`Bay of Twenty’ Champs to takeover Baypark

Tauranga’s Cole Wood lines up in a field of 20-plus sprint cars chasing BOP title success on Saturday night.

Baypark Speedway keeps the throttle to the floor this weekend with its second December race meeting set to decide regional titles across four keenly contested classes.

Saturday night’s `Bay of Twenty’ event includes 20-lap features to determine 2023-24 season Bay of Plenty champions in the Sprint Car, F2 Midget and Super Saloon Car categories as well as a three-race points contest for the BOP Youth Mini Stock title.

The latest round of titles follow the BOP Midget Car and 6 Shooter Championships decided last month with Super Stock and Stock Car events scheduled for later in the season.

Competition for the Sprint Car title will again be fast-paced with the first four meetings of the 2023-24 season producing four different feature race winners, says a Baypark spokesperson.

“Among the leading contenders are Dean Brindle (Hamilton), Rodney Wood (Tauranga) and Katikati teenager Ayrton Hodson who will be chasing a second main event win.

Taupo’s Dean Cooper will be looking to convert his impressive heat race pace into a feature race success and re-joining the grid after missing last weekend’s racing are former national champ Jamie McDonald along with Tokoroa’s James and Keaton Dahm.

Super Saloon racer Bodie Abrahamson has been in impressive form at Baypark Speedway this season.

“The sprint car field is expected to number about 23 drivers this weekend with an added attraction being an elimination style Top-8 Shootout to decide the first four rows of grid positions in the 20-lapper.

“Super Saloons get another chance in the spotlight with a field that includes Auckland racer Ben Harding making his first Baypark appearance since 2019 along with former national champ Steve Cowling, the in-form Bodie Abrahamson and Auckland-based Craig Cardwell.

“Auckland’s James Earl won the first F2 Midget Car feature of the season last weekend and will face tough opposition with Leyton Kendall and Brynn Jackson added to the field for the BOP Title.

“The BOP Youth Mini Stock title will be a sought-after trophy with visiting drivers from Rotorua, Gisborne, Hawke’s Bay, Stratford, Palmerston North and Auckland set to battle the home track drivers.”

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