The Christchurch Super440 Sunday support card races offered an exhilarating display of classic touring car action, with a mix of vintage vehicles and intense competition. The ex-Tony Longhurst Ford Sierra, driven by Greenslade, dominated the early stages, showcasing the raw power and agility of these iconic machines. However, the real excitement lay in the battles for position, where classic touring car tactics came to the fore.
One of the most memorable moments was the clash between Paul Radisich and Bruce Miles, a reminder of the physical nature of this sport and the skill required to navigate such powerful vehicles. Despite the presence of priceless cars, the drivers didn't hold back, engaging in the kind of hip and shoulder contact that defines touring car racing.
As the races progressed, the battle for the minor positions intensified. Lawson and Steven Richards put on a thrilling display, with the Super Touring classics hot on their tail. The final lap of Race 3 saw Greg Murphy and Kayne Scott make contact, resulting in a dramatic spin that almost took out Blake Knowles' Volvo S40. Knowles' quick reflexes avoided a potential disaster, showcasing the precision and skill required in these high-speed races.
In Race 3, Lawson struck back, taking the lead from Greenslade and securing the win in the iconic Brock Commodore. The battle for the lead and the changing fortunes of the drivers kept the crowd on the edge of their seats. Meanwhile, the Super Touring entries mixed it up with the Group A cars, with Steven Richards' early retirement adding to the drama.
The Rodin Cars New Zealand Formula Ford Challenge provided an equally thrilling spectacle. Arthur Broughan's win in Race 3 was a testament to his skill and strategy, navigating an incident-plagued race to take the chequered flag. The battle for the lead was intense, with multiple drivers swapping positions and engaging in wheel-to-wheel combat.
Race 4 saw Manson hit back, taking the win in a multi-lap battle that kept the crowd engaged until the very end. The top four were separated by just half a second, highlighting the fine margins and intense competition in Formula Ford racing.
The Summerset GT New Zealand Championship added another layer of excitement with its unique pit stop strategy. Rick Armstrong's goal was simple: finish the race and take the series championship. However, the competition was fierce, with Tom Alexander leading early on and a Lap 1 safety car adding to the drama.
The mandatory pit stops added a strategic element, with Armstrong needing to stay within five seconds of Alexander to take the lead. When the pit stops cycled through, Armstrong emerged in the lead, but the battle for second was far from over. Steve Brooks emerged in third, splitting Regan Scoullar and Nigel Cromie, resulting in an intense battle for position in the closing laps.
In the end, Armstrong took the win and the championship, capping off a thrilling weekend of racing. The GT4 class battle added another layer of excitement, with Matt Day holding on for the win while the Toyota Supras battled behind.
Overall, the Christchurch Super440 Sunday support card races offered a showcase of classic and modern racing, with intense competition, dramatic moments, and skilled driving on display. It's a testament to the enduring appeal of these iconic vehicles and the passion of the drivers and teams involved.
