NZ Superstock Teams Champs – Robertson Holden International Speedway

What a weekend it was for the Joblin Motorsport Superstock Team, who made their long awaited teams racing debut at the coveted New Zealand Championship in Palmerston North. The weekend started early on Friday morning, with a trip to the Dewtec workshop so both cars could be fitted with their new Mustangs colour scheme. A superb effort from the management team saw every car, driver and crewmember alike supplied with matching Mustangs gear. After a few photos and a brief team talk, the 2010 Manawatu Mustangs travelled off to The Square for scruiteneering, and a chance to interact with the fans. Many thanks to all those who took the time to come and talk to Simon and Scott, your support and encouragement were much appreciated.

Night 1 - Qualifying

The Mustangs had two very challenging opponents in their two qualifying heats. Both the Kihikihi Kings and British Lions were capable of ruining the Mustangs chance of making the finals.
Kihikihi Kings vs Manawatu Mustangs

Scott started on pole while Simon was right off the back. 28k Grant Mytton of the Kings took an early lead, but spun himself when he rear-ended the blocking tank of 9p Brett Hyslop. This allowed Scott in the 52p car and 98p Craig Humphries to shoot through into the lead. However 29k Kerry Remnant was able to successfully block Scott, and reduced the lead to just 98p Humphries. Remnant later went into full attack mode, but half spun at the end of the grandstand straight after attempting to take out the leader Humphries. Scott saw his opportunity, and ploughed into the side 29k Remnant, smashing his side rail and rear wheel, ending Remnants race. 72p Simon was crippled early in the race, but succeeded to block well with a flat tyre and front end damage. Although 28k Mytton was able to circulate and keep out of trouble, the damage was already done to his Kihikihi Kings side, and 98p Humphries crossed the line to take an excellent first up win for the Mustangs. The race wasn’t without drama though, as 98p Craig’s Ford Quad Cam engine expired while crossing the finish line, ruling him out for the rest of the weekend.

Finishing Order: 98p, 28k, 52p, 9p, 72p
Result: Mustangs 155, Kings 40

British Lions v Manawatu Mustangs

Both teams headed into their second race of the night with first-up victories, so the winner if this clash was more than likely heading straight into the semi-finals. Scott was again on pole, while Simon brought up the rear of the field. The 52p car of Scott was able to get away cleanly from pole and jumped into an early lead for the Mustangs. 72p Simon was again targeted off the start line, this time by 02gb Tom Harris. Most of the Lions attention was on Simon throughout the race. 01gb Frankie Wainman Jr and 00gb Mick Harris both had stabs at the 72p car, which in turn resulted in two flat tyres for Simon. 52p Scott was able hold a steady lead over 04gb Craig Finnikin, that was until the final lap. With a spot in the semis on offer, Scott was blocked, spun, and ploughed into, with only 2 corners to go. 04gb Finnikin was able to sneak through and snatch the victory for the Lions. Scott was able to re-fire the car and cross the line in 2nd place. It was a disheartening loss for the Mustangs team, who came within meters of a semi final spot.

Finishing Order: 04gb, 52p, 01gb, 00gb, 72p
Result: Lions 145, Mustangs 50

Overall it was a bit of an up and down first night for the Mustangs. After such a promising start, the cruel reality that is teams racing came into fruition. Although the Mustangs suffered the race two loss, they were only a mere 25 points off qualifying for the Semi Finals.

Night 2 – Finals

The team spent the day at Dewtec cleaning and fixing the cars. Both the 52p and 72p Superstocks escaped without any major damage. The 72p car had a bent left front shock mount, which was easily straightened with the gas torch. After the hit on the final lap against the GB Lions, the 52p car also needed a bit of attention. The right side rail was replaced along with a new left rear shock.
Manawatu Mustangs v Christchurch Glen Eagles

A change in tactics saw 72p Simon start on pole, with 52p Scott behind him on row two With 1nz Malcolm Ngatai sitting this race out, the odds were in the Mustangs favour. A big win was needed in order for the Mustangs to accumulate enough points to go through into the 3rd and 4th playoff. 72p Simon lead the race, while the sixth driver 74c Murray Greig battled it out in second with 52p Scott. 71c Brad Rosewarne rear-ended the stationary tank of 9p Brett Hyslop before pummelling into a couple of his team mates while the red light was on. Race officials subsequently ordered him off the track, immediately handing an advantage to the Mustangs. As the race went under green, 52p hunted down the 2nd place car of 74c Greig, planting him hard up the turn 3 wall and ending his race. It was all over for the Glen Eagles when 75p Andrew Good smacked into the back of 52p Scott, rolling himself in spectacular fashion. 72p Simon shadowed 77p Wayne Norris for the remainder of the race to bring the Mustangs home for a 1,2,3 win. The big win was enough to propel the Mustangs into the playoff for 3rd place against the beaten semi finalists the Waikato Wanderers.

Finishing Order: 72p, 77p, 52p, 73c, 74c
Result: Mustangs 165, Glen Eagles 30

Manawatu Mustangs v Waikato Wanderers

9p Brett Hyslop was a little sore after his illegal hit from the Glen Eagle car, so it was decided to bring in 6th driver Tony Whittaker to pilot the Tank. 72p Simon again started on pole and got away to an early lead where he was never touched. 52p Scott was in the thick of the action right from the green flag. He managed to plant the 94h Tank of Jared Wade into the wall at the start, before Wade came back at him with a big shot at the left front wheel of the 52p car. Scott survived the hit and broke away to shadow the leading car of 72p Simon. 94h Jared Wade then moved his focus onto the Mustangs 9p tank driven by Tony Whittaker, while 96h Glen Drabble attempted to run down both Simon and Scott, who were setting a furious pace out front. 9p Whittaker and 77p Wayne Norris were in block mode, and were absolutely outstanding. They perfectly positioned themselves next to the 94h Wade tank as both Simon and Scott flew past. The much-anticipated “Wade vs Joblin” battle was more of a blowout than anything, as both the 94h Tank and his Wanderers team mates were taught a lesson in teams racing, from a relatively inexperienced Mustangs team. Although 52p Scott was momentarily held up by 94h Wade, some classy driving saw the black and orange tank spinning to the infield. 72p Simon continued on the take the race win and 3rd place for the Manawatu Mustangs, salvaging some pride for the local Palmerston North supporters.

Finishing Order: 72p, 52p, 96h, 94h
Result: Mustangs 3rd, Wanderers 4th

It was a fantastic way to end what can only be described as an awesome weekend. From the on track action, to the interaction with all the fans and other team members, we at Joblin Motorsport cannot speak highly enough of our first Teams Champs experience.

There are so many people we would like to thank,

Firstly, to the other Mustangs team members, Bundy, Chucky, Craig, and Tony, it was an absolute pleasure to race with you. Your professionalism and knowledge was invaluable, and we couldn’t have achieved such a great result with out your assistance. Lets hope we can go one step better next year!

To the management team, Peter and Ian, you are both a credit to the Palmerston North Speedway. We have learnt so much about teams racing in such a small amount of time, and the results speak for themselves. We look forward to the upcoming night out at the Forrest Elbow with you and the rest of the Mustangs team.

Huge thanks must also go to all of the Sponsors. From our existing Joblin Motorsport partners, to all of those involved with the 2010 Manawatu Mustangs.
2010 Manawatu Mustangs Sponsors:

Dewtec
Hotter Engineering
Norlings
Fatboys Bar and Grill
Forrest Elbow
Holden Corner
GT Radials
Harvey Norman

I’m not sure if everyone out there in speedway land fully understands the time, money, and effort that goes into running a successful Superstock, let alone two of them. So with out your support and assistance we would not be able to entertain like we do. Special thanks also to Peter and the team at Dewtec.The use of your facilities and your personal assistance was amazing.

Finally, to all the fans out there, a big thanks. We have been inundated with kind words and emails of support and encouragement. We hope you enjoyed all the action, and it was a pleasure being able to put on such an amazing show for all of you. On another note, we had one particular Gentleman generously donate a signed 4p Gary Parkes picture to be auctioned off for Scott’s U.K trip. If this Gentleman happens to read this, or if any one knows how we can get in contact with him, please email us, as we have a small token of our appreciation we would like to give him.

Many Thanks,
Manawatu Mustangs
52p Scott Joblin
72p Simon Joblin