titles.
Next year's superstock teams racing meeting will again be held on February 4-5 at Robertson Holden International Speedway in Palmerston North.
3 February 2011
Tigers prowl for national title
by Pete McNae - NELSON MAIL
Tigers prowl for national title
by Pete McNae - NELSON MAIL
Never say never again.
When Brendan Higgins took a deep breath in the pits at the end of the Nelson Tigers' triumphant march to the national superstock teams racing title last February, he said that was it. No more speedway, no more superstocks, no more Tigers.
And he tried to be true to his word.
Higgins made a reluctant return to the racetrack this season and sat out the Challenge Cup teams race loss to Palmerston North in December.
But the Tigers put their title on the line at Arena Manawatu tomorrow and Saturday and the 81N car will again be driven by B. Higgins.
The turning point came when he and Tigers team-mate Shane Harwood played a part in a New Zealand championship-winning drive for Nelson's Dale Ewers at Rotorua in December.
"Shane and I didn't do a huge amount, just a bit of blocking and I got off the track and said to someone, `That's what I enjoy, not the running round and round for a flag'.
"I sort of mentioned to Dale [Ewers] that I'd be keen to do a bit more of that for the Tigers and he said he'd hold me to that."
While successful superstock teams racing is about much more than the two teams of four on the track, Higgins was in destructive form last February as the Tigers destroyed their two round-robin opponents on the Friday, humbled the mighty Palmerston North Panthers in the semifinal and rode roughshod over the British Lions in the title race.
He said the Tigers were facing added pressures and expectations as the reigning champs this season.
"We've heard a lot more about how we should get through the Friday easily and that some people are expecting us to go back-to-back, but I don't buy into that," Higgins said.
"Last year, the hits came off but I always said that we could have just as easily ended up on our lids. Any one of the 11 teams can have things go their way on the night. It's just not that easy to predict."
Higgins will be joined in the Tigers this weekend by New Zealand champion Ewers, Harwood, and Jared Gray and Brett Nicholls, both former team members returning after absences. Blair Cunningham will travel as a reserve driver, in case of injuries.
Ewers and Nicholls shape as likely runners. Gray is best suited to blocking opposing cars, while Higgins and Harwood can mix and match.
"We have experience and we have the pace but you always need a good race plan and plenty of luck," Higgins said. "We aren't travelling up as champions; we'll go as one of 11 teams with a shot at winning it and we'll start all over again to try to get the trophy back."
The Nelson Tigers are supported by the Stables Restaurant and Bar, Discover New Zealand Motorhomes, Collision Centre Richmond, Bays Brewery, Trillian Trust, the McCall family and the Nelson Speedway Association. They have drawn Kihikihi and Hawke's Bay in tomorrow's qualifying races.
The Nelson Mail will run reports on the Tigers' title defence in Saturday's and Monday's editions.
When Brendan Higgins took a deep breath in the pits at the end of the Nelson Tigers' triumphant march to the national superstock teams racing title last February, he said that was it. No more speedway, no more superstocks, no more Tigers.
And he tried to be true to his word.
Higgins made a reluctant return to the racetrack this season and sat out the Challenge Cup teams race loss to Palmerston North in December.
But the Tigers put their title on the line at Arena Manawatu tomorrow and Saturday and the 81N car will again be driven by B. Higgins.
The turning point came when he and Tigers team-mate Shane Harwood played a part in a New Zealand championship-winning drive for Nelson's Dale Ewers at Rotorua in December.
"Shane and I didn't do a huge amount, just a bit of blocking and I got off the track and said to someone, `That's what I enjoy, not the running round and round for a flag'.
"I sort of mentioned to Dale [Ewers] that I'd be keen to do a bit more of that for the Tigers and he said he'd hold me to that."
While successful superstock teams racing is about much more than the two teams of four on the track, Higgins was in destructive form last February as the Tigers destroyed their two round-robin opponents on the Friday, humbled the mighty Palmerston North Panthers in the semifinal and rode roughshod over the British Lions in the title race.
He said the Tigers were facing added pressures and expectations as the reigning champs this season.
"We've heard a lot more about how we should get through the Friday easily and that some people are expecting us to go back-to-back, but I don't buy into that," Higgins said.
"Last year, the hits came off but I always said that we could have just as easily ended up on our lids. Any one of the 11 teams can have things go their way on the night. It's just not that easy to predict."
Higgins will be joined in the Tigers this weekend by New Zealand champion Ewers, Harwood, and Jared Gray and Brett Nicholls, both former team members returning after absences. Blair Cunningham will travel as a reserve driver, in case of injuries.
Ewers and Nicholls shape as likely runners. Gray is best suited to blocking opposing cars, while Higgins and Harwood can mix and match.
"We have experience and we have the pace but you always need a good race plan and plenty of luck," Higgins said. "We aren't travelling up as champions; we'll go as one of 11 teams with a shot at winning it and we'll start all over again to try to get the trophy back."
The Nelson Tigers are supported by the Stables Restaurant and Bar, Discover New Zealand Motorhomes, Collision Centre Richmond, Bays Brewery, Trillian Trust, the McCall family and the Nelson Speedway Association. They have drawn Kihikihi and Hawke's Bay in tomorrow's qualifying races.
The Nelson Mail will run reports on the Tigers' title defence in Saturday's and Monday's editions.
6 December
The Tigers raffle for 6 cord of firewood was won by ticket holder No. 269. Winner has been notified. Thanks to everyone who supported our 2010/11 fundraiser to aid in our travel to teams race this season.
6 December
by Pete McNae
by Pete McNae
The Palmerston North Panthers soothed some bruised egos in convincing fashion when they dispatched the Nelson Tigers in the night's second major promotion, the Challenge Cup teams race for superstocks.
Nelson had dominated the powerful Panthers in their two meetings last season, claiming the cup and leaving no Palmerston North car running at the two-day teams champs in February.
However, they went into Saturday's race without three key performers including national champ, Brendan Higgins, and the slick Palmerston North team drove through a Higgins-shaped hole for a comfortable victory.
Without their low-key leader, Nelson made the standard teams race mistake of having too many cars circulating for too long without hitting anyone in the middle stages of the cup race.
While captain Jared Gray attempted to rub out the occasional stray Panther, his team-mates reeled off lap after lap too quickly to create havoc but too slowly to catch either of the leading Panthers cars.
Peter Rees led team-mate Peter Bengston across the line, sending Nelson back to the board room to formulate a plan the drivers can stick to before they defend their national championship in February.
In open races, Higgins showed what might have been when he gave Bengston a buffeting, while Manawatu's Jack Miers (16) and Nelson 17-year-old Dale McKenzie were mature beyond their birthdays. Wins went to Rees, McKenzie and Nick Fowler.
Nelson had dominated the powerful Panthers in their two meetings last season, claiming the cup and leaving no Palmerston North car running at the two-day teams champs in February.
However, they went into Saturday's race without three key performers including national champ, Brendan Higgins, and the slick Palmerston North team drove through a Higgins-shaped hole for a comfortable victory.
Without their low-key leader, Nelson made the standard teams race mistake of having too many cars circulating for too long without hitting anyone in the middle stages of the cup race.
While captain Jared Gray attempted to rub out the occasional stray Panther, his team-mates reeled off lap after lap too quickly to create havoc but too slowly to catch either of the leading Panthers cars.
Peter Rees led team-mate Peter Bengston across the line, sending Nelson back to the board room to formulate a plan the drivers can stick to before they defend their national championship in February.
In open races, Higgins showed what might have been when he gave Bengston a buffeting, while Manawatu's Jack Miers (16) and Nelson 17-year-old Dale McKenzie were mature beyond their birthdays. Wins went to Rees, McKenzie and Nick Fowler.
3 December 2010
Gray embraces new roles
There's never a dull Saturday for Nelson Tigers superstock driver Jared Gray.
Last weekend he married partner Stacey Pearce; tomorrow he leads a much-modified Tigers superstock team in their defence of the Challenge Cup at the Tahuna Beach Holiday Park Speedway.
Nelson wrested the trophy from the Palmerston North Panthers this time last year, then went on to maul all-comers at the national teams champs meeting in Manawatu in February. But that team was led by the vastly experienced Dale Ewers and featured veterans Daryl Peterson and national champion Brendan Higgins.
Peterson has retired, Ewers is a week away from having his car back on the track, and Higgins has reluctantly brought his car out for another season but is unlikely to teams race.
That leaves Gray leading a lineup which includes Shane Harwood, Blair Cunningham and Ian Clayworth against the formidable Panthers foursome of Scott Miers, Wayne Hemi, Peter Bengston and Peter Rees.
The newly-wed and newly-named team captain isn't fazed.
"It's still four cars on four. I know they average about 20 racing years each and they have an amazing record as a team, but we have beaten them before and we won't be intimidated by the names or the reputations, Gray said.
Gray admitted to being surprised to be anointed as captain.
"I've done a lot of teams races, but Dale has been there for every one and I think I've only raced once without Hig [Higgins] there, so I hadn't really given much thought to being a leader," he said.
We've lost a lot of teams racing experience and the trust and understanding that comes when you race with the same guys regularly, but I think we have a good mix of speed and hitting in this team."
Gray took a season off last summer and missed the Tigers' impressive climb to the top teams' racing ranking. He'd expected to have already had one race to shake out the cobwebs this year, but Christchurch couldn't get a team together to contest the McCall Trophy last month.
"That hurts our plans because the key to good teamwork is time together. Back in the days of the DERT Cup in the South Island, we'd have 10 or 11 teams races, now we have this one and then we are straight into defending the Palmy trophy."
Teams racing sees four cars a side square off to get one team member across the line first. Although drivers are often given roles as either runners or blockers, those roles shift often through a race as spins and crashes see the lead change. Contact is not just encouraged, it's almost compulsory, with cars costing close to $100,000 being reduced to piles of parts.
"It's still the ultimate buzz," Gray said. "You try to work and think as one unit and you build this total trust in your team-mates because the whole thing can hinge one on mistake.
"And there's always something happening. Jason [former Tigers captain Jason Moir] told me a long time ago that, if you've done two or three laps without much going on, you are wasting time and space and you should slow down and hit someone."
The Nelson Tigers are supported by Discover NZ Motorhomes, the Stables Tavern and Restaurant, Collision Centre Richmond, Bays Brewery, the McCall family and the Nelson Speedway Association.
Both teams will have their cars on show at the Stables between 2pm and 4pm tomorrow for the fans to meet the drivers, get autographs and collect free flags and stickers.
There's never a dull Saturday for Nelson Tigers superstock driver Jared Gray.
Last weekend he married partner Stacey Pearce; tomorrow he leads a much-modified Tigers superstock team in their defence of the Challenge Cup at the Tahuna Beach Holiday Park Speedway.
Nelson wrested the trophy from the Palmerston North Panthers this time last year, then went on to maul all-comers at the national teams champs meeting in Manawatu in February. But that team was led by the vastly experienced Dale Ewers and featured veterans Daryl Peterson and national champion Brendan Higgins.
Peterson has retired, Ewers is a week away from having his car back on the track, and Higgins has reluctantly brought his car out for another season but is unlikely to teams race.
That leaves Gray leading a lineup which includes Shane Harwood, Blair Cunningham and Ian Clayworth against the formidable Panthers foursome of Scott Miers, Wayne Hemi, Peter Bengston and Peter Rees.
The newly-wed and newly-named team captain isn't fazed.
"It's still four cars on four. I know they average about 20 racing years each and they have an amazing record as a team, but we have beaten them before and we won't be intimidated by the names or the reputations, Gray said.
Gray admitted to being surprised to be anointed as captain.
"I've done a lot of teams races, but Dale has been there for every one and I think I've only raced once without Hig [Higgins] there, so I hadn't really given much thought to being a leader," he said.
We've lost a lot of teams racing experience and the trust and understanding that comes when you race with the same guys regularly, but I think we have a good mix of speed and hitting in this team."
Gray took a season off last summer and missed the Tigers' impressive climb to the top teams' racing ranking. He'd expected to have already had one race to shake out the cobwebs this year, but Christchurch couldn't get a team together to contest the McCall Trophy last month.
"That hurts our plans because the key to good teamwork is time together. Back in the days of the DERT Cup in the South Island, we'd have 10 or 11 teams races, now we have this one and then we are straight into defending the Palmy trophy."
Teams racing sees four cars a side square off to get one team member across the line first. Although drivers are often given roles as either runners or blockers, those roles shift often through a race as spins and crashes see the lead change. Contact is not just encouraged, it's almost compulsory, with cars costing close to $100,000 being reduced to piles of parts.
"It's still the ultimate buzz," Gray said. "You try to work and think as one unit and you build this total trust in your team-mates because the whole thing can hinge one on mistake.
"And there's always something happening. Jason [former Tigers captain Jason Moir] told me a long time ago that, if you've done two or three laps without much going on, you are wasting time and space and you should slow down and hit someone."
The Nelson Tigers are supported by Discover NZ Motorhomes, the Stables Tavern and Restaurant, Collision Centre Richmond, Bays Brewery, the McCall family and the Nelson Speedway Association.
Both teams will have their cars on show at the Stables between 2pm and 4pm tomorrow for the fans to meet the drivers, get autographs and collect free flags and stickers.
29 November 2010
The Nelson Tigers who will front up to the Challenge Cup against the Palmerston North Panthers on Saturday 4 December 2010 are:
81N Brendan Higgins:
82N Jared Gray:
83N Ian Clayworth:
84N Shane Harwood:
86N Blair Cunningham:
The Tigers will be resplendent in their orange bodies with black stripes again this season and would like to thank the guys at Richmond Fibreglass for a set of new bodies and their Sponsors for all the help in preparing for our only home challenge this season.
81N Brendan Higgins:
82N Jared Gray:
83N Ian Clayworth:
84N Shane Harwood:
86N Blair Cunningham:
The Tigers will be resplendent in their orange bodies with black stripes again this season and would like to thank the guys at Richmond Fibreglass for a set of new bodies and their Sponsors for all the help in preparing for our only home challenge this season.
30 October 2010
The Tigers have been advised from Woodford Glen that the Glen Eagles are unable to furnish a team to compete for the McCall Trophy in November.
Manager Sandra Birdling said this is a huge disappointment for the 2010-11 campaign. The cars are all ready to go, with new bodies painted and signwritten, the merchandise ready for sale and the team ready for action. Our focus now will be to defend the Challenge Cup against the Panthers team in early December 2010 as a warm-up for the Teams Championships in February.
Manager Sandra Birdling said this is a huge disappointment for the 2010-11 campaign. The cars are all ready to go, with new bodies painted and signwritten, the merchandise ready for sale and the team ready for action. Our focus now will be to defend the Challenge Cup against the Panthers team in early December 2010 as a warm-up for the Teams Championships in February.
24 October 2010
The Tigers squad have had their first meeting for the 2010-2011 season. The campaign budgeted at $37,000 for the season consists of the following teams races
13 November 2010
Nelson Speedway - McCall Trophy - Tigers vs Glen Eagles
1 Teams race
20 November 2010
Woodford Glen - McCall Trophy - Tigers vs Glen Eagles
1 Teams race
4 December 2010
Nelson Speedway - Challenge Cup - Tigers vs Panthers
1 Teams race
6 & 7 February 2011
Robertson Holden International Speedway - Arena Manawatu - Palmerston North
NZ Superstock Teams Championship - New Zealand Superstock Teams event of the year
12 Teams from the provinces in New Zealand
4 Teams races - 2 races to qualify, 1 semi-final and 1 Final
12 & 13 March 2011
Waikaraka Park
Auckland - Teams Nationals - 8 Teams from the provinces in New Zealand
3 Teams races - 2 races to qualify and 1 Final
All our sponsors are back on board and we thank The Stables Restaurant and Bar, Collision Centre, Discover NZ Motorhomes and Bays Brewery for their continued support.
Team Manager Sandra Birdling was re-elected and the role of selectors given to Carey Harwood, Mark Ewers and Daryl Peterson.
Team drivers Dale Ewers, Jared Gray, Mike Delany, Blair Cunningham, Ian Clayworth and Shane Harwood have indicated their willingness to compete for the team spots to contest the McCall Trophy, Challenge Cup and defending the Teams Championship in Palmerston North in February.
The team have undertaken a major raffle as fundraising for the season to contribute towards our travel costs, 300 tickets, $10 a ticket and the prize - 6 cord of firewood - cut and delivered within the Nelson Tasman region. It will be drawn at the Nelson Speedway on 6 December.
13 November 2010
Nelson Speedway - McCall Trophy - Tigers vs Glen Eagles
1 Teams race
20 November 2010
Woodford Glen - McCall Trophy - Tigers vs Glen Eagles
1 Teams race
4 December 2010
Nelson Speedway - Challenge Cup - Tigers vs Panthers
1 Teams race
6 & 7 February 2011
Robertson Holden International Speedway - Arena Manawatu - Palmerston North
NZ Superstock Teams Championship - New Zealand Superstock Teams event of the year
12 Teams from the provinces in New Zealand
4 Teams races - 2 races to qualify, 1 semi-final and 1 Final
12 & 13 March 2011
Waikaraka Park
Auckland - Teams Nationals - 8 Teams from the provinces in New Zealand
3 Teams races - 2 races to qualify and 1 Final
All our sponsors are back on board and we thank The Stables Restaurant and Bar, Collision Centre, Discover NZ Motorhomes and Bays Brewery for their continued support.
Team Manager Sandra Birdling was re-elected and the role of selectors given to Carey Harwood, Mark Ewers and Daryl Peterson.
Team drivers Dale Ewers, Jared Gray, Mike Delany, Blair Cunningham, Ian Clayworth and Shane Harwood have indicated their willingness to compete for the team spots to contest the McCall Trophy, Challenge Cup and defending the Teams Championship in Palmerston North in February.
The team have undertaken a major raffle as fundraising for the season to contribute towards our travel costs, 300 tickets, $10 a ticket and the prize - 6 cord of firewood - cut and delivered within the Nelson Tasman region. It will be drawn at the Nelson Speedway on 6 December.
NELSON TIGERS SPONSORS
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