Local Drivers Feature in Counties Classic Off Road Series

Local Drivers Feature in Counties Classic Off Road Series

Papakura off road racer Ash Carlyle stamped his authority on the national Challenger Class field with a strong class win at the completion of the three round series held at Colin Dale Park in Puhinui.

After establishing a strong lead in the initial round, disaster struck in Round 2 with his Cesco VW breaking a rocker on the start line. Undeterred, his crew quickly reconfigured the car and Carlyle battled on through the day on 3 cylinders.

The final round saw Carlyle once again once again at full power only to lose his rear brakes early in the day on a tight and technical track. Added to this was the return of younger brother Louis Carlyle, determined to show his mettle after missing the initial round due to overseas commitments. The two brothers battled all day, often swapping the lead on every lap until Louis Carlyle faded in the feature with goggle issues. The tightness of the battle that almost won Louis Carlyle “Driver Of The Day” was borne out by the 62 point equal first place at the end of the days racing.

The Colin Dale Park Off Road facility is run by Counties Manukau Offroad Racing Club, one of the community focused organisations behind the development of Auckland’s first dedicated multi-motorsport facility. The 45 acre park currently under construction will eventually feature a purpose built stadium style off road track as well as BMX, karting and motorcross. Spectators attending the recent off road series were impressed not only by the amount of earthworks undertaken at the venue, but also by the professionalism of organizing club.

The Porter Group Counties Classic Series is a unique event on the off road racing calendar, featuring a travel prize for the series win. Attracting drivers from all over New Zealand in buggy, truck and UTV classes, the three round summer series is based on a permanent grass track at the Prices Road venue. The development in recent years of UTV and kiddie kart classes has seen a strong turnout of new drivers and spectators all appreciating the opportunity to experience off road racing within Auckland. The stadium track currently under construction will herald a new development in the sport; Pro Lite stadium truck racing, featuring 500HP V8 trucks leaping over jumps up to 50m in length.

While the days racing may be fodder for brotherly bragging rights going forward, it was the series results in Ash Carlyle’s sights and the results reflected his effort taking out the Challenger Class win in the series as well as the coveted Driver of The Series. While the outright series win slipped from Carlyle’s grasp this year, he and his
Family based team mates are already planning for the return of the next series, kicking off in November.

ENDS

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