Offroad racing thrills crowd

 

A big new engine and trademark spectacular driving style has seen multiple champion Tony McCall power to the to[ of the 2016 Polaris New Zealand Offroad Racing Championship at Mangawhai over Easter.

McCall set the class 1 lap record, a 48.532, in the heats. Then to seal the day he won the reverse grid ‘Big Bangers’ feature outright, ahead of Raana Horan and Nick Hall.

“In all my 30 years of racing I have never competed in such a well-run, exciting event,” said Nick.

Off Road Association North Island vice president Richard Crabb said the course – designed by racer Nick Leahy – was one of the best he has seen in the sport for many years and the ‘massive’ spectator turnout – more than 1,500 – vindicated the hard work of the small team that made the event a reality.

More than 70 top race teams contested the opening round.

PHOTO/Mike Peffers Photography