Writers and photographers from around New Zealand are who have helped make this possible, changing a blank canvas into something worth reading.
Even in the last-minute scramble to send it off for printing, we had people coming in clutch, providing us with those last-minute details to put everything together truly. You can see the work of those people here, including Daryl Shuttleworth, who provided fantastic recaps of South Island events. We welcome Daryl’s input to the magazine and his contributions to the sport through his media presence. James Selwyn has also been of great help, having the images we sought in a sensational back catalogue that dates back to 2007.
You can see some of those in the Michael Pickens feature I wrote in the pages that follow. I hope you like it. The contributions of Jody Scott, Natasha King, Allan Batt, Tony Stuart and Rob Arnold have gone a long way, not only in providing reading material but also in helping share a story and documenting history in the process. Then there are the photographers, who are so willing to help with contributions that they want to share with everyone. A picture paints 1000 words, which is definitely the case here.
Special mention must also go to S.B. O’Hagen Photography and Graham from Sportsweb Photography, who provided last-minute photographs to us when we were in need. As you can see, it’s these people who make this possible. Behind the scenes, there’s also Alex Schultz, who has worked so hard to work on a layout and come up with the design, ultimately putting everything together once the edit had been done. This wouldn’t go to print without him. Then, of course, there’s Mark Petch, NZ Dirt Track Racing’s new owner as the founder of Autonews Limited.
That portfolio includes velocitynews.co.nz, and New Zealand Autocar magazine, two further publications that help spread the good words of anything with wheels and an engine. I’ve been lucky enough to work for Mark for nearly a year and believe his passion for the sport will help this magazine thrive and grow to unprecedented heights. We’re here to share the stories of the people, cars and races which help make our sport great. We welcome any feedback on how we can improve and what you’d like to see more of. In the meantime, we’ve tried to split the love evenly and cover as much as possible. We’re 100 per cent committed to this magazine, and with the support we have and the contributions we receive, anything is possible. Enjoy the read; it’s been quite the learning experience, but as they say, onwards and upwards.
Thank you for reading and thank you for your support. Until next time.
Striking gold at Riverside
Another speedway season has come and gone at Aotea Electric Riverside Speedway, which hosted its final meet of the season in front of an eager crowd of patient fans.
Bikes thrill at Oreti Park Season-Ender
A rescheduled season finish at Southern Bolts & Fasteners Oreti Park Speedway saw the Southland club as the last of the lower South Island Tracks to run a meeting this season; a balmy autumns day is greeting competitors and fans alike.
Brian Illingworth: 52 seasons on the mic
How many people can say that at age 80, they have had a go in solos and raced an ex-Peter Woods Saloon car, all while continuing to run their own business in addition to working as a tutor at the local polytechnic?
The thrill of the dirt
For the last few years, it’s been a Changing of the Guard, for me, so to speak, from the tarmac to the clay.