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12/11/2009 Wednesday 13th January 2010 at Oceanview Speedway Wanganui, looks likely to deliver the toughest Speedway Sidecar events ever held in The Wanganui spectacular will be the climax to a quickfire race tour of the NZ for a troupe of The series of five meetings starts at Gisborne on Jan 4th before heading South to The Wanganui spectacular will differ from the rest of the series, as it will also host an invitation Unlike regular races, six bikes will line up in each heat, making the battle for position fast and furious. In the Trans-Tasman test match-ups, three bikes from each country will contest a number of heats to decide the eventual Test Match victors. Trans-Tasman rivalry will indeed be alive and well. The last time Wanganui hosted a meeting that included visitors from across the Tasman, it provided some of the hardest racing ever seen, as the Australians struggled to adapt their riding styles the very different These differences however do not mean the Australians will be easy pickings. Past appearances have proved they can more than hold their own and will be considered a serious threat by their Kiwi opposition. These guys are very fast, very professional and can adapt quickly to changing conditions. Amongst the line-up confirmed so far are the National Champions from both Action will be non-stop, with over 40 events on the programme.
Oceanview gets massive facelift for International event! 12/11/2009 A huge redevelopment of the Oceanview Speedway facility is well underway in preparation for this event and the NZ Stockcar champs to be held in Wanganui shortly afterwards. Tonnes of clay and sand has be relocated, providing level areas for hospitality marquees, improved general viewing and increased pit area. Facilities have been upgraded, especially for the Balls of Steel event. Vastly improved catering services will provide an extensive range of food and beverages. Existing toilet blocks have been upgraded especially for the event and additional top quality ablutions are being brought in from
Mayor’s message for Totalspan Balls of Steel Speedfest 24/11/2009
I am delighted to welcome you to Oceanview Speedway and the first Totalspan Balls of Steel Speedfest event.
Wanganui is proud to be hosting this exciting new event – the biggest and most spectacular of the series of five meets held over the past 9 days in Gisborne,
Wanganui enjoys a positive reputation as a centre for hosting a huge range of sporting events and this Speedfest is another highlight in an increasingly busy and varied calendar of events.
To see the very best
For those of you who are first time visitors to Wanganui, I feel sure it will not be your last. I hope you find time during your visit to also experience other recreational facilities, take a walk along the riverside boardwalk and enjoy our restaurants and night life.
Your support for new and exciting events such as Speedfest is appreciated. Have an enjoyable and memorable time.
Michael Laws Mayor
TOP RIDERS CONFIRMED 1/12/2009 Dreams have come true for the organisers of the Totalspan Balls of Steel Speedfest to be held in Wanganui on Wednesday January 13th with a host of top riders now confirmed. An impressive Australian Sidecar Test team line up continues to grow with the recent addition of 2008 World Champion Darren Treloar and Justin Playstead being one of the most successful combinations in the game. And current Australian titleholders Mark Mitchell/Tom Golding will also provide some stiff competition. Add to this Queensland hard-chargers Robbie Wilson and Cameron Bell, labelled as the combination of the future and Wanganui is in for some serious sidecar racing this coming January.
These pairings will contest the series that travels to Gisborne, Christchurch and Invercargill before heading north to Wanganui to take their place in the Australian Test Team against an equally impressive NZ Team.
Heading the Kiwi side are NZ Champions and long time campaigners Les Plummer and Kervin Demanser. Les and Kervin, hail from Hawkes Bay, although they are contracted to the Gisborne track this year. Until last season, the national title had eluded them although they have featured in the top placing many times. Of similar vintage but with possibly the best history of titles in the line-up is John ‘Handbag’ Hannon and passenger, Tony Hirini. Although he lives in Palmerston North, ‘Handbag’ works in Wanganui and is contracted to Wanganui’s OceanView Speedway. Last season was not one of Hanbag’s most memorable but he is determined to make amends this year on his new bike. Handbag is twice NZ #1 and dominated the North Island title at the start of the decade. Also on board for the test match is Russell Stewart and Andy Parker, runner-up in last season’s NZ title as well as Auckland’s Noel McNamara/ Glen Bagshaw. Former national champions and current #3 in NZ, Sefton and Clint Truuts have also signed up to take on the Aussies along with ‘Balls of Steel’ event organiser Mike Paul from Wanganui, on the Totalspan Honda he shares with long time passenger Paul Blinkhorne.
This is a top quality racing line up like you’ve never seen before. Make sure you are at OceanView on Wednesday 13 January 2010 to see the best speedway sideacar action ever!
For full rider profiles, please visit the rider profiles page.
1/12/2009 IN addition to the top quality speedway sidecar action a whole host of exciting thrills and spills has been lined up. Solo bikes will also return to Wanganui with a quality field from around the lower Family fun and excitement FMX displays are also on the bill. Highlights of the show produced by former Crusty Demon “Scary Mary” Perkins, will compliment the predominantly bike orientated meeting, with massive jumps and backflips. Additional family entertainment will be provided by the Airforce from nearby Ohakea and planning for a celebrity Stockcar race to assist a charity is well underway, featuring a very special guest behind the wheel, mixing it with an interesting cross-section of local sports and business personalities.
Great news for spectators contemplating attending the “Balls of Steel” Speed-fest in Wanganui on January 13th is the announcement that the Australian Team line-up is to include the Current World Champions Mick Headland and Paul Waters. The Champs will join an already impressive line-up including Former World champion Darren Treloar and Australian National Champion Mark Mitchell. Although great news for the spectators, this news will have the NZ team have to re-think their strategy as they contemplate lining up against the world’s best. Originally not included to visit our shores, the two top combinations of Headland and Mitchell were persuaded to reconsider after an approach by Wanganui event organiser and competitor, Mike Paul. Headland took the World Title in The Australian team now boasts the most competitive line-up ever to visit The event continues to grow each week as more competitors are confirmed. Keep watching as more exciting developments are announced.
Good preparation for Riders before Balls Of Steel Test Match 16 December 2009 Momentum is building for the inaugural “BALLS OF STEEL” Speedfest being held at Wanganui’s Ocean View Speedway on Wednesday 13th January. The meeting highlight has to be the Totalspan Wanganui Invitation Speedway Sidecar Test Match between Australia and New Zealand. With the national speedway season now underway, participants are keeping a close eye on the form of their fellow team mates around the country. NZ team members John Hannan/Tony Hirini have had a frustrating run with a series of minor bike problems but when all has gone well, they have shown they have the speed and skill to take the challenge to the Aussies. Mike Paul/Paul Blinkhorne are experiencing a remarkably trouble free run so far and have been consistently at the sharp end at the Manawatu meetings this year. With reliability on their side at last, they have been able to explore their bikes potential further and it is generally agreed they have one of the best power-to-ground setups around. They’re hauling and will deservedly take their place in the Kiwi line-up. Australian entrant John Pitt along with Jason Wallis has been campaigning his outfit in NZ this season, so will at least have some measure on the opposition prior to the clash in Wanganui.
Solos Class hots up! 18 December 2009 The Solo bike line-up at the Totalspan Balls of Steel Speedfest will include a dozen bikes, many travelling direct from the Ivan Mauger Accademy being held in
Kiwi-Lites Invasion expected 20 December 2009 An army of Kiwi-Lites is travelling across from Hawkes’ Bay to complete the racing support programme at the Totalspan Balls of Steel Speedfest on 13 January 2010. These 1200cc, short wheelbase machines have a choice of two body styles and have a build cost of up to $25,000. Rarely seen away from their home track, the drivers are very excited to be invited to run at another venue and showcase their skills, spills and thrills to a wider audience. McDonalds Restaurants Wanganui is the class sponsor and Ronald McDonald will be in attendance to cheer them on.
Top FMX-Dare Devils on show! 22 December 2009 The FMX extreme Moto-X Stunt Show run by former Crusty Demon Scary-Mary Perkins, will feature her top performers. They will thrill the crowd with breathtaking jumps and stunts at intervals throughout the evening as well as starring in the pre-race Entertainment.
Full family Entertainment Guaranteed 16 December 2009 With the gates open at 4pm, people are encouraged to come early, enjoy the atmosphere and avoid the traffic. Food and beverage outlets will be operating from that time. A live 8-piece band, The Conroy’s will be performing and the
The Rock Chicks will be in attendance, mixing with the crowd and selling tickets for the massive Rock Sports Raffle to be drawn on the night. The raffle includes a huge chequered flag signed by all the Totalspan Invitation Sidecar Test teams from There is also a genuine Warriors League player’s jersey with Stacey Jones adding a personal signature to it when the prize is presented. There will be up to a dozen signed articles included in the main prize from various sporting corners including Rugby, A1GP,
Dream Ride 18 December 2009 Another huge prize draw is the Gilbertson Mitre10 “Mega Ride of Your Life” By simply filling in your name and contact details, anyone over the age of 16 years is eligible for the four separate draws to made during the evening. The prizes include a ride in the V8 Experience circuit car, a ride in a V8 Jetsprint boat, a ride on a road-race Sidecar or drive yourself in a Stockcar. These are fantastic opportunities but you must be at the event to enter the draw. Some terms and conditions apply. The Mitre 10 “Mega Ride of Your Life” vehicles are expected to be on show at Gilbertsons Mitre10 Mega store on Saturday the 9th Jan for a preview of the power machines.
Speedfest with a touch of class 20 December 2009 The Hospitality Marquees are close to being completely sold out, so if you are considering spectating in style with food, beverages and tickets supplied in a covered reserved area, contact the organisers quick!
Celebrities to bang it up! 22 December 2009 The Charity Celebrity Stockcar race continues to gain momentum with most entrants now confirmed. An interesting combination of sports and business personalities will take to the track in support of the ‘ The entry list includes such names as: The Enforcer, The Annihilator, The Undertaker, The Captain and The General (wonder who that could be?). Following the race there will be a blanket collection around the trackside, in support of ‘ Stacey is an ambassador for the ‘
Not just any old race meeting 24 December 2009 The Air force will be bringing in an Iroquois from the nearby Ohakea airbase to provide demonstrations in the air as well as allow you a closer look on the ground throughout the event. A stunning group of Totalspan Start Line girls will greet the riders to the tapes as well as be involved in various hospitality duties throughout the evening. Full colour Programmes and Balls of Steel T-shirts are available at the venue but are of limited numbers, so be quick! With an expected 40 races and events on the programme, combined with the short, sharp nature of most races, there will be little chance of boredom creeping in.
Speedfest going downtown 5 January 2010 Make sure you are at
There will be generous amounts of give-aways at the track, especially for the kids with the aim being to create a sight and sound spectacle in support of the Kiwi team.
It’s “Balls of Steel”…so let the battle begin!
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