An epic battle for the top spot at Sundays NZ finals saw East Aucklands Meadowbank School represented strongly with 4 cars along with St Kentigern Girls 2 cars. After the first round the field was whittled down to 12. It was a welcome surprise to have all 6 East Auckland cars in the mix. Worried by vast difference in race lines that saw Meadowbank times at the lower end of the result list, the Drivers backed themselves and were rewarded with George and Alex scraping in when the field was further culled to 8 cars. At this point the field was levelled with all 8 cars having a wheel swap. The next two runs determined the final placings with the winner off to Akron Ohio representing NZ. After seeing two runs that looked like winning runs but not knowing if the wheels had slowed or propelled them up the placings it was a long nervous wait for prize giving. George Barty moved up and finished 5th overall and Alex Clark majestically stormed onto the podium in 2nd. Fellow Eastsider Kaythi Finn (St Kents) at her 3rd Finals Won the Day. It was an awesome return to the AASBD for Meadowbank school and A great result for East Auckland.
After a one year Hiatus Meadowbank schools new recruits re-established their strong position at the east Auckland Derby. Whilst Being beaten by the Very Strong presence of St Kents Girls. With Emily Hall taking the win. Lachlan De Frere made sure it wasn't the clean sweep they had last year taking out 2nd. With solid support from fellow Wilderpeople drivers Charlie, George and Alex , Meadowbank chomped at the wheels of experienced St Kentigern Driver Kaythi Finn(3rd) to secure 4th 5th and 6th. So now the massive task of preparing 4 cars for next weekend. Thanks to Orakei for lending the Taniwha to us. Lachlan and Hannah are already up to there necks in soapbox trolley parts.
.Check out our Majestical Car which joins the Meadowbank Line up for tomorrows race. Our team name is the Meadowbank Wilderpeople. After a busy week at school camp the Team is catching some much needed sleep. Like Ricky Baker said "I didn't choose the Derby Life, The Derby Life chose me". Come join the Wilderpeoples Hunt for the trophy 2nd April 9am Stonefields Rd
With the Bus back to its best we have been chewing through some brake pads at Cornwall Park. Getting the kids comfortable with speeds up to 50Kph. Seen here is Hannah showing Lachlan a race line to try with Alex looking on and Jack about to give the Big push. Another big highlight was having 2014 Champ Andrew Jantke come and help out. It was great to see him take a run down the hill in the Bus.
The Meadowbank car affectionately nicknamed "the Bus" has now officially had more hits than Adele.
A moments inattention lead it to smash its nose during practice. The pilot fortunately escaped uninjured. Repairs will begin shortly. Its just the jolt we need to see us stay focused on the prize. On a special mission to find a new road to practice we stumbled on current New Zealand Super stock Champion Ocean Scott trying out her new Masters car. Seizing the opportunity for our young Jedi to learn from a Master we grabbed the bus and shared the hill and picked up some great tips from Ocean along the way. Might roll past next week!
After forming a rebel alliance with St Kentigern girls in 2015 to attack the NZ finals coming home with a respectable 3rd (Dan) 5th (kaythi ST Kents)and 6th (Nicolai). In 2016 The Meadowbank Millitia ranks were seriously depleted. Unable to get enough pilots to help fight the imperial forces, The sole remaining Millitia loaned its Missile to Ocean Scott (St Kents) and provided crutial Intelligence enabling them to successfully destroy the other forces at the Auckland East Derby. With 4 pilots requiring missiles for the NZ Finals. Meadowbanks other work horse "The Bus" was hurriedly armed for the ensuing Battle with the Imperials. The seemingly outnumbered Rebels Won through on the day with Ocean Scott leading her fellow St Kents Pilots to a clean sweep of the Podium.
After hearing stories from the far away galaxy of Akron. Meadowbanks young recruits are learning the ways of the force, and planning to reestablish there contribution to the Rebel Alliance. There is a lot of work to do before the weekend and the kids are getting stuck in and stripping down their cars. A huge thanks to Remuera Intermediate, Sommerville and Orakei Schools for the loan of their cars.
4th year in a row. Well done Meadowbank. Daniel 1st, Ben 2nd and Peryn 3rd and to round it off Braden in fourth. The Meadowbank Militia heads north to the NZ finals next sunday.
Well today was the West Auckland derby and ex Meadowbank school driver Ambrose was competing for the first time in the masters division. He came away with top points for the round. Well done Ambrose. I think your car should be nicknamed "Agent Orange"
Its Meadowbanks turn next Saturday and we are putting the finishing tune on the cars. |