Fasten your seat belts . . .

February 3, 2012

Rakaia farmer Matt Honeywell could be excused if he has not had his mind on the job this week as he has a big weekend of speedway ahead of him.

Honeywell will contest the New Zealand Sprintcar Championships at Ruapuna Speedway on Saturday, and then make an overdue return to his home track at the Ashburton Speedway's Sprintcar Spectacular on Sunday.
The sprintcar storm that has moved over the South Island in the past fortnight was set to hit Ashburton on January 22, but was overshadowed by a few rain clouds.
The international day of speed was supposed to take place during the South Island speed circuit but rain forced organisers to abandon the race meet, but not before rescheduling it for Waitangi weekend.
That further delayed the homecoming for Honeywell, who was due to make his return to the Ashburton track last year only to crash out at Ruapuna the night before, something he will hope not to repeat this year.
In his third full season of sprintcar racing, Honeywell wrapped up his preparation by finishing third in the Ruapuna Gold Cup event last month and is considered the top ranked South Island based driver.
However, the Sprintcar Spectac-ular lives up to its name with a full field of class drivers.
Auckland driver Jamie McDonald is returning to defend his title after taking out the inaugural Sprintcar Spectacular.
Also on the entry list is the American duo of Austen Wheatley and 'Battling' Barry Martinez, both making their first visit to New Zealand, but now have a fortnight's racing under their belts.
From across the Tasman Aus-tralian 'Wildman' Allan Woods, will add further international flavour to the series.
The 20 cars will be split into three groups, racing for points to see who will race in the final.
The drivers will all be hoping to secure the win at Ruapuna tomorrow night, but also come through unscathed with the race day in Ashburton the following day.
There will also be a two-seated sprintcar on hand to take willing passengers for a hot lap.
As well as the sprintcars, the speedway plays host to a full programme with the six shooters, quarter midgets, A grade saloons, stock cars and production cars all on track.
Racing begins at 11.30am on Sunday.

Pictured: Back on track, his home track. Sprintcar driver Matt Honeywell should make his long awaited return to the Ashburton speedway on Sunday.

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