Another high horsepower battle is looming, as the NZ Super Saloon Grand Prix brings many of the
best super saloon drivers to Cromwell this weekend – from New Zealand and Australia. Among the
visitors, local talent is also racing for the podium.
Super Saloons are hi-tech, custom-built race cars that achieve stunningly high speeds on the
Cromwell clay. Four local drivers are out to impress on their home track, and there’s going to be
some fierce competition.
Last weekend in Dunedin, Craig Cardwell retained his 3NZ ranking. Cromwell local and Craig’s
technical crew member Phil Burgess says off-track, speedway is all about friendships, advice, trying
different setups. But once the green flag drops, it’s all about racing for the win. Tauranga’s Chris
Cowling 1NZ may be a three-time winner but Craig, he says, will be out to take that chequered flag.
Greig Johnston 77t reckons he has an edge on the Cromwell track – and he intends to use it.
“Cromwell has been my home track for nearly 20 years. It’s the fastest of the tracks; you have to
know it, have your race car set up right, and drive it hard.
It’s a family thing for Greig, they were around when Ron Spriggs started the track, his brother Brad
won the 1NZ Production title here in Cromwell in 2019.
“A win for me would really mean a whole lot to my family and everyone who supports us.”
“Not sure if I’ll be racing around the track, or climbing the wall. You never know!”
For more information and tickets to see the action, visit the Central Motor Speedway website.
Image:
Racing is a family thing for Greig Johnston, and he’s ready to race for the win on his home track this weekend.

Article added: Thursday 16 February 2023