Easter excitement in Cromwell is set to be fast, furious and fun as once again race drivers, crew, families and fans descend on Cromwell.

On Good Friday, Cromwell hosts the final round of the Hydraulink War of the Wings sprintcar series. There’s $70,000 at stake and popular American race driver Joel Myers Jnr is currently sitting at number one in the rankings. However, New Zealand’s best are also in town, primed to knock him off the podium.  Based on previous round results, the old saying that ‘to finish first, first you’ve got to finish’ is right on point. Expect the unexpected as these drivers attempt to out-manoeuvre each other on the unique Cromwell track at speeds in excess of 160kph.

Legendary commentator Daryl Shuttleworth described Round 5 of the series at Riverside Speedway as one of ‘thrills and spills’, with U.S. sensation Joel Myers Jnr spectacularly flipping his car, then coming back for the win.

“What a night! Destroyed my car and took a wild ride in my first heat and then hopped in my car owner’s car and went on to win the A from 11th!” Joel told his fans.

Joel again showed his skill in Round 6 at Ruapuna.

“Last night was not as nearly as eventful as last week, but we had the same result! Pumped to grab another War of the Wings win!”

Odds-on favourite Joel has experience on the Cromwell track, but so do Kiwi contenders. The driver list reads like a Who’s Who of New Zealand sprintcar race drivers.

A number of local drivers including Matthew Anderson 16T have made it through as fastest challengers.  Matthew Anderson is currently sitting third on the points rankings.

Central Speedway Club president Andy Erskine says the win could be anyone’s game. Joel has shown consistent successes under New Zealand conditions, proved his ability to bounce back from spills and still emerge victorious.

“But our best sprintcar drivers will all be racing to outsmart him in this series final.”

Trackside in Cromwell is definitely the place to be.

Racing on both Good Friday and Easter Sunday starts 3pm. For details and tickets see www.centralmotorspeedway.co.nz

Article added: Friday 07 April 2023