Doing it in the Dirt

Chris and Troy wrap up a massive Teams Champs weekend with fresh reactions from Asher Rees, who relives the Gisborne Giants’ long‑awaited championship win and the unforgettable post‑race haka. Promoter Bruce Robertson joins the show with crowd numbers, highlights, and what’s next for Waikaraka Park and the open‑wheel scene. The boys also catch up with Baypark veteran Ross Ashby as he talks damage, sponsors, and what’s ahead in a packed summer schedule.

Produced by Manawatū People's Radio with the support of New Zealand On Air.

Chris and Troy gear up for Teams Champs weekend with a packed show featuring promoter Bruce Robertson, who previews the massive international programme at Waikaraka Park and the upcoming Palmerston North showdown. They also chat with Charlie Sauter of the Great British Lions on car prep, his team’s expectations, and the excitement ahead of teams weekend. The boys wrap up with reflections on this year’s intense build‑up, local support, and what fans can expect as teams racing takes over the city.

Produced by Manawatū People's Radio with the support of New Zealand On Air.

Chris and Troy open 2026 by celebrating two major Speedway achievements: Brad Eulenberg joins the show as the brand‑new 1NZ Superstock Champion, breaking down his dramatic run‑off win, the chaos of the weather‑hit Wellington title, fast repairs ahead of the 240s, and preparations for his first Teams Champs with the Wanganui Warriors. They also talk with Ella Robinson, fresh from claiming the Aotearoa Ladies Crown in Rotorua, and wrap up with Sonia Hickey for the latest updates on the rescheduled 240s finals and what fans can expect on Friday night at Paradise Valley.

Produced by Manawatū People's Radio with the support of New Zealand On Air.

Chris and Troy kick off 2026 with a massive preview of the New Zealand Superstock Championship in Wellington. They chat with former 1NZ Kim Lace and 1996 champion Gary Parker about their title‑winning memories, legendary run‑offs, and classic machinery. They also catch up with defending champion Scott Tennant on his form heading into the big weekend, plus Wellington president Lexi Nicol drops in with final updates, entry numbers, ticket info, and what fans can expect at Tīmarua for the 60th anniversary running of the title.

Produced by Manawatū People's Radio with the support of New Zealand On Air.

Chris and Troy catch up with Scott Tennant after his impressive win at the North Island Superstock Champs in Kihikihi. Scott breaks down qualifying, the slick finals, avoiding chaos, and claiming the title by a single point. He also talks upcoming meetings, teams‑racing plans with the Glen Eagles, balancing two classes, and his busy season ahead. The boys also revisit recent stockcar teams action and chat with rising driver Brad Eulenberg about stepping into the Giants squad, adapting to Superstocks, and preparing for a huge run of summer championships.

Produced by Manawatū People's Radio with the support of New Zealand On Air.

Chris and Troy catch up with Bruce Robertson for an inside look at the massive transformation of Auckland’s new Waikaraka Park—its fresh banking, upgraded walls, big crowds, and the rapid lap records already being set. They also chat with Sparky, who previews a huge weekend at Kihikihi Speedway, including stacked Superstock and Saloon fields, returning drivers, live‑stream details, and plenty of on‑track rivalries ready to flare up.

Produced by Manawatū People's Radio with the support of New Zealand On Air.

Chris and Troy catch up with Bruce Robertson for the latest on Auckland’s newly opened Waikaraka Park—its fresh banking, strong opening‑night crowd, and standout performances across Super Saloons and Superstocks. They also chat with Brendan Tye, the new Manawatū Superstock Champion, about his title win, teams‑racing plans, and how the growing TQ scene has brought his family even deeper into Speedway.

This program was produced at Manawatū People’s Radio, with support from New Zealand On Air.

Chris and Troy return with another busy week of Speedway talk as Palmerston North heads into its fourth meeting of the season without a single rainout. The show opens with news from across the classes, including updates on Modifieds, saloons, ministocks, and sidecars.

This week’s guest Stu Russell recaps the sidecar Best Pairs, highlighting Wayne & Max Latt’s narrow win over Craig Bowler & Caleb Mann, and strong performances from Rob Miller & Jackson Hannon, as well as father‑and‑son pairing Willie & Rob Jensen. Stu gives insight into rising form, standout performances, and the growing depth of the sidecar field.

Attention then turns to the Manawatū Saloon Champs, with strong drives from Bradley Corth, Clayton Moore, and Amy Eckersley. Stu discusses qualifying dramas, tight racing, and drivers to watch heading into the North Islands. He also looks ahead to a huge weekend featuring both the Superstock Manawatū Champs and Stockcar Manawatū Champs, as well as the return of the Oval Superstars Minisprints.

Conversation shifts to developments at Waikaraka Park, where the new banked Lucas Oil Speedway layout is taking shape. Stu updates listeners on preparation work, volunteer efforts, practice sessions, the merging of open‑wheel and stockcar crews, and expectations for fast, multi‑groove racing once the season starts.

Later in the episode, Jason Kalin joins the show after winning the Modified feature in Palmerston North. Jason talks through how his team committed to early‑season racing, the last‑minute trip to Meeanee, race‑night tactics, late‑race speed, and how both his and Braith’s cars came home clean. He also shares stories about racing history at Meeanee, showcases the strength of the class, explains their preparation ahead of the Tammatiya Salute in Wellington, and reflects on memorable moments from his South Island campaign — including Braith’s standout third place in the SI Champs with help from the Greymouth crew.

This program was produced at Manawatū People’s Radio, with support from New Zealand On Air.

Chris and Troy catch up on another full week of racing, beginning with a breakdown of the Robin Pratt Memorial Runoff and the tense finish between Caleb and Ethan, including the damage both cars carried and the quick turnaround needed to return for the runoff. Ethan reflects on what it means to finally win a trophy tied so closely to his family’s history and the legacy of Robin Pratt—a driver he’d heard plenty about from his father and from Trish, who was thrilled to see a Rees name back on the trophy.

Ethan also looks ahead to future goals, including his continued push for major titles, and confirms he has put his name forward for the Gladiators in the upcoming stockcar teams event. He talks about using Brit’s car for teams racing, balancing both of their racing schedules, and the ongoing work to adapt the car for different tracks—including the switch from Palmerston North to Wanganui, which demanded setup changes for the tight day‑meeting conditions.

The conversation moves into the teams racing landscape, including Huntley’s reduced three‑team event and how the timing, car availability, and early season calendar challenges led to a smaller field. Ethan gives honest thoughts on the situation while acknowledging the effort Huntley put in to keep the event alive. He looks ahead to multiple teams weekends on his schedule—first in the Superstock teams challenge, then straight into Stockcar teams racing shortly after.

Later in the show, Emma joins the discussion to give a deep historical overview of the Huntley Superstock Teams Event, tracing its development from its early years through weather‑affected seasons, postponements, standout finals, and the emergence of teams like the Gisborne Giants Development Squad. She explains how the event built momentum over time, the role key people played in getting it established, and how the level of competition and driver skill has evolved.

Emma also reflects on the importance of teams racing culture—how drivers represent their families, clubs, sponsors, and supporters—and how even a two‑team showdown still delivers the intensity and excitement that makes teams racing unique in Aotearoa.

This program was produced at Manawatū People’s Radio, with support from New Zealand On Air.

Chris and Troy deliver another lively Speedway-filled episode, covering a packed weekend of racing and building excitement for the season ahead. They open with updates from around the country—Meeanee, Wellington, Wanganui—and chat about the growing momentum behind multiple classes as tracks shake off early‑season weather challenges.

The first guest is Lexi Nicol, representing Wellington Speedway, who outlines the massive build‑up to the Superstock Shootout. She runs through the standout entry list, including current 1NZ Todd Hemmingway, 3NZ, former champions Trent James and Jaden Ward, plus Wellington favourite Dale Robertson. Lexi explains the format changes, prize‑money split, the club’s growing strength, and the heavy pre‑season workload as they prepare to host the New Zealand Superstock Championship later in the summer. She also discusses ticket pricing, Afterpay availability, merchandise rollout, subcommittee work, and the massive Modified field arriving for the Tamatiya Memorial.

The show then moves into a full recap of Palmerston North’s Show Night Cup and Ray Tarrant Memorial, with Bruce Robinson joining the hosts. Bruce reviews the Superstock heats, the intense Dash for Cash‑style battles, and Daniel Burmester’s perfectly timed last‑corner move that snatched the win from Asher Rees and Wade McNabb. He highlights the clean, competitive night for Sidecars, strong Super Saloon action, excellent crowd numbers, and derby‑car chaos driven by veterans like Bevan Johnson. Bruce also looks ahead to the Robin Pratt Memorial, caravan derby planning, fireworks displays, and improvements to facilities and pit layouts.

Finally, the episode features a warm and humorous interview with Trish Pratt, reflecting on the legacy of her husband Robin Pratt, the first New Zealand Stockcar Champion under the modern class name. She shares stories from their racing years, colour schemes, club memories, and the origins of the memorial race. Trish also expresses pride in the drivers who continue to honour Robin—especially the Rees family—and confirms the event will continue despite earlier talk of “final years.”

This program was produced at Manawatū People’s Radio, with support from New Zealand On Air.