Ready to bash at derby this weekend

SunMedia’s Kathy Sellars ready to bash things up at this weekends Demo Derby at Baypark Speedway.

Kathy Sellars has the pride of the SunMedia team to uphold when she bashes and crashes her way around Baypark Speedway’s terracotta track on Saturday, January 7.

She’s dodged possums and handled the winding corners of the back roads of Welcome Bay and Pyes Pa all her life, but driving in the SunLive Baypark Speedway Demolition Derby will be a whole new experience for Kathy. 

Kathy is determined to stay in the race as long as possible, although she’s never driven off-road before. She does, however, reckon driving in Tauranga’s commuter traffic is pretty good training for the congestion she is likely to face on the BayPark circuit.

Last year work colleagues Melanie Stone and Doug Britton took to the circuit in April Demo Derby in SunMedia cars, but neither won the winner’s crown.

It was Pete MacIntyre who wrecked the most havoc and was the most entertaining, winning $1000 for his efforts. The overall winner of the $2000 demo derby prize was Robert Boucher, driving car 311.

Blown transmission

“At least I beat Doug,” says Melanie, who made about five laps before the transmission in her car blew. “It was still running, but I just couldn’t put it into gear.”

Doug was late onto the derby track after his car “couldn’t turn right”, with pit crews under it to try and get it started minutes before the race. “But luckily we only really have to go left,” laughs Doug.

The pair admitted to being a bit sore after the event but say they’d do it again in a heartbeat. However, this time it’s Kathy who will be flying the flag – well driving the car – for SunMedia.

Season highlight

The SunLive Baypark Speedway Demolition Derby is one of the highlights of the season, and this summer there will be two – with the second scheduled for April 15. “We decided to hold one in January when holidaymakers will still be around to give them the chance to enjoy the spectacle of a demolition derby,” says ASB Baypark Speedway promoter Bernie Gillon.

The January 7 event will also feature the second round of the Champion of Champion Sprint Car Series, saloons, mini stocks and six-shooter V6 wingless sprint cars.


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